Dow Epoxy Resin with Triallyl Cyanurate, and Similarly Modified Araldite and Maraglas Mixtures, as Embedding Media for Electron Microscopy

Dow epoxy resin (DER 334), dodecenyl succinic anhydride (DDSA), triallyl cyanurate (TAC) and 2,4,6-tri(dimethylaminomethyl) phenol (DMP-30) makes an embedding mixture which has good infiltration qualities, ease of sectioning and excellent stability on unsupported grids. Sections stained with lead citrate exhibited good image contrast. Modified Araldite and Maraglas mixtures displayed similar qualities. Formulas for the recommended mixtures are: (1) DER 334,48%; DDSA, 40%; TAC, 10%; and DMP-30, 2%-(2) Araldite 502, 68%; DDSA, 19%; TAC, 10%; and DMP-30, 3%-(3) Maraglas 655, 48%; Cardolite NC-513, 40%; TAC, 10%; and DMP-30, 2%; all proportions by volume.