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Abstract We have developed a method for observing transverse swelling of cellulosic fibres in the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The presence of liquid water in the ESEM specimen chamber allows the observation of in situ hydration without the need for coating, freezing, or drying of the sample. For reproducibility of the hydration and dehydration process, specialised mounting techniques are required and control of the conditions for condensation and evaporation of liquid water is necessary. The sensitivity of these cellulosic materials to the electron beam was investigated, showing that some damage mechanisms are enhanced by the continual presence of water vapour in the chamber. A discussion is presented of the effect of various experimental parameters on the extent and time of onset of the damage, and we outline steps to maximise the amount of useful experimental time for these fibres.
Jenkins et al. (Sat,) studied this question.