Plastic sinker container was melted

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the melting of a plastic sinker container, which a participant attributes to a potential chemical reaction with a type of artificial bait known as powerbait. Participants explore possible explanations, including the chemical properties of the materials involved and the nature of solvents.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the plastic in the sinker container is a petroleum product and suggests that the artificial bait may contain a compound that dissolves petroleum products, possibly an alcohol.
  • Another participant points out that alcohols are often sold in plastic containers, indicating that the presence of alcohol does not necessarily imply a reaction with the sinker container.
  • A different participant references a chemistry principle that "like dissolves like," suggesting that if the bait has similar chemical properties to the container, it could dissolve it.
  • One participant provides links to resources about solvents and plastics and speculates that the sinker box is likely made of polypropylene. They also mention that the dissolving agent may not be alcohol and inquire about the chemical composition of the powerbait and the sinker box.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the exact cause of the melting, with multiple competing views on the chemical interactions involved. No consensus is reached on the specific substances responsible for the reaction.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, including a lack of specific information about the chemical composition of the powerbait and the materials used in the sinker container. The discussion also does not resolve the exact nature of the chemical reaction.

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Ok,
I was getting ready to go fishing the other day, when i noticed that my plastic sinker container was melted, but i didn't know how. I then noticed a type of artificial bait (powerbait to be exact) seemed to be the culprit. I did not know how this could have happened, being that i didn't think it would have gotten hot, for that would have burnt my fishing vest, so i assume that it was some sort of chemical reaction. Being that I am not exactly the chem expert, i was wondering if i could get an explanation.

Fibonacci
 
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I'm no expert either. Someone correct me if I am wrong here. The plastic in your sinker container is a petroleum product. It is oil based. The artificial bait has a compound that dissolves petroleum products. Something containing alcohol would do this.

Never buy beer in plastic bottles.
 
Alcohols often come in plastic containers. Consider the isopropyl alcohol that is sold in every drug-store.
 
I did a web search on "power bait" and found that it's called a "soft plastic" bait. There's an old rule in chemistry that's usually valid which goes "like dissolves like." If the bait has similar chemical properties to the bait container, and is liquid/mushy, it will probably dissolve the container.
 
Some information on solvents and plastics...
http://www.polyplastics.com/en/support/tech/treat/treat_1.html
http://www.polymerweb.com/cgi-bin/message1/591.html
Your tackle box is most likely polypropylene.
It may not be an alcohol. It could be something else that is dissolving your sinker box. Alcohol was just an example. Does the powerbait say what it is made of? I'm not sure what kind you have and the web doesn't seem to mention their chemical composition. What is your sinker box made of?
 
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