Materials characterization using micro-x-ray fluorescence elemental imaging.

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2002

OSTI ID:976386

Havrilla, G J ^[1]; Miller, T C ^[2]; Joseph, M R ^[3]

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1. George J.
2. Thomasin C.
3. Martha R.

Materials characterization continues to be a key challenge in a variety of programs. Although bulk elemental composition provides overall concentration of both major and trace elements, the distribution of these elements both on micro and macro scales can determine the performance and ultimately the physical properties of the materials. Hence elemental imaging can provide a new level of information for major and in some cases bulk trace concentrations of elements. Micro X-ray fluorescence (MXRF) offers unique capabilities in terms of elemental imaging. This approach is based on a meso scale level of resolution around 50 micrometer X-ray spot size. When coupled with a moveable stage, specimens several inches on a side can be imaged with surprising detail. In most instances, qualitative images are sufficient to illustrate the elemental heterogeneity. This information can then be used to determine if the material meets the desired physical characteristics and whether this is due to the observed heterogeneity or in spite of it. Several examples of elemental imaging will be presented. These will include the aging of polymers and the effects of residual organotin catalyst. The tin can be imaged using MXRF and has been show to be mobile within the polymeric material over time. Corrosion is a serious issue throughout the industrial world. A specific example of chloride attack on a metal, which creates problems in waste storage. Finally, MXRF used in high throughput screening in the development of novel peptide receptors will be shown. The advantage of MXRF is that no fluorescent tags need be added to the target molecules. This insures the unhindered interaction of the target molecules and allows for additional characterization using molecular spectroscopic techniques.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE
• OSTI ID: 976386
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-02-6475
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
AGING
CHEMISTRY
CHLORIDES
CORROSION
DISTRIBUTION
ELEMENTS
FLUORESCENCE
PEPTIDES
PERFORMANCE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POLYMERS
RESOLUTION
SPECTROSCOPY
TARGETS
TRACE AMOUNTS
WASTE STORAGE