Chemical composition of antimonate reaction products.

Abstract

Abstract:In the present study,the precipitate formed in situ by the antimonate -osmium mixed fixative was examined using both energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis(EDX)and electron energyloss spectroscopy(EELS)in order to elucidate its chemical composition .EDX spectrum from the antimonate reaction product suggested the presence of complex Ca and Sb .However,since the peaks of Ca and Sb overlap considerably,it was difficult to identify both simultaneously .On the other hand, EELS spectrum clearly indicated the presence of Ca(L2,3,350,346eV)and Sb(M4 ,5,537,528eV)in the electron dense precipitate within secretory granules of preodontoblasts and on the inner face of the plasma membrane of preameloblasts.Thus,EELS analysis is very useful to confirm the presence of Ca and Sb in the antimonate reaction product.