SEDL / STP / STP317-EB / STP43682S

A Technique for Removing Plastic Backing Films in the Preparation of Electron Microscope Specimens

Beals, T. F.
Research Assistant, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich

Bigelow, W. C.
Associate Professor, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich

Pages: 5    Published: Jan 1962

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Abstract

A relatively simple procedure has been developed which eliminates many of the difficulties frequently encountered in dissolving the thick layers of soluble plastics used as primary replicas in two-stage replica processes and as reinforcing or “backing” layers in the preparation of thin support membranes and direct replicas. The apparatus used in this procedure is a standard Soxhlet extractor which is equipped with a Z-shaped specimen carrier made of fine wire screen. The specimen carrier fits inside the extractor tube where it is held at a level slightly higher than the siphon tube by a wire or glass stand. The general features of this apparatus are illustrated in Fig. 1.