For analysis multilayred polymer films (BOPP) and other polymeric objects by means optical and SEM microscopy we need microtome equipment. What microtome type (rotary, ultra-microtome) and embeded media (parafine, epoxy, cryo) are required for this?
Embed the film in epoxy resin and cut semi-thin ( 1-2 micron thick) sections for light microscopic study and ultra-thin sections for electron microscopy using ultramicrotome.
A diamond microtome will give you the best results but a glass blade should also give satisfactory sectioning for electron microscopy. It should be fairly simple to obtain 80-100 nm thick sections for EM using either blade.
You do not need thin sections for SEM.
You can embed your specimen, cut sections for optical microsopy with microtome of your choice, and observe a face of your stub (from which you cut sections) with SEM, . For sure ultramicrotome will give smoother surface, but rotary microtome will give bigger area.
For SEM study there is no need to go for sectioning. Take one to 2mm piece of the film and mount it directly on a stub and observe under SEM. If required gold-palladium coating can be given on the specimen.
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