| MadSci Network: Chemistry |
Pledge and other dusting agents are made in the following manner:
Silicone oil (1-5%) Wax emulsion (wax, water and surfactant) (1-5%) mineral spirits (20%) water (remainder%) fragrance. (0.1% or less, usually lemon)The silicone oil and the wax in the wax emulsion provide the anti-dusting properties. Hydrocarbons are not as prone to static electricity and therefore do not attract dust like other cleaners. The wax is also there to provide a hard base so that the film is more permanent. The silicone oil makes the surface slick and smooth. The mineral spirits act as a solvent that is safe on wood and allows the coating to level (become smooth). The water is to make it cheaper and the fragrance makes it stink.
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