Silly String – What You Didn’t Know

What graduation, bachelor party or pageant would be complete without the amazing fun look of a silly rope? This strange foamy substance has become a part of New Year’s celebrations around the world. This foam rope has become a part of celebrations around the world. Millions have wondered what the story is behind this mysterious spray. Today we answer that question.

Silly String was first introduced in 1969 by Julius Samann. If that name rings a bell, it’s because he’s also the very same inventor who brought us pine-shaped car air fresheners. Thanks Julius I love Vinallaroma. Mr. Samann was trying to create the ultimate gag gift. Since then, several similar products have been made, with the Streamer String and Wacky String being one of the most popular. The only thing that is known about Silly String is that it is mostly non-toxic, non-flammable and CFC-free. Other than that, no one except the manufacturer knows exactly what the ingredients really are. Scientists believe that it is a polystyrene-based polymer dissolved in a CFC-based solvent that evaporates into the air and acts as a foaming agent; chlorinated hydrocarbon was recently replaced by fluorinated hydrocarbon due to environmental concerns. Some other purported ingredients are a small amount of isopropyl alcohol and plasticizers like dibutyl phthalate.

How does it work? Toy rope products store a sticky material combined with a propellant gas in an aerosol can. As the nozzle is pressed, a pressurized stream of foamy yarn erupts from the plastic nozzle and shoots distances from 3 to 600 feet, depending on the product. It’s the pressure in the can that drives the mix wildly into the air. Silly String can be found in many different colors. The can comes in different sizes and also in different pressure levels. The higher the pressure, the greater the distance it will shoot.

The product is “non-toxic” there are reported cases of skin irritation and even frostbite. Fluorinated hydrocarbon under high pressure gets cold and is the likely cause of the reported freezing problems. Hydrocarbons remove fat from cells and can cause chemical burns to the skin. If ingested, there is a possibility of prolonged vomiting. Exposure to the eye has resulted in visual damage only irritation of the skin around the eye. The dye can in certain situations stain clothing. Take care to remove all foam from your clothing. Certain US cities have banned the substance.

You may be surprised to learn that the Silly rope, in addition to being used in celebrations, is also a secret tool used by the United States Armed Forces. An unnamed Marine sergeant is quoted: “The dumb rope has served me well in combat, especially in pursuit of IADs. Simply put, booby traps… When you spray the rope it spreads everywhere and when you you put it, it sits right on the wire. Even in a dark room, the rope sticks out and reveals the tripwire.” Our favorite foam spray not only livens up a party, it also saves lives.

That’s the story behind Silly String. This ever-present party substance is no longer so mysterious and dangerous. From spraying a sleeping friend to spraying the crowd at a New Years celebration, Silly String is a guaranteed good time. While we don’t yet understand what or how the streaming chain works, we know it’s a big time. Be sure to follow the rules of use and make sure not to eat anything.

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