Embedding in Plastic

Have you been wanting to preserve a decoration or specimen in plastic, but weren't sure what to use? Here's an email asking a similar question:

Hi Dr. Helmenstine,

I have a flower from a funeral, and I'd like to preserve it in a clear solid block. If I remember, acrylics like lucite and polycarbonate need to be heated around an object to have it form-fitted.

What clear material is out there that starts in a liquid state, and "cure" into a clear hard solid state?

Thanks!

You can use polyester casting resin, which is also known as plastic embedding medium. I found a webpage that describes how to cast the plastic. You can find casting resin at a craft store or online (compare prices) searching under "plastic embedding medium" or "casting resin". Casting resin isn't just for embedding objects. You can use it to make three-dimensional shapes for jewelry, decorations, or containers. It's a fun project that illustrates polymerization. Although you don't have to heat the plastic to cast it, strong fumes are released once the catalyst is added, so this is a project for outdoors, a fume hood, or a well-ventilated area.