Core excitation studies of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and molecular analogues by EELS

The near-edge region of core ionization edges can be used as a probe of the local bonding and structure of atoms excited by incident radiation, such as in electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) or x-ray absorption techniques. Recent installation of efficient parallel EELS spectrometers in ATEMs promotes study of these transitions in radiation sensitive materials such as polymers. To study relationships between poly(ethylene terephthalate) [PET] structure and EELS transitions, we compared polymer spectra with molecular analogues.The PET examined (from Scientific Polymer Products) was cut using a diamond knife and a Reichert-Jung Ultracut E ultramicrotome with FC4E cryoattachment. A JEOL 2000FX TEM with a LaB6 filament and a Gatan parallel-EELS system was used to examine PET sections on holey carbon. The gas phase EELS of molecules (from Aldrich, Matheson) was performed under inelastic scattering conditions as described previously.

Core excitation studies of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and molecular analogues by EELS Journal Articles