Preparing brittle wood samples for SEM

I will do some investigation of archaeological wood samples (dry
condition) by the Scanning Electron Microscope, some of which are
very brittle. The problem mainly is with the cross section. I am
seeking your advice about the best method of preparation (embedding,
etc.) to have good clear image.  NB I don't want the preparation
method to have any impact on the anatomical characteristics of the
sample.

Mahmoud Youssif Mohammed
PhD Research Candidate
CCMC-University of Melbourne
TA, Fayoum University
Mobile: +44 20 61 423 039 052


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 27:3
                 Distributed: Wednesday, June 26, 2013
                        Message Id: cdl-27-3-021
                                  ***