Abstract:
A punch (1100) for use in a sample preparation apparatus configured to prepare a sticky material sample suitable for X-ray analysis comprising an upper surface part (1103) and a lower surface part (1104) having an outer flat ring (1101) and a pressing surface part (1102); wherein at least a portion of the punch is coated with a diamond-like carbon coating configured to reduce the amount of sticky material residue on the punch after preparation of the sticky material sample. Also disclosed are methods for preparing a non-contaminated material sample suitable for X-ray analysis.