Applications of confocal microscopy in industrial solid materials: some examples and a first evaluation

Abstract

SUMMARYWe report here the first results of the application of confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) for the study of the microstructure of solid industrial materials. Glass‐fibre‐reinforced composites, heterogeneous and conductive polymers, homogeneous as well as heterogeneous catalyst (precursor) specimens and soils were examined. We conclude that both the fluorescence and reflection modes of CSLM can yield valuable information. In particular, the optical sectioning capability of CSLM appears to be of great value as it enables one to access the 3‐D organization of the specimen without the need for a difficult and time‐consuming specimen preparation procedure. However, local obscuration may be an important factor in confocal image formation, limiting the penetration capabilities of the technique for industrial materials.