See all workshops @ AMAS XVII

The advanced sample preparation workshop will focus on the preparation of reactive samples that cannot be prepared by traditional metallographic means. This includes samples that are water sensitive but can tolerate atmospheric conditions such that traditional metallographic techniques can be modified with water free lubricants to allow high quality preparation. Furthermore, the workshop will study preparation of samples that are even more reactive and require full inert, glove-box treatment.

Specifically, techniques that will be demonstrated include:

• traditional metallographic techniques with water safe lubricants, including final vibratory polishing using water safe lubricants;
• glovebox sample preparation, including mounting and polishing;
• ion beam sample preparation, including ion beam polishing and slope cutting;
• carbon coating;
• plasma cleaning and full inert transfer between all units.

The techniques employed in the preparation of water sensitive and reactive samples can, of course, be applied more widely, and may even improve the sample preparation quality of less reactive samples that would normally be prepared by more traditional routes.

The workshop will be divided into two sessions. The morning session will feature a series of presentations by experts in the field of glove-box work, the use of ion beam techniques in sample preparation, plasma cleaning and inert transfer capabilities. The afternoon session will be divided into two groups for laboratory-based demonstrations of the techniques introduced in the morning session. One group will study traditional metallographic sample preparation, including vibrational polishing for the final step, all with water safe lubricants and suspensions. The other group will study full inert sample preparation including glove box work, ion-beam polishing and sample coating, all with inert transfer between each unit. The groups will swap so that all participants get exposure to all techniques.

This workshop will be useful for students and researchers alike who have reactive or difficult to prepare samples and are seeking techniques for high quality, deformation free, sample preparation.

The convenors of the Advanced Specimen Preparation workshop are Matthew Glenn and Cameron Davidson, CSIRO Mineral Resources, Clayton, Australia.

The workshop will be held on Tuesday the 10th of February, all day, starting 9am.

EL Archer Room (morning), Level 1, Bld 121, Western Precinct, CSIRO Clayton Site, Research Way, Clayton. Go to CSIRO Western reception. Afternoon: Laboratories, Blds 125/126.