Glowsticks or lightsticks are plastic tubes full of a chemical compound that emit light when they’re bent or snapped, breaking a vial of a reactive compound which floats within. They were invented in the 1970s, and are used in a selection of applications.
Though heavily connected with entertainment events like raves, glowsticks are also used as safety devices and to provide low-light illumination for campers and divers. They’re available in a variety of colours and configurations, including bracelets and necklaces. Most glowsticks contain three compounds: hydrogen peroxide, phenyl oxalate ester, and a florescent dye. Generally the hydrogen peroxide is kept within a glass vial in the glowstick. When the glowstick is bent enough for the vial to begin to break it releases hydrogen peroxide into the phenyl oxalate ester, setting off a chemical reaction which leads to a burst of light. The light is coloured by the dye. Most glowsticks are figured out to run for a couple of hours, though the reaction can be noticeably slowed by putting them in the fridge. Glowsticks may also be made to burn brighter and for a shorter time period with the appliance of heat. As security devices, glowsticks are generally used. [Read more...]