Throughout the retro computing group there exists numerous controversy about so-called ‘retrobrighting’, which entails strategies that seeks to reverse the yellowing that many plastics undergo over time. Whereas some are all in on this apply that restores yellow plastics to their earlier white luster, others actively warn in opposition to it after unhealthy experiences, similar to [Tech Tangents] in a latest video.
After a decade of making an attempt out varied retrobrighting strategies, he discovered for instance {that a} Sega Dreamcast shell which he handled with hydrogen peroxide ten years in the past really yellowed quicker than the untreated plastic proper beside it. Equally, using ozone as one other solution to obtain the oxidation of the brominated flame retardants which can be mentioned to underlie the yellowing was additionally tried, with extremely doubtful outcomes.
Whereas streaking after retrobrighting with hydrogen peroxide might be attributed to an uneven utility of the compound, there are various reviews of the remedy damaging the plastics and making it brittle. Contemplating the uneven yellowing of e.g. Tremendous Nintendo consoles, the reason for the yellowing can be not simply photo-oxidation attributable to UV publicity, however appears to be associated to warmth publicity and the precise quantity of flame retardants combined in with the plastic, in addition to doubtlessly basic degradation of the plastic’s polymers.
Pending extra analysis on the subject, using retrobrighting ought to maybe not be banished fully. However contemplating the injury that we could also be doing to doubtlessly historic artifacts, it will behoove us to at the least take a step or two again and think about the urgency of retrobrighting at present as a substitute of sooner or later with a greater understanding of the implications.
