Re: Mounting diatoms for SEM

From: Edward Hennessey (seesigline_at_nospam.org)
Date: 08/31/04 

Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 05:07:38 GMT

"Gary G" <see.signature@bottom> wrote in message
news:oj35j0d64b41tj8lngn9q2j8pe1ljegjb6@4ax.com...
> I have these great diatom specimens from this group. What I would
> like to figure out is how to mount them so that they are well
> presented. My normal method is to put them on carbon sticky tabs.
> This works OK but is not great, since the specimens can get
submerged
> in the sticky tab goo.
>
> So, are there some other ways to mount these diatoms on either
> aluminum pin stubs or carbon pin stubs so that I can get really good
> images?
>
> Thoughts and ideas??

G.G.:

This may be a variant of J.J.'s idea. If you go to an art or drafting
supplies store, you can buy
rolls of double-sided film that peel off a brown paper backing. The
rolls come in differing widths
and demonstrate very good adhesion. Architects and artists make much
use of this material. Demonstrative of strength is the fact that you
can employ the film to adhere sanding sleeves to rubber drums that
turn at 10K rpm on various tools. I'd quess that a roll will last you
about a good quarter century.

Some of the compounds in the Butvar series are also excellent. The
granules can be dissolved to your liking
in acetone or toluene. It doesn't take much to make a decent adhesive
and it sets up nicely. Again, a small
amount would endure through many uses. Monsanto made Butvar last time
I checked. Vinac and Glyptal are
other adhesives which may suit your purposes and be researchable on
the net. While talking to the various
manufacturers, I would also inquire into other substances they might
suggest for your purpose.

Regards,

Edward Hennessey

nohalozzyzxnohalo@noyahoo.com - no,no,no