SEM technique for displaying the three-dimensional structure of wood

Abstract

Samples of green Liriodendron tulipifera L. were bandsawed into 1/4-inch cubes and boiled in water for 1 hour. Smooth intersecting radial, tangential, and transverse surfaces were prepared with a handheld, single-edge razor blade. After drying, the cubes were affixed to stubs so that the intersection point of the three sectioned surfaces was uppermost. specimens were then coated with carbon followed by gold-palladium. A three-sided reflective shield measuring 6.5 cm long by 4 cm deep and 4 cm high was made of thin-gage polished sheet metal and affixed to the goniometric stage in a position opposite the secondary electron detector. Holes in the bottom surface accepted the stubs which could be rotated about their axes. Micrographs illustrate that with the shield in place all three surfaces can be equally highlighted.

Citation

McMillin, Charles W. 1977. SEM technique for displaying the three-dimensional structure of wood. Wood Science, Vol.9(4): 201-204