From identifying polymeric resins to corrosion casting applications

Abstract

Corrosion casting is an important manufacturing technique to replicate anatomical structures. Its execution is often based on the injection of resins that can be polymerized starting at room temperature in the presence of an accelerator, which suits most of the practical requirements. In the present contribution, we highlight the main challenges of the corrosion casting technique, addressing a multidisciplinary research angle connecting the fields of life science, veterinary science, materials science, rheology, and polymer reaction engineering. We pay attention to (commercial) material availability, casting medium selection criteria, specimen preparation, maceration, injection possibilities, cleaning procedures, and detail of replication. We start the discussion from general principles and recommendations to then include major examples for each corrosion casting characteristic addressed.