A simple approach to observe non-conductive hydrated materials with FE-SEM: Case study on porous hydroxyapatite green bodies

作者：Takahashi Chisato; Pattanayak Deepak K; Shirai Takashi; Fuji Masayoshi^*

来源：Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 2013, 33(4): 629-635.

DOI：10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2012.10.037

• Ionic liquid
• Gelcasting
• Hydroxyapatite
• Hydrated materials
• FE-SEM

The purpose of this study is to develop a simple method to observe the surface morphology of non-conductive material in its hydrated condition. Here porous hydroxyapatite (HAp) green body prepared by gelcasting process was considered as a case study, and, the resultant body was subsequently treated with hydrophilic ionic liquid (m). The surface morphology and the pore structure of the IL-treated porous HAp green body were successfully observed even in hydrated condition without any charging using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). Results showed that the pore diameter from 300 to 600 mu m in as-prepared green body was reduced to 100-300 mu m in the sample sintered at 1000 degrees C. Raman results showed that the IL forms weak hydrogen bond with water molecules within the sample and, that prevents from drying in vacuum condition. In addition, the IL acts as a conducting media for HAp ceramics to be observed under FE-SEM.

• 出版日期2013-4