Table 7.11. Directions For Preparing The Tissue-Equivalent Materials Described In Tables 7.9 and 7.10 (Hartsgrove and Kraszewski, 1984)
Weigh all ingredients accurately.
Heat water to 40°C.
Add salt and bacteriacide while stirring.
Add aluminum powder, sugar, or polyethylene powder (PEP).*
Continue to stir and add hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC).
Remove from heat.
Continue to stir until mixture thickens.
Let cool to room temperature.
When not in use, keep the phantom material in a closed container to prevent water evaporation. If the material does dry out, you can restore the original properties by adding water.
NOTES: 0.1% bacteriacide, such as DOWCIL 75 (Dow Chemical Co.), should be added to all of the formulas shown in the tables. One supplier of HEC is Hercules, Inc., Wilmington, Delaware.
* Add a drop of liquid soap to facilitate mixing the PEP.