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 * Brian, I recall that someone published (or at least spoke about) a procedure for doing this at an MAS conference in the 1980s, I believe. I recall that they added some type of paint additive for white color (it was either a lead oxide or a titanium oxide). They did it before polishing so they could distinguish plucking from original voids or something like that. I have notes about it somewhere, but have never actually done it. John Hunt Cornell University -----Original Message----- From: JEOL-Focused Probe Users List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Brian Joy Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 3:30 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [PROBEUSERS] adding impurity to epoxy 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 am working on an X-ray mapping project and would like to identify epoxy that has infiltrated pore spaces and fractures in shale. The complications are 1) the pore spaces are typically no more than a few microns across and 2) carbonaceous material is abundant within the samples. The carbonaceous material always contains some amount of sulfur, and so it can often be distinguished by this means. However, I would like to unambiguously identify epoxy that has infiltrated the sample (or verify that it hasn't infiltrated). Does anyone have experience with adding a tracer element (as a solute?) to epoxy for this purpose? The concentration of the element would need to be great enough that it could be detected via EDS (SDD) in micron-scale pore spaces while using a relatively short dwell time (not much longer than 20 ms, with probe current not exceeding 100 nA). I'd appreciate any advice. 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.