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Friable rock embedding in methyl methacrylate for thin‐sectioning in geological preparations
Author(s) -
Palle Sabine,
Chappard Daniel,
Alexandre Christian,
Orsini JeanBaptiste
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
journal of microscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.569
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1365-2818
pISSN - 0022-2720
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2818.1986.tb02715.x
Subject(s) - araldite , methyl methacrylate , materials science , composite material , infiltration (hvac) , polymerization , mineralogy , geology , polymer , adhesive , layer (electronics)
SUMMARY In most cases, technical problems prevent the production of good geological thin‐slabs from friable rocks such as muds, sands or decomposed granites. Usual impregnation methods using Araldite or epoxies lead to incompletely impregnated blocks. Furthermore the excessive heat occurring during polymerization alters the micromorphology of heat sensitive minerals. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is a widely used plastic for bone embedding. We have developed a new procedure using vacuum infiltration with MMA in a cold environment. Wafers from friable rocks are easily obtained and can be processed in the same way as those of firm and coherent rocks, without grain loss nor mineral heat alterations.