title: Quantitative analysis of scanning transmission X-ray microscopy images of gas-filled PVA-based microballoons.
abstract: We report on the quantitative analysis of scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) images of gas-filled, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based microballoons (MB) in a water environment. A model for the transmitted intensity is proposed on the basis of a perfect spherical shell stabilizing the microballoon. An extension of this model to take into account the deformation of the MBs is also presented. Taking into consideration a density gradient of the shell and the STXM resolution, we were able to explain very precisely two types of experimental STXM profiles observed on gas-filled MBs. This enables the detailed characterization of MB properties such as radius and wall thickness and the determination of their wall density with unprecedented high resolution.
authors.affiliation: Physikalische Chemie II, Universitiit Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 10, D-95447 Bayreuth, Germany. PauloALFernandes@googlemail.com
authors.forename: Paulo A L
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tzvetkov
authors.forename: Rainer H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Fink
authors.forename: Gaio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Paradossi
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fery
mesh_terms: D005740:Gases / Q000032:analysis; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / Q000379:methods*; D008863:Microspheres; D008956:Models, Chemical; D010316:Particle Size; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol / Q000032:analysis*; D013499:Surface Properties; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D005740:Gases; D014867:Water; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol