Can anyone with experience using a microtome suggest whether it's possible to use one to cut 100-220 micron slices from a plastic (polycarbonate) piece?
I'd like to cut the surface from a plastic part which is approximately 22 mm by 22 mm and 2 mm deep. Sectioning anywhere between 100 and 220 microns would be ideal.
I know that usually thinner is better, and soft tissues embedded in wax are being sectioned - so this task would demand more force to make the cut? The plastic in question is hard of course, but not overly hard for a thin section to be sliced from the surface, and I've come across some examples of tissues being embedded in plastics.
I would suggest you to have a good thicker blade. the machine as such should not be a problem
I support the suggestion of Sean. Diamond coated blades are best to cut such materials.
You should try to find disposable Histoknives H. They are usually good for plastics. Althought, I never experience cutting such a thick piece... with 50 microm my microtome begs for mercy. If you have material and time, maybe approach the problem on stages: start with 30 and make increment on 10 microms to see how is behaving up to your desired thickness
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