Interpreting the Evidence: Elemental Analysis in the SEM

Abstract

Failure investigation often involves artifact examination in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In turn, SEM examination often includes elemental analysis of the surfaces examined, e.g., deposits, a fracture surface, a polished cross section, or other surface. However, elemental data can be misinterpreted without a basic understanding of how they are obtained and the inherent limitations and assumptions of the methods employed. Recent experiences of the authors reinforce the importance of these points.

Improvement in Corrosion Protection of Zinc by A Natural Inhibitor Incorporated with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in an Acidic Medium Evaluated using Gravimetric Measurement, Electrochemical Method and Atomic Force Microscopy

“…The solution of 0.5 M HCl was prepared by the dilution of 35% HCl (Finar) with doubly distilled water. The size of the zinc metal plate for SEM and AFM was 3 cm × 3 cm 10 .…”