[Histonet] Plastic Embedding

[Monfils, Paul]

The only way to polymerize such large blocks without overheating is to polymerize under refrigeration.  The block may take several weeks to polymerize, but a clear, bubble-free block can be produced in this way.  The polymerization process is exothermic, and if the reaction procedes too fast you get into a cycle where the heat produced by the reaction cannot escape fast enough from the block, which makes the reaction go even faster, which produces even more heat, etc.

> ----------
> From: 	histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of Herrick, James L.
> Sent: 	Friday, May 25, 2007 1:35 PM
> To: 	histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: 	[Histonet] Plastic Embedding
> 
> Hello everyone,
> 
> Does anyone have any experience with plastic embedding using Glycol
> Methacrylate (GMA), Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) or other products that
> could be used to embed vertebral specimens large enough that require
> approximately 100 mLs of solution to embed completely. The problem I am
> having using GMA is that the reaction becomes extremely hot and
> polymerizes into a block full of holes and bubbles. I would really
> appreciate any advice, protocols, etc., that you may have. Thanks.
> 
> Jim
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