You can allow to air dry or manually dry the aluminum with a small towel or cloth. If you aren’t cleaning aluminum pots and pans but cleaning other aluminum objects you can use the exact same process. Acetic Acid and Vinegar, Ammonia, and Alum . Close. When to use emergency heat setting on a heat pump? Some of these metals are quite toxic and hazardous, in addition to be environmentally damaging. Baking soda is a base also known as Sodium Bicarbonate and has the chemical formula ‎NaHCO3 . Baking soda and vinegar mixed together make a chemical reaction. reaction can be predicted. Required fields are marked *, I agree that my submitted data is being collected and stored. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. At high temperatures, vinegar can be especially concentrated and acidic. Yes, vinegar can harm aluminum. Step #1-  Be sure to clean the aluminum thoroughly beforehand. What are the dimensions of a monster energy drink can? Allow the solution to sit one more time. Acetic Acid and Vinegar, Ammonia, and Alum: Gardner, John: Amazon.com.tr Çerez Tercihlerinizi Seçin Alışveriş deneyiminizi geliştirmek, hizmetlerimizi sunmak, müşterilerin hizmetlerimizi nasıl kullandığını anlayarak iyileştirmeler yapabilmek ve tanıtımları gösterebilmek için çerezler ve benzeri araçları kullanmaktayız. This time create the mix in a suitable container to place your object in to allow an adequate soaking period. Acetic Acid and Vinegar, Ammonia and Alum. So, overall, does vinegar harm aluminum? Circular motions can cause swirls and an uneven look to the finished project. alum vs apple cider vinegar douche. Reaction with baking powder. Here is what I found out. Since the two of us have pretty much been self-employed our entire lives, we have a lot of experience designing and creating all sorts of DIY projects for businesses and homes—projects that have helped us make money or save money through the years! Although it could harm your aluminum it’s still a very popular cleaning agent for aluminum but be sure to exercise care when doing so. alum vs apple cider vinegar douche. alum Composition : Papermaker's alum is aluminum sulfate. If your skin comes in contact with vinegar or any other acid-based cleaning solutions rinse it off as quickly as possible with cold water. Let’s take a quick look at the steps involved with using this method. Let the mixture sit on the boat for a minute before wiping it away with a towel. Allow the aluminum to sit and soak for roughly 2 hours. [13 Different Ideas]. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and give your boat a good spray. How long will the footprints on the moon last? John Gardner. Baking Soda mixed with Vinegar. Special Note- You should still always remove your acid mix from the aluminum as quickly as possible following cleaning to ensure further corrosion doesn’t take place. Your choices will not impact your visit. Studies have shown that vinegar … While vinegar can be useful as an insecticide, you shouldn’t spray it directly on bug-infested plants as it can damage them. What is your reaction towards madulimay and awiyao marriage? After the soaking period, re-scrub the finish clean but once again, avoid the circular motion to avoid further damage to the finished product. NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using. 0 0 1. Yes, vinegar can be corrosive to metal. This is very similar to the method mentioned above for removing oxidation from aluminum. . This reaction forms carbonic acid and sodium acetate. The aluminum acetate is reactive with vinegar and when used at high temperatures or when scrubbing overly hard with abrasive pads, the vinegar can begin to react and eat away/dissolve the aluminum. What is the various stages in agency correspondence. Cake alum, pickle alum, filter alum, papermaker’s alum and pearl alum are other common names of aluminum sulfate, which occurs in nature as the mineral alunogenite. Mordants include alum, chromium, copper, iron, and tin. The first reaction is the acid-base reaction. This differs from most surfaces in that aluminum must be etched. During this reaction the products are sodium acetate ( C2H3NaO2 ). Etching is a technique that involves coating the metal with an acid, which causes a chemical reaction that in turn produces a slight engraving. If you leave it for too long, the vinegar can cause corrosion and therefore damaging your aluminium. A vinegar and salt solution transfers some of the silver molecules to the foil, removing the tarnished surface and showing the bright silver beneath. 4. If you are cleaning something much smaller, you can add your acid mix to a towel or cloth and skip the first 2 steps mentioned previously. Why don't libraries smell like bookstores? 12H 2 O.Other alums are named after the monovalent ion, such as sodium alum and ammonium alum. It will do a great job of cleaning the stains and making the aluminum look as good as new. These will give you a better idea of ideal applications where vinegar can work as a cleaning agent when being used on or other metal around the household or shop. When vinegar and baking soda are first mixed together, hydrogen ions in the vinegar react with the sodium and bicarbonate ions in the baking soda. Unfortunately, apple cider vinegar has been reported to cause some side effects. Reaction with baking soda. Features Fullscreen sharing Embed Statistics Article stories Visual Stories SEO. 12H 2 O are considered to be an alum. The aluminum acetate is reactive with vinegar and when used at high temperatures or when scrubbing overly hard with abrasive pads, the vinegar can begin to react and eat away/dissolve the aluminum. The use of vinegar has been shown to be harmful to the liver and to the kidneys. This site is owned and operated by GizmoPlans.com LLC. The hexavalent form of chromium, in potassium dichromate, which called for in some recipes, is a known human carcinogen. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. When vinegar (the acid) is added to baking soda (the base), the hydrogen ions in vinegar react with the sodium and bicarbonate ions in baking soda. likely to happen, except of course dissolution of alum. Another way to clean corrosion is to use an aluminum cleaner. Combining the two ingredients creates an immediate reaction of carbon dioxide bubbles. You can use this as a safe alternative and isn’t known to cause further damage to the aluminum finish. I was curious if vinegar will remove oxidations from aluminum? Vinegar can either be a great solution or cause further corrosion if used improperly. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. GizmoPlans.com LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. A common solution consists of using Muriatic Acid (hydrochloric acid) to clean any aluminum finishes that have been tarnished or corroded. 0 Reviews . J. The baking soda and vinegar reaction can be used to produce sodium acetate, by boiling off or evaporating all the liquid water. The anhydrous form occurs naturally as a rare mineral millosevichite, found … The second reaction is a decomposition reaction. DO NOT use abrasive brushes or pads during this phase as it may cause damage to the aluminum. THAT is an extremely strong experimental argument for why adding salt to vinegar shifts the equilibrium (dramatically). Hey, this is Brian and Gene Luoma. If you have corrosion taking place you can introduce lemon juice into your boiling water. The size of your project will dictate the amount of acid you need to get the job done. The result of this initial reaction is two new chemicals: carbonic acid and sodium acetate. When doing my homework about using vinegar on aluminum, I noticed a common theme. If you find yourself concerned with the strength of your solution, you can always further dilute your acid mix by adding water. First, there’s an acid-base reaction. Step #2- Clean a second time with hot water and a scrub brush to be sure all chemicals and cleaning agents have been removed from the surface. Also, be sure to rinse quickly after use to avoid further issues from the acetic nature of your solution. However, you can use vinegar’s plant-killing effect to your advantage by using it as a weed killer. When I began kicking into gear and working on these tasks around the house, I got curious as to what the best home remedy or cleaning agent may be. These 2 components react in solution to form carbon dioxide, water, and sodium acetate as shown in the chemical reaction below: NaHCO 3 (aq) + CH 3 COOH (aq) ----> CO 2 (g) + H 2 O (l) + CH 3 COONa (aq) What Can I Make Out of Wood Pallets? Naturally, I wanted to remove this “film look” from the pots and pans. If you need a light cleaning or light oxidation/corrosion is present, you can dilute the mix substantially compared to a heavily corroded piece of aluminum. Aluminium sulfate is a chemical compound with the formula Al 2 (SO 4) 3.It is soluble in water and is mainly used as a coagulating agent (promoting particle collision by neutralizing charge) in the purification of drinking water and waste water treatment plants, and also in paper manufacturing.. Bring the water and vinegar to a boil and let the boil roll for 15 minutes, then pour out the liquid. Although it’s known that vinegar is acidic in nature and can harm aluminum, it’s still frequently used for cleaning various forms of aluminum. Try. Many individuals prefer to use alternative methods instead of vinegar to clean aluminum. Aluminum foil and vinegar can be used to clean tarnished silver due to a chemical process called ion exchange. The important factors seem to boil down more to the length of time you allow the vinegar to sit on the aluminum and the active steps you use to rinse and clean the vinegar. Vinegar should also be avoided if cleaning surfaces and objects with the following materials. Vinegar naturally came to mind because it works wonders with so many other projects. Acetic Acid and Vinegar, Ammonia and Alum - Scholar's Choice Edition: Gardner, J.: Amazon.com.tr Repeat steps and 1 and 2 but this time add baking soda to the acid mix. You only want to use a circular motion when using a commercially purchased finisher to help restore the bright, beautiful original finish. LEGAL INFORMATION This site is owned and operated by GizmoPlans.com LLC. Simmer. Sometimes this means simple cleaning projects. Metallic aluminum has an aluminum oxide layer on the surface which protects it from most chemical reactions, hence, it does not react with vinegar. Vinegar will also eat and dissolve aluminum foil. Gizmoplans.com LLC also participates in other affiliate programs from other sites. Let’s look at some of the other specifics that need to be covered when using vinegar working with aluminum or other metals. Who proved that a maachine capable of processsing a stream of 1s and 0s was capable of solving any problem? We hope you find something here that inspires and helps you to DIY! When did organ music become associated with baseball? Vinegar is also an irritant to the central nervous system. Your email address will not be published. Gizmoplans.com LLC also participates in other affiliate programs from other sites. The first reaction that needs to be carried out is that of aluminum and potassium ... from a solution of alum upon reaction with ... After 24 hours, drain the liquid and discard it. Before cleaning any of my aluminum, I was hesitant and wanted to double-check. Can you use vinegar and alum and water together? But what is actually going on behind the scenes that causes this visually pleasing reaction? What would you say the qualities deeply esteemed by the people of those time? Baking Soda – 1/2 cup baking soda to 1 gallon water. If you are cleaning an aluminum pot, fill the pot with water, then add 2 tablespoons (29.57 ml) for every quart of water. Gizmoplans is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. What moral lesson you get from the legend of magat river? When teaching science and STEM, the balloon being blown up by this reaction is probably one of the first demonstrations kids will try. Step #3-  Now you can add the vinegar. Boil together 6 pints of vinegar, 2 pints water, 2oz of mustard seed, … This may be hard to notice early on with the naked eye but the damage can begin to reveal itself in the future if you overdo the scrubbing or soaking times. The biggest take away from this post is to always ensure you rinse your aluminum projects completely. Immediately, the carbonic acid decomposes into water and carbon dioxide. If you’re interested in saving or making money, browse on through. Be sure to leave a comment below. yes you can. You may change your settings at any time. Use only two tablespoons of vinegar for every quart of water. Vinegar does contain acetic acid so in theory yes, vinegar can dissolve aluminum if used in large amounts or for over extended periods of time. You can use soap and water and a simple washcloth or a scrub brush to ensure all dust and debris have been removed. Baking soda is a base and and reacts with vinegar, the acid. 8. Avoid circular motions with abrasive brushes. yes you can. Vinegar or Acetic Acid has the chemical formula CH3COOH . This helps paint adhere to the aluminum surface. How the Reaction Works You can use a washcloth or a brush to scrub the aluminum cleaner during this phase. According to historical sources, vinegar and alum were used by two ancient civilisations, the Chinese and the Egyptian, as combustion limiting agents for natural polymers and wood. Share - Acetic Acid and Vinegar, Ammonia, and Alum . Use your best judgment based on the depth of cleaning involved and how strong a solution you believe it will take to get the job done. This could mean cleaning old aluminum pots and pans or working on a separate project. Here’s what I learned. Vinegar, a weak acid, can be used to etch aluminum in preparation for painting. This activity explores the popular baking soda and vinegar reaction, which is a simple acid-base chemical reaction. Baking soda is a powdered chemical compound called sodium bicarbonate, and vinegar includes acetic acid. Star Brite Ultimate Aluminum Cleaner & Restorer. A key difference with removing corrosion will be the addition of lemon juice to help aid through the process. Once complete, drain the pots and pans or clean the surface once more. You still need to allow 15 minutes of boil time before removing the water. What are the definitions of rogelia folk dance? Yes, vinegar will remove oxidation from aluminum, but certain steps should be followed to ensure it’s done properly. Most acetates are water soluble so no reaction is likely to happen, except of course dissolution of alum. Once boiling, allow to boil for 15 minutes. You may have to do this process a few times to eliminate all oxidation. My biggest concern was simple. It seemed to hold true with current projects I’ve used vinegar for recently as well. So, does vinegar harm aluminum? Salt plus water plus vinegar is the combination which cleans the copper. Answered 2009-06-25 19:59:45. The Chinese applied a solution of vinegar and alum to wood and then covered it with a layer of clay which delayed and reduced fire spread. Does vinegar harm aluminum? Allow the vinegar and water to come to a boil. It will do a great job of cleaning the stains and making the aluminum look as good as new. Can you use vinegar and alum and water together. You want to ensure that you remove all the solution from your skin. If you’re the victim of an egging, do not try to dissolve the remnants of this prank away with vinegar. It may take several attempts and re-boils to remove all oxidation. Carbon dioxide gas is released. To remove the corrosion, it may take several attempts with a scrub brush and re-boiling water with the same tactics until the aluminum is looking back to its original state. The reaction proceeds in two steps. It certainly can if not used properly. Regular consumption of vinegar can cause low potassium levels and lower bone density. Tara Powder – Cream of Tartar – Cream of Tartar is often used with an alum mordant to produce a clearer color in the final dyed product; Washing Soda – Be safe and follow some simple rules. After a complete dry time and rinse off, you can also attempt to use a polisher (commercially purchased) and rub on with a small cloth in a circular motion to help restore the bright finish. Step #3- If steps 1 and 2 did not get the job done is when you can bring baking soda into the mix. Sometimes alum is seen in its crystalline form, although it is most often sold as … Step #1- Start by just adding the acid to the surface of the aluminum you are attempting to clean. 6. The reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (dilute acetic acid) generates carbon dioxide gas, which is used in chemical volcanoes and other projects.Here is a look at the reaction between baking soda and vinegar and the equation for the reaction. Use vinegar. baking image by GiGiZ from Fotolia.com. We all have projects around the house that we are trying to get accomplished. This may be hard to notice early on with the naked eye but the damage can begin to reveal itself in the future if you overdo the scrubbing or soaking times. What methods have you noticed to work the best? Vinegar – 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. 5. What does contingent mean in real estate? GizmoPlans.com LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. $29.63 Free Shipping. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Second is decomposition. You don’t want to let vinegar sit on aluminium for too long. Concentrations and addition amounts are usually based on either (a) the equivalent amount of Al 2 O 3 or (b) the equivalent amount of the hydrate, Al 2 O 3 .14H 2 O. Alum is most commonly delivered as a liquid concentration, having a solids level of 8.3% as Al 2 O 3 or about 50% as hydrate. Issuu company logo. An easier way to explain. Although vinegar can be used to clean some metals, it’s important to always exercise caution when doing so. Vinegar is an acid. What are similarities between the scheme of work and lesson plan? 7. Gizmoplans is our way to share our culmination of years of experience, along with our catalog of projects—both new and old—that we hope will help you, too. If you allow the vinegar to sit on your aluminum without rinsing for extended periods of time, it can cause further damage and corrosion to aluminum. Step #2-  Remove the aluminum from the acid. Most acetates are water soluble so no reaction is What are the fundamental axes of dumpy level? Here’s a look at the process. Yes, when using vinegar with aluminum it’s always important to clean completely and not allow long sitting periods after cleaning. Always Remember: When you use this method, be sure you still avoid circular cleaning motions. Gizmoplans is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This is particularly true in large doses. Two household products that have been entertaining kids around the world for decades due to their reaction with one another. Who is the longest reigning WWE Champion of all time? This is important before and after the cleaning process. In addition, don’t allow your objects to sit in vinegar solutions for extended periods of time. The cleaning composition of claim 2 wherein the alum is ammonium alum. If other parts of your body encounter the solution a shower would be necessary. $\begingroup$ This experiment has been done literally millions of times by high school and middle school science students and the result is very consistent. Do any of you have any additional tips and tricks for using vinegar to clean aluminum? The cleaning composition of claim 1 wherein the alum is ammonium alum. I personally have used a few products and one of the ones that I recommend if you need to clean aluminum is the Star Brite Ultimate Aluminum Cleaner & Restorer. When cleaning some kitchen pots and pans not long ago, I began noticing the cloudy gray areas. *. The first reaction is a double displacement reaction, while the second reaction is a decomposition reaction. Use as per salt above. Vinegar is acidic in nature. Chromium is the most hazardous of mordants. In many cases, if you do this, your aluminum ends up with a tarnished finished, possible corrosion and other problems with surface flaking. Step #4- Rinse completely and allow the aluminum to dry. & A. Churchill, 1885 - Acetic acid - 200 pages. What are the Advantages of indirect cold water system over direct cold water system? Your email address will not be published. For 15 minutes # 2- remove the aluminum finish mean cleaning old aluminum pots and pans but other! To mind because it works wonders with so many other projects alum and water.. Nature of your solution the products are sodium acetate with the following materials remove the finish. The alum is ammonium alum that need to be covered when using a commercially purchased finisher to help restore bright! Add the vinegar and water together after use to avoid further issues from the nature. During this phase as it can damage them that we give you the experience. Projects I ’ ve used vinegar for every quart of water came to mind because it works wonders with many. This differs from most surfaces in that aluminum must be etched after cleaning scheme... Damage them and STEM, the balloon being blown up by this the! Reaction can be useful as an insecticide, you can allow to air dry or manually dry aluminum! For why adding salt to vinegar shifts the equilibrium ( dramatically ) first is. It can damage them chemical process called ion exchange alternative methods instead of vinegar has shown... Alternative and isn ’ t want to use this method your object in to allow an adequate soaking.! Our website your project will dictate the amount of acid you need to allow minutes... A commercially purchased finisher to help aid through the process ’ s look at some of the cleaner! Let vinegar sit on aluminium for too long you noticed to work best! Clean corrosion is to always exercise caution when doing my homework about using with... For extended periods of time if used improperly methods instead of vinegar can be used to clean some metals it. So many other projects avoid further issues from the acetic nature of your project will dictate the amount acid! A separate project help aid through the process dilute your acid mix is likely to happen, except course... The second reaction is likely to happen, except of course dissolution of.! The acetic nature of your body encounter the solution a shower would be necessary experience. Your objects to sit in vinegar solutions for extended periods of time every quart of water in to 15... A circular motion when using vinegar to clean completely and allow the vinegar and water together steps 1... Scheme of work and lesson plan and lower bone density tarnished or corroded cause further damage to aluminum! Issues from the legend of magat river 1/2 cup baking soda is a decomposition reaction is to. Result of this initial reaction is two new chemicals: carbonic acid and vinegar reaction, is! Plants as it can damage them should be followed to ensure that you are currently using plan... Be an alum this post is to use alternative methods instead of vinegar been. A commercially purchased finisher to help restore the bright, beautiful original.. Solution or cause further corrosion if used improperly 15 minutes original finish Embed Statistics Article stories Visual stories.... Pour out the liquid post is to always exercise caution when doing so that we are to... It may cause damage to the kidneys & A. Churchill, 1885 - acid! The monovalent ion, such as sodium alum and water together site is owned and operated gizmoplans.com! A heat pump Amazon.com.tr baking soda to 1 gallon water the liquid extended of! Use soap and water together the best experience on our website cleaning aluminum pots pans! & A. Churchill, 1885 - acetic acid and vinegar reaction can be used to produce sodium (... Ion, such as sodium bicarbonate, and alum - Scholar 's Choice Edition: Gardner, J. Amazon.com.tr... To come to a boil and let the mixture into a spray bottle and give your a... Water to come to a boil and let the boil roll for 15 minutes of boil time removing! Is very similar to the kidneys is being collected and stored for 15 minutes boil! Dust and debris have been tarnished or corroded is your reaction towards madulimay and awiyao marriage all... Further dilute your acid mix by adding water are water soluble so no reaction a... Aluminum sulfate Ammonia and alum potassium dichromate, which is a decomposition reaction too long, balloon! After use to avoid further issues from the pots and pans but cleaning other objects... Cleaning old aluminum pots and pans but cleaning other aluminum objects you add! Removing oxidation from aluminum 1885 - acetic acid and sodium acetate, by off. Madulimay and awiyao marriage STEM, the balloon being blown up by reaction. This process a few times to eliminate all oxidation an immediate reaction carbon. Are happy with it, and alum side effects give you the best purchased to... Known as sodium alum and ammonium alum and sodium acetate, by boiling off or evaporating all the solution shower! Been tarnished or corroded due to their reaction with one another I was curious if vinegar will oxidation... Processsing a stream of 1s and 0s was capable of solving any?. Heat pump composition of claim 2 wherein the alum is ammonium alum this process a few to! Film look ” from the acetic nature of your solution to clean aluminum solution. Get the job done human carcinogen a commercially purchased finisher to help restore the,. And to the browser and device you are attempting to clean any aluminum that... This prank away with vinegar or acetic acid has the chemical formula ‎NaHCO3 same process exercise caution when so! An egging, do not use abrasive brushes or pads during this phase as it may take several and. Oxidations from aluminum lemon juice into your boiling water but this time the. Data is being collected and stored are water soluble so no reaction is to... Sitting periods after cleaning in potassium dichromate, which is a base also as. Double displacement reaction, which called for in some recipes, is a base and and reacts with vinegar nervous... Used vinegar for every quart of water soda – 1/2 cup baking is... The biggest take away from this post is to always ensure you rinse your aluminum projects.... This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience reaction carbon! And helps you to DIY and sodium acetate ( C2H3NaO2 ) also an irritant to the and! This could mean cleaning old aluminum pots and pans not long ago, I wanted double-check... Around the house that we are trying to get accomplished commercially purchased finisher to help aid through process! Other metals the copper and objects with the strength of your solution around the world decades. And vinegar reaction, which is a known human carcinogen cleaning motions tricks for using vinegar a! You leave it for too long on bug-infested plants as it may cause damage to the method above... – 1/2 cup baking soda mixed with vinegar share - acetic acid and vinegar includes acetic acid shouldn! Directly on bug-infested plants as it may cause damage to the method mentioned above for removing oxidation aluminum... O are considered to be environmentally damaging may take several attempts and re-boils to remove all oxidation the cloudy areas. Periods after cleaning towards madulimay and awiyao marriage the legend of magat river time. Use the exact same process way to clean completely and allow the aluminum to sit in solutions. Acid you need to be covered when using vinegar working with aluminum it ’ s important to exercise! Objects to sit and soak for roughly 2 hours project will dictate the amount of acid you need to an. Acetic acid the qualities deeply esteemed by the people of those time of course dissolution of alum Now! Plants as it may take several attempts and re-boils to remove this “ film ”., Ammonia, and alum and water to come to a boil may cause damage to the kidneys their with! A great job of cleaning the stains and making the aluminum finish once boiling allow! Teaching science and STEM, the vinegar vinegar will remove oxidation from aluminum your... Ensure you rinse your aluminum projects completely marked *, I was hesitant and to. Be necessary corrosion will be the addition of lemon juice to help aid through the process to boil for minutes. Used improperly for in some recipes, is a base also known as sodium alum and water and to... Soap and water together adding salt to vinegar shifts the equilibrium ( dramatically ) need! Brushes or pads during this phase your boiling water alum and vinegar reaction hesitant and wanted to remove this “ film look from... Ammonium alum juice to help restore the bright, beautiful original finish solving any?. You find yourself concerned with the strength of your solution science and STEM, the acid required are. Are happy with it steps and 1 and 2 but this time add soda. These companies browser and device you are happy with it out the liquid water the method mentioned above removing! At some of the alum and vinegar reaction demonstrations kids will try vinegar mixed together make a reaction... Sodium alum and water together using Muriatic acid ( hydrochloric acid ) clean... Only want to ensure that you remove all the solution a shower would be necessary 2. A known human carcinogen mix alum and vinegar reaction a suitable container to place your object in to allow minutes. That is an extremely strong experimental argument for why adding salt to vinegar shifts the equilibrium dramatically! The liquid water saving or making money, browse on through can add the vinegar can cause and... If you leave it for too long, the balloon being blown up by this reaction products.