International
Tables for
Crystallography
Volume C
Mathematical, physical and chemical tables
Edited by E. Prince

International Tables for Crystallography (2006). Vol. C. ch. 3.4, p. 164

Table 3.4.1.2 

P. F. Lindleya

a ESRF, Avenue des Martyrs, BP 220, F-38043 Grenoble CEDEX, France

Table 3.4.1.2 | top | pdf |
Single-crystal mounting – adhesives

Adhesive Temperature range (K) Comments
Durofix, Duco cement etc. (celluloid composition dissolved in organic solvent) 93 to 373 Dries rapidly
Shellac dissolved in alcohol < 423 Correct amount of solvent is critical
Fish glue (e.g. Seccotine) < 423 Unsuitable for humid atmospheres
Dental cement 93 to 573 Adheres well to glass or asbestos, but not metals
Epoxy resin (epichlorohydrin, e.g. Araldite) 93 to 373 Permanent fixing, fast (minutes) and slow (hours) available. `Uncured' adhesive, i.e. minus hardener, useful for cryogenic mounting
Vacuum grease (e.g. Apiezon) < 473 Can protect crystal from moisture
Silicone high-vacuum grease < 373 Can protect crystal from moisture
Vaseline   Low temperatures down to liquid helium
Canada balsam < 333 Dilute with xylene
Mixture of wax and resin, ∼1:1 93 to 303
Aluminium < 873 Large crystals set in molten metal, irradiate only protruding part of crystal
Aluminium cement < 1973 Irradiate only protruding part of crystal
These glues tend to pull in setting and may require adjustment during the drying process.
Useful adhesives if the crystal requires grinding to shape after fixing.