SEM functioning and samples preparation
Before really starting experiments on our foams, we wanted to know what their microstructure was. We decided to observe them under a scanning electron microscope (SEM).
SEM functioning:
The observed sample is scanned by an electron gun (features of the electron gun: tungsten filament, acceleration voltage around 10-15 kV). During an observation, several signals are passed on and transformed in electric signals collected by a detector. The image is created by reflection, which distinguishes this microscope from others which give a simultaneous image of the set of object points using lens.
Samples are put on screws which enable electrical contact in microscope. Number one is put at the bottom to keep the same point of reference for each observation.
However, SEM has limits and we must consider that the sample must support a high vacuum and conduct electrons. So, it must be conductor. In our cases, polyurethane foams are not conductor, therefore we need to make plating on our samples to obtain a good quality image.
Samples preparation:
Sample preparation is an important step. We cut out small cubes with a side length of about 3 mm with caution in order to not flatten them.
Samples are carefully put on aluminium conductor platforms thanks to an adhesive tape made by an adhesive polymer and carbon which are also conductor. We must not touch them to do not grease them; it is why we use pliers. Samples have also to be numbered to have a good traceability.
Then support and samples are put in the chamber of metallizers where a primary vacuum is made. An argon gas (generator of purple plasma) is injected and a second vacuum is made. These several steps enable a good total clean-up of the chamber.
During metallisation, electrons are extracted from a silver plate present in the chamber by the plasma thanks to a potential difference between bottom and ceiling of the chamber. A fine silver coating appears (thickness of one or two silver atoms) on the foam samples.
Two steps of metallisation of one minute each and with a high voltage are made. This treatment is long because of the nature of samples which have an important porosity.
We stop vacuum and samples are prepared for SEM analysis.
The main interest of this metallisation is to make foam samples conductor to observe them under a SEM which seems not possible without this coating. We know that the treatment has been efficient if we can obtain good pictures of samples.
