Design and potential of instrumented ultramicrotomy

Ultramicrotomes are generally used for preparation of very thin sections for transmission electron microscopy. Recently it has been shown that when the sample holder of the ultramicrotome is instrumented with a force transducer, it is possible to measure the very small sectioning force during sectioning, and calculate the energy dissipated. In the present work, the instrumentation is further improved. The new sample holder, which uses two piezo-electric force transducers can measure two force components simultaneously. It is not only robust and stiff, but it also shows high sensitivity and reproducibility. It is possible to detect sectioning forces lower than 0.1 mN. The method is demonstrated on two amorphous polymers, poly(methyl methacrylate) and epoxy. Fracture energies in the same order of magnitude as theoretical predictions from chemical bond fracture only are recorded. It is therefore suggested that the method of instrumented ultramicrotomy is a useful tool when information on covalent bond density is needed. Potential future applications are identified including research on nano-scale fracture, characterization of molecular anisotropy and developments of the ultramicrotome. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.