History of Glow Sticks

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A glow stick is a self-reliant, instant light source. It consists of a translucent plastic tube containing secluded substances when combined can produce light. It does not require any extra external energy sources. The light cannot be turned off after it is “lite”, but it is said that glow sticks can actually be used again by putting it in the freezer overnight then cracking it once more. Glow sticks are used in many ways some for emergency settings, recreation, entertainment, and in the military because they are portable and easy to activate. If you have seen a glow stick you will know that it is quite fascinating how the tube lights up with the bright glow. But just how exactly is that possible?

Glow sticks were first made in the 1960s when a scientist, Edwin Chandross tried to copy fireflies. He thought it was fascinating how they gave off a natural light. He made the first glow stick from oxalyl chloride and hydrogen peroxide. Since Edwin’s invention many scientist after made improvements to the invention. The United States Navy worked on creating glow sticks independently and received a patent in 1973. Glow sticks started to become popular in the 1980s and since then are still very popular today. The largest glow stick was made in 2009 and was 8ft 4 inches tall. Glow sticks can be used for entertainment when dancing they are very popular for raves, parties, night clubbing, special events etc. glow sticks are the safest light sources in emergencies, They are used because they are very efficient and do not require any batteries or electricity. Glow sticks are portable and waterproof can bear high pressure situations and that is why military forces and campers use them and have them on hand.

Glow sticks get their “glow” when two chemicals are mixed together because of a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction is called Chemiluminescence. A Typical glow stick has a plastic tube with a smaller inner tube inside. There are three components, two chemicals and a fluorescent dye which accepts the energy and helps covert to light. There is more than one way to make a glow stick, but the most common uses a solution of hydrogen peroxide and phenyl oxalate ester along with the fluorescent dye. The hydrogen peroxide is in its own compartment away from the other two components until ready to use. The fluorescent dye is what determines the subsequent color of the glow stick when the chemical solutions are combined.

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