Ver.1.36
A1) Preparing a thin film
This method involves dissolving a sample in a solvent, followed by placing a small amount of it in a
sample cup then evaporating the solvent. Because this method provides a uniform thin film, the
reproducibility of results is excellent; nonetheless, it does not work for non-soluble samples such as
thermosetting polymers.
A2) Using pulverizing tool (Polymer Prepper from Frontier Laboratories Ltd.)
Using a Polymer Prepper (a nickel coated special file), fine powers with the particle size of 0.1 mm
can be prepared easily and rapidly. Fine and coarse surfaces are available in a single tool as your
choice. After use, applying the standard special cleaning tape on the surface can clean the surface
completely for repeated use. This method is not for elastic materials such as rubber. For elastic
materials, use either method A1) or A4).
A3) Using a cutter knife
Using a sharp knife or surgical knife, a chunk of sample material is sliced into thin flakes. It is difficult
to obtain good uniform slices, thus giving a poor reproducibility.
A4) Freeze-grinding using liquid nitrogen and metal ball
This method involves pulverization of a liquid-nitrogen frozen material using a metal crushing ball.
Note that the pulverized sample must be retrieved only after the pulverizing chamber is at room
temperature in order to avoid moisture condensation. Also, caution must be exercised that the
pulverized sample may be contaminated with a small amount of metal powders, which may cause
reduce data quality.
Care should be exercised when handling liquid nitrogen. There is a
risk of frostbite and suffocation when a large amount of liquid nitrogen
is spilled out. For your safety, wear protective gear such as leather
gloves, safety goggles, etc. when using a cryogenic mill, read the
manual thoroughly before attempting to use it.
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