Chemical Forums
Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: charliemike73 on May 27, 2008, 09:59:57 AM
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Which chemical solution will dissolve cloth/fabric?
I am rewiring an old chandelier which has the old fabric and tar sheathed wires running through it. These wires pass around many bends making it near impossible to extract the old wire whilst the old tacky sheathing is still there.
I do not want to dissolve the conductive core of the wires, just the covering, the conductive core will pull out easy enough afterwards.
FYI: The chandelier is made of Brass, so the chemical MUST be safe for use on soft metals.
Thank you in advance.
Charlie
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???
Does nobody know, or am I asking for something that is not possible?
There must be something that will dissolve fabrics but not harm metals.
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I am afraid it can be difficult to find something that'll dissolve fabrics. I suppose this is some kind of strong material made of natural fibers? I recall seeing such things in old electrical appliances. If so, these are made of cellulose and I don't think I know any chemoicals that will be able to deal with it in a safe manner.
I suppose better approach will be to look for something that will disslove the tar, or at least make it soft. But the only thing that I can propose is a trial and error - some paint thinners can be good, perhaps naphta. Google dissolving tar.
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Thank you for the insight Borek, I will google as you proposed.
I did google to dissolve fabric, and noted Chlorine Bleach will break down some materials. What would it do to the tar or the brass?
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I doubt it will do anything to tar (well, some changes will probably occur, buyt tar will be still sticky as ell). At the same time I am almost sure it will corrode brass surface to some extent.