[GreenKeys] Retrobright

[Douglas W. Jones]

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