Advances in ultramicrotomy for physical sciences applications

Abstract

As with all techniques which are relatively new and therefore underutilized, diamond knife sectioning in the physical sciences continues to see both developments of the technique and novel applications.Technique Developments Development of specific orientation/embedding procedures for small pieces of awkward shape is exemplified by the work of Bradley et al on large, rather fragile particles of nuclear waste glass. At the same time, the frequent problem of pullout with large particles can be reduced by roughening of the particle surface, and a proven methodology using a commercial coupling agent developed for glasses has been utilized with good results on large zeolite catalysts. The same principle (using acid etches) should work for ceramic fibres or metal wires which may only partially pull out but result in unacceptably thick sections. Researchers from the life sciences continue to develop aspects of embedding media which may be applicable to certain cases in the physical sciences.