Consider taking a metal tray and putting a steam coil underneath. Limit the steam pressure to a temperature below the flash point. Put it in the hood or a ventilated enclosure and it is inherently safe.

Hi everyone,

I have a question from one of our researchers here at Cornell. Here’s the background:

“The process involves synthesizing and curing a novel polymer, PDMS based PU, onto plastic “coupons” which will have DFM evaporating off.

The cure process is intended to have the polymer form onto the surface of the coupons in a thin coat and make the surface non-binding.”

Our question is how to do this safely? DMF has a flash point of 58=B0C and a vapor density of 2.52.

A known method for this curing process is to place the plastic coupons into a flammable oven that is under vacuum and flushed with nitrogen.

Can anyone suggest another method that doesn’t involve the use of an oven like this? The group would have to purchase one to the tune of $50,000!

Thanks, Ellen

Ellen Sweet

Laboratory Ventilation Specialist

Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Cornell University

American Chemical Society, Division of Chemical Health and Safety

315-730-8896

--- For more information about the DCHAS-L e-mail list, contact the Divisional membership chair at membership**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org Follow us on Twitter **At_Symbol_Here**acsdchas