Observation of Pendular Liquid Bridge Formation in an Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope

Abstract

An environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) is used to observe bridge formation between particles under changing conditions. Variable parameters are particle size, shape, roughness, and binding agent. The results will help to determine influences and interactions, demonstrating the practicability of ESEMs to explore the dynamics of particles and particle beds under the influence of evaporation and condensation. The ESEM uses gaseous and liquid water in its chamber combined with a temperature-controlled stage to condense binding fluids by changing pressure or temperature. For analysis of particle pairs, test setups are created of spherical and nonspherical particles attached to glass wafers. Replacements for water as binding agent are discussed and ranked for further steps.