Glow sticks have been a well-known toy and a popular party favor which have been in existence for a long time. They are composed from two plastic tubes that are joined via the flexible tube. The tube inside contains hydrogen peroxide, a chemical and the outside tube has a chemical called diphenyl Oxalate. If the tubes snagged together, the chemical reactions to produce a glowing substance.
First glow-sticks were developed in the 1960s in the beginning by a chemist called James W. Hicks. Hicks was employed by the company Dow Chemical, and he was trying to design a brand new type of flashlight. He accidently created the chemical reaction that gave an intense glow. Later, it was then realised that the reaction can be employed to produce glow sticks.
Glow sticks first became popular in the 1970s and quickly became popular among adults and kids alike. They were particularly popular during evening events like events and concerts. They were employed by police officers, since they could provide a visible signal during low-light conditions.
How Do Glow Sticks Function
Glow sticks function through a process known as the chemiluminescence. Chemiluminescence is a form of light-emitting device that is produced through the chemical reaction. For glow sticks the chemical reaction occurs between diphenyl and hydrogen peroxide Oxalate. When these two substances are combined they create a compound known as an oxalate ester. Oxalate ester is unstable and is quickly broken down into phosphorescence and water. Phosphorescence is a form of light emission caused by the release of energy from an atom or molecule that is excited. The energy released is as light, and can last for hours.
Different types of Glow Sticks
There are numerous types of glow sticks to choose from. The most popular one is the disposable stick. They are single-use objects that are generally removed from the market after they have been utilized. There are also reusable sticks that are recharged by exposure to sunlight. They are usually constructed from a tough plastic material, and are suitable to serve a variety of reasons.
Safety Precautions
They are generally safe to use, however there are some safety precautions to be observed. First glow sticks shouldn’t be opened, because the chemicals contained inside could cause harm should they come into contact with eyes or skin. Additionally, glow sticks are not recommended to be heated since this may cause the chemical to react and cause an intense flash of light. In addition glow sticks should never be placed in proximity to flames, since this can create an explosion.
Environmental Impact
Glow sticks are made of a range of materials, including plastic glass, and chemical. If glow sticks are improperly disposed of they could end in landfills or incinerators. In landfills, the glow sticks can release harmful chemicals into groundwater and soil. In incinerators where glow sticks are used, they could release harmful chemicals into the air.
There are several methods to dispose of glow sticks safely. One method is to bring them to the hazardous disposal facility. Another option is to recycle them. There are several businesses that recycle glow sticks as well as other electronic scrap.
Conclusion
Glow sticks can be a fun and well-loved toy that has been around for many years. They are simple to operate and are suitable to serve a range of functions. However, it’s important that you are aware security precautions to be observed in the use of glow sticks.
