Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
Ultramicrotomy has been used to prepare TEM specimens from nickel sulfide inclusions in plate glass and from calcium aluminate / polyvinyl alcohol composite materials. Microstructural studies showed that the inclusion probably contained at least two different phases, namely Ni7S6 and Ni3S2. Although microtomy-induced cracking and chatter were observed, important microstructural features such as twins and Moire patterns were preserved. The microchemistry of the polymer phase in the ceramic / polymer composite was precisely determined.