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Description

Make a substance that will enable you to hold fire in your hand. This is a DIY version of the substance that can withstand extreme heat.

Resources

Per person

5 teaspoons of Corn flour
1/2 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
2 teaspoons of PVA glue

Cotton wool ball
Matches
Candles

Instructions

Starlite was a substance invented by a hairdresser. After a plane fire which killed 55 people, he decided to experiment to create a plastic paint that would be able to withstand extreme heat. He wouldn't share the recipe for it and he died in 2011. Here is a DIY version to try at home. (I have tried this with fire, but nothing more extreme than a cotton ball/candle so no idea if it would work at higher temperatures). The original starlite could withstand temperatures of 10,000 and was tested by NASA

Measure out and mix the ingredients together. It should form a stiffish putty. If it is too dry, add a little bit more glue, if it is too wet add a bit more corn flour.

When the starlite is made, mould it into a disc shape and put it on your hand. Place the cotton ball onto the disc and light it. You'll get to hold the fire and won't feel any heat through the starlite. An alternative option is to light a candle, cover your finger with the starlite and wave the covered finger in the flame.

Tip:
You will want to use the starlite quite quickly as it can crack which allows the heat through. You have about 30 minutes to complete the experiments before this happens.


Safety points
Make sure to supervise when you are using fire.
Light the fire outside and make sure to have water to hand.

Science-y bit:
The second law of thermodynamics states that heat will always move from a hot object to a cooler one. The combination of ingredients in Starlite interrupt that process

Tags

• fire
• science

Badge Links

• Scientist - Experiment