Re: Asbestos Identification using Dispersion Staining

On Feb 27, 9:25 pm, "Ken Hall" <knh...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi,

I was wondering if anyone would be able to help me.  I am just getting into
asbestos microscopy, and all goes well for examining most specimens using
crossed polars and optical orientation, however I am having trouble
distinguishing Amosite from Chrysotile when using Dispersion staining
techniques, in that I am not obtaining the distinct yellow/orange colour of
amosite fibres (ex purchased reference specimens), mentioned in all the
literature in this field.  I can get this colour by rotating the polariser
slightly of the Zero mark, although, this would effect all the other ID work
I suspect.  Is there a chance that either my gypsum plate, polariser or my
analyser is not mounted correctly?  Also, could cover glass
thickness/quality have this effect?

Ken

I would strongly urge you to rigorously follow the NIOSH guidelines.
And I mean rigorously.

Practically, no, while cover glass thickness is important, 0.17mm
only, it doesn't affect polarization. The quality may but it is
unusual. Make sure that all your microscope components are from the
same, quality, manufacturer, this is not the time for the cheapest
microscope.

Thanks,

Kevin Cunningham
SMS
.

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