Grounding EUDR Forest Geolocation inside FSC Chain of Custody
EUDR compliance requires paper packaging to carry verified forest polygon coordinates through segregated chain of custody, eliminating mass balance credits.
Fiber Microtomy
Cross Sectioning
Precision sectioning instruments cut ultra-thin slices from embedded paper samples to allow microscopic examination of internal sheet architecture and coating layer distribution. This laboratory technique, known as fiber microtomy, yields cross-sectional slices measuring between two and ten micrometers in thickness without distorting delicate internal pore structures. Microscopic observation of these thin slices reveals the spatial distribution of cellulose fibers and mineral pigment coatings across the sheet profile.
Specimen Preparation
Paper and paperboard samples must undergo resin encapsulation before sectioning to stabilize soft cellulose fibers against physical deformation. Technicians immerse specimen strips in low-viscosity epoxy or acrylic resin systems, driving air out under vacuum pressure to ensure total penetration into inter-fiber voids. Polymerization solidifies the embedded block, which is then mounted onto a microtome equipped with a glass or diamond blade.
Precise blade feed mechanisms advance the block in sub-micron increments while a continuous cutting stroke removes clean, unwrinkled sections. Careful preparation prevents structural artifacts such as cell wall collapse or coating layer delamination during sectioning, ensuring that high-resolution light or electron microscopy captures authentic structural arrangements.
Analytical Scope
Examination of sectioned specimens enables direct measurement of individual coating layer thickness, binder migration depth, and z-direction density distribution. Structural defects such as internal voids or poor ply bonding become visible under high magnification. Physical microtomy remains limited when cutting extremely abrasive inorganic fillers that dull diamond blades.