TY - GEN
T1 - Comparison of Advanced Sample Preparation Techniques for High-Resolution Imaging of Sponge Spicule Cross-Sections
AU - Tavangarian, Fariborz
AU - Fani, Niloofar
AU - Monfared, Armaghan Hashemi
AU - Sadeghzade, Sorour
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society 2025.
PY - 2025
Y1 - 2025
N2 - This study comprehensively investigates the effectiveness of three advanced sample preparation techniques—ion milling, laser cuttingLaser-based techniques, and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) milling—for high-resolution imaging of Euplectella aspergillum sponge fibers called spicules. Primarily composed of silica layers with nanometer-scale organic interlayers, spicules possess complex hierarchical structures which are critical for their mechanical propertiesMechanical property. Accurate characterizationCharacterization of these structures requires advanced sample preparation to prevent artefacts and preserve structural integrity. Ion milling introduced significant surface degradation and uneven material removal in spicules. Despite its precision, laser cutting caused thermal damage and induced micro-cracks, compromising the microstructural integrity. In contrast, FIB milling provided superior results, producing smooth, artefact-free cross-sections with minimal thermal and mechanical stress. The real-time imaging capability of FIB milling further ensured optimal sample preparation, making it the most suitable technique for delicate biological materials like spicules. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the preparation of biological samples for further research and analysis.
AB - This study comprehensively investigates the effectiveness of three advanced sample preparation techniques—ion milling, laser cuttingLaser-based techniques, and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) milling—for high-resolution imaging of Euplectella aspergillum sponge fibers called spicules. Primarily composed of silica layers with nanometer-scale organic interlayers, spicules possess complex hierarchical structures which are critical for their mechanical propertiesMechanical property. Accurate characterizationCharacterization of these structures requires advanced sample preparation to prevent artefacts and preserve structural integrity. Ion milling introduced significant surface degradation and uneven material removal in spicules. Despite its precision, laser cutting caused thermal damage and induced micro-cracks, compromising the microstructural integrity. In contrast, FIB milling provided superior results, producing smooth, artefact-free cross-sections with minimal thermal and mechanical stress. The real-time imaging capability of FIB milling further ensured optimal sample preparation, making it the most suitable technique for delicate biological materials like spicules. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the preparation of biological samples for further research and analysis.
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U2 - 10.1007/978-3-031-81190-6_2
DO - 10.1007/978-3-031-81190-6_2
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:86000457565
SN - 9783031811890
T3 - Minerals, Metals and Materials Series
SP - 11
EP - 19
BT - Natural Fibers and Biocomposites - A Sustainable Solution
A2 - Lopera, Henry A. Colorado
A2 - Monteiro, Sergio Neves
A2 - Lopes, Felipe Perisse Duarte
A2 - Londono, Carlos Castano
A2 - Meyers, Marc A.
A2 - Youssef, George
A2 - Salazar, Daniel
PB - Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
T2 - Symposium on Natural Fibers and Biocomposites: A Sustainable Solution, 2025, held as part of the TMS Annual Meeting and Exhibition, TMS 2025
Y2 - 23 March 2025 through 27 March 2025
ER -