Dissolving a plastic without dissolving freeze/thaw treated PVA

  • Thread starter zezinz
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Plastic
In summary: Expert SummarizerIn summary, the students are looking for a plastic material to print a blood vessel that can be dissolved without affecting the surrounding PVA. They have found two potential methods of dissolving the plastic and are seeking advice on a suitable material, with polylactic acid (PLA) being a potential option with its low chemical resistance and relatively low melting point. However, further research and consultation with a materials specialist is recommended.
  • #1
zezinz
1
0
Hi there

We are two students that are looking for a specific plastic material for our project.

We need to print the lumen of a blood vessel in a plastic material. We will put this inside a tub of PVA which we will freeze/thaw. We then need to dissolve the plastic material without dissolving the PVA so that we end up with an artificial blood vessel in PVA.

We have found two possible ways to do this. Either dissolving the plastic by sending a fluid, which the plastic has low chemical resistance against, through the blood vessel, or using heat to dissolve the plastic as PVA has a high melting point. From what we can find its >150 degrees.

Do you know any material that might fit this description? or how we can find one?

Regards
Mikkel and Jacob
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2


Dear Mikkel and Jacob,

Thank you for your question and for providing detailed information about your project. It sounds like you have a very interesting and ambitious project in the works.

Based on the information you have provided, I believe a potential material that may fit your requirements is polylactic acid (PLA). PLA is a biodegradable and biocompatible plastic that has low chemical resistance and a relatively low melting point of around 150 degrees Celsius. This makes it suitable for your proposed method of dissolving the plastic through heat or with a fluid.

However, I would recommend conducting further research and potentially consulting with a materials specialist to confirm that PLA is the best option for your specific project and needs. Other factors to consider may include the size and shape of the blood vessel, the compatibility of the material with PVA, and the availability of PLA for 3D printing.

I hope this information helps and wish you all the best with your project.


 

1. How does freeze/thaw treatment affect PVA's ability to dissolve?

Freeze/thaw treatment involves subjecting PVA to multiple cycles of freezing and thawing, which can cause changes in its molecular structure. This can make it more resistant to dissolution in solvents, including water.

2. Can PVA be dissolved without using solvents?

Yes, PVA can be dissolved without using solvents by subjecting it to mechanical or thermal stress. However, this may not be a feasible option for all types of PVA and may require specialized equipment or techniques.

3. What are some alternative methods for dissolving PVA without using solvents?

Some alternative methods for dissolving PVA without using solvents include using enzymes, ultrasonic waves, or high-pressure homogenization. However, these methods may not be as effective or practical as using solvents.

4. Can freeze/thaw treated PVA be dissolved in any solvent?

No, freeze/thaw treatment can make PVA more resistant to dissolution in solvents, but it does not make it completely insoluble. Some solvents, such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or dimethylformamide (DMF), may still be able to dissolve freeze/thaw treated PVA.

5. Are there any potential risks associated with dissolving PVA using solvents?

Yes, there may be potential risks associated with using solvents to dissolve PVA, such as flammability, toxicity, or environmental hazards. It is important to handle solvents safely and dispose of them properly to minimize these risks.

Similar threads

Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • General Discussion
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • General Discussion
2
Replies
59
Views
9K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
5
Views
16K
  • Earth Sciences
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • Aerospace Engineering
Replies
5
Views
7K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top