[crossfill]

Since we need to prepare PMMA in the laboratory, glass cell is need to maintain the shape of our products. When we prepare the glass cell, rubber tubing is used. However, it mentioned that PMMA would dissolve rubber tubing, cellulose film are used to serve as a gasket in the cell.

I would like to know why PMMA dissolve the rubber tubing and how does it happen?

Thanks a lot!!!

[Alpha-Omega]

Assuming this is what you are working with:

Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Bone Cement; Guidance for Industry and FDA

http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ode/guidance/668.html

Do not allow the liquid component to contact rubber or latex gloves. The liquid component
is a powerful lipid solvent. Should contact occur, the gloves may dissolve and tissue
damage may occur. Wearing a second pair of gloves and strict adherence to the mixing
instructions may diminish the possibility of hypersensitivity reactions. The mixed bone
cement should not make contact with the gloved hand until the cement has acquired the
consistency of dough. This usually occurs between one and two minutes after the liquid and
powder components are mixed.