Ted Pella, Inc. introduced a new high resolution SEM replication kit. The replication material in the kit is based on a two component silicon molding material with excellent low viscosity forming properties. The short mixing time of 10-20 seconds and the polymerization time of 5-7 minutes ensure ease of use and enable fast and reliable replication of many types of surfaces. This new replication material yields reliable results with relatively long micro structures of 10-30 mm with aspect ratios ranging from 1-20 and is capable of resolving small structures down to 20nm. It also is relatively easy to remove from most surfaces without distorting or destroying surface structures.

For imaging with an SEM it is best to obtain positive replicas. To achieve this, the negatives mold is best filled with Spurr (well known low viscosity resin with outstanding surface definition) and coated with Au or Au/Pd in a sputter coater after curing the Spurr resin.

Applications for the high resolution SEM replication material are:

• use in field trips on biological material
• replaces the need to use fixatives on suitable biological material
• time based studies for changes in surfaces
• study of surface changes when a load is applied
• study of surfaces or material changes of large structures (building, machines)