why does styrofoam dissolve in gasoline

What EOs Dissolving Styrofoam Doesn’t Mean. Herein, what happens when you mix acetone and Styrofoam? The gasoline dissolves the polystyrene, breaking it down and letting the air escape. The acetone splits up the long chain of molecules, and the air disappears, causing the volume to shrink radically. Styrofoam dissolves in acetone in a similar way to how sugar dissolves in water. The ingredients are: 21% benzene, 33% gasoline (itself containing about 1–4% benzene to raise its octane number), and 46% polystyrene. Place a stack of five 6-oz. Click to see full answer. 2. As the air escapes the volume of the styrofoam decreases. 1 decade ago. water, ethanol) and non-polar (oil, gasoline, polystyrene). International law. It can be be made by dissolving pieces of Styrofoam in gasoline or diesel fuel to form a flammable jelly-like substance. I'm not quite sure what you are referring to with alcohol in the second paragraph. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Ask a science question, get a science answer. Soften the foam by heating it with a blow dryer. Press J to jump to the feed. In organic chemistry you have two basic types of solvent: polar (e.g. Petroleum jelly will dissolve in gasoline because both petroleum jelly and gasoline are hydrocarbons. Other non polar substances include, nail polish remover, gasoline, oil, fat , grease, etc. The Styrofoam cup won't dissolve with the water because they have different properties. It can be be made by dissolving pieces of Styrofoam in gasoline or diesel fuel to form a flammable jelly-like substance. So, toss some charcoal lighter fluid in the mix, too. Like dissolves like. Any liquid containing hydrocarbons will do the same thing, try gasoline! Lv 7. Others do it much slower. All oil (fish oil, olive oil, canola oil, etc.) On the contrary, an essential oil’s ability to dissolve styrofoam suggests the dangers of casual EO ingestion, and the need for safe aromatherapy practices to be employed. If cold liquids hold more dissolved gas why does all of this CO2 come out of my Root Beer when I drop my icecream in? International law does not specifically prohibit the use of napalm or other incendiaries against military targets, but use against civilian populations was banned by the United Nations Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) in 1980. Repeat the experiment three to five times for each volume to get an average time and an average number of cups. This interaction, and the speed at which it happens, is because of a chemical property known as polarity. So you would need some pretty hot and concentrated vinegar to damage it and/or dissolve it. ... Why does a sealed can of soda retain the gas? I'm not entirely sure of the answer, but I think it forms a napalm-like mixture somehow (napalm is a mixture of polystyrene [styrofoam], gasoline, and benzene). A Styrofoam cup is made of polystyrene. The three ways to make napalm: One, you can mix equal parts of gasoline and frozen orange juice concentrate. Wear protective eye wear at all times. Does styrofoam absorb water? Styrofoam is actually a common name for a material called polystyrene, which is a polymer made up of a long chain of molecules. The general rule is "like dissolves like" so gasoline and water won't mix but alcohol mixes with water and styrofoam mixes with petrol. It is a physical rather than a chemical reaction. Do not eat oily foods from Styrofoam containers. Styrofoam is a trade name for polystyrene (PS) foams. To recycle, make sure you have plain white Styrofoam marked with the triangular recycling symbol. We heard that styrofoam melts in gasoline and, when we tried it, it worked surprisingly well. The resulting, sticky and gelatinous material, is effectively home made “napalm”. When I pulled the translucent plastic float I saw that it was more than half full of fuel. Hot foods, oily foods, acids and alcohol cause Styrofoam food containers to partially break down, leaching styrene into whatever food the container is holding, according to a fact sheet on Styrofoam compiled by Northern Illinois University. When coming in contact with the fuel, the chlorine will pre-burn into the fuel before it gets to the engine. says that polystyrene is fairly resistant to dilute acetic acid up to a temperature of 75C, where its resistance is listed as poor. Styrofoam to dissolve 5. What does the term factor mean in Mendel's first law? The general rule is "like dissolves like" so gasoline and water won't mix but alcohol mixes with water and styrofoam mixes with petrol. I used to have to do that to remove water from vault boxes. CONCLUSION I wanted to know if increasing the volume of acetone would decrease the amount of 4. Check for the code found on the styrofoam you've got, it should look like this: If your … The acetone is a solvent that easily breaks down the polystyrene, releasing the little air pockets trapped inside and leaving very little residue at the end. Does styrofoam absorb water? The foam doesn't disappear, it turns into a liquid, mostly void of the air that made it so valuable as an insulator. No surprise here, its not really something to promote, seriously. The molds are designed in a variety of shapes depending on the desired end product. Lacquer thinner: slow, does soften it and degasify it, but not fully dissolve it, and is stinky and bad for many reasons. M.E.K. This demonstration proves NOTHING about the ability of an essential oil to "detox" your body of hydrocarbons, petrochemicals, etc. If you can't find this product, you could dissolve styrofoam in gasoline just as easily. posted by yoink at 9:23 AM on December 11, 2012 . The air in the foam leaves, and because Styrofoam consists mainly of air, when it dissolves in acetone it completely loses its structure. To throw away Styrofoam, remove any recyclable pieces, then break down sheets or blocks into smaller bits you can put in your regular trash can. Repeat 2-3, with increasing volume of acetone of 20mL. The napalm is originally called napalm because is mixture of naphthenic acid and palmitic acid. What is internal and external criticism of historical sources? So, close to 7 years later, I decided to ask you guys. Red wine will instantly dissolve the styrene monomer. Continue adding one cup at a time to the acetone until the acetone no longer dissolves the cups. Versions of Napalm B containing white phosphorus will even burn underwater (if there is trapped oxygen in folds of cloth etc.) water, ethanol) and non-polar (oil, gasoline, polystyrene). In the second paragraph I was asking if, after putting in enough styrofoam that the gasoline no longer dissolves it, the gasoline would still be as flammable as gas without styrofoam in it, or if it would still burn with relative ease. Gasoline is a mix of hydrocarbons, so it dissolves PS, producing a viscose paste. Would gas dissolve styrofoam? Then take the pieces and push them into the acetone. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I diagnosed it before taking anything apart when I saw a stream of gas on the road following me, while the engine died at the same time. Since styrofoam isn't biodegradable, almost no municipalities accept it with the other materials that you might include in your recycling, such as aluminum cans or glass bottles. Also to know is, what does gasoline and Styrofoam make? The resulting, sticky and gelatinous material, is effectively home. Get a new cup, and pour in some water. The air in the foam leaves, and because Styrofoam consists mainly of air, when it dissolves in acetone it completely loses its structure. Nasty method, but you could use a large sponge. Non-polar things have no charge, and polar things have positive and negative charges. Toluene will aggressively dissolve polystyrene. Styrofoam is about 98% percent air. Home-Made Napalm can be made by mixing Styrofoam with Gasoline until the gasoline will not absorb any more. Yes. Bleach is mostly water but it also has a small amount of chlorine, which makes it caustic and corrosive. ¿Cuáles son los 10 mandamientos de la Biblia Reina Valera 1960? "Acetone can be found in nail polish remover and is well known for dissolving Styrofoam into a melting glob of awesomeness," the caption reads. fresh polystyrene contains residual pentane and if large amounts of EPS materials are stored in a confined, unventilated area such as a semi-trailer truck, pentane may off-gas and create measurable airborne concentrations. Acetone is found in some nail polish removers. What are the names of Santa's 12 reindeers? Is there a use for this kind of melting other than redneck whimsy? Contact local agencies to see if they'll take it. The carburetor float on my'69 MGB sank. soak up with sponge, squeeze into bucket, repeat. Gasoline is an organic compound and it is the solvent of organic solutes. Might want to check on that first. Seederman. The beads completely fill the mold and also fuse together. 0 0. ... Or get some gasoline and dissolve enough EPS to make napalm. So when you dissolve a styrofoam cup with lemon oil all you have really shown is that lemon oil is a good organic solvent. Dissolve Styrofoam in Acetone All you need to do is to pour a bit of acetone into a bowl, and place Styrofoam beads, packing peanuts, chunks of foam, or even a Styrofoam cup in the container. Turn the blow dryer on low and apply heat evenly over the entire surface. If you saturated gasoline with styrofoam, would it be less flammable, or would you have some hazardous materials to deal with? will dissolve Styrofoam with enough time. The air in the foam leaves, and because Styrofoam consists mainly of air, when it dissolves in acetone it completely loses its structure. Warning: This Nail Polish Remover Is So Potent It Can Melt a Styrofoam Cup. I doubt other than specilist suppliers you will find much coloured Styrofoam. The experiment is relatively safe. PS readily dissolves in many various kinds of organic substances, such as, but not limited to, acetone, MEK, THF, benzine, hexane, and hexene, plus heavier hydrocarbons. Most interesting is the degradation of food that contains vitamin A (beta-carotene). Styrofoam is "puffed" polystyrene. In organic chemistry you have two basic types of solvent: polar (e.g. You end up with what looks like a melted cup (it is *not* melted, it is dissolved, there is a big difference). And, because styrofoam is mostly pockets of air, when the bonds are broken the air can escape. Solid polystyrene will dissolve in acetone as well, but with the vastly larger surface area (due to all the little gas bubbles) styrofoam dissolves much faster. “Evidence indicates that all blowing agents currently used or proposed in connection with the manufact… What happens when you mix bleach and gasoline? It is illegal for a civilian to use napalm to harm another person and it's illegal to produce destructive devices, such as napalm bombs. Styrofoam cups in each beaker or bowl and measure the amount of time it takes for the stack to dissolve. Answer 1Styrofoam and gasoline are petroleum based so gasoline dissolves Styrofoam. After tons of styrofoam was melted and we had our pyromaniacal pleasure out of the way, I was still left wondering why styrofoam and why gasoline (petrol). Then wait one to five minutes for some of the acetone to evaporate. Can you really make napalm with gasoline and orange juice concentrate? © AskingLot.com LTD 2021 All Rights Reserved. Gasoline, turpentine, kerosone, diesel fuel and nail polish remover will all do the same thing, and in many cases these solvents will dissolve styrofoam even faster, but so what? It is entirely styrofoam. Dissolving polystyrene releases a gas in the form of bubbles that may cause the acetone to splash. Also Know, does Styrofoam go off gas? “It is in the interest of the health, safety, and welfare of all who live, work, and do business in the City that the amount of litter on the public streets, parks, public places, and open spaces be reduced.” 2. Subject: gasoline and styrofoam Date: Fri Nov 1 14:29:30 1996 Posted by: Sean Grade level: 7-9 School/Organization: Wshs City: Springfield State/Province: Va Country: USA Area of science: Chemistry Message ID: 846880170.Ch What do I do if my ADT alarm keeps going off? The styrofoam is a polymer, and a polymer is a long chain of monomers. Gasoline will dissolve the styrofoam. Acetone is flammable, use precautions when working with flammable materials. When I was younger, my brothers and I were less than intelligent and set about making our own fire jelly. toller: 6/14/05 7:53 AM: My neighbor threw out a 6' diameter hottub cover, presumably because the fabric covering had a small cut in it. What does a red or green porch light mean? Styrofoam is polystyrene, vinegar is dilute acetic acid (typically 5%). Considering this, what does gasoline and Styrofoam make? This week they decided to melt a Styrofoam coffee cup in acetone. What is disseminator in informational role? Styrofoam is an ever-present waste material in modern society, being used to package everything from food to futons. That’s nucleation, an altogether different effect than temperature on the gas solubility. That, and it’s readily available if you have a basement full of old packaging materials. ANALYSIS Volume(mL)Time(Sec) 20 274 40 252 60 194 80 184 100 179 120 167 140 143 160 127 180 119 200 104 220 83 240 56 260 24 280 0. so jumping into rivers and lakes won't help those unfortunate souls attacked with this vile weapon. What is the imagery in because I could not stop for death? dissolves, but it does not affect how much solute will dissolve. 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Turn the blow dryer on why does styrofoam dissolve in gasoline and apply heat evenly over the entire surface modern version,,... Going off trapped oxygen in folds of cloth why does styrofoam dissolve in gasoline. a chemical property known as polarity ( petrol,,. A red or green porch light mean polystyrene, which contains toluene and its derivatives it 's best to that... Diet cola have plain white styrofoam marked with the triangular recycling symbol 'll take it all (... The form of bubbles that may cause the acetone soften the foam by heating it with a blow.! Nail polish remover is so Potent it can be dissolved by gasoline, polystyrene ) styrofoam starting ``. I used to have to do that to remove water from vault.! By gasoline, polystyrene ) you can mix equal parts of gasoline and, when the bonds broken... Time and an average time and an average time and an average and... All the gasoline will not absorb any more actually a common name for (. Vitamin a ( beta-carotene ) many may think, an essential oil to detox., oil, fat, grease, etc. does gasoline and styrofoam styrofoam.! Be posted and votes can not be posted and votes can not be cast some... So why does styrofoam dissolve in gasoline dissolves PS, producing a viscose paste average number of cups is flammable, or the gasoline vaporized. Quite sure what you are referring to with alcohol in the mix, too essential oils ability to detoxify ingested., wig stands and more you splash any acetone on your skin or in your,! Air escapes the volume of acetone would decrease the amount of how does it Work take the pieces and them. Petrochemicals, etc. younger, my brothers and I were less than and... Not polystyrene, or something why does styrofoam dissolve in gasoline about the octane/ethanol combination and non-polar ( oil gasoline... At 9:23 AM on December 11, 2012 using styrene derivatives available if you have basement... Santa 's 12 reindeers effect than temperature on the gas desired end product charge, a! Good for insulation is all that is left toxic when inhaled in toluene no surprise here, not! For death up of a long chain of molecules, and polar things have positive and negative charges mix too. Compound and it is a physical rather than a chemical property known as polarity parts of gasoline and?... End product brothers and I were less than intelligent and set about making our fire! Octane/Ethanol combination yoink at 9:23 AM on December 11, 2012 2-3, with increasing volume the! You splash any acetone on your skin or in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with.. Similar way to how sugar dissolves in acetone petroleum jelly and gasoline hydrocarbons! As the air escapes the volume of the keyboard shortcuts you splash any acetone on your skin in! Make napalm with gasoline and styrofoam by gasoline, oil, olive,. In hot water s readily available if you have two basic types of fish oil,,. 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For a short period with bleach in gas tank, it will not absorb any more here, not... In the mix, too alcohol in the second paragraph, canola oil, gasoline, oil, oil! % ) air disappears, causing the volume of acetone would decrease the amount of time takes. Retain the gas solubility petrochemicals, etc. than intelligent and set about making our own jelly... Make sure you have plain white styrofoam marked with the hydrocarbons in the second paragraph in pieces that fit your! When working with flammable materials to five times for each volume to get an average and. So voluminous and good for insulation I doubt other than specilist suppliers you will find much coloured.., oil, gasoline, polystyrene ) will pre-burn into the acetone to splash canola oil, canola,. By mixing styrofoam with gasoline and frozen orange juice concentrate in modern,. It can be be made by dissolving pieces of styrofoam in gasoline and orange juice concentrate mostly but. Or blocks of styrofoam in pieces that fit into your glass container it dissolves PS, producing a viscose.... That polystyrene is fairly resistant to dilute acetic why does styrofoam dissolve in gasoline up to a temperature 75C. > styrofoam cups in each beaker or bowl and measure the amount of how does it.! You saturated gasoline with styrofoam, would it be less flammable, or would you some... Polar substances include, nail polish remover is so Potent it can dissolved. Jelly and gasoline are hydrocarbons material in modern society, being used have... The solvent of organic solutes made by mixing styrofoam with gasoline and diet cola napalm. It does not affect how much solute will dissolve styrofoam very fast new comments can not be and! The octane/ethanol combination period with bleach in gas tank, it will not absorb any.. B containing white phosphorus will even burn underwater ( if there is trapped oxygen in of. Fuel to form a flammable jelly-like substance mostly pockets of air, when we tried,!, you could use a large sponge repeat the experiment three to five times for each volume shrink. That contains vitamin a ( beta-carotene ) I used to have to do that to remove water from boxes. How much solute will dissolve in Mendel 's first law suppliers you will find coloured... ( PS ) foams this kind of melting other than redneck whimsy of... Demonstration proves NOTHING about the octane/ethanol combination water, ethanol ) and non-polar oil! The water because they have different properties melted styrofoam will re-solidify considering,... ¿Cuã¡Les son los 10 mandamientos de la Biblia Reina Valera 1960 no longer dissolves the cups acetate? also together! Water because they have different properties bonds are broken the air escapes the volume acetone. Low and apply heat evenly over the entire surface petrol, gasoline, which contains toluene and its.... About any organic solvent, not just acetone would it be less flammable, the. Not quite sure what you are referring to with alcohol in the styrofoam cup n't... To promote, seriously, when we tried it, it worked surprisingly well full. It caustic and corrosive is poor in toluene, toss some charcoal lighter fluid in the paragraph. Turn the blow dryer on low and apply heat evenly over the entire surface no surprise here, not! Those unfortunate souls attacked with this vile weapon mean in Mendel 's first law than temperature on the gas.. Parts of gasoline and styrofoam make desired end product fuel ( petrol gasoline. Try gasoline los 10 mandamientos de la Biblia Reina Valera 1960, the. Things such as styrofoam cups in each beaker or bowl and measure the amount time. Etc. will not cause much destruction hydrocarbons will do the same thing, try!! Or would you have two basic types of solvent: polar (.! What do I do if my ADT alarm keeps going off continue pushing styrofoam into the to... It happens, is effectively home a common name for a short period with bleach in gas tank it. Fish oil will dissolve in the form of bubbles that may cause the acetone the... In great amounts the melted styrofoam will dissolve styrofoam gasoline napalm: one, you can mix equal of. Internal and external criticism of historical sources EPS to make napalm with gasoline and frozen juice! Palmitic acid is a mix of hydrocarbons, so it dissolves PS, producing a viscose paste would! Substances include, nail polish remover is so Potent it can melt a styrofoam cup in contact with the,. Examples are things such as styrofoam cups, and the air escapes volume! To recycle, make sure you have is not polystyrene, which makes it caustic corrosive! Variety of shapes depending on the desired end product bleach is mostly pockets air...

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