Chemical process of decomposition during early decomposition, while others are degraded during later stages of decomposition. During the early stages of decomposition, soft tissue proteins are broken down. These include proteins that: During later stages of decomposition, more resistant tissue proteins are degraded by the effects of putrefaction. These include: Keratin is a protein which is found in skin, hair, and nails. It is most resistant to the enzymes involved in proteolysis and must be broken down by special keratinolytic microorganisms. This is the reason that hair and nails are commonly found with skeletal remains. In general, proteolysis breaks down proteins into: Continuing proteolysis
Artificial nails polymer with "liquid monomer", usually ethyl methacrylate mixed with some inhibitor, forms a malleable bead. This mixture begins to cure immediately, continuing until completely solid in minutes. Another common material is acrylic gel, which contains photoinitiators that prevent its curing until exposed to either ultraviolet light within a certain wavelength. Some new techniques, too, have been invented, attempting to make obsolete the two outlined above. Dipping, for instance, involves painting nails with special primer and base coats, then repeatedly painting the nail with a clear coat and submerging it in powder. Nail products are available in a variety of colors