Camphene, technically pure
(stabilized with BHT Butylhydroxytoluol)Camphene (2,2-Dimethyl-3-methylen-norbornan) 81,3%
Tricyclene (1,7,7-Trimethyl-2,6-cyclo-norbornan) 13,8%
Camphene belongs to the class of the terpenes. In nature it is a component of ethereal oils in various types of pines, as an optically active bond. In industrial productions it also is an intermediate product for the synthesis of numerous substances, then being racemic.
Tricyclene has very similar characteristics like camphene, but does not have any exocyclical double bond and therefore is more stable. In nature it exists in oils of conifers.
Chemical Characteristics
The camphene molecule has an exocyclical double bond, owning a notable sensitivity against oxidation. The oxidation products are no longer volatile and present themselves as yellowish brown, sticky substances. Especially with this substance, according to its above described physical characteristics excellently applicable, the quality of the used substances is extremely important when producing it. Therefore only those substances may be used which have been stabilized with an antioxidant (with BHT Butylhydroxytoluol). To get a high quality substance, the antioxidant must already be added when producing it.
Physical Characteristics Melting point 43-46°C Boiling point 156-160°C Flash point bei 26°C Fire point 265°C Vapor pressure (20°C) ca. 3,3mbar Vapor pressure (50°C) ca. 21,5mbar Specific gravity at 20°C 0,870g/ccm Viscosity at 50°C 1,6 mPa s
SolubilityI don't know of any solvent evaporating faster than the mixture, leaving a solid camphene film after a short period of drying. Even with gases, like propane or butane, which are an excellent solvent for CCD, canphor obviously forms aceothrope fluid mixtures. They evaporate at room temperature without solidifying. For this reason camphene should be exclusively used as melt.
Camphene dissolves easily in a water-free polar solvent, therefore has no protective effect against it.
Non-polar solvents very high solubility
(saturated, aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons)
Polar Solvents except in water soluble in all usual solvents. Non-soluble water 0,2mg/l
The insolubility in polar solvents like water is of central importance for any application in the field of restoring. It is only through this characteristic that a volatile sealing, or adding of hydrophobic features as a protection against water or other polar solvents, becomes possible. This protection is not reached because of the insolubility of camphene in water alone. The formation of the film and its characteristics are the most critical factors for the production of the film.
Formation of the film and its characteristics
The way menthol forms a film is best compared to wax. In contrast to CCD camphene forms an absolutely homogenous film when solidifying from melt.
Films from a melt
In my experience camphene can only be used from a melt.
Mechanical Characteristics
Very low resistance to pressure, very good elasticity, very low resistance to abrasion.
Density of the Film:
Dense film, offers a very good protection against water, but no protection at all against solvents!
Reversibility:
Evaporates very fast, no need for any additional procedures. Nevertheless it can be fastened by using a hot-air blower when needed.
WARNING
Although camphene is soluble in almost all of the usual solvents, there is no crystallization from a solvent. Therefore usage of the solvent doesn't make any sense at all!
Tips & Tricks
Excellent usage when used as a melt. Heat camphene in a water-bath to a temperature of over 60°C. (47°C would be enough of course, but it doesn't make any sense to work too close to the melting point. The camphene would solidify too fast in the brush, working would be very difficult.) The higher the water-temperature, the better the camphene will flow and penetrate.