Comparison of different correlative AFM-SEM workflows on calcite moonmilk

Correlative Probe to Electron Microscopy (CPEM) emerges as a powerful tool for analyzing nanostructured calcium carbonate, or moonmilk, from the Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia. This study demonstrates that CPEM, combining Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM), simplifies the analysis of moonmilk nano-fibers while reducing risks of artefacts or contamination compared to standalone AFM measurements. The innovative AFM-in-SEM setup enhances sample characterization by providing comprehensive data without compromising resolution or integrity, showcasing its potential for advanced material studies in archaeological contexts.

Dinarelli, S., Mura, F., Mancini, C., La Penna, G., Rinaldi, T., & Rossi, M. (2022). Comparison of different correlative AFM-SEM workflows on calcite moonmilk. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 1265(1), 12011. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/1265/1/012011