Effects of Reduced Pressure on Components of Epoxy (E12) Reaction Mixture

To determine the effects of reduced pressure on the reaction mixture used in epoxy plastination, the components of this process, both individually and in combination, were exposed to a reduced pressure within a vacuum chamber. Production of bubbles within the reaction mixture components occurred at three different points during the experiment. The first generation of bubbles appeared with a slight decrease in pressure and most likely came from air trapped in the mixtures. The second generation of bubbles appeared when the manometer reached 10.3cm of Hg. These bubbles were released from the epoxy polymer (El2). The third generation of bubbles appeared when the manometer reached 1.0cm of Hg. These bubbles were released from the epoxy hardener (El). Release of these components of the epoxy reaction mixture does not affect their ability to cure.