JEOL Probe Users Listserver Moderator: Ellery Frahm, [log in to unmask], Electron Microprobe Lab, University of Minnesota Post a message: send your message to [log in to unmask] Unsubscribe: send "SIGNOFF PROBEUSERS" to [log in to unmask] On-line help and FAQ: http://probelab.geo.umn.edu/listserver.html * Hi everyone, I'd like to ask a question regarding a problem I've been having while carbon coating. I am using a Denton Desk V coater with turbomolecular pump and rods consisting of compressed powdered graphite (from Ted Pella, 1/8” diameter, grade 1 “spec-pure”). I can obtain coats of appropriate thickness (i.e., between 1st-order red and 2nd-order blue) that look very good. However, after coating polished brass or glass, when I place a drop of methanol on the surface of the coat, the coat disintegrates within a matter of seconds. Has anybody seen this sort of behavior before? I assume that it must be due to presence of contamination under the coat. I've checked the inlet to the roughing pump, and I see no oil residue after several months of use. Any suggestions? Brian -- Brian Joy Electron Microprobe and ESEM Lab Queen's Facility for Isotope Research Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering Queen's University 36 Union Street Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6 cell phone: 530-220-0434 lab phone: 613-533-2595 fax: 613-533-6592 -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.