Scanning Electron Microscopy In Conjunction Research Articles

Facile synthesis of micro-sized Ni–Al alloy powders through low-temperature chemical alloying

Micro-sized Ni–Al alloy powders were synthesized using different quantities of Ni and Al powders as well as AlCl3 as an activator in a quartz batch reactor at ≤773 K. This method, named low-temperature chemical alloying (LTCA), which allows Al atoms to diffuse into micro-sized nickel particles mediated by aluminum chloride (chemical promotor), is distinct from conventional processes, such as cast-and-crush, and gas atomization. As-synthesized Ni–Al alloys were characterized using different analytical techniques that included X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS), to confirm the formation of alloy phases, such as Ni3Al, NiAl, Ni2Al3, and NiAl3. The analytical results showed that the crystalline phase compositions of the Ni–Al alloys were highly dependent upon the initial amounts of Ni and Al powders employed at the given alloying conditions (alloying temperature, 773 K; alloying time, 20 h; amount of AlCl3, 1.2 wt%). As a result of the thermal treatment of Ni–Al powder mixtures with the Al contents of (5, 15, 30, and 50) wt.% under continuous powder mixing by rotation, each powder was found to have (i) Ni solid solution + Ni3Al, (ii) Ni3Al, (iii) NiAl, and (iv) Ni2Al3 + NiAl3 phases, respectively, corresponding to the equilibrium states of the Ni–Al phase diagram. The cross-sectional analyses showed that the alloy structures of the heat-treated powders exist in a single-phase or core-shell form, depending on the number of crystalline phase compositions predicted from the phase diagram. In particular, the Ni–50 wt% Al powder has a unique Ni2Al3@NiAl3 core-shell structure. We further evaluate the performance of the as-developed Ni–Al alloy powders as oxidation-resistant materials and template materials for high-surface area (∼60 m2/gcat) nickel catalysts.

Influence of spark plasma sintering temperature on porous titanium microstructural integrity, airflow resistance, and space holder removal

Porous titanium samples were sintered at four different temperatures (500, 550, 600, and 650 °C), by following the spark plasma sintering (SPS)/space holder (SH) route. The aim was to study the effect of sintering temperature on the structural integrity and space holder (NaCl) removal, as well as airflow resistance. The porous titanium was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). SEM images of the porous samples showed an appropriate range of pore sizes above 100 μm and interconnectivity. Fracture surfaces reveal the formation and growth of sintering necks between adjacent particles which becomes clearer with increasing temperature. The EDS and XRD analysis showed that there are no contaminations or inclusions of NaCl in the sintered porous samples. The most efficient leaching parameters, which are adequate to completely remove the space holder, were by immersion in hot water, for at least 5 h (five cycles). An increase in sintering temperature significantly reduces the material porosity level, and consequently increases the airflow resistance through the material.

Effects of copper content on microstructure and mechanical properties of open-cell steel foams

The effects of copper content on the microstructural and mechanical properties of steel foams are investigated. Spherical urea granules, used as a water-leachable space holder, were coated with a mixture of iron, ultrafine carbon, and different amounts of copper powders. After the mixture was compacted and the space holder was removed by leaching, a sintering process was performed under an atmosphere of thermally dissociated ammonia. Microstructural evaluations of the cell walls were carried out using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. In addition, compression tests were conducted to investigate the mechanical properties of the manufactured steel foams. The results showed that the total porosity decreases from 77.2% to 71.9% with increasing copper content in the steel foams. In the foams’ microstructure, copper islands are mostly distributed in pearlite and intergranular carbide phases are formed in the grain boundaries. When the copper content was increased from 0 to 4wt%, the elastic modulus, plateau stress, fracture stress, and fracture strain of manufactured steel foams improved 4.5, 6, 6.4, and 2.5 times, respectively.

Stevensite-Rich Moroccan Clay Intercalated by Polypyrrole: Towards the Enhancement of Electrical Conductivity.

Regularly arranged chains strongly affect the electrical conductivity of conductive polymers (e.g., polypyrrole). One of the easiest ways to achieve this arrangement is the insertion of the polymer into the interlayer space of solid inorganic layered matrix, i.e., the intercalation process. Among various kinds of layered materials, the clay minerals, especially the smectite group, deserves particular attention. Negative charge of smectite layers helps the intercalation process resulting in higher conductivity of the polymer in clay/polymer intercalates. Characterization of stevensite-rich Moroccan clay and intercalation of electrically conductive polypyrrole into stevensite-rich Moroccan clay in order to obtain material with higher conductivity in comparison with pure polypyrrole were two main purposes of this work. Two forms of stevensite/polypyrrole nanocomposites were studied: powder and pressed tablets. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, atomic force microscopy, thermogravimetry, infrared spectroscopy, Raman microspectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to study the composition and structure of the nanocomposites. Measurement of electrical conductivity of polypyrrole in stevensite/polypyrrole nanocomposites revealed enhanced conductivity for all samples and also anisotropy in the conductivity of the samples pressed in the tablets.

Microstructural Characterization of Antimony Modified Carbidic Austempered Ductile Iron

In this research, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis was conducted on the produced antimony modified carbidic austempered ductile iron for agricultural implement production. Six different alloys of carbidic austempered ductile iron with varying micro quantities of antimony elements were produced. The produced alloys were heated to austenitic temperature of 910oC, held at this temperature for 1 hour, finally subjected to austempering temperatures of 300°C and 325°C for periods of 1-3 hours. The SEM in conjunction with XRD and EDS was used for the analysis. Microstructural phase morphology, phase constituents and phase compositions were viewed with SEM, XRD and EDS respectively. The results show that various phases such as spiky graphite, blocky carbides, granular carbide, pearlite and ausferrite matrix. The XRD pattern revealed some compounds such as (Fe, Cr)3C, (primary carbide), Cr6C23 (few secondary carbide), (NiFe2O4), chromite (FeCr2O4), Cr7C3 (few eutectic carbide) and Cr3Ni2. In conclusion, it was observed in terms of morphology that chunky graphite, blocky carbide and pearlite phases were present in the cast carbidic ductile iron (CDI) without antimony addition. The CDI with varying quantities of antimony additions shows spiky graphite, granular carbides and pearlite matrix. After the samples were subjected to austempering processes, all the phases were found to be intact except the pearlite phase that transformed to ausferrite phase. The antimony element in the alloys was seen to promote the formation of pearlite phase intensively. The hardness of the samples increases as the antimony addition increases from 0.096wt.% to 0.288wt.% owing to the increase in pearlite phase, while the impact toughness reaches relatively high level, when 0.288wt.% antimony was added, probably due to the refinement of graphite nodules. All the results obtained showed that appropriate content of antimony addition plays an important role in increasing the nucleation rate of graphite nodules, and also lead to improvement in carbide formation thereby providing good balance between wear and impact properties.

Special Biodegradable Fixation Device for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction-Safety and Efficacy in a Beagle Model.

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the special WE43 magnesium alloy stretch plates (SPs) used as fixation device for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in a beagle model. Eleven beagle dogs underwent ACL reconstruction using WE43 SPs to fix the ligament grafts with the femoral ends, whereas titanium interferences were employed in the tibia ends. Load-to-failure tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties. A comprehensive set of histological observations was performed to observe the local tissue response and assess the status of the attachment between the bone tissue and ligament grafts. Microcomputed tomography and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy spectrum analysis were conducted to evaluate the degradation rate in vivo and investigate the morphology of the cross-section of the SPs and the element distribution in vivo. Immersion tests were employed to investigate the corrosion properties in vitro. The special WE43 SPs showed not only good mechanical strength but also a suitable degradation rate in vivo. The results indicated the special WE43 SP could be considered as a novel fixation device for ACL reconstruction.

Investigation of the stress rupture behavior of GTD-111 superalloy melted by VIM/VAR

The effects of vacuum induction melting (VIM) and vacuum arc remelting (VAR) processes on the microstructure and stress rupture properties of Ni-based GTD-111 superalloy were investigated. Samples of GTD-111 master alloy were melted in VIM and VAR furnaces and then poured into a preheated ceramic mold for VIM melt or into a water-cooled copper mold for VAR melt. The as-cast samples were examined radiographically to ensure that no casting defects were present in the final castings; the samples were then heat-treated using a standard heat-treatment cycle. The microstructure of the samples was investigated using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for microanalysis. On the basis of standard ASTM-E139, stress rupture tests were carried out at 1000°C under a stress of 300 MPa. The results showed that a γ matrix, fine γ′ precipitates, a γ–γ′ eutectic structure, carbide particles, and some harmful phases such as σ and η phases were present in the as-cast samples. The γ′ precipitates with cubic morphology appeared in the matrix after the standard heat-treatment process. The extent of segregation and the amount of γ–γ′ eutectic structure formed in the VAR-prepared sample were less than in the VIM-prepared sample. The results of stress rupture tests showed that the rupture time for the VAR sample was 43% longer than that for the VIM sample.

Characterization of Al-Al2Cu functionally graded material produced by using horizontal centrifugal casting

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the characterizations of high energy thick-walled functionally graded (FG) cylinder containing Al-26%Cu fabricated by horizontal centrifugal casting technique. Design/methodology/approach Field emission scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with image analyser software and energy dispersion spectroscopy is applied to measure the variations of constituent phase’s content and elemental ratios along the radial direction, respectively. Distributions of the FG properties are measured through hardness, CTE, E and σy along the radial direction to investigate the mechanical and physical properties corresponding to the variations in microstructure. In addition, the variations of wear rate along the thickness are evaluated through a series of dry sliding wear tests using the pin-on-disk wear machine. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy is employed to characterize the worn-out surfaces and morphology of wear debris in order to clarify the dominant operative wear mechanism. Findings Results showed that Al2Cu content gradually decreases from the inner wall containing 33.3 vol.% to outer wall containing 26.4 vol.% in the FG cylindrical shell. The elastic modulus and yield strength measured through compression tests reveal that these mechanical properties are limited up to certain value of Al2Cu. The obtained optimum value of Al2Cu content for studied Al-Al2Cu FG is almost 31 vol.%. Originality/value The obtained optimum value of Al2Cu content for studied Al-Al2Cu FG was almost 31 vol.%.

The Petrography, Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Some Cu- and Pb-Enriched Coals from Jungar Coalfield, Northwestern China

The petrological, geochemical, and mineralogical composition of the Carboniferous-Permian coal deposit in the Jungar coalfield of inner Mongolia, Northwestern China, were investigated using optical microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDX), as well as X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The Jungar coal is of high volatile C/B bituminous quality with 0.58% vitrinite reflectance and has a low sulfur content of 0.70% on average. Inertinite (mineral-free basis) generally dominates in coal from the lower part of the Shanxi formation, and vitrinite is the major maceral assemblage in the coal from the Taiyuan formation, which exhibits forms suggesting variation in the sedimentary environment. The Jungar coal is characterized by higher concentrations of copper (Cu) in No. 6 coal, at 55 μg/g, and lead (Pb) in No. 4 coal at 42 μg/g. Relative to the upper continental crust, the rare earth elements (REE) in the coal are characterized by light and medium–heavy REE enrichment. The minerals in the Jungar coal are mainly kaolinite, dickite, pyrite, calcite, siderite, quartz, and, to a lesser extent, gypsum and K-feldspar. The enrichment and occurrence of the trace elements, and of the minerals in the coal, are attributed to the fragmental parent rock during diagenesis and coalification. The main elements with high enrichment factors, Cu and Pb, overall exhibit a notably inorganic sulfide affinity and a weak organic affinity. Primary and epigenetic sedimentary environment and the lithology of the terrigenous parent rock are the key factors that influence the occurrence and formation of Cu and Pb in coal. The depositional environment is more influential in the formation of Cu than Pb in coal. Lead is more easily affected by the terrigenous factors than Cu when they are under a similar depositional environment.

Photovoltaic performance of textured silicon solar cells with MAPbBr3 perovskite nanophosphors to induce luminescent down-shifting

This study employed a two-step multi-cycle spin-coating method for the application of MAPbBr3 perovskite nanophosphors on textured silicon solar cells with the aim of enhancing photovoltaic performance through luminescent down-shifting (LDS). The surface morphology and dimensions of the MAPbBr3 perovskite nanophosphors were examined using scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with ImageJ software. The LDS effects of the nanophosphors were revealed by measuring photo-luminance, optical reflectance, and external quantum efficiency. The photovoltaic performance of cells with and without MAPbBr3 perovskite nanophosphors was evaluated according to photovoltaic current density-voltage (J–V) under AM 1.5 G solar illumination. Compared to uncoated cells, two-layer and one-layer coatings of MAPbBr3 perovskite nanophosphors were shown to enhance conversion efficiency by 4.56% and 3.38%, respectively.

A New Technique for Preparation of High-Grade Titanium Slag from Titanomagnetite Concentrate by Reduction–Melting–Magnetic Separation Processing

This paper proposes a new technique for preparation of high-grade titanium slag from Panzhihua vanadium titanomagnetite concentrate by reduction–melting–magnetic separation processing. Chemical analysis, x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy-dispersive spectroscopy were used to characterize the samples. The effective separation of iron and titanium slag could be realized by melting metallized pellets at 1550°C for 60 min with the addition of 1% CaO (basicity of 1.1) and 2% graphite powder. The small iron particles embedded in the slag could be removed by fine grinding and magnetic separation process. The grade of TiO2 in the obtained high-grade titanium slag reached 60.68% and the total recovery of TiO2 was 91.25%, which could be directly applied for producing titanium white by the sulfuric acid process. This technique provides an alternative method to use vanadium titanomagnetite concentrate of the Panzhihua area in China.

Distribution and occurrence of trace elements in the No.14 coal from the Huolinhe mine

Optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy dispersed X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX), have been used to study the minerals and the concentrations of 12 trace elements in the No.14 coal from the Huolinhe mine, Inner Mongolia China. The distribution, affinity and removability of the trace elements were studied by float-sink experiments and petrological methods. A high mineral content, dominated by clay minerals, was found in the No.14 coal from the Huolinhe mine. The concentrations of As, Sb and Hg are relatively high compared to the average values for Chinese coals. As, Cr, Hg, Li, Mn, Pb are mainly associated with the minerals while Cd, Co, Ni, Sb, and Se are evenly distributed between the minerals and the organic matter. Be and Ba are mainly distributed in the minerals with a minor proportion in the organic matter. Most elements have a low organic affinity, although Sb, Se, Co, Cd, Ni are closely integrated with the organic matter. High theoretical removabilities are indicated for most trace elements. So it may be possible to lower the concentrations of trace elements during coal preparation.

Influence of mill scale and rust layer on the corrosion resistance of low-alloy steel in simulated concrete pore solution

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic potentiodynamic polarization measurements, and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to investigate the influence of mill scale and rust layer on the passivation capability and chloride-induced corrosion behaviors of conventional low-carbon (LC) steel and low-alloy (LA) steel in simulated concrete pore solution. The results show that mill scale exerts different influences on the corrosion resistance of both steels at various electrochemical stages. We propose that the high long-term corrosion resistance of LA steel is mainly achieved through the synergistic effect of a gradually formed compact, adherent and well-distributed Cr-enriched inner rust layer and the physical barrier protection effect of mill scale.

Effect of niobium alloying level on the oxidation behavior of titanium aluminides at 850°C

This work addresses the alloying of titanium aluminides used in aircraft engine applications and automobiles. The oxidation resistance behavior of two titanium aluminides of α2 + γ(Ti3Al + TiAl) and orthorhombic Ti2NbAl, recognized as candidates for high-temperature applications, was investigated by exposure of the alloys for 100 h in air. Thus, oxidation resistance was expressed as the mass gain rate, whereas surface aspects were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and the type of oxidation products was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The orthorhombic Ti2NbAl alloy was embrittled, and pores and microcracks were formed as a result of oxygen diffusion through the external oxide layer formed during thermal oxidation for 100 h.

Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Tuff in Zhongliangshan Mine, Chongqing, Southwestern China

Coal-bearing strata that host rare metal deposits are currently a hot issue in the field of coal geology. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the mineralogy, geochemistry, and potential economic significance of rare metals in the late Permian tuff in Zhongliangshan mine, Chongqing, southwestern China. The methods applied in this study are X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) plus Siroquant, and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX). The results indicate that some trace elements including Li, Be, Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Zr, Nb, Cd, Sb, REE, Hf, Ta, Re, Th, and U are enriched in the tuff from Zhongliangshan mine. The minerals in the tuff mainly include kaolinite, illite, pyrite, anatase, calcite, gypsum, quartz, and traces of minerals such as zircon, florencite, jarosite, and barite. The tuff is of mafic volcanic origin with features of alkali basalt. Some minerals including florencite, gypsum, barite and a portion of anatase and zircon have been derived from hydrothermal solutions. It is suggested that Zhongliangshan tuff is a potential polymetallic ore and the recovery of these valuable elements needs to be further investigated.

Experimental study on sulfur removal from ladle furnace refining slag in hot state by blowing air

In view of the present problem of sulfur enrichment in the metallurgical recycling process of ladle furnace (LF) refining slag, a simple and efficient method of removing sulfur from this slag was proposed. The proposed method is compatible with current steelmaking processes. Sulfur removal from LF refining slag for SPHC steel (manufactured at a certain steel plant in China) by blowing air in the hot state was studied by using hot-state experiments in a laboratory. The FactSage software, a carbon/sulfur analyzer, and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to test and analyze the sulfur removal effect and to investigate factors influencing sulfur removal rate. The results show that sulfur ions in LF refining slag can be oxidized into SO2 by O2 at high temperature by blowing air into molten slag; SO2 production was observed to reach a maximum with a small amount of blown O2 when the temperature exceeded 1350°C. At 1370°C and 1400°C, experimental LF refining slag is in the liquid state and exhibits good fluidity; under these conditions, the sulfur removal effect by blowing air is greater than 90wt% after 60 min. High temperature and large air flow rate are beneficial for removing sulfur from LF refining slag; compared with air flow rate, temperature has a greater strongly influences on the sulfur removal.

Development and Application of Materials of Cutting Tools for Machining of Hard Materials

In this contribution, patents and literature concerning the development and application of tool materials and coating materials are reviewed including patents relating to the selection and preparation of materials for recent lathe-type tools. To address the needs of machining in the future, new types of coating materials and patents dealing with coating methods such as PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) and CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) are described as well, designed to improve the tool wear resistance. It is self-evident that advanced cutting tools are vital for the machining process as the materials and coatings determine their performance. Among various tool materials introduced in this article, the preparation and field of application focus on sintered carbides, ceramics and superhard materials. In addition, the wear process of CBN tools during machining of 100Cr6 steel is used as an example. The results are as follows. In the beginning, with increasing time, the flank wear form shows a regular variation. However, irregular changes occur beyond 50min. Moreover, the wear process of the tool consists initially in formation of small pits by tool friction, and subsequently by flank wear as described above. Furthermore, research results will be described concerning the influence of thermal exposure during machining on coated tools. Finally, the wear state of coated and non-coated tools subjected to the same machining conditions are being compared, using white-light interferometry and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results imply that research and development into cutting tool coatings are vital not only to obtain longer tool service life, but also to guarantee high-quality machined surfaces. Keywords: Ceramics, coating materials, sintered carbide, superhard materials, wear.

The Relationship between Trace Element Concentrations and Coal-Forming Environments in the No. 6 Coal Seam, Haerwusu Mine, China

In order to study the relationship between trace element concentrations and coal-forming environment in the No. 6 Coal, Haerwusu Mine, Inner Mongolia, China, 39 bench samples were taken from the opencast mine, following Chinese Standard Method GB/T 482–2008. The samples were analyzed by an optical microscope, a scanning electron microscope in conjunction with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDX) analysis, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric (ICP-MS). The results indicate that the average contents of vitrinite, inertinite, liptinite are 54.59%, 34.84% and 5.8%, respectively. The concentrations of Li and Ga in the No. 6 coal are higher than those of in world coals, and most of trace elements in the No. 6 coal are correlated with minerals, which are mainly clay minerals, carbonate minerals and sulfide minerals. Two samples were identified as dry forest swamp facies (FtM I), 19 samples as shallow water forest swamp facies (FtM II), and 13 samples as reed swamp facies (RM). Compared with the average contents of world coals, trace elements in No. 6 coal of Haerwusu mine are rich in Li and V, while contents of the other elements are close or lower than the average contents of world coals. However, the variations of CC (Concentration Coefficients) among each swamp type are small and irregular, which may indicate that the concentration of the selected trace elements in the coal is mainly dominated by regional coal-forming environment, not coal-forming microenvironment.

Mineralogy, distribution, occurrence and removability of trace elements during the coal preparation of No. 6 coal from Heidaigou mine

Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy dispersed X-ray spectrometry (SEM–EDX) were used to study the minerals and the concentrations of 33 trace elements in No. 6 coal from Heidaigou mine. The distributions, organic affinity and removability of 18 trace elements were studied by float-sink experiments. A determination of the maceral groups was also undertaken. A high mineral content, dominated by kaolinite, was found in No. 6 coal from Heidaigou mine. The bauxite content was relatively high and it was mainly present as individual particles in fusinite lumens or was intimately intergrown with carbonate minerals. The pyrite and quartz contents were low. Some marcasite with a parallel twin structure was observed by cross-polar reflected light. A small amount of bean-like goyazite was present in the calcite. The weighted trace element content in Heidaigou formations is relatively low, which is beneficial for coal processing and utilization. The concentrations of Ga, Hg, Pb, Se, Th, Ta are relatively high compared with the average values of Chinese coals. As, Hg, Mo, Ge, Ga, Ta, Ti, W, Mn are mainly present in minerals while B, Be, Th, P, Sc, Sr, V, Y, Yb are mainly found in organic matter. As, Ge, Hg, Mo are mainly present in sulfides and Be, Th, P, Sc, Sr, Y, Yb are mainly present in inertinite. B and V are mainly present in vitrinite. The high organic affinity and the low theoretical removability of most trace elements cause difficulties in removing them during coal preparation.

Harmful effects of airborne dust diffused from ceramic tiles during home decoration

Exposure to airborne dust from ceramic tiles usually occurs during home decoration and may cause various diseases, such as chronic bronchitis, asthma and pneumoconiosis. The hazardous effects of dust particles are associated with their particle characteristics (i.e., size distributions, shape factors and elemental composition). This study proposed a method for evaluating the harmful effects of airborne dust on decorators. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and image processing technology were used to characterize the morphology of the particles and to measure the size and size distribution of dust particles generated from cutting and grinding of ceramic tiles. In addition, the 3D natural morphology of the dust was featured by atomic force microscopy (AFM) simply. The major chemical composition of the particles was characterized qualitatively through SEM in conjunction with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was used to quantitatively determine the major elements and toxic trace elements quantitatively which were not detected by EDX. Experimental results showed that 99% of the particles were <2.5μm in 2D equivalent diameter, polygonal in 2D projection shape and flaky in natural morphology. Most particles were composed of silica and aluminosilicate. The particles also contained some toxic trace elements, such as Cr, Pb and As, exceeded the allowed standard. The proposed method can effectively characterize the features of dust, and this study can be used as basis for implementing protection guidelines for decorators.