Brainstorming idea 2

Idea 2


Permanent ink experiment


Research question: How permanent are permanent markers? What solvents (water, alcohol, vinegar, detergent solution) will remove the ink?


Materials: Sharpie permanent marker, water, rubbing alcohol, vinegar, detergent solution, hard plastic cover, cotton wool, timer


Hypothesis: Rubbing alcohol may have to highest chance in removing the ink compared to the others.


Variables: 
Dependent: time taken for ink to be removed


Independent: the type of solvent used (water, rubbing alcohol, vinegar, detergent solution)


Constant: amount of pressure applied, amount of each solvent used, type of permanent marker, surface written on, size and type of cotton wool used


Short summary of research done on the area of investigation:
- Alcohol may have the highest posibility of removing the the  ink as it is found in many cleaning agents
- Sharpie permanent marker is alcohol based
- Rubbing alcohol mixes with the alcohol within the ink so a visible change is can be observed
- A marker is considered permanent if it sticks to most surfaces, is water resistant, or uses dyes or pigments
- Permanent markers contain three main ingredients: a colorant, a carrier, and a resin.
- A colorant (dyes/pigments) is what gives markers their permanence and their colour. 
- A carrier is a solvent such as hydrocarbon organic chemicals, like xylene.
- These chemicals may provide a desirable permanency but they are foul-smelling and toxic
- Xylene is now replaced with alcohol solvents
- Alcohol (isopropyl) more environmentally friendly and smell better, evaporates fast (ink dry faster)
- Resin sticks like glue to most surfaces, causing the pigment to attach to surfaces


Bibliography:
- http://www.odec.ca/projects/2008/chau8v2/home.html
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isopropyl_alcohol