Berlin 2012 – scientific programme

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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 8: Posters: Biopolymers and Biomaterials (with CPP)

BP 8.1: Poster

Monday, March 26, 2012, 17:30–19:30, Poster A

Sample preparation of softwood with cryo-microtome and focused ion beam for X-ray nano-diffraction studies - a comparison — •Selina Storm^{1, 2}, Malte Ogurreck¹, and Martin Müller¹ — ¹HZG, Geesthacht — ²IEAP, University of Kiel

The cell structure of softwood has been investigated to understand the exceptional mechanical strength of this biological material. X-ray diffraction with nano-focused synchrotron radiation beam allows a spatial resolution of below 100 nm so that the transition zones between different cell wall layers as well as the cell wall layers themselves can be investigated in previously unknown quality.

A crucial point in this context is the sample preparation and the knowledge of its orientation. Thin sample slices (d<10 µ m) can be cut out with a cryo-microtome or a focused ion beam. The use of a cryo-microtome has the disadvantage that the sample is easily damaged, e.g. splintering of the cell wall which leads to misleading results in the diffraction patterns. The achievable accuracy of the sample alignment is only in the order of several degrees which is insufficient for a detailed analysis. To overcome these disadvantages a focused ion beam is a promising alternative. Here, the results will be discussed and compared.