Polymer Support Films

Overview

Polymer support film materials are used to cast thin plastic films onto bare metal mesh grids, creating a continuous support film for specimens that cannot be examined as free-standing sections, such as particulate, powder, or replica samples. SPI Supplies offers Formvar and Vinylec (E, H, and L grades) polyvinyl formal resins, Pioloform and SPI-Chem Butvar B-98 polyvinyl butyral resins, and Parlodion resin strips as the principal film-forming polymers. The SPI Domino Rack film support system is offered as an accessory for volume production of coated TEM grids. Together these materials let a laboratory produce its own support films in-house rather than purchasing pre-filmed grids, and select a polymer chemistry compatible with the specimen and downstream carbon coating step.

Film-Forming Resins

Formvar and Vinylec E/H/L are polyvinyl formal resins supplied as 100 g to 400 g bottles and in bulk 15 kg (33 lb) quantities, while Pioloform B and SPI-Chem Butvar B-98 are polyvinyl butyral resins used for similar continuous film casting.

Production Accessories

The SPI Domino Rack is a film support system designed for volume production of coated TEM grids, streamlining the process of casting and transferring polymer films onto multiple grids at once.

Specifications