[GreenKeys] Retrobright

[Jon Schlegel]

Doug,

That's pretty cool. Looks like you had to do some major digging to 
uncover everything.  Can't wait to try it on the next resto project.

Regards,
Jon WA3MVM

"Better things for better living (through chemistry)" <G>



At 03:02 PM 3/3/2009 -0600, Douglas W. Jones wrote:
>It seems that some folks who knew chemistry have finally figured
>out the chemistry of ABS turning brownish and then outright brown
>with age.  It seems that it has to do with the bromine in the
>flame retardant that's in the plastic, and furthermore, it's
>possible to reverse the effect.
>
>They've named their chemical solution Retr0brite, basically, a
>solution of hydrogen peroxide, plus tetra acetyl ethylene diamene
>(known as TAED).  The latter is the active ingredient in Oxy-type
>laundry boosters.  The recipe involves a 6 to 12 percent peroxide
>with 1/4 teaspoon per gallon laundry booster added, plus xanthan
>gum added to make a gel so you can brush it onto the surface to be
>treated.
>
>Brush the gunk on on and then expose to UV light for six or so
>hours -- as in, put it out in the sun or use a UV lamp.  In the hot
>sun, things can warp (so one New Mexico user reports).
>
>See -- http://retr0bright.wikispaces.com/
>
>                 Doug Jones
>                 jones at cs.uiowa.edu
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