What are the advantages of WETSEM® over E-SEM preparation techniques?
WETSEM® Technology can be applied in any SEM and does not require a special system (e.g. E-SEM, low-vac, variable pressure etc.) WETSEM® Technology enables the imaging of dynamic hydration processes in their native environment. The sample is sealed in the ambient environment. The pressure, temperature and humidity conditions it is under, and its water content do not change when it is placed in the SEM vacuum chamber. Imaging with WETSEM® Technology does not require a cooling stage, and the temperature of the sample remains close to ambient temperature. The curing process proceeds in the SEM vacuum chamber with minimal intervention – water/cement ratio does not change and imaging is not limited to the layer which is above water level. In this way samples can be probed frequently, and the true dynamics of the process can be studied in-situ. In addition, WETSEM® Technology is very easy to use, and does not require the operator’s skill and experience that E-SEM imaging does.
