Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Glow sticks for ampoules

bismuthate - 26-11-2013 at 13:09

I recently opened up a glow stick this week and I saw an 4-5 inch glass tube inside it. I then began to wonder if one resealed it, could it be used as an ampoule? What do you think?

Pyro - 26-11-2013 at 13:25

sure, but why? you can buy glass sticks or ampoules without having to fool around with opening them and dealing with the H2O2 inside

bismuthate - 26-11-2013 at 13:47

Because I have quite a few glow-sticks, also I want the chemicals inside also. Plus my mom won't bring me to the store and it's free.
The H2O2 shouldn't pose any threat because it's not concentrated, is it?

woelen - 26-11-2013 at 13:52

I think that these glass rods inside a glow stick are way too vulnerable. I once tried using them for experiments as tubes for leading gases from one place to another, but they break so easily that their practical use is vey limited. I certainly would not want to use them as ampoules for storing samples, there is too much chance of breaking them while simply showing them.

bismuthate - 26-11-2013 at 13:59

Oh, well that's a shame. I guess I'll just continue harvesting the chemicals from them.:)

Pyro - 26-11-2013 at 14:16

you might consider making your own if you want a big batch.
see nurdrages videos for more info

bismuthate - 26-11-2013 at 17:41

Theres also a nice thread in prepublications on glass tubing as ampoules.