LabAdviser/314/Preparation 314-307/Soft-matter: Difference between revisions
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The Critical Point Drier (CPD) is used for drying samples for the SEM. The machine uses the fact that at the critical point the solvent can be converted from liquid to gas without crossing the interfaces between liquid and gas (no surface tension) and hence no sample drying artefacts. CO2 is the solvent of choice as its triple point is suitable for biological samples (31°C and 74 bars). The CO2 is not miscible with water; therefore the sample should be dissolved in acetone or ethanol. | The Critical Point Drier (CPD) is used for drying samples for the SEM. The machine uses the fact that at the critical point the solvent can be converted from liquid to gas without crossing the interfaces between liquid and gas (no surface tension) and hence no sample drying artefacts. CO2 is the solvent of choice as its triple point is suitable for biological samples (31°C and 74 bars). The CO2 is not miscible with water; therefore the sample should be dissolved in acetone or ethanol. | ||
Details on the procedure is illustrated as follows: | |||
*[[/Critical Point Drying|Procedure steps]]<br /> | |||
Operating manual: [[:File:EM CPD300 Operating manual.pdf]] <br /> | Operating manual: [[:File:EM CPD300 Operating manual.pdf]] <br /> | ||
Risk Assessment: [[:File:Risk assessment - EM CPD300 Critical Point Dryer.pdf]]<br /> | Risk Assessment: [[:File:Risk assessment - EM CPD300 Critical Point Dryer.pdf]]<br /> | ||