Creating a 'Heat Wave' Look Without Mixing

Thread starter SkepticJ
Start date Feb 16, 2011
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Mixing Wave

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The discussion revolves around achieving a "heat wave" visual effect using glycerin and various solvents. Initial attempts with water and 95% ethyl alcohol failed as glycerin mixed into solution, eliminating the desired effect. Suggestions included using less viscous hydrocarbons like hexane or kerosene, which could potentially maintain the separation of glycerin. The conversation highlighted the importance of using immiscible liquids to create the visual effect, with participants sharing experiences of using saturated salt solutions and other solvents like acetone and THF. Safety concerns regarding the use of volatile substances like butane and THF were raised, emphasizing the need for proper ventilation and caution. Ultimately, silicone oil was proposed as a promising alternative that could work with glycerin, with participants discussing its availability and potential effectiveness.

Mar 28, 2011

nismaratwork

Nemus said:

I have noticedthat somewhat surprisinlgly you can see these refractive index whorls in concentrated solutions of polyethyleneglycol solutions. Even old ones in sealed flasks that should be homogenous. My theory is that the selective accumulation of water vapor in the headspace is enough to cause some swirls. High Mw polyethyleneglycol can be bought as a laxative under various brand names. I think the generic name is macrogol.
Liquids that are imiscilble will not give the effect. However, you can get something like it if you match the density of two imiscible liquids. Water + dichloromethane (or even more toxic chloroform) + heptane (less toxic than hexane) would work. Silicone oil + a strong salt solution (sodium chloride may not be soluble enough so CaCl2 may have to be used)may also be an alternative but then I am only guessing.

Silicone oil! That's brilliant, and it actually could work wth Glycerin...

You can get that in any hardware store, as a spray often. Ventilate, but yeah... that's pretty damned clever.

I wonder if mixing that with Scotch Guard or Teflon spray would yield a similar result once the fumes boil-out.