I tend to use dental stone (I will be happy to supply the brand name
on request) for mounting my specimens prior to mechanical testing.
This material has the advantages that it is hard, cheap (approx 2
pounds per kg) and is only very slightly exothermic (less than 10 C
temperature rise). The stone is mixed with water and sets in 10-15 minutes
- dehydration has not been found to be a problem. At Bristol we use this
potting technique for long-bone testing and also for mounting vertebrae for
spinal motion segment mechanics.
I hope this will help save people mucking about with PMMA etc.
Have fun !
Donal McNally