Questions tagged [plastics]
For questions relating to the structures, properties, production methods and potential hazards of polymer materials commonly known as plastics
167
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Organic solvent that won’t attack either PET or butyl rubber?
I am looking for a suitable organic solvent for dissolving dried-on polyurethane adhesive on a substrate of nylon/butyl/polyester. Acetone is ruled out because it attacks polyester (PET) and Toluene ...
12
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1answer
1k views
What causes plastic to become brittle and can it be softened again?
I have some old computer case parts made of ABS plastic. Two decades of storage has embrittled the plastic to the point where they easily crack or shatter with the slightest bend.
What is going on ...
1
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1answer
41 views
Transparent material used in the movie Metropolis
This is probably a rather unusual question for this forum. The review of the movie Metropolis (made in 1926) by Roger Ebert shows what I assume is a still frame from the movie:
The shield looks very ...
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0answers
25 views
Natural preservatives of ink
Would pure compounds like thymol, carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde work as preservatives of fountain pen ink? I'm specifically interested in three properties -
Prevention of growth (mostly fungal) in the ...
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0answers
12 views
Using cooling to temporarily lock in deformation in plastics?
I need to shrink PEEK or solid polyimide tube, $\pu{1mm}$ wall thickness and $\pu{15mm}$ OD over another fragile component. Is it possible to stretch the tube over a mandrel, lock in the deformation ...
2
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1answer
55 views
Making bioplastic at high school level chemistry using PLA/Starch blends
I'm currently working on a high school chemistry essay about biodegradable plastics. I know that there is an easy way to synthesize Thermoplastic Starch (TPS), a starch-based bioplastic using glycerol ...
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0answers
37 views
Absorption spectrum of common plastic polymers
I am looking for data regarding absorption spectrum of common used plastic polymers, in the range of 200- 1.000 nm
Moreover, I am looking for inorganic or organic compounds, which can be mixed ...
5
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2answers
140 views
higher viscosity base oil instead of better lubrication results in worse
UPDATE:
The problematic "symptom" that I try to fix, is the static friction of two sliding plastic parts.
This is about a keyboard key switch that was made during the 80s. The problem/issue ...
0
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1answer
52 views
A useful way to reuse non-recyclable plastics: Turn them to petrochemicals, shall we?
I read here (https://chemistry.stackexchange.com/a/34016/101483) that strongly acidic catalysts can facilitate dimerization of alkene. With catalysts on zeolite to allow only the isooctane (octane ...
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0answers
54 views
Dissolving CNE (cresol novolac epoxy) resin covered computer chips
I intend to destroy (dissolving would be optimal) a few computer chips (NAND memory chips used eg. on SSDs to be precise).
Why? See foot note.
I am not a chemist, so of course I tried to research the ...
1
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1answer
93 views
Oily residue on old toy rubbery tyres
I have some sets made by well-known Danish plastic toy manufacturer from my childhood which I've been reviewing recently. Most of the elements was in a condition I was expecting (some yellowing, a ...
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0answers
31 views
What is the viscous component in viscoelastic materials? [duplicate]
All real solid materials are in certain way viscoelastic, because an ideal fully elastic material doesn't exist as well as a fully viscous solid material. According to rheologic models it is possible ...
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50 views
treating PLA (Polylactic acid) plastic to make it biodegradable
I am using PLA for 3D printing, and I know it does not degrade well in the wild. I would like to know if there is a chemical process I could use to treat it at home.
Specifically, I am looking for a ...
0
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0answers
29 views
Readily available PVC plasticizer
I'm looking for products that can be used as non-toxic PVC plasticizers.
I've used ATBC as a product that I can add to, for example, the inside of a pool toy, which with time absorbs it and becomes ...
1
vote
2answers
63 views
Searching for a fireproof sponge?
(I know this is a bit off topic, but I don't know where else to ask. If you know a better StackExchange site, please tell me)
I'm working on a project, and I want to basically create a "flaming ...
1
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1answer
172 views
The desirable property of plastics [closed]
My teacher once asked me that "one desirable property of plastics is that they can be made into very complicated shapes, Explain how this is done as a reaction"
I never know how to answer ...
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0answers
57 views
Does mercury react with polycarbonate?
Looking around at various material compatibility charts, they seem quite divided on the compatibility of metallic mercury and polycarbonate. Some sources (here, here, or here) indicate that ...
4
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0answers
50 views
"Nivea Sun protect & refresh" melted my tub
I stupidly applied spray sunscreen on my children inside our white, acrylic bathtub and the floor ended up with a white, very sticky residue that rubs off on things, but will not wash away with ...
2
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0answers
34 views
Permanent ink from urethane, 99% IPA, and pigment?
I’m an artist and I started working with recycled plastic bottles as a material recently. I want to paint the plastic and retain its transparency, but acrylic paint won’t stick without priming and ...
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0answers
41 views
Does #4 LDPE Plastic Bottle Leach into Water?
I understand that Water Bottles expire due only to the fact that the plastic can degrade over time and leach into the water making the water's taste not as desirable as the manufacturer might intend.
...
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0answers
31 views
HDPE vs PP for storing pure aldehydes
I know both HDPE and PP have at least some degree of resistance to aldehydes, esters and aliphatic hydrocarbons.
I am concerned however about minute contamination over time of pure samples and so I ...
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1answer
64 views
I want to purposefully dry up (polymerize) an entire bottle of ethyl cyanoacrylate (Super Glue). How to do it?
So, I want to do some tests with the solid form of ethyl cyanoacrylate.
I have a small 20g bottle which was very cheap so I don't mind.
How can I cause the entire contents of the bottle to set and ...
2
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1answer
92 views
Plasticisers and other impurities from polyethylene laboratory bottles?
Does polyethylene (PE), widely used for wash/squirt bottles in labs, contain soluble compounds such as plasticizers that can accumulate in organic solvents (e.g. alcohols, acetone) after prolonged ...
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1answer
30 views
Will toluene vapors damage a mirror made from PETG?
I'm working on a project for work and trying to avoid using an acrylic mirror because I know that doesn't hold up well against toluene, but I'm wondering if a mirror made out of PETG would?
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2answers
2k views
Fumes by Melting Aluminium Soda Cans [closed]
I am planning to melt and cast aluminium from soda cans. I went to quora page that deals with "burning" aluminium can, which can release toxic gases as the cans are coated with plastic inner lining. ...
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1answer
446 views
Is corovin Polypropylene or flat polyester?
I'm wanting to know what material 'corovin' is as described on some duvet covers. Googling it, some places say it is just another name for 'Polypropylene' while other places say it is 'flat polyester'...
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1answer
6k views
What type of plastic (PET, HDPE etc.) is appropriate to store alcohol based hand sanitizer? [closed]
I’ve been tasked with distributing hand sanitizer to public safety staff from a bulk supply in gallon jugs. I need a portable squeeze bottle, but I’m having trouble determining what type of plastic (...
2
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0answers
127 views
At what temperature does a polyester release toxic gases?
I've bought a "Shrinky Dinks" printable sheets and now I'm feeling unsure about using it since I've read that heating polyester materials may be very harmful for health, and the final purpose of this ...
2
votes
2answers
1k views
Would ABS plastic degrade in a dishwasher?
I printed an object with a 3D printer and I used a roll of light green ABS plastic filament.
I would like to use the dishwasher to clean it. The temperature would be kept below 70°C, well below the ...
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3answers
3k views
Acetone-resistant clear plastic
Is there a plastic that's clear, acetone resistant, and ideally sold in sheet stock that's ~1/8" or 1/4" thick? Both acrylic and polycarbonate are out, they turn cloudy on contact with acetone. I ...
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2answers
100 views
What can I use to remove print from hard surfaces?
I have a lot of profile products with the logotype of the company handing them out printed on them. In some situations I don't like to show these logos. However, it is stupid to bin working products ...
1
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1answer
161 views
Does clove oil/eugenol interact with nylon type plastics?
So I am aware that the eugenol in clove oil readily melts #6 type plastic (polystyrene). Polypropylene has a higher resistance, while HDPE type plastics seem to have the highest resistance.
My main ...
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0answers
109 views
PP05 plastic "not dishwasher safe" but does not deform? Leaching chemicals? [closed]
It's plastic shaker cups, they came with instructions saying they are not dishwasher safe but they did not deform in the dishwasher. Does this mean it's probably unsafe to clean them using the ...
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0answers
33 views
Dissolving plastic resin without damaging aluminium surface
I have an aluminium surface covered with some plastic, which I intend to dissolve in order to clean the surface. On the note for the plastic I have applied, it says that it contains the following:
2-...
3
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0answers
677 views
What does it mean "polyester doesn't breathe"?
Often people say buy a cotton shirt because cotton "breathes" but polyester doesn't. (i.e. it makes you hot sweaty).
What is the scientific meaning behind this? How does polyester trap the heat more ...
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0answers
18 views
Plastic bags broken down by soap fumes [closed]
I've searched online, but have not found anyone that has experienced the same.
I have a 20 gallon plastic tub with a lid.
In it keep plastic shopping bags.
Also had a box of detergent in there.
I ...
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2answers
271 views
Why aren't plastic bottles of coca cola full of microplastics?
My understanding is that disposable plastic water bottles should not be reused or used at all after some time, because the bottle will eventually leech microplastics into the water. Since coca cola is ...
0
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1answer
93 views
Is it possible to make micelles to pick up Microplastics from water?
I'd like to know if I could get micelles to pick up microplastics in water. I read that microplastics are sometimes charged, so can we make the lyophobic end to pick up microplastics, so that they can ...
7
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2answers
244 views
Is there a heatformed vinyl-like plastic that is hard as shellac when cold?
I recently started collecting shellac records, and got the idea of releasing my own music on 78rpm shellacs.
But the exact formulas and techniques for making shellac records seems pretty much lost to ...
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0answers
157 views
How to dissolve PLA/PCL/PMMA?
I have a research about electrospun membrane synthesis where I dissolve PLA pellets in chloroform:methanol (3:1) for 3 hours and also PCL pellets in chloroform:methanol (3:1) for 3 hours too. Another ...
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1answer
148 views
Using an oxidizing agent to improve combustion of a fuel [closed]
If I were to add an oxidizing agent like dilute Potassium permanganate (aq) to a potential fuel such as plastics (polystyrene etc), would the combustion of this fuel be more complete ie: less sooty ...
2
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0answers
363 views
what are the cons of converting plastic to fuel
I have been trying to read how to fix plastic problems, there seems to be 3 outstanding solutions
Re-use
Recycle
Decompose to Fuel
Recycling is expensive, requires lots of water and the quality ...
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0answers
65 views
Maximum lifetime of plastic on earth
[EDITED]
If humans disappeared today, and aliens visited in the future, for how long would plastic or other "obviously" non-natural polymers be detectable on the planet, using known or plausible ...
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0answers
24 views
How can I know the composition of a gas pocket entrapped in a plastic sheet? [closed]
I have a 1 mm thick plastic sheet, the plastic is not opaque.
Some gas pockets, I would say some bubbles, are inside the sheet; the size of the bubbles is about 1 mm.
What methods are available to ...
4
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1answer
642 views
What chemical could dissolve low-density polyethylene?
What chemical could dissolve plastic aside from acetone? Preferably, low-cost and environmentally friendly. Any suggestions would be helpful.
I'm targeting for thin plastic (low-density polyethylene)....
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0answers
106 views
Which transparent plastic to use for electrolysis of dilute sulphuric acid
I plan to do an experiment which involves the electrolysis of dilute sulfuric acid (1 M or 1 mol/L). I would like to carry it out in a long transparent plastic container (easier to handle and clean). ...
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1answer
53 views
Would the mixture of Latex Rubber and the Squid's chitin make a biodegradable plastic?
I don't know much of Chemistry but I put the chemical structures of each. Thank you!
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0answers
41 views
What was the process that created a plastic-looking material from the jam leftovers? [closed]
I was making apricot jam using fresh apricots and gelling sugar. All went well except I burnt it. Some of the solid parts sank to the bottom and stuck there. After putting the good stuff in jars, I ...
2
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2answers
44 views
Are any commercial plastics made from biomass/plant matter?
Are any commercial plastics made from plant matter currently. I expect it can be done in a lab but I am wondering about cost competitive tonnage quantities.
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0answers
66 views
What determines 3D printing material compatibility?
3D printing, specifically the type common for consumers FDM or FFF, involves laying down thin (typically 0.1 to 0.2mm) layers of molten plastic. Modern consumer printers can use various filaments: PLA,...
