Vitreous Carbon, Carbon Planchets
and Planchet Holders

Vitreous Carbon and Carbon (graphite) Planchets are ideal substrates for X-ray analysis and backscattered electron imaging in a SEM or electron microprobe. The spectroscopically pure carbon discs provide an excellent conductive, low emission X-ray background free of any characteristic X-ray peaks except carbon. Carbon Planchets are favored over the non-conductive diamond planchets (charging will have negative effects on the analytical results and can distort X-ray mapping and imaging).

The Vitreous Carbon and Carbon (graphite) Planchets can be cleaned and used again. For fine powders and imaging applications the vitreous carbon is the best choice. For X-ray applications of larger particles or specimens or for applications where the planchets can not be used again, the Carbon (graphite) Planchets are adequate.

Vitreous Carbon Planchets

NEW Sizes Available!

Vitreous carbon is an advanced materials of pure carbon combining glassy and ceramic properties with those of graphite. Impermeable to gases and liquids, high purity, corrosion resistant, thermal stability in air up to 600°C and in vacuum or inert gas up to 3,000°C. Good electrical conductivity, low thermal expansion and extreme resistance to thermal shock. Hard and strong (hardness = 230 HV1). Applications in the fields of chemical analysis, metallurgy, crystal growth, medical technology and in glass and ceramics research. MSDS (95KB PDF)

High purity vitreous carbon with impurities less than 30ppm total.

Carbon Planchets

Spectroscopically pure carbon Grade 1 (graphite) planchets with total impurities equal to or less than 2ppm with each single element 1ppm or less. Trace elements can be Si, Al, Fe, Mg, Ca or B. The carbon discs have a fine ground finish on one side; 0.80µm (32µ inches). All carbon planchets are 1.6mm (1/16") thick. Sizes from 10 to 32mm diameter to fit all styles of SEM pin and cylinder mounts varying from 10 to 32mm diameter.

Highly Polished Carbon Planchets

The highly polished carbon planchets have a smooth, polished finish on one side with much less surface porosity than the standard carbon planchets. The material for the cabon discs is spectroscopically pure carbon Grade 1 (soft graphite) with total impurities equal to or less than 2ppm with each single element 1ppm or less. Properties same as Carbon Planchets above. The polished planchets are 1.4 to 1.5mm (0.055" to 0.06") thick. Available in the popular 12.7mm (1/2") and 25.4mm (1") diameter.

Carbon Discs on Pin Stubs

Carbon planchets with a 1.6mm thickness mounted on standard pin stubs, supplied in the #16709 pin mount storage box. Convenient and ready to use. Provides a durable and economical solution for SEM/EDS microanalysis or low emission surface backscatter imaging applications needing light element surface. Surface roughness of the carbon discs is 0.05-0.01um, material is spectroscopically pure carbon with total impurities less than 2ppm. The aluminum stub underneath the carbon disc provides more rigidity that the carbon stubs. Available for 12.7, 18 and 25.4mm (1/2", 0.7" and 1") pin stubs. Sold in storage box with 10 of the 12.7mm pin stubs and 8 of the 18 or 25.4mm pin stubs.