We are preparing new packed capillary columns (packed with silica particles) for capillary electrochromatography. One of the techniques we use for the characterization is SEM of the cross section, however, having a perfect cut is difficult to obtain with a simple capillary cutter and in most cases, the SEM image is not representative of the original status of the sample. Please, I would like to know if anyone could suggest an alternative to have better cut. Thank you
Any cut cross-section cannot be representative of the whole. Period.
Consider a uniform set of spheres - a cut through them will generate a set/distribution of apparent discs from 0 (or as close as can be reached) to the actual spherical diameter (the largest size actually measured in this manner, although all the starting particles were this size).
Ultramicrotome machine with diamond knife can be used to obtain uniform cross-section of the capillary.
Md. Abdur Rahman
The cut can be made easily as you describe but the image will not be representative of the whole. This is the case for all sectioning.
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