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intrepidity

(7,822 posts)
Fri Feb 23, 2024, 02:09 PM Feb 2024

Any materials scientists around who can explain something?

Plastics--in particular ABS--what's the deal with them holding onto dust/dirt so strongly? Is there some relatively new technology going on which makes certain/many plastics really difficult to clean?

I swear, I can remember a time when just passing a dusty part under running cold water was enough to clean the dust off. Now, I have to physically wipe every square millimeter of a surface with soapy water to release the dust! What is going on? It feels like manufacturers are doing this on purpose, to encourage the disposable lifestyle. Has anyone else noticed this over, say, the past few decades?

And more importantly, what are some tips that I may not have thought of? I have tried countless cleaning products, microfiber cloths, etc. Tried soaking plastic parts in various solutions, and they appear clean--until they dry and then you see the layer of dust remains.

It seems like it's an electrostatic issue. What can I do to remove this dust layer, on parts that often have millions of nooks and crannies?? Even a toothbrush with soap isn't thorough!

Help please? It is driving me bonkers!

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intrepidity

(7,822 posts)
4. So what can I do about it?
Fri Feb 23, 2024, 02:21 PM
Feb 2024

And why do I remember a time when this wasn't an issue? Are these new and improved ions?

BootinUp

(48,769 posts)
7. For abs high gloss parts it is desirable
Fri Feb 23, 2024, 02:26 PM
Feb 2024

To add an anti static additive to the material when the plastic part is made. Alternatively you could get a spray on anti stat at the grocery store if it’s that important. ABS is a terpolymer, three different polymers and is unique in some ways.

intrepidity

(7,822 posts)
11. I'll have to check other parts to see if it happens with the other plastics
Fri Feb 23, 2024, 02:47 PM
Feb 2024

ABS just happened to be the part I was cleaning yesterday.

It just seems that things, generally, are more difficult to get clean these days, and I'm figuring there's something different about the materials. Poster Marcus, below, suggests a possibility.

intrepidity

(7,822 posts)
10. Good idea, will try that.
Fri Feb 23, 2024, 02:42 PM
Feb 2024

Although, that sounds like something I've probably tried along the way.

But will try again on my current project later today, thanks.

 

Marcus IM

(3,001 posts)
5. Modern mold release agents become sticky over time. Plus, biodegradability has a lot to do with this too.
Fri Feb 23, 2024, 02:23 PM
Feb 2024

Old plastics were made to live in landfills for many hundreds of years.
Modern plastics start decaying immediately, so the microscopic smooth surfaces erode.





intrepidity

(7,822 posts)
9. Hmmm this sounds plausible
Fri Feb 23, 2024, 02:38 PM
Feb 2024

And would fit with my observations.

So now, how to deal with it easily?

Thanks

 

Marcus IM

(3,001 posts)
12. Elbow grease.
Fri Feb 23, 2024, 02:51 PM
Feb 2024

I've done all that I can to eliminate plastic from my kitchen/pantry because of the long term toxicity of old plastics, and the short term toxicity of biodegradable plastics.

It's everywhere now. I try to ingest as little as possible.





intrepidity

(7,822 posts)
14. Well, this is a vacuum cleaner that I've taken apart
Fri Feb 23, 2024, 02:56 PM
Feb 2024

So, little risk of ingesting it (little, but not none, lol).

 

Marcus IM

(3,001 posts)
15. Gotcha. I tried Armor All, but, it seems to degrade plastic faster.
Fri Feb 23, 2024, 03:08 PM
Feb 2024

Plastics are oil & silicon based, so I think oils and silicon sprays/surface protectants actually cause more molecular shedding.

Upthread, ions are mentioned ... maybe an anti static cloth or dryer sheets might help.





intrepidity

(7,822 posts)
16. I've tried everything, except
Fri Feb 23, 2024, 06:07 PM
Feb 2024

ozone, and I already spent too much of my life exposed to it. Years ago, when I had a cat with recurrent eye infection issues, once I started running an ozone generator in the house, her issues all resolved. But I'm convinced it's probably not good for long-term brain health (mine, that is). So not going there again.....

 

Marcus IM

(3,001 posts)
17. Ozone will oxidize rubbers and plastic more quickly.
Fri Feb 23, 2024, 06:17 PM
Feb 2024

It's the oxidation/ionization process that also reduces floating dust particles in the air. The dust will fall heavily in the same pattern as the ionized air.

I used to have ozone air cleaners in my dental practice. I noticed that the rubber gaskets & plastic tubing and connectors in the operatories and ancillary areas were cracking and breaking down much faster than usual, so more replacements were in order.

Few other choices for medical products.

Good luck with it.



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