title: Effect of accelerating voltage on beam damage of asbestos fibers in the transmission electron microscope (TEM).
abstract: Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a powerful and efficient tool for the analysis of asbestos fibers. Although this analysis technique is common and several standard methods exist for asbestos analysis, questions remain about the optimal conditions to be used. Because asbestos fibers are relatively sensitive to the electron beam, it is important to better understand the phenomena of damage in order to avoid them. This study specifically investigates the effect of the acceleration voltage on damage to four different types of asbestos fibers: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite and anthophyllite. The results support the conclusion that, contrary to what is usually recommended, it is best to use an acceleration voltage of 200kV rather than 100kV in order to avoid damage. The findings shed light on possible damage mechanisms, the most predominant of which seems to be caused by an induced electric field.
authors.affiliation: Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), 505, boul. De Maisonneuve Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H3A 3C2, Canada; Département de chimie, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Station Downtown, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada; Department of Mathematical and Industrial Engineering, École Polytechnique de Montréal, 2900 Édouard-Montpetit Blvd., Montréal H3T 1J4, Canada. Electronic address: joannie.martin@irsst.qc.ca.
authors.forename: Joannie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.affiliation: Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), 505, boul. De Maisonneuve Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H3A 3C2, Canada.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Beauparlant
authors.affiliation: Département de chimie, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, Station Downtown, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada.
authors.forename: Sébastien
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sauvé
authors.affiliation: Department of Mathematical and Industrial Engineering, École Polytechnique de Montréal, 2900 Édouard-Montpetit Blvd., Montréal H3T 1J4, Canada. Electronic address: gilles.lesperance@polymtl.ca.
authors.forename: Gilles
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: L'Espérance
keywords: Accelerating voltage; Asbestos fibers; Current density; Damage mechanism