EMS Technical Data Sheets

Styrene Monomer Polyester Resin Embedding

EMS Catalog #14650

Styrene Monomer is very low in viscosity and penetrates rapidly into tissue. It is soluble in ethanol and acetone. However, infiltration and embedding can be done by styrene alone, and there is no need to dilute it with solvents. The specimens are dehydrated in ethanol or acetone and then in styrene-two changes of 30 minutes each is standard.

Mixture 1 (DeLamater et al., 1971)

Monomeric Styrene   10 g
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (UV Initiator)   0.4 g
Dibutyl Phthalate (Plasticizer)   0.15 g

Polymerization can be achieved either by UV light or in an oven at 60°C for 2-3 days in sealed capsules.

Mixture 2 (Kushida, 1982b)

Monomeric Styrene   3 g
n-Butyl methacrylate   7 g
Benzoyl Peroxide (Catalyst)   0.1 g (1%)

Polymerization can be achieved by UV light or in an oven at 60°C for 24 hours in sealed capsules.

Expect blocks to shrink approximately 17% due to the nature of a monomeric styrene.

Product Information

Styrene Monomer Polyester Resin Embedding