We have some coated carbon fibers and we want to observe the deposited layer and also if it is possible, its morphology. How can we prepare our sample? Is that enough to cut carbon fibers in short fragments (0.5-1mm) and disperse in ethanol to observe the deposited layer?
Whilst carbon has a long electron extinction distance, I doubt you could see through an entire carbon fibre unless you were using a very powerful beam.
If you are able to obtain access to an ultramicrotome - you could mount the fibres in a matrix and use an ultramicrotome (which cuts a thin slice using a diamond knife). You may have to freeze the sample to get the best results but I think you should be able to get TEM ready thin samples of the fibre and coating in cross-section.
Thank your Mr. Jennett for your pay attention and helpful answer.
You can observe them directly on TEM, however it is very unlikely to get good images: the carbon fiber are too thick for TEM. Nevertheless, you can focus your analysis on the coating itself at the edge of one fibre (I am assuming your coating is alongside one carbon fibre).
A better approach is the cross-sectioning suggested by Nigel Jennett. Ideally, the sample thickness for TEM should lay in the nm range (
Thank you Mr. Correr for your pay attention. Your comment was really helpful.
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