Bio-Plastic
Description
[Aldon Corp., Avon, NY] A registered trademark for a clear blue-green, liquid polyester resin commonly used to form cast plastic molds and mount cross sections. Bio-Plastic® is a blend of polyester and methacrylate monomers in a styrene solvent. A methyl ethyl ketone peroxide catalyst is used to speed curing time. Bio-Plastic® resin cures to produce clear rigid blocks. It is used as a casting resin for biological specimens and as a mounting medium for cross sectional analysis of paint chips. For paint cross sections, polyester resins can infiltrate porous paints and grounds. This can result in a slight discoloration of the sample as well as hinder organic analysis such as staining and infrared microspectroscopy (Derrick et al 1994). The styrene monomer in the polyester resin is a strong solvent that can also dissolve wax and resin layers.
Note: The methyl ethyl ketone peroxide catalyst solution also contains: dimethyl phthalate, 2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentaediol diisobuterate, hexylene glycol, methyl ethyl ketone, water, hydrogen peroxide.
Synonyms and Related Terms
Bioplastic (sp); Polylite®
Risks
- Highly flammable.
- Moderately toxic by inhalation.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Heating to 40-50 C accelerates cure.
| Boiling Point | about 121 C |
|---|
Resources and Citations
- Supplier: Ward's Scientific at https://www.wardsci.com/store/product/8879572/liquid-bio-plastictm
- M.Derrick, L.Souza, T.Kieslich, H.Florsheim, D.Stulik, "Embedding Paint Cross-Section Samples in Polyester Resins: Problems and Solutions" JAIC 33(3), 1994, p. 227-45.
- Richard C. Wolbers, Nanette T. Sterman, Chris Stavroudis, Notes for Workshop on New Methods in the Cleaning of Paintings, J.Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 1990
- MSDS Sheet Comment: at MFA
- Product Information Comment: Bottle labels