SPI Chem™ Wet Surface Replica Kit
Instructions for Use:
Introduction
The SPI Replica Kit for light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM),
which we call the "Wet Replica Kit" was designed for those instances where a sample needs
to be examined by SEM but for one or more reasons, the sample is not available
(or in a suitable form) to be cut up and placed in the vacuum of the typical SEM.
Some examples for which the Wet Replica kit was developed are the following:
a) A surface that can not be dehydrated (so that it is vacuum compatible) by dehydration
prior to examination, such as live human skin, plant leaf or fruit surfaces, dental surfaces
such as teeth and mucosal membranes, or "wet" paper or drying paint,
b) Samples that are literally too large to fit (nondestructively) into the specimen chamber
of the typical SEM,
c) Before/after studies of samples that absolutely can not be cut up such as large
industrial rollers or platens, perhaps operating at elevated temperatures, where specific
areas are to be replicated as a function of time. The Wet Replica Kit system can be cured
at temperatures above room temperature so time can be saved by not having to cool down the
surfaces of interest to room temperature.
In all of the above cases, there is the further potential to follow
the same identical area, as a function of time, in order to reveal
the dynamics of change that might be occurring on a sample surface.
For example, the longevity of a skin moisturizer can be followed by
making replicas as a function of time. Comparisons with
competitive products can be accurately made by running the same
experiment on the other side of the face, hand, etc. The methodology
described here is chiefly intended for preparation
of samples for scanning electron microscopy, but samples made using
these techniques are also fully suitable for examination using
light microscopy techniques. The positive replicas can also be
used for profilimetry experiments, but care must be taken that the
profilimeter stylus does not dig into the relatively soft polymer
of the replica.
To Ask a Question or Make a Comment
To Place an Order or Request a Quote
Return to:
Sunday October 12, 2008
© Copyright 1998 - 2008. By Structure Probe, Inc.
Contacting SPI Supplies and Structure Probe, Inc.
All rights reserved.
All trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
Privacy Policy
Worldwide Distributors, Representatives, and Agents
