Alexei Volkov
Highlighters are an essential tool for students, professionals, and readers, used to emphasize important text. They are made up of two main components: plastic and chemicals. The plastic outer shell of the highlighter, including the cap and barrel, is made from oil and natural gases. The cap and barrel are created by melting plastic pellets into a liquid, which is then moulded into the desired shape. The tip of the highlighter is typically made from porous materials such as felt or polyester fibres, which can hold and distribute the ink evenly. The vibrant colours of highlighters are achieved through the use of various dyes, such as pyrene-based dyes for yellow highlighters and triphenylmethane dyes for blue highlighters. These dyes contain highly conjugated molecules, which absorb and emit light in the visible and ultraviolet portions of the spectrum, resulting in the fluorescent appearance of highlighter inks.
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What You'll Learn
Highlighters are made from plastic and chemicals
Highlighters are made from a combination of plastic and chemicals, with their structure comprising a plastic housing and a porous wick or felt tip. The plastic used in the shell, tip, cap, and packaging of highlighters is derived from natural gas, feedstocks derived from natural gas processing, and feedstocks derived from crude oil refining. The manufacturing process involves melting plastic pellets and injecting them into pen moulds using mechanical steel screws. This process creates the flawless plastic caps and barrels that form the outer shell of the highlighter.
The type of plastic used in highlighters can vary, but it is typically a durable and flexible plastic that can withstand the pressure of the ink reservoir and the porous tip. Some highlighters may also have a wax-like quality, similar to an oil pastel, which is achieved by blending wax and gel with pigments. This type of highlighter is known as a ""gel highlighter" and is designed to prevent bleeding through pages.
The ink in highlighters is also made from a combination of chemicals and pigments. Highlighters typically contain fluorescent dyes, which give them their bright, vibrant colours. The most common colour for highlighters is fluorescent yellow, with the colour derived from pyranine. Other colours, such as orange, red, pink, purple, blue, and green, are achieved using different compounds such as rhodamines (Rhodamine 6GD and Rhodamine B).
The tips of highlighters are made from porous materials such as felt or compressed fibres, which can evenly distribute the ink as it flows. The ink itself is usually water-based, with some highlighters also containing glycol solvents or alcohol-based solutions. Liquid highlighters are known to put more ink on the page, making the highlighted words stand out more and resistant to fading over time. However, liquid ink highlighters also have a tendency to bleed through the paper, especially thin pages, creating a messy appearance.
Overall, the production of highlighters involves a complex combination of plastics and chemicals, each serving a specific function in the structure, colour, and performance of the highlighting device.
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The plastic outer shell is made from oil and natural gases
The outer shell of a highlighter is made of plastic, which is derived from oil and natural gases. The process of creating the plastic shell begins with the extraction of natural gas and crude oil from the earth, which are then refined to produce the feedstocks required for plastic production.
The plastic pellets are then vacuum-siphoned into a large container and dyed the desired colour. These plastic pellets are then heated and melted down into a liquid form, typically at around 240°F. A mechanical steel screw then pushes the molten plastic into premade pen moulds, which are shaped like a highlighter's body. The plastic is then cooled and hardened into the desired shape through the use of water or other cooling methods.
The plastic outer shell of a highlighter serves as a protective casing, ensuring that the ink within does not dry out. It also provides a comfortable grip and facilitates easy handling during use. Additionally, the plastic body may be designed with ergonomic considerations in mind, ensuring a steady grip and ease of use.
The type of plastic used in highlighters can vary, with some companies opting for recycled plastic to create a more sustainable product. The plastic housing of a highlighter is an essential component, providing both functionality and protection for the ink reservoir within.
Overall, the plastic outer shell of a highlighter plays a crucial role in the functionality and durability of the writing instrument, showcasing the importance of the materials used in its construction, which originate from oil and natural gases.
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The ink is made from dyes and pigments
The dyes and pigments used in highlighter inks are responsible for their bright, fluorescent colours. The dyes make up only about 5% of the ink, with the majority of the rest being a combination of a glycol solvent and water. Fluorescent pigments constantly absorb light in the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum, which "excites" the electrons in the molecule to a higher energy state. When the electrons "relax" back to their original state, they release excess energy in the form of light, usually with a longer wavelength than the absorbed light. This means that, although the absorbed light has a wavelength in the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum, the emitted light falls within the visible portion, creating the fluorescent effect.
The specific dyes and pigments used depend on the colour of the ink. Yellow highlighters, for example, typically use a pyrene-based dye such as pyranine, while fluorescein is another option. Triphenylmethane dyes are used for blue ink, and when mixed with pyrene-based dyes, they produce green ink. Rhodamine dyes are used for pink ink, and when mixed with triphenylmethane dyes, they produce purple ink. Orange ink is made by combining a coumarin dye with a xanthene dye.
There are also non-fluorescent dyes used in highlighters, such as pastel dyes in pastel highlighters. Some dyes used in highlighters are acid dyes, which can be buffered with an acid buffering agent to reduce smearing.
The plastic outer shell of the highlighter is also dyed the same colour as the ink it contains. Plastic pellets are dyed, melted down into a liquid form, and then pushed into premade pen moulds. Once cooled, these moulds become the highlighter barrels.
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Liquid highlighters use water or alcohol-based solutions
Highlighters are available in multiple forms, including retractable felt tips, trilighters, stackable highlighters, and wax-like varieties similar to oil pastels. "Dry highlighters" use an applicator to apply a thin strip of highlighter tape, while "gel highlighters" contain a gel stick instead of a felt tip. Liquid highlighters, on the other hand, use water or alcohol-based solutions.
Liquid highlighters are popular because they put more ink on the page, making the highlighted text stand out more and resist fading over time. They are also preferred because they dry quickly, do not bleed through paper, and are non-toxic. The water-based solution contains water and a glycol solvent, with fluorescent dye added to create the bright neon colour.
Liquid highlighters are formulated with a delicate balance of pigments, oils, and water-based ingredients. The solvent in a liquid highlighter is usually water or alcohol, which dilutes the fluorescent pigment so that the ink flows smoothly from the pen tip. The alcohol-based inks replaced xylene and toluene, which were commonly used until the early 1990s but were phased out due to their strong smell and harmful nature.
Liquid highlighters also contain preservatives to prevent bacterial and mould growth, gelling agents to control viscosity and fluidity, and other additives like colour enhancers and anti-fade agents. The plastic outer shell of the highlighter, including the cap and barrel, is made from oil and natural gases. The raw materials are gathered from various places worldwide and then altered in a factory using machines to create the final product.
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Gel highlighters are made from wax and gel
Highlighters are available in multiple forms, including liquid, pastel, and gel highlighters. Gel highlighters are made from a fusion of gel ink and traditional wax, offering a unique experience. The gel ink is thicker and denser and is often water-soluble. It is combined with wax for a smoother application and longer-lasting use. The gel formulation prevents smudging and bleeding, making them ideal for heavy-use environments. They are also quick-drying, making them perfect for fast-paced note-taking without smears.
Gel highlighters are renowned for their fluorescent, translucent ink and offer bright, vivid colours. Their colourants provide vibrant hues encased in plastic housing with a distinctive, soft, pliable tip for uniform application. The gel ink's smoothness and the traditional wax's durability make gel highlighters a popular choice in academic and professional settings. They are also suitable for artists and journal enthusiasts who appreciate the smooth application and vibrant hues, perfect for adding a creative touch to artworks and bullet journals.
Gel highlighters are also known for their functionality and safety. They are non-toxic, ensuring safety for users of all ages. They are also effective on various paper types, including glossy surfaces and delicate pages in historical texts or specialized documents. The thick gel formulation prevents smudging and bleeding, making them a top choice for fountain pen users.
Gel highlighters stand out from conventional ink-based highlighters with their solid gel-based technology. They deliver a smoother, bolder line with their thicker consistency and enhanced opacity. The gel ink is often combined with wax for a smoother application, resulting in a unique writing experience. The gel highlighters are also known for their vibrant colours and long-lasting hues, making them a superb choice for diverse paper types.
Overall, gel highlighters offer a range of benefits such as smooth application, quick-drying, non-toxic composition, and compatibility with various paper types. They are a popular choice for students, professionals, and artists due to their functionality, safety, and innovative features.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic used in highlighters is typically derived from oil and natural gases. The plastic is moulded using resins to house the ink reservoir and create a robust and ergonomic design.
To create the plastic highlighter casings, plastic pellets are dyed, heated, melted, and then pushed into premade pen moulds. The moulds are then cooled with water and stored.
In addition to plastic, highlighters contain various chemicals and dyes to create the fluorescent colours. The tips of highlighters are often made from porous materials such as felt or polyester fibres.
