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Methyl Methacrylate Casting & Embedding Kit: For Making Hard, Clear Castings
Methyl Methacrylate Casting & Embedding Kit: For Making Hard, Clear Castings
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Europe - Germany Polysciences Europe GmbH Handelsstr. 3 D-69214 Eppelheim, Germany (49) 6221-765767 FAX (49) 6221-764620 Email: info@polysciences.de
Inhibitor Removal:
As supplied, methyl methacrylate monomer contains a small amount of inhibitor, either hydroquinone (HQ) or methyl ether of hydroquinone (MEHQ) to prevent polymerization during shipment and storage. Inhibited monomer remains liquid and free of polymers for long periods at room temperature and still longer times under refrigeration. Preparation of colorless castings requires freeing the monomer of this inhibitor. It is possible to polymerize monomer containing inhibitor by increasing catalyst concentration, but this can produce a slight yellowish hue in the finished casting especially if it is one half-inch or more in cross-section. Removal of inhibitor can be accomplished in several ways which are equally effective but vary in the complexity of equipment required. Vacuum distillation of the inhibited monomer at 61C/200mm pressure using a capillary air bleed is one method. Washing the monomer with portions of aqueous sodium hydroxide solution until a fresh wash solution is
Should any of our materials fail to perform to our specifications, we will be pleased to provide replacements or return the purchase price. We solicit your inquiries concerning all needs for life sciences work. The information given in this bulletin is to the best of our knowledge accurate, but no warranty is expressed or implied. It is the users responsibility to determine the suitability for his own use of the products described herein, and since conditions of use are beyond our control, we disclaim all liability with respect to the use of any material supplied by us. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as a recommendation to use any product or to practice any process in violation of any law or any government regulation.
Polysciences, Inc.
Active: 28/April/2009
Polymerization Catalyst:
A number of catalysts, either thermal initiators or photoinitiators, can be used for polymerization of methyl methacrylate. The catalyst supplied with this kit, 1,1-Azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile), can induce rapid polymerization of methyl methacrylate by either mechanism. Generally, catalyst concentrations in the range 0.02% to 0.10% on weight of uninhibited monomer are sufficient although the amount of catalyst needed depends on polymerization conditions and the thickness and size of the casting. The catalyst should be added to the monomer at room temperature and totally dissolved by stirring. The resulting solution is filtered to remove insoluble materials. The catalyzed monomer should be used immediately or stored in the dark at 4C or below. Variations on the thermal polymerization method are described in the following sections. Photopolymerization is produced by photoinitiators when exposed to ultraviolet light and has the advantage of occurring even at room temperature or below. This can be an advantage in embedding some sensitive biological specimens. Mold design and composition considerations limit applicability of photopolymerization. In photopolymerization a peak wavelength of a maximum 360nm is desirable. Other thermal initiators such as benzoyl peroxide (Catalog #21446) or lauroyl peroxide or other photoinitiators such as benzoin ethers (Catalog #00425 or #00932) or other azo initiators can also be used as polymerization catalysts in place of 1,1-Azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile).
Should any of our materials fail to perform to our specifications, we will be pleased to provide replacements or return the purchase price. We solicit your inquiries concerning all needs for life sciences work. The information given in this bulletin is to the best of our knowledge accurate, but no warranty is expressed or implied. It is the users responsibility to determine the suitability for his own use of the products described herein, and since conditions of use are beyond our control, we disclaim all liability with respect to the use of any material supplied by us. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as a recommendation to use any product or to practice any process in violation of any law or any government regulation.
Polysciences, Inc.
Active: 28/April/2009
Finishing:
The finished casting of poly(methyl methacrylate) may be cut and sanded with tools similar to those used in working with soft metals.7 The final polish is achieved by sanding the faces of the plastic, first using coarse grit and gradually working down to very fine 600 grit emery paper. After this last sanding, the sample may be buffed on a cloth wheel using ordinary rouge or fine alumina buffing compound.
2.
References: 1. Ind. Med., 14, 292 (1945) 2. J. Ind. Hyg. Toxicol., 23, 343 (1941) 3. J. Soc. Plast. Eng., 6 (4), 3 (1950) 4. J. Lab Clin. Med., 28, 1140 (1944) 5. Stain Technology, 50 (1975) 6. Stain Technology, 38, 213 (1963) 7. Bulletins on working with poly(methyl methacrylate), PL-2, PL-3, PL-9, Rohm and Haas Co., Philadelphia, PA 19105.
Should any of our materials fail to perform to our specifications, we will be pleased to provide replacements or return the purchase price. We solicit your inquiries concerning all needs for life sciences work. The information given in this bulletin is to the best of our knowledge accurate, but no warranty is expressed or implied. It is the users responsibility to determine the suitability for his own use of the products described herein, and since conditions of use are beyond our control, we disclaim all liability with respect to the use of any material supplied by us. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as a recommendation to use any product or to practice any process in violation of any law or any government regulation.
Polysciences, Inc.
Active: 28/April/2009
Ordering Information:
Cat. #
23679
Description
Methyl Methacrylate Casting & Embedding Kit Contains: methyl methacrylate monomer (MMA) poly(methyl methacrylate) powder 1,1-Azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile) catalyst alumina, activated powder MMA monomer
Size
1 kit
3kg 1kg 30g 250g 1 liter 4 x 1 liter 3.8 litre 5 gallons 500g 250g
00834
04553 23678
PMMA beads Alumina, activated powder (for inhibitor removal) Propylene oxide (dehydrating agent) Benzoyl peroxide, 70% (thermal initiator) Benzoin methyl ether (photoinitiator) Benzoin iso-propyl ether (photoinitiator) Inhibitor Removal Column
To Order:
In The U.S. Call: In The U.S. FAX: In Germany Call: In Germany FAX: 1-800-523-2575 215-343-6484 1-800-343-3291 215-343-0214 (49) 6221-765767 (49) 6221-764620
Should any of our materials fail to perform to our specifications, we will be pleased to provide replacements or return the purchase price. We solicit your inquiries concerning all needs for life sciences work. The information given in this bulletin is to the best of our knowledge accurate, but no warranty is expressed or implied. It is the users responsibility to determine the suitability for his own use of the products described herein, and since conditions of use are beyond our control, we disclaim all liability with respect to the use of any material supplied by us. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as a recommendation to use any product or to practice any process in violation of any law or any government regulation.
Polysciences, Inc.
Active: 28/April/2009