Allergen and germ removal systems

Allergen and germ removal systems

                Allergen [: any substance that can cause an allergy or that is capable of stimulating hypersensitivity] i.e. smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOC) from vehicles interior materials and organic odours

Germs [: a micro-organism (infectious agent) especially a pathogen] i.e. bacteria and other bio-pollutants.

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a sterilization method that uses short wavelength ultraviolet (UV) light at to break down microorganisms. The application of UVGI to sterilization has been an accepted practice since the mid-20th century. It has been used primarily in medical sanitation and sterile work facilities. [1]

New Car Smell

Is the common term for the odour that comes from the combination of materials used and out gassing of vinyl plasticisers, and various adhesives (including those used on finished leather) that are found in new automobiles Many health care professionals regard the volatile chemical compounds pose a health risk in such a confined area.

The new-car smell emanates largely from chemicals known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that leach from glues, paints, vinyls and plastics in the passenger compartment. The fumes can trigger headaches, sore throats, nausea and drowsiness. Prolonged exposure to some of the chemicals can lead to cancer, though there's no evidence linking that to concentrations in cars.

Critics liken the problem to so-called sick-building syndrome, which traces some illnesses to similar agents seeping from the walls, carpets and fixtures of new buildings.

The presence of bacteria and mould in vehicle interiors

Dr. Charles P. Gerba and Sheri L. Maxwell set out to test the presence of bacteria and mould in vehicle interiors. There were 100 vehicles involved in the test in the states of Illinois, Arizona, Florida, California and Washington, D.C., to provide a good cross-section of climatic conditions across the country. The following lists some of the results of their testing’s.

Most germs present:

1.      Radio knob

2.      Seat belt

3.      Window opener

4.      Steering wheel

5.      Car seat

Places with most Staphylococcus. aureus (most common form of Staph infections):

1.      Steering wheel

2.      Seat belt

3.      Cup holder

4.      Dash board

5.      Window opener

Most mould spores:

1.      Cup holder

2.      Food spills

3.      Change holder

4.      Dash board

5.      Steering wheel

Cities with the most bacteria in vehicles (from a select sample):

1.      Tucson, AZ

2.      Oakland/Pleasanton, CA

3.      Chicago

4.      Washington, D.C.

5.      Tampa, FL

Odour Neutralizer / Deodorizing

Many odours are caused by micro-organisms such as bacteria, mould, and mildew. First start by cleaning all the interior surfaces; but remember shampooing alone will not eradicate these odours. You eliminate dour-causing organisms with very specialized chemicals.

Look for stains, if there are no stains, use the process of elimination; it is very effective when searching for the source of an odour; floor or seats, mats or carpet? If the vehicle has velour upholstery, a spill can penetrate on contact. If it is vinyl or leather, it will run to the deepest seam. Pay special attention to the headliner and all glass surfaces

Counteractants

Most of these products (i.e. Fabreeze) do not eliminate germs or allergens they merely provide a cover-up scent to mask odours

Cabin Air Filter

We all know the problem. The fans blow in everything that belongs outside; gaseous pollutants like ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, hydrocarbons, as well as dust, soot and pollen all have free access to the vehicle. Cabin filters, on the other hand, clean the incoming airflow before they reach the vehicle's interior, thus guaranteeing healthy fresh air

Cabin air filters first appeared back in the mid-1980s on Audi and other European makes. Today, about 80 percent of all new import and domestic vehicles have a cabin air filter. They absorb up to 100% of all pollen, dust particles and harmful substances. This results in a noticeable improvement in the air quality inside the vehicle. Cabin filters are generally found in one of three locations: under the hood, inside the glove box or under the dashboard.

The filter can trap pollen, dust, smoke and other pollutants that would otherwise enter the vehicle through the outside vents causing allergy and discomfort due to undesirable smells.

The recommended replacement interval for a cabin air filter depends on the type of filter being replaced. (Carbon or paper) and the cabins filter exposure to the environment and mileage driven.

Most vehicle manufacturers do recommend replacing a paper or carbon activated filter once a year or every 10,000 to 12,000 miles to keep the cabin filter working at its highest efficiency. Check vehicle owner’s manual for location

Activated charcoal cabin filters. These filters have an extra layer of activated carbon that reacts with odours and other airborne pollutants to neutralize them before they enter the vehicle. The charcoal activated filters will also reduce the levels of CO2 (carbon monoxide) and NO₂ (oxides of nitrogen) from the emissions of other vehicles on the road.

Bosch Cabin Filters - and charcoal activated filters absorb up to 100% of all pollen, dust particles and harmful substances. Cabin Filter recommended replacement is every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or once a year will keep the cabin filter working at its highest efficiency

A little ‘light’ Cleaning

A new technology developed by University of Tokyo professor Fujishima Akira is attracting a lot of attention. Fujishima uses photo catalysts and irradiation to break down chemicals. In addition to helping make anti-bacterial tile and air-purification devices, other promising applications of this photo catalyst technology continue to come to light.

The Nano Titanium dioxide (Tio₂) photo catalytic decomposition process requires ultra violet (UV-A) radiation exposure to create hydroxyl radicals, which will oxidize oxygen or organic materials directly, thereby sterilizing and deodorizing germs and allergens for long-lasting effects and anti-soiling purposes. Generally speaking, disinfections by titanium oxides are three times stronger than chlorination, and 1.5 times stronger than ozone treatment.

This type of coating transforms any surface into anti-bacterial; anti-fungal; mold free surface, purifying the surrounding air and provides protection from environmental contamination.  

The film will decompose all kinds or micro-organic matters, like bacteria, viruses, mold, formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, ammonia, volatile organic compound (VOC) tough odors etc and have been proven to combat Bird Flu and SARS infections in high risk areas like Hospitals and Medical treatment facilities.

DrivePur

Using the latest in photo catalytic technology DrivePur can quickly and effectively remove pet odors, smoke odors, food odors, germs, bacteria, mold, mildew, stains and other contaminants from the interior. Symptom that occurs from prolonged exposure to microbes that grow in automobile interiors, the presence of the microbes causes similar reactions as sick building syndrome. Some of the examples of odour molecules are: tobacco odor, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, urine odor, gasoline, and many other hydrocarbon molecules in the atmosphere.

DrivePur is a three step process:

·         Changes the chemistry of tar and nicotine as well as working on high pH odours

·         Antibacterial odour neutralizers for low pH odours

·         Tio2 - "The insurance policy the odour will not comeback.

Using specialized spray-coating equipments (Tornador) a fine mist <5 µ of a water-based Ti02 photo catalyst that can be applied on different types of surface material that forms a nano structure of protection and guarantees the maximum result.

DrivePur Protection Systems

1.      Smoke is very effective at eliminating cigarette and all other tobacco odors. It has the ability to penetrate, seek out, and react with the components of tobacco smoke.  It dissolves and converts most into water-soluble molecules without causing damage to fabrics, materials, or hard-surfaces.

2.      Shock is designed to provide thorough cleaning and elimination of Bio-Pollution in vehicle interiors.  It is very effective on vehicle AC systems and will assist other DrivePur products in preventing contamination of treated vehicle surfaces

3.      Prevent is a nano formulated photo catalytic surface treatment that turns vehicle interiors into light activated air and surfaces scrubbers.  It helps vehicles eliminate most objectionable organic odors, germs, bacteria and other Bio-Pollutants.

a)       PŪRWorld is a spray application deodorizing product (not a cover-up sent); hydroxyl radicals are among the strongest oxidizing species, even much stronger than chlorine, ozone, and peroxide. They act as very powerful disinfecting agents by oxidizing the cells of microorganisms, causing rupture and leakage of vital composition.

They accelerate the breakdown by destroying the molecular bonds. This will help combine the organic gases to form a single molecule that is not harmful to humans thus enhance the air cleaning efficiency. 

b)      Aquartz - So2Pure (Clean Air), this is not a perfume cover-up type product but an advanced high grade air purification coating based on the latest nano-science technology photo catalyst. In the presence of light, active oxygen is formed and excited on the treated surfaces to destroy all micro-sized air pollutants, including petro fumes, smog, diesel smoke, exhaust gases, industrial smoke, chemical off-gassing or VOCs from car fabric, leather and plastic materials, air toxins, cigarette odours, etc.

c)       Biocide Systems - Chlorine Dioxide (ClO₂) is a potent oxidizer that literally uses oxygen to break up odour molecules. This sort of oxidizing action is found in many chemicals, but ClO₂ is one of the most effective. ClO2 gas is especially good at oxidizing organic odour-causing substances, including Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). It does not mask them like perfumes do, it neutralizes them through oxidation and is very effective

d)      Ozium® air sanitizer - does not cover up the odours associated with pets, cooking and smoking. The original air purifier is a chemical agent that actually eliminates smoke and unpleasant odours and reduces airborne bacteria. It actually cleanses the air through glycolized action. The glycolized formula acts directly on odour causing particles in the air. Ozium is an EPA registered air sanitizer and is safe to use residentially or commercially in homes, rental property, hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, veterinary clinics, restaurants, bars, laundry rooms, cars, mobile homes, offices, and just about anywhere there might be an odour problem.

Application method- spray product onto cleaned surfaces, turn the AC to recirculation mode, spray return air ducts (clean or change cabin air filter) allow to run for approx 5 minutes, allow the deodorizer to permeate the various surfaces for about an hour before using the vehicle.

 Products

1.      Natural environmentally safe products - http://www.glisteningperfectionstore.com/servlet/the-Shop-By-Manufacturer-cln-Lumiere/Categories

Bibliography

1.      Allergic Disease, Allergic Disorders, Allergic Illness – HON Allergy Glossary

2.      Killing Germs and Allergens with Ultraviolet Light

Copyright © 2002-2011, TOGWT® (Established 1980) all rights reserved

Exercises to Minimize or Prevent Pain

 by Jon Miller - Certified Personal Trainer American Council on Exercise (ACE)



Liability


The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate; however we make no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. The writer assumes no responsibility, expressed or implied, due to misuse or misinterpretation of the information or methods used, or for any damage or injury that may occur due to the suggestions and information offered.


Detailer s Age Demographic


16-25: 25%
26-35: 28%
36-45: 20%
46-55: 16%
56 -65: 8%
65 plus: 1.5%


Back Pain


Back pain is a common condition amongst both young and older detailer’s and it’s the largest cause of work-related absence. Back pain can be very uncomfortable, but it is not usually serious. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, but it is more common in people who are between 35 and 55 years of age. In the majority of cases, the cause of back pain can be linked to the way that the bones, muscles and ligaments in the back work together.


[About 25% of Americans are affected by back pain in a given year, and they spend more time at the doctor's office for back pain than for any other medical condition except high blood pressure and diabetes. Instead of jumping for pills or surgery, people with chronic back pain should first seek out a thorough functional assessment from a qualified trainer with experience in sports medicine.] 2


When bones in your back get out of alignment, it irritates the nerves, which then creates problems with the muscles, tendons, etc. Back pain is most common among people who are out of shape or overweight; especially weekend detailer’s who engage in vigorous activity after sitting around all week. And as you might guess, obesity stresses the back.


The American College of Physicians and American Pain Society guidelines for treatment of lower back pain recommend that patients and doctors consider spinal manipulation, either by a chiropractor or a massage therapist for patients with back pain.


The structure of the back


The back is a complex structure consisting of-


• 24 small bones (vertebrae) that support the weight of your upper body and form a protective canal for the spinal cord.


• Shock-absorbing discs (intervertebral fibro cartilage) that cushion the bones and allow the spine to bend.


• Ligaments that hold the vertebrae and discs together.


• Tendons to connect muscles to vertebrae.


• A spinal cord, which carries nerve signals from the brain to the rest of the body.


• Nerves.


• Muscles.


The lower part of your back is known as the lumbar region, which is made up of five vertebrae (L1 – L5) the lumbar supports the entire weight of your upper body (plus any extra weight that you are carrying), and it is under constant pressure, particularly when you are bending, twisting and lifting.

Lower back pain


Lower back pain, also known as lumbago, affects seven out of 10 people at some time in their lives. Lower back pain is a pain or ache on your back, in between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your legs. Lower back pain can come on suddenly or gradually, and is sometimes the direct result of a fall or injury. The complex structure of your lower back means that even small amounts of damage to any part of the lumbar region can cause a lot of pain and discomfort.


Pain in your lower back is usually a symptom of stress or damage to your ligaments, muscles, tendons or discs. In some cases, if a nerve in your back is pinched or irritated, the pain can spread to your buttocks and thighs, this is known as sciatica.

Sciatica is the name given to any sort of pain that is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from the back of your pelvis, through your buttocks, and all the way down both legs, ending at your feet.


When something compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve, it can cause a pain that radiates out from your lower back and travels down your leg to your calf. Sciatic pain can range from being mild to very painful


Although ice and heat (the use of cold and hot compresses) have never been scientifically proven to quickly resolve low back injury, compresses may help reduce pain and inflammation and allow greater mobility for some individuals.


In most cases of back pain your back will heal itself, and staying active and continuing with your usual activities will normally promote healing. Back pain will usually last from a few days to a few weeks. Pain that lasts longer usually clears up after about six weeks. However, in severe and persistent cases of back pain, it is important to seek medical advice so that a correct diagnosis can be reached and appropriate treatment given.


Treatment for back pain will usually depend on the underlying cause of the condition. For example, pain that is caused by some types of arthritis may be treated using specific medicines.


Inversion


There are many causes of back pain, including poor posture, weak back and stomach muscles, and misalignments to name a few. Many of these causes can actually be attributed to one force we must all battle: gravity.


Inversion therapy puts gravity to work for you by placing your body in line with the downward force of gravity. Using your own body weight as a natural form of traction, inversion elongates the spine by increasing the space between the vertebrae, relieving the pressure on discs, ligaments and nerve roots. Less pressure means less back pain.


By hanging upside down on an Inversion Table or inverted hanging frame you reverse the compression on your spine caused by gravity every time you sit, stand or walk. It also reduces back pain and rejuvenates the entire body, helping to relax your back so that the muscles stretch out from being constricted and tightened. Virtually every study ever done has shown a noticeable decrease in pain for the people using it.


[People who have heart disease, high blood pressure, eye diseases (such as glaucoma), or are pregnant are at higher risk for the dangers related to inversion therapy and should consult their doctors about it first. Such people would have to progress very slowly, starting at very light levels of inversion. The first time anyone tries inversion therapy with gravity, they should be sure to have someone standing by, in case assistance is required to get out of the apparatus, or if health problems are experienced] [1]


Exercise Program


Weak muscles lead to back pain; the following exercises are specifically directed toward strengthening the back muscles? Remember, however, to discuss any exercise program with your physician before starting it.


While doing these exercises don't forget to breathe normally throughout the workout routine. Pay close attention to the fact that you don't hold your breath and continue the exercises. Doing so can cause your blood pressure to rise substantially, which goes against the whole idea behind doing these exercises. Also, start with only 5 repetitions in the first couple of weeks. Slowly, you can add more repetitions as the weeks go by


Core strength refers to the muscles of your abs and back, and their ability to support your spine to keep your body stable and balanced. Since detailing involves a lot of twisting and rotating, core strength plays a critical part as a strong core helps work for longer periods with less fatigue. If your typical core workout consists of crunches or sit-ups, you will find that adding exercises for the chest, shoulders, back, hips and gluts will improve your overall strength, cardiovascular exercises will help to improve stamina


Strengthen Your Core


The muscles in you midsection is where your core strength lies. Your abdominal, hips, and lower back aka your core muscles. Three exercises to strengthen your midsection (a good idea if you are re-starting an exercise regime.


1. Side Bridge


Lie on our side with your forearm on the floor under your shoulder to prop you up, and your feet stacked. Contract your midsection and press your forearm against the floor to raise your hips until your body is in a straight line from your angles to your shoulder. Hold this position for 15 – 45 seconds and then repeat on the other side.


2. Plank with Diagonal Arm Lift


Assume a modified sit-up position with your feet shoulder width apart, forearms on the floor. Keeping your torso steady, raise your right arm forward and to the right, so that it points to two o’clock; hold for two seconds, then lower and repeat with your left arm, raising it to ten o’clock; that’s one rep.


3. Single-Leg Lowering


Lie on your back with both legs extended straight up. Keeping your legs straight, lower your left leg until your foot is two or three inches off the floor. Return to the starting position, and then repeat with your right leg; that’s one rep


Strengthen Your Back


a) Back Extension - Prone


1. Lie on your stomach


2. Prop yourself up on your elbows extending your back


3. Start straightening your elbows, further extending your back


4. Continue straightening your elbows until a gentle stretch is felt


5. Hold for 15 seconds


6. Return to the starting position


7. Repeat 10 more times


b) Cat Stretch


1. Get down on the floor on your hands and knees.


2. Push your back up towards the ceiling (like a cat arching it's back)


3. Continue arching until you feel a gentle stretch in your back


4. Hold for 15 seconds


5. Return to the starting position


6. Repeat 10 more times


c) Pelvic Tilt


1. Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor


2. Exhale and press the small of your back against the floor


3. Hold for 15 seconds


4. Return to the starting position


5. Repeat 10 more times


Strengthening and stretching the muscles of your back


d) Wall Slides


1. Stand upright with your back against a wall and feet shoulder width apart


2. Slowly bend your knees, sliding your back down the wall, for a count of five until your knees are bent at a 45 degree angle. (Do not bend too much further than this as it will cause increased strain on your knees)


3. Hold this position for 5 seconds


4. Begin straightening your knees for a count of five, sliding up the wall until you are fully upright with knees straight


5. Repeat the above steps five more times


6. Do these exercises three times per day


e) Prone Leg Raises


1. Lie flat on your stomach


2. Lift one leg off the ground 2 feet into the air


3. Hold for 10 seconds


4. Relax


5. Repeat with opposite leg


6. Repeat the above steps five more times


7. Do these exercises three times per day


f) Supine Leg Raises


1. Lie flat on your back


2. Lift one leg off the ground 2 feet into the air


3. Hold for 10 seconds


4. Relax


5. Repeat with opposite leg


6. Repeat the above steps five more times


7. Do these exercises three times per day


g) Standing Back Stretch


1. Stand upright with feet shoulder length apart


2. Place your hands in the small of your back


3. Bend back slowly, as far as tolerated, while keeping your knees straight


4. Hold this position for 5 seconds


5. Relax


6. Repeat the above steps five more times


7. Do these exercises three times per day


A strong back relies on strong stomach muscles


h) Semi Sit- Ups


1. Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor


2. Raise you head and shoulders only off the floor


3. Hold for 10 seconds


4. Relax, returning head and shoulders to the floor


5. Repeat the above steps five more times


6. Do these exercises three times per day


Lumber Stabilization


Lumbar stabilization exercises are used to help strengthen the trunk and pelvic muscles of those suffering from chronic low back pain. By improving the strength, endurance, and control of these muscles, the muscular imbalances associated with low back pain can be improved.


Technique; the first step in stabilization exercises involves finding the bodies "neutral" position. This is where the low back is placed in its natural curvature posture and it should be a position that minimizes the patient's pain. After this position is found, the patient performs exercises that involve moving the arms and legs off the ground and into the air while holding the spine in the neutral position. The exercises are advanced as the patient improves.


Initially, a physical therapist should be present to guide patients through appropriate and individualized stabilization exercises. As always, consult with a physician before beginning any new exercise routine.

Quadriceps

The quadriceps is the main muscle controlling the knee. For normal knee function it is essential that the quadriceps muscles remain strong and well coordinated. The stability of the knee largely depends on this muscle.


The quadriceps, along with the buttocks, is the main muscles which allow us to go up and down stairs, rise from a chair and walk normally. The quadriceps is the main muscle controlling the knee. For normal knee function it is essential that the quadriceps muscles remain strong and well co-ordinated. The stability of the knee largely depends on this muscle.

Lie with your leg out straight. Tense up the thigh muscles, trying to push to knee down and raise the heel. Hold that for a few seconds. Try not to tense up the buttock muscles; you should be able to see the muscles on the front of the thigh tensing up and the kneecap move

Knee Muscles

Lie on your stomach, keeping your thigh down, bend your knee as far as you easily can. This is more difficult because one of the knee muscles is tighter on your front.

This is just a list of the simplest exercises, for an injury or after a knee replacement. There are many other exercises but they need to be designed to fit with the knee problem concerned, so consult your physical therapist.

OTC Medication


Medications are often used to treat acute and chronic low back pain. Effective pain relief may involve a combination of prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies. Over-the-counter analgesics, including no steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen), are taken orally to reduce stiffness, swelling, and inflammation and to ease mild to moderate low back pain.


Patients should always check with a doctor before taking drugs for pain relief. Certain medicines, even those sold over the counter, may conflict with other medications, may cause side effects including drowsiness, or may lead to liver damage.


Information


1. WebMD - http://www.webmd.com
2. Relieve Back Pain With Core Strength Training- By Gina Shaw and Michael W. Smith, MD
3. ACE Kick-Start Workout - http://www.acefitness.org/article/2850


Detailing Articles


This is one of is one of a series of unbiased and informative, knowledge based, subject specific articles, which are dedicated to the automotive detailing enthusiast or professional detailer in search of development and further education All original material is copyright, unless otherwise stated (1) it may be copied and distributed for non-commercial purposes only provided that you retain all copyright and other proprietary notices contained in the original material,


(2) the information is copied in full with no changes unless prior written agreement is obtained from TOGWT™, and a reference to © TOGWT ™ is included, any unauthorized use of these materials may violate copyright laws and/or trademarks.


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Copyright © 2002-2010, TOGWT ™ Ltd (Established 1980) all rights reserved

Radiation Damage and Ultra Violet (UV) Protection

UV-A infrared radiation resin binder oxidation

UV-B photosynthesis or photo-oxidation (fading)

Radiation Damage

[: electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light, but longer than x-rays, in the range 10 nm to 400 nm, and energies from 3 eV to 124 eV. It is so named because the spectrum consists of electromagnetic waves with frequencies higher than those that humans identify as the colour violet] [1]


Ultra violet light is an electromagnetic wave of radiation that can penetrate and damage sensitive materials; it is also known to contribute to the chemical modification of exposed paint surfaces resulting in loss of gloss, colour change, chalking, flaking and eventually destruction of the clear coat paint film by oxidation.

Ultra violet protection is a sacrificial / renewable component; this is due to the UV protection layer (stabilizers) being degraded by exposure to the elements (sun, sand, road or sea salt, and etc) it is also water miscible, so it is imperative that you renew it and needs to be re-applied on a regular basis (dependent upon location climatic condition)


There is no such thing as a permanent UV stabilizer, it a matter of physics, not chemistry. Ultra violet protection is a sacrificial and necessarily renewable protection. Acrylic polymers and polyurethane polymer are slow to absorb UV light and accordingly somewhat resistant to photo degradation.


Many natural and synthetic materials are attacked by ultra-violet radiation and products made using these materials may crack or disintegrate. This problem is known as ultra violet degradation, and is a common problem in products exposed to sunlight.

1. UV-A radiation dries out the binder system causing structural failure (delamination); it will dry the resin in paint; leading to oxidation. A paint surface will often show cracking as the resin binder dries out the paint draws up on itself forming ‘crow’s feet’. It will also dry out the oils and plasticizers in vinyl and other materials and may lead to structural damage (this is especially relevant to open top convertibles)


2. UV-B radiation exposure leads to gloss and colour instability (photosynthesis or photo-oxidation) and surface fading stains. But before UV light can cause harm, it must first be absorbed. If it is not turned into heat or transferred to a nearby stabilizer molecule called a quencher, it breaks weak chemical bonds. This is the beginning of UV damage. Oxidation really amounts to a weakening of the resins that bind paint, which results in the micro-pores becoming exposed and a larger area of paint becomes oxidized. The paint top surface loses its reflective ability and becomes ‘chalky ‘and it delaminates from the substrate; this is a sign that the structural integrity (mechanical strength) of the paints matrix has become compromised.


Some materials absorb UV radiation more readily than other materials. Materials that readily absorb (UV-B) radiation are quickly damaged; rubber, vinyl, gel coat fiberglass, and many other plastics.

Ultra violet radiation (UV-A) oxidation  

Ultra Violet (UV) Protection

Many natural and synthetic materials are attacked by ultra-violet radiation and products made using these materials may crack or disintegrate. This problem is known as ultra violet (UV-B) degradation, and is a common problem in products exposed to sunlight.


Some waxes and polymer sealants have ultra violet (UV-B) protection agents added when they are formulated, but be cognizant that the protection a microscopically thin layer can provide is limited. This renewable barrier is probably less than 0.1 µ (4 Mils) thick. The primary paint surface protection against UV light is the clear coat; which protects the colour coat from fading by adding anti-UV-B chemicals to the polymer when mixing the clear coat ingredients.


The rate of environmental exposure that negatively effects (clear coat) paint varies widely with ambient conditions (Ultra violet (UV-B) radiation, Environmental Fall-out, paint protection used, etc) but an approximation of 0.005Mil (0.13µ) per annum is about average. A protective coating i.e. a polymer sealants, wax, etc, being renewable are meant to be sacrificial (it is subjected to oxidation, thereby by saving the clear coat)


It's better to have dust, road tar, tree sap, bug and bird excrement stuck to wax than your paint, wax also provides a limited paint (sacrificial) protection against acid (i.e. acid rain, environmental fallout and bird excrement. It is of paramount importance that once a sacrificial protection is attacked by an acid it be removed immediately and then replaced with a fresh coating


An applied paint protection product is the barrier that provides protection for automotive paintwork besides the clear coat paint. Clear coat paint (polyurethane) provides the colour and base coats with protection, and usually has UV protection added in the final coating; this tends to migrate towards the upper level of the clear coat (this is why it’s important to check how much of the paint surface you are removing with an abrasive polish). It should be noted that Carnauba wax does not contain a natural ultra violet radiation protection


Be cognizant that there are no polymers, nanotechnology coatings or waxes that are ultra violet radiation -proof; they will only offer short-time resistance. The most pertinent factor is to have a layer of (sacrificial) protection between the sun’s rays and your paint surface.

 Two important points-


a. UV protection is a sacrificial / renewable component; this is due to the UV protection layer being degraded by exposure to the elements (sun, sand, road or sea salt, and etc) so it is imperative that you renew it or your surfaces will degrade.


b. UV stabilizers have to be periodically renewed or replenished if continuing protection is to be achieved, there is no such thing as a permanent UV stabilizer, it a matter of physics, not chemistry.


 

Copyright © 2002-2010, TOGWT ™ Ltd (Established 1980) all rights reserved

Information resource

1. Wikipedia Dictionary
2. Encyclopaedia Britannica Eleventh Edition
3. Automotive Detailing Inside & Out; a Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist, by Jon Miller
4. TOGWT® Series of Detailing Articles, by Jon Miller


Reference resource

1. Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory- Colorado State University
2. Remote Sensing and Environmental Optics - University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
3. Sunbrella™ Information
4. The Vinyl Institute Information
5. Wikipedia Dictionary
6. Encyclopaedia Britannica Eleventh Edition
7. The Vinyl Institute Information
8. The Royal Society of Chemistry; Cambridge, 1995 Silicon-Containing Polymers Richard, G. Jones
9. Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Library & Information Centre
10. Glossary of Chemical Terms - Faculty of Chemical Technology
11. SpecialChem4 Polymers
12. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics
13. National Polymer Laboratories Newsletter / Bulletins

Material data sheets (MSDS) Information

Why a chemical analysis of a product from the information on an MSDS isn’t viable



An MSDS is a fact sheet developed by manufacturers and is required to state the chemical's risks, safety and impact on the environment and describes how to respond effectively to exposure situations. by describing the hazardous chemical properties of a product. Includes names of substances in the chemical that might be dangerous, and safe exposure limits such as Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), set by OSHA or the Threshold Limit Value (TLV).

The target audience for information in a MSDS is the occupation worker who may be exposed to the listed chemicals for prolonged periods. This information is also required for the safe storage, handling and spill protection procedures and safe disposal of the material.


Be cognizant that it is only hazardous chemicals that need to be listed; there are many other chemicals and perhaps even buffering agents or neutralizers that are non-hazardous and therefore are not required to be included.


How to Read a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) http://www.ringling.edu/fileadmin/content/ehs/pdf/Reading_Material_Safety_Data_Sheets.pdf


Definitions of Terms Used in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) - http://www.ehso.com/msdsdefs.php

Copyright © 2002-2011, TOGWT ™ Ltd (Established 1980) all rights reserved

Oil and oil-based leather products

The interior environment of an automobile can be extremely demanding on any material used. Temperatures range from hot dry summer days, to freezing nights. Both high and low humidity, even air conditioning that cools, but also dries. Leather's greatest enemies are; sun, heat, body oils, perspiration (that contains urea as well as organic salts and acids) and ultra violet radiation (UVR), which dries the hide, fades the colour by bleaching, and can cause the leather to fail by drying out the fibres causing the urethane and / or the hide to crack.



The most fundamental question to be answered before you clean or care for leather is to establish the type of leather finish used in the vehicle as the methodologies are very specific for each type


Always remember you are dealing with the finished coating on the leather and not with the leather hide itself


Automotive leather upholstery is a multi-strata urethane coating; consisting of the actual hide, colour pigmentation and the surface finish. An acrylic and polyurethane resin binder system is used to improve flexibility, fastness and adhesion to the leather, then two or three water-based pigmented base coat applications a clear water-based top coat is then applied as the final stage of the finishing process. Urethane has micro-pores that allow evaporation and hydration (the passage of water vapour) they are not sealed per se as some liquids penetrate it easily; others stay on top dependent upon their molecule size.


The urethane (Ethyl carbamate) used for protecting automobile upholstery is classified as a semi-solid permeable membrane, being a thermosetting polymer (elastomers) it remains flexible while retaining its tensile strength, to enable it to expand and contract, following the temperature fluctuations (elasticity) of the substrate.


The urethane although very resilient to abrasion wear from entering and exiting the vehicle, still maintains its physical properties like flexibility, tactile hand and its patina


A urethanes fibre structure will stretch in all directions with no particular grain or stress pattern. The urethane surface coating will not withstand multi directional stress, however, and when it’s flexed or stretched continuously in the same place the surface coating develops minute cracks. It also has micro-pores that allow evaporation and hydration (the passage of water vapour through a membrane or pore) they are not sealed per se as some liquids penetrate it easily; others stay on top dependent upon their molecule size.


Leather's greatest enemies are; sun, heat, body oils, perspiration (that contains urea as well as organic salts and acids) and ultra violet radiation (UVR), which dries the hide, fades the colour by bleaching, and can cause the leather to fail by drying out the fibres causing the urethane and / or the hide to crack.


Since body dirt and oil are a big stain factor in leather, be cognizant of bare skin when you are in your vehicle. If you use suntan oil or spray tan lotion, be sure to use a towel when you get back in your vehicle so that the oil does not get onto your leather. You can also use a towel when leaving the gym as body oils/ perspiration contain organic acids that will stain.


Water-based products are able to permeate deep into the hide, unlike oil, as water molecules are smaller than the molecules of urethane, which enables water-based products to permeate and provide hydration, which is essential for suppleness recovery.


Leather is very dynamic with respect to its moisture content; the leather hides needs to be kept supple. The purpose of rehydration is to restore moisture lost through evaporation, so whatever the surface finish, it has to allow the movement of moisture back and forth (evaporation and hydration). The liquoring (fats and oils) that are put into the leather during the tanning process do not dry out of the leather so therefore do not need replacing.


A water-based product accomplishes this with an emulsion of micro droplets of oil (for surface lubrication) and water that permeate the leather finish and / or the polyurethane as the emulsions molecular structure is smaller than the molecules of the finished leather or the polyurethane covering.


Particulate size - you can tell how small the emulsion droplets are and in some cases how concentrated an emulsion is by its colour. Opaque white emulsions typically have a large particle size, while faintly opaque or pearlescent emulsions typically have a small particle size approaching 1µ or less.


Water - unlike other organic or hydrocarbon-based solvents, is non-flammable, odourless, non-toxic and non-sensitizing to the skin and it doesn’t impart a greasy or tacky feel to the surface of the leather


Beeswax (or any other organic or inorganic wax), even the so-called Banana Oil (it is impossible to get any oil derived from a banana, its real name; Isoamyl acetate is a chemical additive) Mink Oil, Neat’s-foot, Lanolin (Latin lāna, "wool", and oleum, "oil"), Mink Oil, Silicone oil, Tea Tree Oil and oil based conditioners. These are all damaging to urethane coated leather, as they block the movement of moisture back and forth (evaporation and hydration) regardless of what they say on the products label.


Simple chemistry; urethane is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture. However a cross-linked polymer is damaged by oils which cannot penetrate the leather finish due to its particle size, which is larger than that of water (and no heat does not expand the micro pores of a urethane) oils attract dust and grime, trapping it on the surface, where it is easily transferred to any material (clothing) it comes in contact with, which along with abrasion from entering and exiting the vehicle helps to further damage the coating.


In summary, an aqueous emulsion is readily absorbed into the fibres and provides lasting and effective lubrication without migration, while re-hydration leaves leather feeling silky soft and pliable. Modern automotive leather upholstery use a completely different tanning processes and finishing system, utilizing advanced polymers and chemicals and as a consequence they do not need to be treated with aftercare products containing oils.


Oil vs. Water


• A water-based product accomplishes this with an emulsion of micro droplets of oil (for surface lubrication) and water that permeate the leather finish and / or the polyurethane as the emulsions molecular structure is smaller than the molecules of the finished leather or the polyurethane covering.


• Particulate size - you can tell how small the emulsion droplets are and in some cases how concentrated an emulsion is by its colour. Opaque white emulsions typically have a large particle size, while faintly opaque or pearlescent emulsions typically have a small particle size approaching 1µ or less.


Water unlike other organic or hydrocarbon-based solvents, is non-flammable, odourless, non-toxic and non-sensitizing to the skin and it doesn’t impart a greasy or tacky feel to the surface of the leather.


If oil is allowed to permeate any micro fissures or the stitching in the urethane it will delaminate from the hide releasing its adhesive bond, and it will be able to move in a different direction from the hide, which will result in surface fissures and cracking , further compounding the problem resulting in the need to replace the protective coating


In summary, an aqueous emulsion is readily absorbed into the fibres and provides lasting and effective lubrication without migration, while re-hydration leaves leather feeling silky soft and pliable.

Copyright © 2002-2010, TOGWT ™ Ltd (Established 1980) all rights reserved