Discoloring

Pharmaceutical tablets coated with lactose often develop a brown discoloration. The factors that primarily affect the... 

Normal precautions for chemicals of mild toxicity are appHcable to the safe handling and storage of commercial tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol. Discoloration in storage rarely occurs if the proper precautions are observed prevention of exposure to air wiH prevent autoxidation. The Hst price of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (1997) is 1.15/lb. 

Ben2onitri1e [100-47-0] C H CN, is a colorless Hquid with a characteristic almondlike odor. Its physical properties are Hsted in Table 10. It is miscible with acetone, ben2ene, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethylene chloride, and other common organic solvents but is immiscible with water at ambient temperatures and soluble to ca 1 wt% at 100°C. It distills at atmospheric pressure without decomposition, but slowly discolors in the presence of light. 

Acryhc fibers discolor and decompose rather than melting when heated, but they have very good color and heat stabihty at temperatures less than I20°C. In a study by American Cyanamid (using Federal Test Specification TT-P-I4Ia. Method 425.2) the yeUowness of acryhc fiber was measured as a function of temperature. Compared to a value of 0.0 for a pure white body, the original fiber had a yeUowness index of 0.04—0.10. After 30 minutes of exposure at II5°C the yeUowness increased only slightly to 0.II—0.17. After 6 h at I30°C, however, the yeUowness increased to 0.38—0.41. 

A varnish is often appHed on top of the paint layers. A varnish serves two purposes as a protective coating and also for an optical effect that enriches the colors of the painting. A traditional varnish consists of a natural plant resin dissolved or fused in a Hquid for appHcation to the surface (see Resins, natural). There are two types of varnish resins hard ones, the most important of which is copal, and soft ones, notably dammar and mastic. The hard resins are fossil, and to convert these to a fluid state, they are fused in oil at high temperature. The soft resins dissolve in organic solvents, eg, turpentine. The natural resin varnishes discolor over time and also become less soluble, making removal in case of failure more difficult (see Paint and FINNISH removers). Thus the use of more stable synthetic resins, such as certain methacrylates and cycHc ketone resins, has become quite common, especially in conservation practice. 

Another ak pollutant that can have very serious effects is hydrogen sulfide, which is largely responsible for the tarnishing of silver, but also has played a destmctive role in the discoloration of the natural patinas on ancient bronzes through the formation of copper sulfide. Moreover, a special vulnerabihty is created when two metals are in contact. The electromotive force can result in an accelerated corrosion, eg, in bronzes having kon mounting pins. 

Bronze disease necessitates immediate action to halt the process and remove the cause. For a long time, stabilization was sought by removal of the cuprous chloride by immersing the object in a solution of sodium sesquicarbonate. This process was, however, extremely time-consuming, frequentiy unsuccesshil, and often the cause of unpleasant discolorations of the patina. Objects affected by bronze disease are mostiy treated by immersion in, or surface appHcation of, 1 H-henzotriazole [95-14-7] C H N, a corrosion inhibitor for copper. A localized treatment is the excavation of cuprous chloride from the affected area until bare metal is obtained, followed by appHcation of moist, freshly precipitated silver oxide which serves to stabilize the chloride by formation of silver chloride. Subsequent storage in very dry conditions is generally recommended to prevent recurrence. 

Hydrogen sulfide has traditionally been a problem in the tarnishing of silver and the discoloration of bronze patinas. This gas can be dealt with in the filters of the climate-control system as well as through the use of proper absorbing agents. For example, a paper treated with activated charcoal is fabricated especially for absorbing H2S within a microclimate. 

Decabrom has poor uv stabiUty ia styrenic resias and causes significant discoloration. The use of uv stabilizers can minimize, but not eliminate, this effect. For styrenic apphcations that require uv stabiUty, several other brominated flame retardants are more suitable. In polyolefins, the uv stabiUty of decabrom is more easily improved by the use of stabilizers. 

TetrabromophthalicAnhydride. Tetrabromophthalic anhydride [632-79-1] (TBPA) is widely used as a reactive flame retardant in unsaturated polyesters as weU as the precursor to a number of other fine retardants. Polyesters prepared from this compound have relatively poor photochemical stabiUty and tend to discolor upon exposure to light. This tendency to discolor can be reduced, but not eliminated, by the use of uv stabilizers. 

The salt is packaged ia 45-kg multiwaH bags or fiber dmms of 45, 170, or 181 kg. It is available ia both powdered and granular forms with densities of 1.04 and 1.44 g/cm (65 and 90 lb/fT), respectively. Only the powdered grade is authorized by and registered with the EPA for use ia pesticide formulations, with the further proviso that it must be tinted blue or green, or otherwise discolored. The word poison appears on all labels together with first-aid information. 

Thermal Properties. Modified ETFE copolymer has a broad operating temperature range up to 150°C for continuous exposure (24). Cross-linking by radiation improves the high temperature capabiUty further. However, prolonged exposure to higher temperatures gradually impairs the mechanical properties and results in discoloration. 

The resin must be of highest purity for optimum processing characteristics and properties. Degradation results in discoloration, bubbling, and change in melt flow rate. 

In unalloyed steel containers formamide discolors slowly during shipment and storage. Both copper and brass are also subject to corrosion, particularly in the presence of water. Lead is less readily attacked. Aluminum and stainless steel are resistant to attack by formamide and should be used for shipping and storage containers where the color of the product is important or when metallic impurities must be minimized. Formamide attacks natural mbber but not neoprene. As a result of the solvent action of formamide, most protective paints and finishes are unsatisfactory when in contact with formamide. Therefore, formamide is best shipped in containers made of stainless steel or in dmms made of, or coated with, polyethylene. Formamide supphed by BASF is packed in Lupolen dmms (230 kg) or Lupolen canisters (60 kg) both in continental Europe and overseas. 

Stability. Diesel fuel can undergo unwanted oxidation reactions leading to insoluble gums and also to highly colored by-products. Discoloration is beheved to be caused by oxidation of pyrroles, phenols, and thiophenols to form quiaoid stmctures (75). Eventually, these colored bodies may increase in molecular weight to form insoluble sludge. 

Of the lauryl sulfates, the triethanolamine form has the best water solubiHty. Because of this, it is available from suppHers as a clear solution at an active concentration of 40%. Its main disadvantage is discoloration during storage, ie, yeUow to amber, which limits its use in clear shampoo systems. 

Among nonmetallic materials, glass, chemical stoneware, enameled steel, acid-proof brick, carbon, graphite, and wood are resistant to iodine and its solutions under suitable conditions, but carbon and graphite may be subject to attack. Polytetrafluoroethylene withstands Hquid iodine and its vapor up to 200°C although it discolors. Cloth fabrics made of Saran, a vinyHdene chloride polymer, have lasted for several years when used in the filtration of iodine recovered from oil-weU brines (64). 

Temperature control is important in the handling and storage of isocyanates. Storage at inappropriate temperatures can cause product discoloration, viscosity increases, and dimerization. Handling personnel should consult the technical data sheets for the recommended storage temperature of the specific isocyanate product. 

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