Precision ion milling system

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Microstructural examination is a fundamental step in any study dealing with the processing-properties-microstructures relationships in materials.  In this regard transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTM) have become extremely powerful techniques for microstructural examination because of their ability to provide almost all of the microstructural, chemical and crystallographic data down to atomistic level. In any experimental study the quality of specimen, to a very large extent, determines the quality and reliability of the data obtained.  The quality of specimen is of even more paramount importance in microstructural studies using TEM/HRTM techniques.  Ion milling is a very reliable and commonly used method of preparing electron transparent TEM specimens of metals and alloys, composite materials, poly-phase semi-conductors and ceramics. In this technique a 40-50µm thick 3mm disc of material is eroded by Ar+ ions to produce electron transparent specimen.  An ion milling machine was acquired by the applicants in 1987 with the help of an NSERC grant, which suffered a major break down in the spring of 2006.  Because of its age - almost 20 years, it is not possible to repair it any further as the spare parts are no longer available.  Therefore, this request is being made to NSERC for the award of a grant to acquire an ion-milling machine and accessories to enable eight professors and their 27 graduate and 12 undergraduate students, and 6 post-doctoral fellows to continue to do research with the state-of-the-art TEM and FEG-HRTM facilities available in the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Manitoba.