Advanced asbestos identification
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
High-resolution asbestos fibre identification for samples requiring greater analytical certainty.
WHY TEM?
See and identify fibres at a much smaller scale
TEM uses a high-energy electron beam to produce highly magnified images of individual fibres. It is particularly useful where conventional microscopy is inconclusive or fibres are extremely fine.
Investigate very fine suspected asbestos fibres
Confirm uncertain or inconclusive conventional results
Identify fibres collected during air monitoring
Distinguish asbestos from other mineral or non-asbestos fibres
How asbestos is identified
Three lines of evidence
TEM can combine fibre appearance, elemental composition and crystal structure to provide a highly specific identification.
1
Morphology
Shape, size, fibrillation and other structural characteristics are examined at very high magnification.
2
Chemical composition
Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) determines the elemental composition of an individual fibre.
3
Crystal structure
Electron diffraction provides crystallographic information that can help distinguish asbestos minerals from similar materials.
Applications
When TEM analysis may be appropriate
Air monitoring & clearance
Identify whether fibres collected on an air filter are asbestos where fibre identity is uncertain.
Bulk materials
Further investigate difficult matrices such as vinyl, mastics, coatings, bituminous materials, gaskets and composites.
Naturally occurring asbestos
Characterise fibrous minerals in soil, rock, aggregate and geological materials.
High-consequence decisions
Provide additional analytical certainty where results may affect removal, remediation or exposure-control decisions.
Method comparison
TEM compared with conventional microscopy
Identifibre expertise
Integrated asbestos testing and occupational hygiene support
Identifibre provides asbestos testing, air monitoring, clearance inspections and hazardous-materials assessments. Our team can help determine whether TEM or another analytical method is most appropriate for your sample and project.
Need advanced asbestos fibre identification?
Contact Identifibre to discuss your sample, analytical requirements and the most appropriate testing approach.
(03) 9563 2957 | contact@identifibre.com.au
67 Atherton Road, Oakleigh VIC 3166




















