Filgen - Vacuum Staining System For Polymer TEM/SEM Imaging

Filgen

High performance and multi-functional polymers have important technical roles for many fields. Analysis of morphology for multi-component polymers through TEM / SEM image is critical to develop these high performance polymers. With good staining technique, new polymer morphology can be well-observed. Vacuum staining system by Filgen is an excellent solution for your new polymer material research and development.

Application

Heavy metal staining for new polymer materials to get contrast for TEM/SEM image
Solidifying sample for ultra microtome slice for TEM/SEM imaging

Why heavy metal stain for TEM / SEM polymer imaging ?

Polymer materials are light elements (C,H,N,O). Electron beam pass through these elements and electron beam scattering does not happen at these elements.
With heavy metal staining, electron beam is scattered differently at these elements. You can see structure of new polymer materials with good contrast.
TEM: stained part become dark color
SEM: stained part become bright color

Application examples:

Polymer
Film
Lubber
Adhesive
Toner
Paint
Film for battery
Insulation material for semi-conductor

Features

Safe stain in closed system for Osmium tetroxide and Ruthenium tetroxide
Excellent stain process control by good vacuum and gas system
Easy auto process by touch panel instruction
Heating option up to 70 degrees C for better Osmium tetroxide staining
Gas density & temperature for 4 chambers set separately
Hygroscopic sample staining possible in vacuum
Solidifying sample for ultra microtome slice
SEM Charge-up prevention by Ruthenium tetroxide

Specification

Heat Option

Only for RuO₄

Some polymers can be stained better in higher temperature because molecular motion can be more active and chemical reaction can be more accelerated.

Maximum temperature : 70C ( most of polymers have heat resistance up to 70C )
Temperature for each chamber can be set separately (heater and temperature sensor located under 4 chambers)
No cooler in the system
Only for OsO4 (RuO4 is very reactive)

Good example : Nylon and PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) were well stained at 70C in the system, compared to room temperature

Sample Chamber Option

Atmosphere non-exposure chamber

Useful to avoid samples exposed to air including pre-staining process and post-staining process
Small chamber (5ID x 6H mm) good for higher density staining gas
Middle chamber (47ID x 15H mm)

Sample grid holder