New methods of track membrane treatment in the preparation of samples for further observation with scanning electron microscopy

Track membranes are porous systems consisting of a polymer foil with thin channels (i.e. pores) piercing it from surface to surface. The creation of non-cylindrical pores in a track membrane is important for the optimization of membrane characteristics, i.e. the highest productivity at the required selectivity. A new method of cleavage preparation (the irradiation of track membrane samples with accelerated electrons) for the observation of channel shapes directly in the membrane cross-sections is presented. Diagrams showing the tensile and burst strengths as a function of the irradiation dose, and images of surfaces and cleavages of track membrane samples are presented in this work. The changes in the pore sizes and shapes along the channel were clearly seen. These results can be used for the optimization of track membrane production.