Naphrax
The mountant of choice for diatoms
Preparation of Diatom Mounts
- Either 22 x 22mm or 19mm circular coverslips are preferred.
- To make a strewn preparation a drop of water containing the cleaned diatoms is placed onto the centre of the coverslip with a fine end pipette. The coverslip needs to be clean and grease free in order for the diatoms to spread evenly.
- The water is allowed to evaporate and room temperature overnight and the coverslip is then heated over a spirit lamp so that the diatoms are incinerated onto the coverslip.
- To mount the preparation, a very small drop of Naphrax is placed centrally on a clean slide. The previously dried and heated coverslip is lowered onto the Naphrax.
- The bottom of the slide is warmed over a spirit lamp until the Naphrax begins to bubble. The slide is then removed from the naked flame and allowed to cool and the bubbles will disappear. It is important that the heating is not continued for too long and the bubbling allowed to become too vigorous.
- This heating process is repeated until very few bubbles are formed. This procedure is necessary to drive off the toluene solvent.
- At the stage when bubbles no longer form, the coverslip should be pressed down with forceps so that the minimum thickness of mountant remains.
- When the slide has cooled the Naphrax will be hard, and excess can be scrapped off with a scalpel blade.
- Naphrax provides a permanent mount but ringing will provide extra protection against drying back.
Naphrax High Resolution Diatom Mountant
Brunel Microscopes Naphrax is a synthetic resin dissolved in toluene. Its surface contact with the frustules of diatoms gives Naphrax the resolution qualities of a mountant with a refractive index of 1.74.
Ringing Table
Manufactured by ourselves and made with a brass turntable, this unit has an exceptional spin speed which is the secret of good slide ringing.
Price £42 + vat
Ringing Cements
We have a range of different coloured cements that can be used separately or over ringed to produce an attractive finish
Price £3 + vat
Naphrax Export Packs
Naphrax contains toluene as a solvent. Toluene cannot under current regulations be sent by air freight. We have produced special export packs containing solid Naphrax and the toluene can be added by the user after delivery.
Dilution Instructions:
- Loosen the cap of the export pack and place the pack in a sealed polythene bag.
- Place the bag in a laboratory oven or a basin of hot water at 60 to 80deg. C and leave for at least an hour.
- When the Naphrax runs freely remove from the oven/waterbath and add the appropriate volume of toluene to the pack (see below). It is helpful to also warm the toluene before adding.
- Screw the pack cap on firmly and return to the oven/waterbath, shaking occasionally until solution is complete.
200ml Export Pack -
15ml Export Pack -
