Deciding whether to keep your polymer chemistry textbook involves weighing its current and future utility against the space it occupies. If your career or studies will continue to align with the field of polymer chemistry, the textbook can serve as a valuable reference. Polymer chemistry is a dynamic and evolving field, and having a solid textbook can provide foundational knowledge and a quick reference for principles, techniques, and terminology. However, if space is a concern or the book is outdated, consider donating it to a library or selling it to another student. Modern resources online or more current publications might offer updated information, but a textbook can offer structured and comprehensive coverage that is sometimes harder to find online.

Mixing reducer into poly ink is generally acceptable and can be beneficial in screen printing processes. Reducers are designed to adjust the viscosity of the ink, improving its flow and making it easier to work with, especially on finer details or through finer mesh screens. It's crucial, however, to use the reducer recommended by the ink manufacturer to ensure compatibility and preserve the ink's properties, such as adhesion, color fastness, and drying time. Over-reducing can lead to issues such as diminished print quality and altered ink durability, so it's important to follow the specific ratios advised by the manufacturer. Always conduct a test print to assess the results before proceeding with a full production run.

A wetting agent for film is a chemical compound used to reduce the surface tension of water, allowing it to spread more evenly across the surface of photographic films during the washing process. This is crucial for preventing water spots and streaks, which can mar the quality of developed photographs. Common wetting agents include Photo-Flo by Kodak and Ilfotol by Ilford. These agents are typically diluted with distilled water and applied in the final rinse stage of film development. The use of a wetting agent is especially recommended for areas with hard water, as it can significantly improve the drying process, ensuring a cleaner, spot-free finish. While effective, it's important to follow the recommended dilution rates and not overuse the product, as excessive use can lead to other issues like increased drying times or film damage.