Visualising Wooden Objects with an Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope.

Mark IRLE
École supérieure du bois, Atlanpole - 44036 Nantes Cedex 3

Wood is a hygroscopic material and so its dimensions and mechanical properties change with its moisture content. Standard electron microscopy requires a near perfect vacuum to obtain clear images and such conditions cause wood samples to dry very rapidly.

An ESEM uses a partial vacuum and this together with a cooling stage permits the analysis of humid, and even saturated, specimens. Consequently, it is possible to view wood that has never been dried and is in its natural state.


retour programme juin 2016