2/22/96

Hello Everyone,
I need to find out what solvent can be used to dissolve polymerized LR White or Lowicryl. I am not sure which resin is the culprit. We have a Reichert-Jung CS auto cryo-substitution unit, whose specimen substitution chamber has become stuck in the substitution container (terminology taken from the owners manual). Since it has been stuck for some time, and I wasn't informed of the resin being used at the time the problem started, I can only limit it to LR White or Lowicryl. A vendor of LR White suggested that 'acrylic paint remover' might be the only hope. What common lab chemicals are in 'acrylic paint remover'. Any other suggestions?

Randy Nessler
rnessler@emiris.iaf.uiowa.edu

I get rid of errant L.R. White with 95% ethanol soaking.
Kate Connolly
Katherine.S.Connolly@Dartmouth.EDU

In response to Randy Nessler's query on solvents for acrylic-type resins, methylene chloride works very well. This solvent can be used to completely solubilize Plexiglas and other acrylic polymers. It is a principal ingredient in commercial paint strippers.

-=W.L. Steffens=-
STEFFENS.B@calc.vet.uga.edu

Hi Randy;
I would suggest using methylene chloride. This works best for our PMMA (acrylic)lens products.

Bob Citron
Bob_Citron@cc.chiron.com

We have the same problem. The trouble with suggesting solvents like MeChloride, Chloroform, or other such things is that the R.-J. cryo-substitution unit is a good-sized piece of floor-occuping equipment, and can't be put in a fume hood. I wouldn't particularly want to be in a lab full of (e.g.) MeChloride fumes; we're exposed to enough toxins and carcinogens as it is.

Any less noxious ideas?

Phil Oshel
oshel@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu

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