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Mineralogy & Geochemistry Laboratories Microscopy Cryo-preparation method for scanning electron microscopy 

Preparation method for analysing samples that contain water, solvents or are sensitive to electron beams. The samples are frozen in supercooled nitrogen (approx. -200°C) and cooled further during the examination in the sample chamber so that the water in the solvent is prevented from escaping through the high vacuum in the sample chamber.

  • Investigation of hydration reactions even under 2 minutes
  • Investigation of surfaces: polymers in construction products
  • Investigation of internal structures: polymers in cementitious systems
  • Investigation of internal structures: ettringite crystal formation, start of reaction with formation of hydration products
  • Investigation of the formation of hydration products in the intergranular fringe
  • Investigation of the colour and habit of hydration products
  • Investigation of the reactivity and reaction products of fly ash
  • Investigation of the hydration behaviour of aluminous cements at different reaction times
  • with different setting accelerators under different atmospheres
  • Investigation and characterisation of clay/MMH drilling fluids
  • Investigation of the in-situ fixation behaviour of storage minerals in aqueous systems
  • Hydraulic systems (cement paste)
  • Electron beam sensitive samples

Cryo-SEM

Left: SEM with cryo unit
Right: Cryo sample chamber

Laboratories

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