Plastination is a remarkable technique that has revolutionized the way we preserve biological specimens, including animals. As a supplier of plastinated animals, I often encounter questions from clients regarding the care and maintenance of these unique specimens. One common query is whether plastinated animals need to be protected from sunlight. In this blog post, I will delve into this topic and provide a comprehensive answer based on scientific knowledge and practical experience.
Understanding Plastination
Before we discuss the impact of sunlight on plastinated animals, it is essential to understand the plastination process. Plastination was developed by Dr. Gunther von Hagens in the 1970s. It involves replacing the water and fat in biological tissues with polymers, such as silicone rubber or epoxy resin. This process not only preserves the anatomical structure of the animal but also makes the specimen dry, odorless, and durable.
The plastination process typically consists of several steps: fixation, dehydration, forced impregnation, and hardening. During fixation, the animal's tissues are treated with a fixative, usually formaldehyde, to prevent decomposition. Dehydration involves replacing the water in the tissues with a solvent, such as acetone. In the forced impregnation step, the specimen is placed in a vacuum chamber filled with a polymer solution. The vacuum removes the solvent from the tissues and allows the polymer to penetrate and replace it. Finally, the specimen is hardened by exposing it to heat, light, or a chemical catalyst.
The Effects of Sunlight on Plastinated Animals
Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can have several detrimental effects on plastinated animals. UV radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light. It is divided into three categories: UVA (320-400 nm), UVB (280-320 nm), and UVC (100-280 nm). UVC radiation is absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and does not reach the surface. However, UVA and UVB radiation can penetrate the atmosphere and cause damage to various materials, including plastics and polymers.
One of the primary effects of UV radiation on plastinated animals is discoloration. Over time, exposure to sunlight can cause the polymers in the specimen to yellow or fade. This can significantly affect the appearance of the plastinated animal and reduce its aesthetic value. In addition, UV radiation can also cause the polymers to become brittle and crack. This can weaken the structure of the specimen and make it more prone to damage.
Another potential effect of sunlight on plastinated animals is the degradation of the polymers. UV radiation can break down the chemical bonds in the polymers, causing them to lose their mechanical properties. This can lead to a decrease in the strength and flexibility of the specimen, making it more likely to break or deform. In severe cases, the degradation of the polymers can even cause the specimen to disintegrate.
Protecting Plastinated Animals from Sunlight
Given the potential damage that sunlight can cause to plastinated animals, it is crucial to take steps to protect them. Here are some recommendations for protecting plastinated animals from sunlight:
- Display in a shaded area: Whenever possible, display plastinated animals in a shaded area away from direct sunlight. This can help reduce their exposure to UV radiation and minimize the risk of discoloration and degradation.
- Use UV-blocking glass or film: If you need to display plastinated animals in an area with some sunlight, consider using UV-blocking glass or film on the display case. This can help filter out a significant portion of the UV radiation and protect the specimen.
- Limit exposure time: If you must expose plastinated animals to sunlight for a short period, try to limit the exposure time as much as possible. Avoid leaving the specimens in direct sunlight for extended periods, especially during the peak hours of UV radiation (usually between 10 am and 4 pm).
- Store in a dark place: When not on display, store plastinated animals in a dark place, such as a cabinet or storage room. This can help protect them from sunlight and other environmental factors that can cause damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, plastinated animals do need to be protected from sunlight. UV radiation in sunlight can cause discoloration, degradation, and damage to the polymers in the specimens, reducing their aesthetic value and structural integrity. As a supplier of plastinated animals, I recommend taking appropriate measures to protect these unique specimens from sunlight, such as displaying them in a shaded area, using UV-blocking glass or film, limiting exposure time, and storing them in a dark place.
If you are interested in purchasing plastinated animals for educational, scientific, or decorative purposes, I invite you to explore our wide range of products. We offer a variety of plastinated animals, including Plastination Horse, Plastinated Animals Of Cow, and Plastination Shark. Our specimens are of the highest quality and are carefully prepared using the latest plastination techniques.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to working with you and helping you find the perfect plastinated animals for your needs.
References
- Hagens, G. (1979). Plastination: A new method for the long - term preservation of biological specimens. Anatomischer Anzeiger, 146(1), 11-14.
- Kiernan, J. A. (2000). Histological and histochemical methods: Theory and practice. Butterworth - Heinemann.
- Sies, H., & Purl, H. (2002). Antioxidant defense systems: The role of carotenoids, tocopherols, and thiols. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 76(3), 1070S - 1074S.
