Hello World of Chemistry!
In the Jewelbots Zine, the “Hello World” segment is where we introduce super cool STEM topics in a fun, bite-sized way to help you get more excited about seeing science differently!
Well, if you find nail polish, make up, or any beauty products fun and exciting, then Chemistry exists somewhere in your heart whether you realize it or not!
What do you think gives nail polish that weird smell? Chemistry! What do you think makes your favorite “Queen of D’Nile” OPI color? Chemistry!
“Hello World” of Chemistry from NAIL POLISH!
The main ingredient in regular nail polish (nail lacquer) is Nitrocellulose, which is a mixture of cotton plant fibers and the stuff that makes TNT explode! It used to be known as guncotton. However, even though it used to be used for things like gunpowder, we now use it to make things like the sticky stuff that holds rows of stables together. It’s flammable, but you shouldn’t be lighting your fingers on fire anyway!
In the nail polish bottle, nitrocellulose is dissolved in a chemical solvent called ethyl acetate. This solvent evaporates really quickly with contact to air and is what gives nail polish that “chemical” smell. Once the ethyl acetate evaporates away completely, the Nitrocellulose is left behind and dries into a solid film on your nail.
The ethyl acetate is also the same solvent used in nail polish remover. This is because when nail polish remover is applied, it re-dissolves the Nitrocellulose back into a liquid so it can be wiped off!
The act of your nail polish drying and being removed is all because of chemistry! Even your nail polish being smelly is all chemistry at work!
Isn’t that exciting?!
Did you know that a chemical mix of benzoyl peroxide and methacrylate is used to create gel nail polish?!
Methacrylate is a liquid form of plastic. As Benzoyl Peroxide chemically reacts with the absorption of light, it being compounded with Methacrylate allows the nail polish mixture to dry and harden into a gel layer.
If you liked what you read, then subscribe to the monthly Jewelbots zine for more! In the zine, there’s also a “Scientist in the Wild” segment where we share exclusive interviews of women in the themed STEM field! Get your girl power science on!
