Hello, I'm looking for some advice on binder alternatives for preparing either pellets or packed powder samples in a dry glovebox. Please also note if the binder requires preparation (i.e. desiccated prior to use, etc) or if there are other considerations. Thank you, -Paul
Hi Paul, normally I use BN and I leave it in the dry box. I prepare these bags outside the glovebox. I seal them on the sides to place the pellet more easily and seal the open side inside the glovebox. I do not enjoy the glovebox time, so I prefer to prepare all I can outside and minimize the time working there. Best regards. [image: 81f89be0-980e-4247-92dc-2bdc07d970ba.jpg] On Thu, Feb 27, 2025 at 10:57 AM Paul Aronstein via Ifeffit < ifeffit@millenia.cars.aps.anl.gov> wrote:
Hi Paul, I use BN as diluting medium for pellet preparation, too (150-200 mg BN for 13 mm diameter pellets), also for air sensitive samples. It should not absorb much water and you can dry it under vacuum, if you want to be sure that it is totally anhydrous. As air-tight, low X-ray-attenuating bag, I use pouch foil (for coffee-bag battery test cells, the foil with the thinnest Al layer). You can seal the pouch foil under low vacuum also to monitor where you pellet is. It should be virtually air tight for weeks (it depends on how thick the sealing margin is, air slowly permeates through the sealing plastic: the thickest, the slowest the permeation. Best regards, Michele
Hi Michele, Thank you, this is helpful. I've had a hard time making pellets with desicated BN, are there other materials you suggest when moisture is a concern? Best, -Paul On Fri, Feb 28, 2025 at 1:50 AM Michele Piana via Ifeffit < ifeffit@millenia.cars.aps.anl.gov> wrote:
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michele.piana＠tum.de -
Otal Eugenio -
Paul Aronstein