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Showing results for tags 'chemical treatments'.
Found 2 results
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Hi all! I did an experiment yesterday by putting a pH indicating dye on a strip of maple. I let that dry, and then applied 5% sodium nitrite solution to it, and placed it in the light box. To my surprise, only after a few minutes of light exposure the dye changed from orange to a cool red, indicating the presence of a base. I had always thought that nitrite reaction produces nitric acid, so, I’m very confused as to why this test indicates as alkaline. Anyone have a possible explanation? Also, I’m wondering if this is a good approach to create a pH neutral treatment? I’m not a chemist, but I imagine one could find the proper salts to add, to make sure the dye does not change color through the process.
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Hi, In his book about Strad's violins, Sacconi emphasized the openness of the wood's pores, even after application of the silicate and application of the varnish layers. Am I correct about this? Do you suppose that the opening of the pores was very likely a coincidental or spinoff result when Strad was chasing a quite different craft goal, or set of craft goals? What could it, or they, have been? What sequence of today's chemical tricks might work to open the pores? Something resulting in in-situ Aqua Regia? otter
