Any materials scientists around who can explain something?

[intrepidity]

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!

[marble falls]

1. Trust me, its the ions.

[intrepidity]

4. So what can I do about it?

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

[marble falls]

6. change the poles on the staic charge. Soft water spray might be the ticket.

[BootinUp]

2. Most likely static electricity. Dry air makes it worse.

[intrepidity]

3. Yeah, but the air here is not dry.

Plus, why doesn't rinsing with water work?

[BootinUp]

7. For abs high gloss parts it is desirable

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]

11. I'll have to check other parts to see if it happens with the other plastics

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.

[BootinUp]

13. Biodegradable plastics are only used

In disposable applications. Never for a durable applications.

[BootinUp]

8. The other thought is to try isopropyl alcohol

And see if it cleans it better.

[intrepidity]

10. Good idea, will try that.

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]

5. Modern mold release agents become sticky over time. Plus, biodegradability has a lot to do with this too.

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]

9. Hmmm this sounds plausible

And would fit with my observations.

So now, how to deal with it easily?

Thanks

[Marcus IM]

12. Elbow grease.

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]

14. Well, this is a vacuum cleaner that I've taken apart

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

[Marcus IM]

15. Gotcha. I tried Armor All, but, it seems to degrade plastic faster.

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]

16. I've tried everything, except

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]

17. Ozone will oxidize rubbers and plastic more quickly.

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.