Light is generated by a chemical reaction called "chemiluminescence".

Typical glow sticks use as chemical reactants: a hydrogen peroxide solution which is called the "activator", a solution of phenyl oxalate ester and a fluorescent dye which makes the colour.

The activator is stored in a thin glass capsule. When the glass capsule is broken by flexing a glow stick, the activator is released, and mixing the components by shaking the glow stick to initiate the reaction.

Depending on components used, the chemical reaction can last from a few minutes to many hours.

Heating the glow sticks will speed up the reaction, but will shorten the glow time .

To activate:

Bend the glow sticks gently or in the case of glow bracelets just run your finger and thumb down its length (to break the internal glass capsule)

Shake the glow stick (until it glows evenly)

Note: Do not bend activated glow sticks any more excessive bending may break the plastic tube which will result in leakage

Glow in the dark products will generally glow between 8 to 12 hours, depending on size, colour, type and the ambient air temperature . As a rule due to the chemical mixture Blue and White Glow Sticks will last 8 hours and all other colours will last 12 hours.

It is possible to purchase special glow sticks designed for safety and military use that have a glow time of betyween 5 and 30 minutes

No, I am afraid not. once the chemical reaction has started their is nothing you can do to stop the process. However like all chemical processes you can slow it down by cooling the glow sticks

Yes, it does. Higher temperatures will make glow stick glow brighter but will shorten the glow time. With lower temperatures the glow will be a little bit duller but will glow for a longer period of time. Dexing products give maximum bright light when used at temperatures ranging from 15°C-38°C. If the temperature is higher than 38°C, bright light will be at the maximum but the length of glow will decrease. If less than 15°C, bright light will be minimal but the length of glow will be increased

For any queries regarding our Glow Sticks, please contact the store by email at orders@Glosticks.co.uk. Please make sure you give as much information as possible in the email.