What are the Official Methods for Moisture Content Determination?

Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) is an advanced technique for determining moisture content by directly visualizing water distribution within materials.

Procedure:

• A small sample (<1 mm²) is placed in a special sample holder called a stub.
• The stub is inserted into the FESEM chamber, which is a vacuum environment.
• A high-energy electron beam is focused on the sample’s surface.
• Electrons interact with the sample’s atoms, causing the emission of secondary electrons, which are then detected.
• The distribution of secondary electrons provides information on the sample’s topography and composition, including the presence of water.

Advantages of FESEM:

• High-resolution imaging (down to nanometer scale)
• Ability to analyze both surface and subsurface moisture
• Non-destructive nature (samples remain undamaged)
• Can be combined with other analytical techniques (e.g., energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) for additional information

Applications of FESEM for Moisture Content Determination:

• Quality control of materials (e.g., food, pharmaceuticals, textiles)
• Detection of moisture damage in construction materials
• Investigating the effects of moisture on material degradation
• Forensic analysis

Conclusion:

FESEM is a highly accurate and versatile technique that provides detailed information on moisture content and distribution within materials. It has numerous applications in various fields, including materials science, quality control, and forensic analysis.