Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
Standard preparation techniques such as ultramicrotomy and ion-milling are essential for obtaining accurate and detailed information about the structural and/or chemical properties of various categories of materials. The choice of a formulated matrix media has improved the preparation of thin sections of various powders ranging in degree of hardness from zinc oxide to tungsten carbide. This medium has shown superior performance when utilized in ion-milling powders and composites of high hardness such as boron carbide. This support vehicle has facilitated analysis of various geometric structures including hollow ceramic spheres. The homogeneity of chemically derived dielectric powders has been investigated by studying crystallite lattice parameter data derived from analysis of thin sections.