A comparative experiment in the consolidation of cremated bone

This experiment assessed whether consolidation of cremated remains facilitated cross‐sectioning and grinding, which often are required for microstructural analyses such as the histomorphometric estimation of age and the examination of pathological lesions. Green, bovine femoral diaphyses were cremated at three temperature ranges (346–357°C; 610–755°C; 684–838°C) in an electric furnace and then consolidated with Acryloid B‐72 or Butvar B‐98 using simple brushing and immersion techniques. After consolidation was complete, bone pieces were cross‐sectioned and ground to a thickness of 100–120 μm. Results indicate that specimens treated with Acryloid B‐72 are harder and stronger than Butvar treated and untreated control specimens. Acryloid B‐72 is, therefore, recommended for the consolidation of cremated remains in preparation for microstructural analysis.