Forced impregnation for the standard S10 method
Henry RW, Nel PPC:
Summary
Forced impregnation is a reliable method to deposit silicone into the cellular structure of a specimen. It may be done at room temperature or in a deep freezer. At room temperature, impregnation is faster. However, the pot-life of the reaction mixture is relatively short. Impregnation in the cold (around -20°C) is slower, but the pot-life of the reaction mixture is extended indefinitely. Therefore, less polymer is wasted and cost per specimen is reduced. The cost of the S10 polymer is similar to the other types of silicone products available commercially but not suited for plastination. Routinely, the process must not be hurried. Vacuum must be increased slowly and should be monitored via a gauge or Hg column and a manometer. Impregnation is complete when the vacuum has been decreased nearly one atmosphere to a reading of 2-10 mm of absolute pressure and plastination bubbles have ceased.