Mounting Powders, Granules and Fibers

The thermoplastic adhesive, Tempfix (EMS Cat. # 12668), is an excellent smooth embedding medium for stabilizing powders, granules and fibers. Tempfix becomes sticky at 40°C and melts at 120°C. To use: Spread a thin layer over a sample support disc and allow to cool. The sample is then sprinkled on the hard surface and the temperature is raised to 40°C for 30-60 seconds and allowed to cool again to room temperature. Excess particles are then removed by gentle brushing or compressed air. At room temperature Tempfix has a smooth featureless surface that allows specimens to be imaged and clearly distinguished from the support media.

Reference:
Silvio Marchese-Ragona, Renee Jobe, Aleda Jacobs. AFM Preparation Techniques for Bulk and Powder Samples”. EMSA Bulletin 22:3 Nov., 1992.