Aluminum-coated membranes are used to identify and characterize micro- and nanoparticles in natural waterways, marine life, and in consumer products such as mineral water and other beverages. Concerns about the possible environmental and toxicological effects of these pollutants are growing and have become a major concern worldwide.
Optimum illumination increases particle contrast
The high particle contrast between the smooth filter surface and the particles in the dark field can be optimally exploited by using the aluminum coating on the polyester membranes. For example, the aluminum coating shows less fluorescence in the infrared spectrum than the gold membranes. As a result, the intensity of the spectra of the particles is amplified and they can thus be better detected, since "overexposure" is prevented.
High stability over a long filtration period
The i3 TrackPor PA membranes are characterized by a particularly smooth and even surface. The polyester membrane (PET) with an aluminum layer of 100/0 nm makes filtration possible for all organic and inorganic particles. The i3 TrackPor PA track-etched filters are stable in the liquid medium over a long filtration period. They provide optimum reflection in Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) microscopy and LDIR microscopy and form a suitable conductive substrate for imaging in the scanning electron microscope (EDX/WDX).
In order to stabilize the aluminum-coated polyester membranes in the filtration and analysis phase the filters can be provided with an aluminum ring: i3 TrackPor PAR.