Supplies and Tools
Capillaries: Kapton
Kapton is a polyimide film developed by DuPont which is stable in a wide range of temperatures, from −273 to +400 C. (more property details)
11-BM purchases Kapton tubing from the following vendors:
- MicroLumen, Inc. (http://www.microlumen.com/)
- Cole-Parmer (http://www.coleparmer.com/Category/Polyimide_Tubing/6806) {can be purchased via Fisher Scientific}
Rapid-Access
11-BM rapid access mail-in users are provided with Kapton tubes which are compatible with the mail-in mounting bases.
On-Site
An assortment of Kapton capillary tube sizes are available at 11-BM for on-site experiments. See [1]
Users anticipating performing complimentary scattering measurements on a single sample at other APS powder beamlines should consider using the following standard Cole-Parmer sizes. These are compatible with samples holders at the beamlines noted below. However, it is also important to contact beamline staff for details on sample loading & capillary lengths before preparing your sample for complimentary measurements.
Capillary ID size x OD size, Cole-Parmer Part#, Standard Size @ APS Beamlines 0.0320" (0.81 mm) x 0.0340" (0.86 mm), # 95820-06, @ 11-BM, 17-BM 0.0395" (1.00 mm) x 0.0435" (1.10 mm), # 95820-09, @ 11-ID-B, 17-BM 0.0575" (1.46 mm) x 0.0615" (1.56 mm), # 95820-12, @ 11-BM, 11-ID-B
Capillaries: Thin Wall Glass and Fused Quartz
Thin wall glass or fused quartz capillaries are often used in powder diffraction experiments.
These are available from several vendors such as:
- Charles-Supper http://www.charles-supper.com
- Hampton Research http://hamptonresearch.com
Typical both glass ('special' or 'borosilicate') or fused (amorphous) quartz capillaries are available.
As purchased from both vendors above, the tubes are pre-sealed on one end, and have a flared opening on the other end for easy powder loading.
When selecting a capillary material and size, consider your experiment and sample(s).
Glass and quartz are stable over different temperature ranges. Glass adds a lower background to a diffraction pattern and is easier to seal with a flame (you can use Bic style lighter), but fused quartz tubes are stronger, more chemical resistant, and more likely to survive shipping and handling.
On-Site
An assortment of glass or fused quartz capillaries are available at 11-BM for on-site experiments. Check with beamline staff before your experiment to confirm; but materials and dimensions shown in this are typically stocked - File:11BMCapillaryTubing Stock.pdf
Rapid-Access
11-BM rapid access mail-in users may find nested glass/quartz capillaries to protect air sensitive samples, or to lower the sample x-ray absorption
Any additional nested capillary must fit entirely within and be secured inside the supplied Kapton tube.
The beamline does not provide glass or quartz capillaries for mail-in experiments. Purchase them vendors like those mentioned above. If returning samples with nested in glass/quartz capillaries, please leave a note in the package so we be sure to take extra care when handling.
Drill Bits
A #68 wire gauge size Jobber drill bit (diameter = 0.031" = 0.787 mm) can be useful for loading & packing powder inside the standard 11-BM mail-in 0.8 mm Kapton tubes
These small diameter drill bits cost $2 or less, and can easily be purchased online. If you intend to use it frequently, you might consider also purchasing a small pin vise (Starrett makes good ones) to more easily hold the small bit.
Powder Sieves
11-BM has a selection of powder sieves available for use by on-site users.
Small and large agate mortars and pestles are also available for grinding powders.
The available sieve sizes are as follows.
| Sieve # | Mesh (microns) |
|---|---|
| 40 | 425 μm |
| 70 | 212 μm |
| 140 | 106 μm |
| 200 | 75 μm |
| 325 | 45 μm |
Mortar and Pestle
An agate mortar and pestle is an invaluable tool for grinding powder samples. Can you used with dry or wet powders. 11-BM has a selection of mortar and pestles available for use by on-site users at the beamline.
