Australia's Science Forum

Hi All,

Just wondering if someone knows a chemical that will dissolve plastic but not metal......I'm trying to get the silicon from computer chips without breaking them..........it may not be possible....just wondering.

Thanks
Donna

Hi there Donna
Just an hour ago I was asked if I had anything to clean super-glue off earth magnets.I wasn't certain what to use so I thought I would give Propanone(acetone) a go.It worked perfectly!!!! So you could try Propanone.

Good luck
Mother

Hi Donna,

I have used Chloroform in the passed, for dissolution of certain types of plastics for UV-VIS analysis. But Chloroform has its own set of problems. It is poisonous and expensive - not to mention an anaesthetic, but is affective for this type of job.

I would consider an alternative.. but this works well.....

Cheers,

Robb.....

I thought Chloroform was naughty in schools these days.

K

Hi Smiley,

Chloroform is a Non Reccomended Chemical for schools but it still does not mean that you can't have it.

Hope this clears some doubt.

Robb.....