Water Proofing matches & Nobel Prize in Chemistry

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a method for waterproofing wooden stemmed matches by soaking them in turpentine for two to three minutes. This treatment renders the matches permanently waterproof, allowing them to ignite even after being submerged in water. The matches burn consistently without the risk of flaring or dripping wax, making them safer to use. The conversation also touches on the potential for this discovery to be recognized in the field of chemistry.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of organic solvents, specifically turpentine
  • Basic knowledge of combustion and ignition processes
  • Familiarity with experimental methods in chemistry
  • Awareness of safety protocols when handling flammable materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the chemical properties of turpentine and its effects on wood
  • Investigate long-term waterproofing techniques for wooden materials
  • Explore the chemistry behind combustion and ignition in treated materials
  • Conduct experiments to measure the durability of waterproofing treatments over time
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for chemists, hobbyists in experimental chemistry, and anyone interested in practical applications of waterproofing techniques in everyday materials.

Aquafire
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Made a neat little discovery.

If you put wooden stemmed matches into a cup of turpentine and leave them to soak for about two or three minutes they become permanently waterproof.

After I take them out of their turpentine bath I lay them out to dry ovenight on a sheet of newspaper.

As an experiment I have thrown a handful of such treated matches into buckets of water, left them there for a few minutes, wiped off the excess water and found that they ignite perfectly.

Great thing is their is no sudden flaring or running hot wax to burn fingers. The matches burn like regular matches even after having being soaked in water.


Do you think I will get a Nobel prize for this great advance in Chemistry ?...:wink:

Aquafire
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
That's pretty cool, and I'm sure Nobel prize worthy. Have you tried doing any experiments to see how long the waterproofing lasts? It would be really interesting to see how long these matches can last in water and still be functional.
 

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