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Author: Subject: Clean burnt/melted plastic off concrete.
Chemgineer
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[*] posted on 9-2-2024 at 12:40
Clean burnt/melted plastic off concrete.


So I have a garden fire to et rid of some stuff, there was evidently some plastic that ended up going on there. When everything was cooled down I've noticed plastic has melted into the concrete.

I've tried scraping, burning with a torch etc. and it's not perfect.

My next idea is to try some nitric acid since this does terrible things to most plastics!

Any other ideas?
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fx-991ex
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[*] posted on 9-2-2024 at 12:52


dissolve with acetone?
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Jenks
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[*] posted on 10-2-2024 at 10:29


Maybe it would burn off cleanly if supplied with a stream of oxygen.
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Chemgineer
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[*] posted on 20-2-2024 at 13:07


So i've had some success, every now and again I have a suck back incident with my nitric acid and I end up with sulfate contamination.

I know I could distil it but since I have my plastic problem i've poured about 200ml of this onto the concrete where is bubbles and reacts with something.

It now seems to have much less integrity and I bet a jet wash will be able to lift it now!

**Failing that I suppose thermite might help! lol

[Edited on 20-2-2024 by Chemgineer]
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Sir_Gawain
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[*] posted on 20-2-2024 at 17:30


The nitric acid is probably reacting with the concrete. If any acid gets under the plastic, it should help loosen it by etching the concrete.



“Alchemy is trying to turn things yellow; chemistry is trying to avoid things turning yellow.” -Tom deP.
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Rainwater
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[*] posted on 20-2-2024 at 17:48


I recommend a steal wire brush attached to a drill. Works for unwanted tattoos amd silver nitrate stains



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averageaussie
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[*] posted on 20-2-2024 at 18:00


Quote: Originally posted by Rainwater  
I recommend a steal wire brush attached to a drill. Works for unwanted tattoos

considering your signature, this is a very concerning statement. care to share the story?
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Rainwater
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[*] posted on 21-2-2024 at 16:09


There was some alcohol and a divorce and a name and an arm. If it works it ant stupid



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averageaussie
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[*] posted on 21-2-2024 at 16:57


Quote: Originally posted by Rainwater  
There was some alcohol and a divorce and a name and an arm. If it works it ant stupid

arm + angle grinder doesn't seem like the smartest idea...

just because it works doesn't mean there aren't better methods, for all the new guys reading this thinking just because something works, there isn't another method that not only works better, but is a LOT safer.

if you are going to do something stupid, do it safely please.
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Rainwater
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[*] posted on 21-2-2024 at 17:08


Quote: Originally posted by averageaussie  
arm + angle grinder doesn't seem like the smartest idea...
thats why i used a drill, you would have to be insane to use a grinder. But all jokes aside, it was perty stupid and resulted in scars and infection. Next time ill use more alcohol



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j_sum1
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[*] posted on 21-2-2024 at 19:01


Quote: Originally posted by Rainwater  
Quote: Originally posted by averageaussie  
arm + angle grinder doesn't seem like the smartest idea...
thats why i used a drill, you would have to be insane to use a grinder. But all jokes aside, it was perty stupid and resulted in scars and infection. Next time ill use more alcohol

I might be wrong, but it sounds like too much alcohol may have contributed to the problem in the first place.
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Chemgineer
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[*] posted on 22-2-2024 at 05:11


The real issue here is the danger of getting married!
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Rainwater
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[*] posted on 22-2-2024 at 17:03


From experience, if you happen to grind off some surface layers of concrete by accident or to remove discoloration, you can easily and cheaply resurface that section by making a "patch". mix an equal volume of portland cement and sand to 1/3 but not more than 1/2 that volume of water. Stir violently until the mix is spreadable. Work time, 10 minutes, set time 90 minutes, walk time 12 hours. For non driveable areas, 1/2 the portland cement is needed



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