Dissolving polyethylene
- Thread starter Wonka
- Start date
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Are you trying to strip the cable to take to the scrapyard or are you trying to repurpose it for something else.
Neither. I’m trying to get the cut off piece out of the connector. Without removing any gold.
Theoretically, high molecular weight polyethylene dissolves in hot non-polar solvents at temperatures above 200°C. But in practice... acetone, toluene, benzene, dibutyl phthalate, dichloroethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, kerosene, isopropyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, xylene, hexane, turpentine - does not dissolve
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2021
- Messages
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How about a knife stripping tool? Start it through a jig, then pull it through. A drum/winch if you have a lot of it. No toxic chemicals necessary.
Martijn
Well-known member
What kind of connector? You may be able to cut trough it with bench shears along the length of the pin, releasing it.
Edited to remove autocorrect.
A picture of the RF connectors may help. Some of the higher end connectors can be taken apart easily.
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2021
- Messages
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A little bit of heat softens the plastic. Don't need to combust, just get to a very pliable state.
murugan subramanian
Member
Hydrogen peroxide with sulphuric acid
We do NOT recommend using Piranha solution for anything in refining.
It is exceedingly dangerous.
So STOP with these dangerous advice at once.
There are 3 things we more or less do not tolerate in here.
Hydrofluoric acid (HF)
Wet ashing (Boiling concentrated Sulfuric)
and Piranha solution.
There is absolutely no need for them in refining and all they do, can be solved in safer ways.
Welcome to us by the way.
Here are some thing for your studies.
Make special attention to the Safety section and dealing with waste.
Hokes book needs to be read several times.
We ask our new members to do 3 things.
1. Read C.M. Hokes book on refining jewelers scrap, it gives an easy introduction to the most important chemistry regarding refining.
It is free here on the forum: https://goldrefiningforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=54&t=19798
2. Then read the safety section of the forum: https://goldrefiningforum.com/forums/safety.47/
3. And then read about "Dealing with waste" in the forum: https://goldrefiningforum.com/threads/dealing-with-waste.10539/
Suggested reading:
https://goldrefiningforum.com/forums/the-library.101/
https://goldrefiningforum.com/threads/when-in-doubt-cement-it-out.30236/
https://goldrefiningforum.com/threa...le-read-this-before-you-post-about-ore.33333/
Forum rules is here.
https://goldrefiningforum.com/threads/gold-refining-forum-rules.31182/
Golddigger76
Well-known member
RF connectors that I am working on that came out of aviation communications equipment have a nylon or Teflon insulator around the pin.
The easiest way I have found is to hit a few times with a 4lb hammer.
These connectors are made of brass that has thick gold plating and they break into several pieces after a few hits on each side.
Breaking them into several pieces also helps the AP dissolve the base metals a lot faster.
As far as the pins go I use flush cut shears (plato model 170 sd) to quickly cut the insulator alongside the pin.
If you have the right tools you can do several pounds per hour.
The easiest way I have found is to hit a few times with a 4lb hammer.
These connectors are made of brass that has thick gold plating and they break into several pieces after a few hits on each side.
Breaking them into several pieces also helps the AP dissolve the base metals a lot faster.
As far as the pins go I use flush cut shears (plato model 170 sd) to quickly cut the insulator alongside the pin.
If you have the right tools you can do several pounds per hour.
Ahhh... Mr. Hammer! One of my favorite tools when breaking things down. Primitive, but highly effective.
Dave
One of my favorite tools when breaking things down. Primitive, but highly effective.Dave
murugan subramanian
Member
Thank you for your valuable suggestions...I will follow up this in future
Bang bang Maxwell Silver Hammer came down on his... RF cable... ... Doesn't quite have the same ring to it as the original. ;DAhhh... Mr. Hammer!
Dave
Yes, indeed. The hammer. Probably the most emotionally satisfying tool ever created. Useful, too.Ahhh... Mr. Hammer!
Dave
Time for more coffee.
Golddigger76
Well-known member
Yep, and if all else fails get a bigger hammer. That is how you fit a square peg in a round hole.
