Thin polymer films as non-charging surfaces for scanning electron microscopy

Films of formvar, 1.2–20.0 nm in thickness, collodion and a 60/40 styrene-vinylpyridine copolymer (precipitated from solution) have been found to provide a noncharging layer on the surface of several types of specimens, including loose, or fibrous specimens. No electron build up was observed in most of the specimens when examined with a scanning beam of up to 30 kv for unlimited periods of time.