Preparation Methods and Morphological Study

In this chapter are presented, two different liquid phase chemical synthesis methods for the preparation of M50 steel and iron nano-powders. Also, the compaction of these powders into a consolidated sample and a structural and morphological study of the powders and compacts is described here. One synthetic methodology involves the ultrasound assisted decomposition (26-28) of organometallic precursors and the other involves the use of a reducing agent to produce the fine particles from the elemental halides. In addition, the ultrasound-assisted synthesis of pure iron nanopowders, its compaction and the physical properties are reported. 

Industrial films of such chemical composition as polyethylene, polypropylene and polyester are manufactured for a wide range of applications. Accordingly, the morphology of these materials is studied to determine structure-property relations, to understand how to improve properties and also to control the quality of commercial products. Although model studies provide considerable detail relating to the structure, both before and after deformation of such films, model materials are generally thinner than commercial films, and thus the real product must also be evaluated. The types of preparation methods and instrumental techniques utilized closely parallel those described for polymer fibers. These techniques include (1) birefringence, (2) crystallinity... 

Most of the studies reviewed in this section apply CSLM to morphological membrane characterization and relate the results with the membrane formation parameters and transport properties. Considering that the type, nature, preparation method and final use of the membrane can differ significantly, the CSLM analysis protocol has to be particularized for each application. 

In addition to the processing technique, the properties of the oxides also changed by preparing them in a composite way. Arefian et al. [18] have synthesized SnO/ ZnO nanocomposite using the sonochemical method and studied the effects of temperature and power on the morphologies generated. Recently Mg doped ZnO... 

Probably the most extensive use of particle morphology and microscopy has been in the area of chemical microscopy. With this approach, derivatives of the analyte species are prepared, crystallized, and identified through the morphological characteristics of these derivatives [21]. Most of these applications have been superseded by modem methods of analysis, but the microscopic method can still be used by skilled practitioners for the study of trace quantities of analyte. The literature developed during the heyday of chemical microscopy is too large to be reviewed here, but advances in the field are still chronicled in the Annual Reviews issue of Analytical Chemistry [22]. A substantial review of the optical characteristics of organic compounds is available [23]. 

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