Effect of accelerating voltage on beam damage of asbestos fibers in the transmission electron microscope (TEM)

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 200 kV rather than 100 kV 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.