Stuff You Should Know Silly String: Disaster in a Can
Aug 2, 2022
Discover the colorful history of Silly String and how it morphed from a medical concept into a beloved party staple. Dive into its quirky invention story and its role in pop culture, notably in 'Big'. Hear about the intriguing chemistry behind this playful can, along with insights on aerosol manufacturing and unexpected military applications. The hosts also tackle environmental concerns, sharing humorous regulations like the silly string ban on Halloween in LA. Plus, enjoy lighthearted anecdotes and listener stories that keep the atmosphere fun!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Silly String's origin
- Silly String's inventors, Robert P. Cox and Leonard A. Fish, initially aimed to create a spray-on cast.
- They presented it to Wham-O, who initially rejected it but later licensed it after seeing its unique properties.
Silly String's Formulation
- Silly String's formulation is a carefully balanced mix of resin, surfactant, and propellant.
- The resin provides structure, the surfactant controls stickiness and cohesiveness, and the propellant creates the foam.
The Role of Propellant
- The propellant in Silly String is crucial for its stringy form. It transitions from liquid to gas upon release, expanding the resin and creating the foam.
- Originally, Freon-12 was used, but due to its ozone-depleting properties, it has been replaced with other propellants.