Cryogenic Ultramicrotome

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Fine morphological characterization of nanocomposites and polymer blends with nanosized particles or dispersed phase requires the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) anaysis. However, TEM observations require ultrathin samples, generally about 500 nm in thickness. No such equipment is available at Polytechnique nor at the University of Montreal and those available in the Montreal region are not easily accessible because of time availability, operability and costs; which limits the adavnces in many research projects of the researchers in this application. The requested equipment is an ultramicrotome with precise cutting system, touch-sensitive control and sample chamber. In addition the system is equipped with a stereomicroscope with a 180° swiveling microscope carrier, an antivibration table, a knife holder for glass and diamond knives, sample holders and forceps, and most importantly a cryogenic chamber (using liquid nitrogen) to cut polymer-based samples that have a glass transition temperature below room temperature. It is expected that the availability of this equipment to the more than 10 professors in Polytechnique and University of Montreal will foster their research projects related to nanocomposites, blends and functional nanostructures.