I think(?) the warning applies to fact that above that temperature, the
manufacturer will not be responsible for the separation of the constituents
of the formulation, some of which are not particularly miscible (i.e., PEG
(polyethylene glycol) and paraffin).

Fred Monson

Frederick C. Monson, PhD 
Center for Advanced Scientific Imaging(CASI) 
West Chester University of Pennsylvania 
Schmucker Science Center II  
South Church Street                                                    
West Chester, PA, 19383
eMail:  fmonson@wcupa.edu
http://darwin.wcupa.edu/casi/



> ----------
> From: 	Victor Windeyer
> Sent: 	Tuesday, November 13, 2001 12:47 AM
> To: 	histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject: 	Wax Temperature & Processing
> 
> Dear Histonetters,
> 
> A) Does anyone know why the manufacturers of the histological paraffin
> waxes(eg Paraplast) put a warning on the package not to heat the contents 
> above 62C?
> 
> I have heard reports of the following but have not witnessed:
> 
> 1.  Polymers precipitating from the molten paraffin above this temperature
> 
> limit which changes the physical properties (increases melting point,
> makes 
> wax softer and hence blocks are harder to cut... )
> 
> 2.  There might be toxic additives that are released above this
> temperature.(although not specifically addressed in the MSDS).
> 
> Is this correct or are there other reasons?
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> 
> Vic Windeyer
> 
> 
> 
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