capacitors

[Justa_kid]

alright i just need to know if the capacitor in my wireless mouse is toxic. i squeezed it with pliars and a metalic liquid came out. i didnt touch it and disposed of it quickly. is this liquid dangerous to me and can it become airborn?

[Marqq]

The electrolyte is usually boric acid or sodium borate in aqueous solution, together with various sugars or ethylene glycol which are added to retard evaporation. Getting a suitable balance between chemical stability and low internal electrical resistance is not a simple matter; in fact, the exact compositions of high-performance electrolytes are closely guarded trade secrets. It took many years of painstaking research before reliable devices were developed. The electrolytic solvent has to have high dielectric constant, high dielectric strength, and low resistivity; a solute of ionic conductivity facilitators is mixed within.^[5]

 

Electrolytes may be toxic or corrosive. Working with the electrolyte requires safe working practice and appropriate protective equipment such as gloves and safety glasses. Some very old tantalum electrolytics, often called "Wet-slug", contain corrosive sulfuric acid; however, most of these are no longer in service due to corrosion.

 

There are three major types of water-based electrolytes for aluminium electrolytic capacitors: standard water-based (with 40-70% water), and those containing ethylene glycol or dipropyl ketone (both with less than 25% water). The water content helps lowering the equivalent series resistance, but can make the capacitor prone to generating gas, especially if the electrolyte formulation is faulty; this is a leading cause of capacitor plague, to which the high water content electrolytes are more susceptible. The lower voltage ratings (thinner oxide layer) and lower operating voltage (slower regeneration of oxide layer) are further aggravating factors.^[6]

Source: Wikipedia-Electrolytic capacitor

 

That's all I could find...apparently, there's materials in the solution nowadays to slow dangerous evaporation, but yes, it's likely toxic and corrosive. Not as bad as they used to be, but not terrible. Check your local ordinances for disposing of toxic materials (this isn't the sort of thing your supposed to just toss in the trash, though most do).

Edited July 18, 2011 by Marqq

[Justa_kid]

so the vapors wont likely hurt me? if i dont inhale much

[Marqq]

so the vapors wont likely hurt me? if i dont inhale much

 

I think the warnings imply to keep the area well-ventilated, wear protective goggles, and rubber gloves... I'm sure you hate the idea, but I should probably advise you to seek parental aid in this... If you're seeing vapors (still?) then it's probably mostly whatever's getting dissolved by the acid. I hope you can get it out of the house (like, that it's not the floor or something else nailed down)...

 

I might be overreacting, as these agents are in very small quantity, and the reactions are likely complete...but you gave away your age, so I've got to cover all bases. Just be careful, and use your head, dude, even if that means telling on yourself.

[Justa_kid]

thanks man

 

btw i am 15

[Marqq]

You know, upon rereading, I'm picking up (sorry I'm slow) that you've already inhaled vapors... I'm not a medical professional, and nobody on this site will give you medical advice, because lawyers suck, so call your poison control center immediately and tell them you may have inhaled fumes from a capacitor, most likely containing boric acid or sodium borate and reacting with whatever it was spilled on.

 

 

Sorry...last base has been covered now ...

Edited July 18, 2011 by Marqq