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Sharpie Research Paper

Decent Essays

Sherley Belizaire
Dr. Johnson
General Chemistry II
5 December, 2017 The Chemistry Behind Ink Pens Do we not hate when we have to ask another other person for a writing utensil? “Excuse me, do you have a writing utensil I can borrow?” It is a feeling no one likes, but a question that is always asked. However, the question, ‘what is in the writing utensil that I used today? is not a question that is so frequently asked, but it should be. Sharpie is a perfect example of a ink pen that is composed of many different chemicals. If you are going to consistently use something throughout your life, would you not want to know what was in the item you were using? Sharpie is one of the many types of permanent markers. According to sharpie.com, “Today, Sharpie stands for far more than just markers. Made to write on, stand out on, and stay on practically any surface, it’s The Permanent Marker born for unique, unruly, courageous, outrageous self-expression that never, ever fades from glory. We are the bold original, genuine article, and cultural icon of Permanent Markers.” (sharpie.com). …show more content…

Sharpie markers contain mostly alcohols, however, they also contain ethylene glycol monobutyl ether and permachrome ink. Ethylene glycol monobutyl, also known as 2-butoxyethanol, is an organic compound that is nonvolatile, has a low toxicity, and is used in many domestic and industrial products because of its properties as a surfactant (Wikipedia.com). A surfactant, also known as surface-active agent, according to dictionary.com, is “a substance, such as a detergent,that can reduce the surface tension of a liquid and thus allow it to foam or penetrate solids; a wetting agent”

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