All You Need To Know About Balloons
The origin of the word “balloon” can be traced to the French word ‘ballon’ which refers to a huge ball. Other likely origins include the Latin ‘ballone’ meaning ball or perhaps from the old German word ‘balla’ which also pertains to a ball. Other related etymology includes the Middle English term ‘bal’, which was in turn traces its roots from the Old English ‘beall’, both referring to a ball. The earliest balloons delivery was crafted out of dried animal bladders or intestines and were frequently used by buffoons for entertainment. It is believed that the first balloon was made by Bartolomeu de Gusmao and it made its public debut during an exhibition in Lisbon. However, the first rubber balloon called ‘caoutchoucs’ was invented by famed scientist Michael Faraday in 1824 and he filled it with hydrogen gas. Nearly two decades later, J.G Ingram made the first latex balloons in London. But it’s only around the 1930’s when latex balloons were mass produced.
Balloons were initially filled with hydrogen to make them float. However, hydrogen is extremely flammable so its use was essentially restricted to scientific experiments. Helium became the best choice since it is non-toxic, non flammable and found naturally in the air. The increased safety of helium allowed balloon makers to use it in a number of ways. In the late 1970s, foil balloons were introduced and quickly grew in popularity as they were more durable, though a bit more expensive. They were made of thin aluminised plastic films which are less permeable, keeping helium from escaping for a number of days. Foil balloons are more buoyant and not stretchable like rubber balloons. This allows for the printing of detailed and colourful images on their surfaces, without being distorted when they are inflated.
Balloons can be filled with air, by blowing into it. Air pumps are currently used in order to inflate more balloons quickly. Balloons that float are more popular among children so helium is usually used. It is also used to fill up latex balloons but it only remains inside for some time because the helium atoms escape through the pores of the latex. In order to prevent the leakage, the interior of the balloons are treated with a polymer solution such as hi-float gels that make them less permeable. Other types such as foil and plastic balloons are a lot less porous and they can float for up to five weeks! In all, balloons provide a lot of fun and one can’t imagine special occasions or parties without them.
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