Introduction

Holey Formvar-Carbon Double Film TEM Grids consist of a discrete perforated Formvar support film reinforced with a thin carbon coating deposited directly onto the polymer surface. This configuration enhances mechanical durability and electrical conductivity while preserving the open perforations defined by the holey Formvar film.

These grids are widely used in biological transmission electron microscopy (TEM), replica preparation, and applications requiring improved stability compared to single-layer polymer supports.

Structure and Film Configuration

This double-film structure includes:

• A holey Formvar support film containing irregular, randomly distributed perforations
• A thin carbon layer deposited conformally onto the Formvar surface

The carbon coating reinforces the existing polymer regions but does not bridge or fill the perforations. The open areas remain defined by the original holey Formvar structure.

This design maintains partially unsupported imaging regions while strengthening the supported areas.

Functional Advantages

Holey Formvar-Carbon Double Film TEM Grids provide:

• Increased mechanical strength compared to holey Formvar alone
• Reduced specimen charging
• Reinforced polymer regions
• Greater resistance to handling damage

The carbon coating enhances stability without altering the original hole distribution or geometry.

Applications

These grids are commonly used in:

• Biological TEM
• Ultrathin section support
• Replica preparation
• Negative staining
• Moderate beam-intensity imaging
• Specialized materials investigations

For enhanced beam stability, explore our:

• Formvar-Carbon Double Film TEM Grids
• Continuous Carbon Film TEM Grids

For applications requiring perforated support, explore our:

• Holey Carbon Film TEM Grids
• Holey Carbon Film TEM Grids with Continuous Carbon Coating
• Lacey Carbon Film TEM Grids
• Lacey Carbon Film TEM Grids with Continuous Carbon Coating

Available Base Grid Materials

• Copper TEM grids
• Molybdenum TEM grids

Multiple mesh sizes (e.g., 200, 300, 400 mesh) are available to match your imaging requirements. Copper and molybdenum substrates are available as standard. Additional base materials - including tungsten, nickel, titanium, and nylon - are available upon request. Please contact us to discuss custom grid configurations.

Manufacturing and Quality Control