The carbon fiber threads or braids are used in carbon evaporators or carbon coating
attachments, used on sputter coaters, designed for the use of carbon fiber. The
thin carbon layer will act as a conductive layer on non-conductive samples to enable
charge free imaging and EDS X-ray analysis. The carbon fiber braids, when attached
properly to the holding posts, will give repeatable carbon coating thickness when
the same distance from sample surface to evaporation source is used. The carbon
fiber braids are processed to resist unraveling at the ends when cut to length.
The special heat treatment also produces a spectrographically pure carbon fiber,
with impurities only up to a maximum level of 5-10ppm which is not detectable by
EDS systems. Saves the work of shaping carbon rods. The power requirement is approximately
20V/20A depending on diameter, but varies depending on the brand of coater. Please
consult the instructions with the coater to determine which carbon fiber thread
fits best.
The carbon fiber threads are available in three thread diameters; 2.5, 1.3 and 0.8mm.
The thicker thread with a diameter of 2.5mm and a density of 1.6g/m is widely used
in general applications and gives a medium carbon layer thickness. This thicker
thread is recommended for use on carbon coaters made by Quorum Technologies, SPI,
Emitech, Polaron, Fisons and Technics.
The medium thread with 1.3mm diameter and a density of 0.7g/m is recommended for
the same carbon coaters as mentioned above, but for applications where a thinner
carbon coating is required. The carbon coating thickness can be increased by using
multiple threads.
The thinner thread with a diameter of 0.8mm and a density of 0.4g/m is recommended
for the thinnest carbon coatings. The thinner thread also exhibits better compatibility
with carbon coaters made by Fullam, Leybold, Denton and Baltec.
MSDS, Material Safety
Data Sheet for Carbon Fiber
