Effects of Different Kinds of Embedding Media on the Image Definition of Animal Fibers using Differential Interference Contrast Light Microscopy

In this study, the image definition of animal fibers captured by Axioskop 2 MOT PLUS differential interference contrast (DIC) light microscope using 1-bromonaphthalene, diethylene glycol, n-decyl alcohol, and ethylene glycol monomethyl ether as embedding medium, respectively, is compared with the image definition obtained using paraffin wax, the reference embedding medium. The effects of the four kinds of embedding media on the image definition of camel cashmere, yak cashmere, wool, and cashmere are also analyzed. Results show that topographical feature, scale structure, and pigmentation are better visualized when n-decyl alcohol is used as embedding medium compared to when the other kinds of embedding media are used. This meets the requirement of computer image analysis method for the identification of camel cashmereand yak cashmere fibers. Furthermore, the image definition of wool and cashmere is clearly improved when n-decyl alcohol is used as the embedding medium compared to when paraffin wax is used in the same condition.