Unlock the Potential of Natural Oils: Light Theory and Car Wax"

  • Context: Undergrad 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of light theory in the formulation of car wax using natural oils, specifically focusing on how to achieve color effects similar to those seen in oil puddles. Participants explore the relationship between the refractive index of oils, coating thickness, and the resulting optical phenomena.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that controlling the thickness of the oil coating can create color effects through thin film interference, noting that the refractive index and thickness are crucial factors.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for a uniform coating to avoid random surface variations that could disrupt the interference effects.
  • A different approach is proposed involving a combination of glycerin and a harder wax to potentially create small film interference.
  • Concerns are raised about the practicality of maintaining the necessary thickness and smoothness in a car wax, as well as the transient nature of the effects due to wear.
  • A suggestion is made to explore mixing additional materials into the wax to achieve color-shifting effects, referencing a specific product that demonstrates this concept.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the feasibility of achieving the desired color effects with natural oils in car wax. While some propose methods and acknowledge the challenges, there is no consensus on the practicality or effectiveness of these approaches.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to the required precision in coating thickness and surface smoothness, which are critical for achieving the desired optical effects. Additionally, the transient nature of wax coatings poses challenges for maintaining these effects over time.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those involved in automotive detailing, materials science, or anyone exploring the intersection of chemistry and optics in practical applications.

JJ_
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Hi guys, I make car wax for a living and I want to ask you something about light theory.

My new car wax is made using natural oils such as hazelnut oil which has a refractive index of 1.468-1.478 estimation.

My question is this, you see a puddle with petroleum or oil and you see certain colours normally the slower moving light.

Is there a way I could recreate this by utilising my natural oils to promote some "hues"

A long shot I know but is this possible ??

Thanks very much guys!
 
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Yes - you do this by controlling the thickness of the coating.
Look up "thin films" ... bearing in mind that the car paint absorbs light as well so the colors you can promote will depend on the wavelengths scattered off the paint.

What happens is, light reflecting off the top of the oil interferes with light reflecting off the water - the interference will be constructive or destructive for a particular wavelength depending on the refractive index of the oil and it's thickness.

It can be done artificially, for instance, in optical equipment, but I imagine it would be very difficult to do with oils rubbed on a car.
The surface has to be nanometer smooth.
 
So in essence it has to be a uniform coating ?

I had thought of a wax using glycerin for the bottom and a harder wax for the top which would possibly create a really small film intereference?
 
You need to avoid small random variations on the surface - ridges, scratches and so on - they tend to average out the interference effects and the bottom layer dominates. A varying thickness surface will favor varying colors - which is why you get different colors off the oil film. The surface has to be smooth.

You can certainly experiment.
 
JJ_ said:
Hi guys, I make car wax for a living and I want to ask you something about light theory.

My new car wax is made using natural oils such as hazelnut oil which has a refractive index of 1.468-1.478 estimation.

My question is this, you see a puddle with petroleum or oil and you see certain colours normally the slower moving light.

Is there a way I could recreate this by utilising my natural oils to promote some "hues"

A long shot I know but is this possible ??

Thanks very much guys!

Probably not- the thickness has to be tightly controlled and since wax quickly wears off, your hard work will last for a fleeting moment. OTOH, you may be able to mix something into the wax:

http://www.uspaint.com/paints/color-shifting.asp

If you haven't seen a car painted with this- it's a really striking effect.
 

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