SEM/EDX analysis of Z-direction distribution of mineral content in paper along the cross-direction

This paper demonstrates the use of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X ray analysis (EDX) to quantify the Z direction mineral content distribution in paper. A cross-section of paper is examined by a SEM and an area covering the thickness of paper is subjected to EDX analysis to obtain the mineral content in the thickness direction of paper. This area is again divided into five areas and analyzed for mineral content. The method is expected to aid the efforts of papermakers to produce a sheet structure for various end uses.