Klarinet Archive - Posting 000420.txt from 1995/02

From: "Jeremy D. Krider" <JDKRIDER@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: H2O2: Fountain of Youth?
Date: Fri, 24 Feb 1995 13:46:56 -0500

I thought some scientific evidence would be useful here.

------- Forwarded Message Follows -------

From: "Dr. Carol Ann Miderski" <CMIDERSK@-----.edu>
Organization: Catawba College
To: "Jeremy D. Krider" <JDKRIDER@-----.edu>
Date sent: Fri, 24 Feb 1995 12:48:45 EST5EDT
Subject: Re: H2O2: Fountain of Youth?
Priority: normal

> I have rejuvenated some old reeds by overnight soaking in hydrogen
> peroxide, and I wondered if maybe a briefer but more frequent soaking
> would keep reeds like new for a long time.
>
> My guess is that the hydrogen peroxide dissolves out crud that accumulates
> in the pores of the reed. It should help with the problem of fungus
> growth that some people have, too. A warning for those who want to try
> it: use a fairly fresh bottle. The strength decreases within a few months
> after opening. You should see considerable fizzing around the reed.
>

Peroxide generates highly reactive free radicals (like Cl from
CFC's relative to the ozone layer). These free radicals attack
pretty indiscirminately but the greatest effect is on small organisms
like bacteria and molds and such since a little damage to a very tiny
organism adds up quickly. This is why peroxide is such a good
disinfectant. Peroxide is also a good bleaching agent since it breaks
color molecules into smaller pieces which do not absorb color in
the same way (see: M. Monroe?).

Short soaking should kill any saliva enzymes or bugs (bacteria)
trying to help digest the wood fibers without the peroxide attacking
the wood itself. Long soaking is probably not a problem since most
of the available chemical activity will probably be used up before
any noticable change in the wood accumulates. If you're looking to
do this frequently, a 2-5 minute soak will probably kill all the bugs
and minimize possible damage to the reed. If you're only doing it
now and then, a longer soak is OK.

The chemical reaction for the fizz is primarily

2 H2O2 ---> O2 + 2 H2O

This process would be catalyzed by acids or ions present from the
saliva and such, hence more fizzing on the reed than in the bottle.
The process will occur by itself which is why fresh and adequately
sealed is important. It is very similar to a sealed soda bottle
slowing the release of CO2 from dissolved H2CO3 better than an open
bottle. It is also important to store peroxide in plastic since ions
from metal or glass containers also catalyze the reaction. In a
tightly sealed metal or glass container there is potential for
explosive pressure buildup and since oxygen is flammable it may not
be a pretty sight.

CAM

Jeremy D. Krider
Clarinet/Keyboard
Salisbury Symphony Orchestra
<jdkrider@-----.edu>