Abstract: A method of embedding a sample material in a mounting medium with reduced cycle times and a mounting medium for embedding a sample material. The method includes the steps of: preparing a granular mounting medium by blending a granular resin and a granular filler, placing a sample material and said granular mounting medium in a moulding cavity, followed by the steps of: heating, for a first period of time, said moulding cavity including said granular mounting medium thereby producing a sintering mounting medium, cooling, for a second period of time, said moulding cavity including said mounting medium thereby producing a solid mounting medium embedding said sample material.

Abstract: A thermoplastic mounting medium (25) configured for embedding and subsequently fixating a sample material (10) in a moulding cavity (11) by means of sintering or melting the thermoplastic mounting medium (25) to become a monolithic bulk material at least partially accommodating said sample material (10) The thermoplastic mounting medium (25) includes a mixture of: polymer mixed with organic fibres, and thermally conductive filler having a thermal conductivity of minimum 5 W/(m×K) wherein the thermally conductive filler is mixed homogeneously with the composite material and wherein that the thermally conductive filler represents at least 30% w. of the thermoplastic mounting medium.

Abstract: A method of embedding a sample material in a mounting medium with reduced cycle times and a mounting medium for embedding a sample material. The method includes the steps of: preparing a granular mounting medium by blending a granular resin and a granular filler, placing a sample material and said granular mounting medium in a moulding cavity, followed by the steps of: heating, for a first period of time, said moulding cavity including said granular mounting medium thereby producing a sintering mounting medium, cooling, for a second period of time, said moulding cavity including said mounting medium thereby producing a solid mounting medium embedding said sample material.

Abstract: An abrasive element for grinding samples during supply of liquid lubricant includes a layer of binding agent containing grains of a grinding agent and particles of an organic acid, the organic acid being soluble in the lubricant and the particles thereof having sizes of 5 to 250 &mgr;m.