Using Microscopy to Understand Characteristics of Construction Materials
Free online course on microscopy techniques, specimen preparation for microscopy and analysis of cementitious system.
Description
This course will begin by introducing you to the principles of microscopy. You will learn how to improve imaging characteristics from samples, as well as how you can interpret images. You will learn about the techniques of microscopy and specimen preparation for microscopy. This will lead you into the features and functions of available microscopy techniques, the distinction between scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. This course will also enable you to understand the limits of detection for scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.
Next, you will understand the comparison between each of the techniques of optical microscopy and the concept of specimen preparation for microscopy. You will gain an understanding of the process of scanning electron microscopy and how you can interpret the images successfully to obtain the right understanding of the material characteristics at the micro-scale. You will then explore scanning electron microscopy systems, the parts and functions of scanning electron microscopes as well as the analysis of cementitious systems.
Finally, you will learn how X-ray diffraction can be used to influence curing temperature, as well as practical scenarios where different curing conditions are applied. Moving on, you will gain understanding on the durability behaviour in sulphate exposure and the durability behaviour in chloride exposure. You will further develop an understanding of certain rules to be followed when you are doing measurements with EDX, how to get an overall range of compositions or how to get an approximate idea about the exact composition of a phase. Start learning today!
Start Course NowModules
Optical and Scanning Microscopy
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Optical and Scanning Microscopy - Learning Outcomes
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Basics of Electron Microscopy
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Specimen Preparation for Electron Microscopy
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Features of Electron Microscopy
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Depth of Focus and Resolution
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Factors Affecting Microscopy
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Types of Optical Microscopy
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Optical and Scanning Microscopy - Lesson Summary
Scanning Electron Microscope
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Scanning Electron Microscope - Learning Outcomes
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Scanning Electron Microscopy
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Features of the Electron Gun
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Secondary and Backscattered Electrons
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Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy
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Rules of EDX Measurements
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Analysis of Cementitious Systems
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LC3 Systems and X-Ray Diffraction
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Uses of X-Ray Diffraction and Electron Microscopy
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Scanning Electron Microscope - Lesson Summary
Course assessment
Learning Outcomes
Having completed this course, you will be able to:
- Explain the most important characteristics of microscopy characterization
- Identify the various techniques of microscopy
- Compare the different techniques of microscopy
- Describe how the polishing technique can be carried out in preparation of polished specimens for porous building materials
- Explain the meaning of etching for optical microscopy
- List the instrument in typical scanning electron microscopy system
- Identify the functions of each of the instrument in scanning microscopy electron system
- Explain why vacuum system is necessary in scanning microscopy electron system
- Explain the meaning of backscattered electron microscopy
- Identify the information that can be obtained from SEM
Certification
All Alison courses are free to enrol, study and complete. To successfully complete this Certificate course and become an Alison Graduate, you need to achieve 80% or higher in each course assessment. Once you have completed this Certificate course, you have the option to acquire an official Certificate, which is a great way to share your achievement with the world. Your Alison Certificate is:
Ideal for sharing with potential employers - include it in your CV, professional social media profiles and job applications
An indication of your commitment to continuously learn, upskill and achieve high results
An incentive for you to continue empowering yourself through lifelong learning
Alison offers 3 types of Certificates for completed Certificate courses:
Digital Certificate - a downloadable Certificate in PDF format, immediately available to you when you complete your purchase
Certificate - a physical version of your officially branded and security-marked Certificate, posted to you with FREE shipping
Framed Certificate - a physical version of your officially branded and security-marked Certificate in a stylish frame, posted to you with FREE shipping
All Certificates are available to purchase through the Alison Shop. For more information on purchasing Alison Certificates, please visit our FAQs. If you decide not to purchase your Alison Certificate, you can still demonstrate your achievement by sharing your Learner Record or Learner Achievement Verification, both of which are accessible from your Dashboard. For more details on our Certificate pricing, please visit our Pricing Page.