Retr0bright

A TRS-80 Color Computer 2 case showing significant yellowing
A TRS-80 after treatment, showing the yellowing largely reversed

Retrobright is a chemical mixture used to remove yellowing from ABS plastic computer and electronics cases, including computers that were manufactured by Commodore and Apple in the 1980s and 1990s, and various video game consoles and cartridges.

Yellowing is caused by both bromine and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Many of the ABS plastics used in consumer electronics devices are typically “brominated”—combined with bromine as a fire retardant—to meet fire safety standards.[1]

There is still some debate over the long-term effectiveness of this technique. Some have discovered the yellowing reappears, and there is discussion of factors that may result in this happening. There are also some concerns that the process weakens the plastic.[2][3][4]

Composition

Retr0bright consists of hydrogen peroxide, a small amount of the "active oxygen" laundry booster TAED as a catalyst, and a UV lamp.

The optimum mixture and conditions for reversing yellowing of plastics:

Xanthan gum or arrowroot can be added to the mixture, creating an easier-to-apply gel.

References

  1. ↑ "Recycling and Recovery of Plastics Containing Brominated Flame Retardants" (PDF). Bromine Science and Environmental Forum. 11 December 2000. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  2. ↑ http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/retrobrite-the-yellow-strikes-back-t6084.html
  3. ↑ http://www.classic-computers.org.nz/blog/2013-01-15-retr0bright-only-temporary.htm
  4. ↑ http://aktuelbevaring.natmus.dk/afrensning-af-plast-med-retrobright.html

External links


This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Friday, April 15, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.