Abstract
This research uses spatially-resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) to study epoxy infiltration into a nanoporous aluminum surface oxide. Imaging by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that the oxide surface of an as-anodized aluminum wire consists of columnar nanopores with diameters ranging from approximately 5-150 nm. Anodized wires were embedded in a 100 g:28 g mixture of DGEBA (diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A) resin and PACM20 (bis(p-aminocyclohexyl)methane) curing agent followed by a two-step cure. Electron-transparent sections were cut by ultramicrotomy. Spatially-resolved carbon and oxygen EELS profiles from the oxide are anti-correlated indicating that oxide pore walls are separated by pore interiors containing epoxy. Spatially-resolved low-loss spectral data are transformed into a measure of apparent specimen thickness. Comparisons of such data with simulations based on experimentally derived oxide topologies indicate that the pores are fully filled.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 353-370 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | Journal of Adhesion |
Volume | 76 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2001 |
Keywords
- DGEBA
- Electron energy-loss spectroscopy
- Electron microscopy
- Interphase
- Nanoporous aluminum oxide
- PACM20