Microscope Slide Mounting Media
The Cargille Meltmount series consists of optical-quality thermoplastic mounting media, designed for microscope slide mounting and other optical coupling applications.
Meltmount can serve as a modern alternative to traditional mounting media.
| Old Mounting Media |
Meltmount Equivalent |
| Canada Balsam |
Meltmount 1.539 - optically similar to Canada Balsam with a refractive index of 1.539 and an Abbe V dispersion of 45. Is ideal for mounting many biological specimens but without the long drying time of Canada Balsam. |
| Aroclor 5442 |
Meltmount 1.662 - optically similar to Aroclor 5442 with a refractive index of 1.662 and an Abbe V dispersion of 26, but is PCB-free. |
| Naphrax |
Meltmount 1.704 - similar to Naphrax with a refractive index of 1.704 and an Abbe V dispersion of 24. |
Meltmount Mounting Media Info
- Instant - these are thermal mountants and require no "oven time"
- 100% Usable - contain no solvents
- PCB Free
- Soluble - in toluene if needed for special techniques or for clean up
- Reversible - thermally, for particle retrieval or reorientation
- Fluid at 35ºC (95ºF) - a temperature chosen because it makes a permanent mount and protects the majority of specimens from the thermal changes.
- Available in Quick-Stick format for quickly making prepared slides. Quick-Stick can be applied to a slide on a hotplate. As soon as the specimen and cover glass are positioned and the slide is cooled, you have a permanent prepared slide that can be reversed by reheating, if you wish to retrieve a particular particle.
Instructions for Meltmount Use
Meltmount is a Thermal Plastic Material which means its viscosity is inversely dependent on the temperature. Viscosity decreases as the temperature increases and there is no specific melting point. Since it is thermoplastic, it is capable of "cold flow". With time, temperature, and sideways pressure or gravity, the Meltmount, the sample, the slide, and the cover slip can all move free of each other.
Instructions for Storage of Prepared Slides
Follow these instructions for slides that have been prepared with Meltmount.
- Store prepared slides flat, cover slip on top.
- Store prepared slides in the dark.
- Store prepared slides away from dust and fumes.
- Store prepared slides at 15º - 29ºC (60º - 85ºF). Meltmount is meant to be thermally reversible, don't allow this to happen inadvertently by storing or transporting prepared slides above 35ºC (95ºF).
