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S.Freud S.Freud is offline
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Default How to fix the goo that occurs on some electronic enclosures?

On Tue, 16 Apr 2019 14:43:18 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

On Tuesday, 16 April 2019 18:56:07 UTC+1, three_jeeps wrote:
I am an EE, not a chemist so I am looking for a solution to this issue.
I have a few electronic devices such as Foscam PTZ network camera and a Targus slide clicker, both of which have this issue. The black case of these devices seems to have suffered a breakdown of the surface of the enclosure that results in a very sticky feel along with the disappearance of some of the lettering on the buttons, case, etc.
They haven't been exposed to a lot of sunlight, temp extremes, chemicals of any sort, etc.

The sticky substance seems to be only on the exposed outside surfaces.
I have tried to remove/stabilize the stickyness with: alcohol (isopropal, ethel, methel), acetone, MEK, mineral spirits, carbon-tet, even tried the dreaded (in my book) WD40. Nothing helped. I know that some of these chemicals might soften certain types of plastics, but I figured what the hell....

Nothing has fixed the problem, and I hate to toss this stuff. Actually I am more interested in what the problem is and a cure for it - if any.
Thanks
John


No solution that we know of. Talc or cornstarch provides a temporary bodge. Several solvents can remove it but it's very slow going. Brake fluid has been recommended as one of the best. Heatshrink sleeving it is another option, or perhaps tape.


NT


We remove cured silicone rubber with overnight
contact with mineral turpentine. The product
swells greatly and can then be rubbed off.

Drench a rag in mineral turpentine, wrap it around
the item, then wrap the whole in polythene film to
retard turpentine evaporation.