Scanning electron microscopy for surface morphology, fracture surfaces, particles, fibers, coatings, and defects. Typical questions - What does the surface or fracture look like at high magnification? - Are there cracks, voids, delamination, or contamination? - What are the particle sizes and shapes in this powder? - How does this batch compare with the last one? Good to know - Insulating samples are usually given a thin conductive coating. Low-vacuum imaging is available when a sample can't be coated. - SEM shows the surface. To see below it, ask about mechanical or FIB-SEM cross-sections.
