Leveraging Electrospinning for Vascular Stent Coating
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is a powerful tool used to examine surfaces with high resolution. SEM works by scanning a sample’s surface with a focused electron beam to generate detailed, high-magnification images. However, imaging nonconductive materials, like polymers, textiles, and ceramics, can be challenging due to their inability to conduct electricity, which leads to charge buildup on the sample surface. This charge accumulation can distort the electron beam path, resulting in poor image resolution and quality. To address this fundamental issue, several methods are available to minimize charge buildup and optimize SEM imaging of non-conductive materials.
5 Approaches for Optimizing SEM Imaging of Nonconductive Samples
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is a powerful tool used to examine surfaces with high resolution. SEM works by scanning a sample’s surface with a focused electron beam to generate detailed, high-magnification images. However, imaging nonconductive materials, like polymers, textiles, and ceramics, can be challenging due to their inability to conduct electricity, which leads to charge buildup on the sample surface. This charge accumulation can distort the electron beam path, resulting in poor image resolution and quality. To address this fundamental issue, several methods are available to minimize charge buildup and optimize SEM imaging of non-conductive materials.
An Overview of Electrospinning Vascular Grafts
Cardiovascular diseases are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and are the leading cause of death globally. Heart attacks and strokes account for 80% of these deaths and are primarily related to atherosclerosis, a condition resulting from the buildup of plaques in the arteries. Vascular grafts made of expanded Teflon (ePTFE) […]
Developing Electrospun Cosmetic Masks
Skincare products use either liquid-based or dry masks to deliver the active ingredients. Liquid-based delivery is limited since the active ingredients do not adhere well to the skin, preventing adequate absorption. Dry masks usually include chemical preservatives to maintain the shelf-life of active ingredients.
Scaling up the Fabrication of Electrospun Nanofibers
Electrospinning is a versatile technique that extrudes a polymer solution in a high-voltage field to fabricate fibers on the micro to nanoscales. Unlike other fiber production techniques, electrospinning can easily tune the fiber diameter (100 nanometers to a few micrometers), mechanical properties, and chemical functionality. While this technology shows promise within research settings, it is […]
Electrospun Carbon Nanofibers for High-Performance Applications
Carbon nanofibers hold great technological importance for a variety of high-performance applications. Due to their exceptional properties including being lightweight, having high electrical conductivity, thermal stability, and excellent mechanical properties, they are being used in a wide range of applications including energy, catalysis, and aerospace. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is a synthetic polymer resin that is used […]
