Tom,

It sounds like you don’t have your components insinc.  You must have enough activator (usually benzoyl peroxide) to react with the initiator (usually nn-dimethyl aniline and polyethylene glycol).  Polymerization requires that the proper chemistry, volume and temperature combination be used.  Perhaps it is too cold for your chemical polymerization reaction to begin with the volume of mix you are using.

Patsy  

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-admin@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-admin@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]On Behalf Of Tom Schaer
Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2003 7:32 AM
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] polymerization problems

 

Dear Histonetters:

 

I am going to try again, realizing that not many have vast experience with embedding large specimen with technovit 9100 yet.  Maybe someone may be able to share some pointers for a non-profit lab?

 

Essentially, we fail to successfully polymerize med fem ovine condyles in approx 100ml jars.  Tried at -15C with no change in solution consistency for a week; then brought it up to -2C still no change over three days.  Jars were "vacuumed" and set in refrigerator / freezer.  I am at the of my rope of troubleshooting.

 

Thanks for any pointers.

 

Tom

------------------------------------------

Thomas P. Schaer, VMD

Assist. Prof. BIOMED, Drexel University
Comparative Orthopaedic Research & Tissue Engineering
Department of Clinical Studies
University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center
382 West Street Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348
tel. 610-444-5800 (x6261 office)
tel. 610-444-5800 (x6131 lab)
fax. 610-925-8100
tpschaer@mail.vet.upenn.edu