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Amber is a natural polymer made over many millions of years from the resin of prehistoric pine trees. It is unique and beautiful and can be quite expensive when the pieces are exquisite, or contain rare organic inclusions – insects or plants, which are extinct for a long, long time. Amber gives an aromatic odor when burned, unlike plastic imitations. Chemically, amber consists of several resinous compounds which are soluble in alcohol, ether or chloroform. Baltic amber contains about 8% succinic acid; it is also termed succinct [2]. Pulsed power discharge applied in silicone oil was effective because most discharge passing through the amber structure (silicone oil has a high resistance MΩ), causing fine cracks. Unfortunately, the absence of a consistent amber structure causes difficulty in selecting the correct discharge (shock wave) power. Next experiment was made by shock wave
generator. Amber was treated by shock wave inside water. Using new technology, we have changed the appearance a very old material - amber (about 40 – 60 million years old) – to make it more attractive for customers; this technology is also useful for detecting artificial amber (costume jewellery) without causing damage to the product.
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