Transmission Electron Microscopy is an essential technique for imaging the microstructures at the nanometer scale. However, quantitative analysis of such images is not easy due to the nature of TEM contrast based on diffraction phenomena. A quantitative description of the microstructure of melt-spun AIY ribbons has been carried out in the present work. TEM observations have revealed randomly distributed and oriented spherical nanometer crystals. ln order to describe quantitatively their size and shape, images under different diffraction conditions were recorded. These images have been analyzed using software for image analysis. The data have been compared to the results obtained by other techniques, such as X-ray diffractometry and differential scanning calorimetry.

This paper presents for the first time X-ray computed microtomography (μCT) analysis as a technique for Silurian graptolite detection in rocks. The samples come from the Jantar Bituminous Claystones Member of the Opalino core, Baltic Basin, northern Poland. Images were obtained with spatial resolution of 25 μm, which enabled the authors to create a 3-D visualization and to calculate the ratio of fissure and graptolite volume to the total sample volume. A set of μCT slices was used to create a 3-D reconstruction of graptolite geometry. These μCT slices were processed to obtain a clearly visible image and the volume ratio. A copper X-ray source filter was used during exposure to reduce radiograph artifacts. Visualization of graptolite tubaria (rhabdosomes) enabled Demirastrites simulans to be identified. Numerical models of graptolites reveal promising applications for paleontological research and thus for the recognition and characterization of reservoir rocks.