Hello, trying to do research for writing but need to know if any kind of chemical can be hidden in stamp glue? I imagine it would, just don't know what kind. I know it's broad, but I am working on a WW2 fiction and it would be interesting to have something vital hidden in something as simple as a postage stamp. Any ideas or examples from history? Thanks
136482
Sure can.  I can tell you that LSD was placed on stamps for transfer into prisons.
121392
What class was this in? What grade level? What text were you using?  I may be able to help you if I know the context in which the question was raised. I have a feeling that I am not getting all the information you had. Please tell me and maybe I can help. I am an old chemist and microbiologist.
612797
i find  your question, interesting but quite inexplicable .\n this is something new to me . I was not  very attentive in my chemistry studies ..\n\n My memory centre is all clogged up with other facts , just now ; \n this must be the reason for me , to draw a blank here\n \n i will go hang my head in shame .\n \n or hunt up that  answer,  LIT UP for all to see , on Google or some other wondrous search engine .\n\n good luck \n \n.
120673
First of all, it seems implausible that Britain would write the Note in a German code that they were just figuring out how to dechiper. And in 1917, Arthur Zimmerman himself confirmed that the Note was genuine, and in October 2005 an original typescript was uncovered.\n\nSo I'm betting heavily on its authenticity.
670172
I don't understand 100% your question. But one of the best sources of information for any kind of chemicals is NIST.\nBelow you have some data on polyethylene.\n\nhttp://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C9002884&Units=SI&Mask=4#Thermo-Phase\nhttp://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C9002884&Units=SI&Mask=2#Thermo-Condensed\nhttp://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C9002884&Units=SI&Type=SS\n\nGood luck!
18628
Virtually any polymer is invisible to radar. Radar signals go right through the material, most radomes are made of a pure polymer with a synthetic base paint that is non conductive. They cannot contain any  metalic impurities at all!  \n\nThe exceptions come in when lead and metal additives are added as coloring agents.\n\nSometimes a  (semi conductive) carbon fiber is inserted into the polymer this can act as a resistor, to absorb the radar signal and prevent it's return.  However the actual composite formula is Classified Secret. \n \nThey actually make US Navy Ship Mast and Superstructrures out of composite materials right here in Mississippi that are invisible to Radar, or absorb Radar and prevent what is inside the structure from reflecting the signal.  Again the knowlege that this exist  is public knowledge, it is similiar to the leading edge of Stealth Aircraft, but the Material itself is Classified!  \n\nThere is an absorbent tile which can be glued to just about any surface,  looks just like a piece of common floor tile except that it just absorbs Radar.  Once it is Glued on to a surface with an epoxy base glue it stays!\n\nThis about exhaust everything I can type in the clear about this subject and not end up in prison!\n\nHope I helped you somewhat!\n\nHave A good day!
38147
First of all, chloroform will react with sunlight (UV) and air to form phosgene gas, which forms hydrochloric acid and carbon monoxide in your lungs, so no it is not safe to make your own. This gas was used during several wars to kill soldiers en masse.\n\nDEPENDING ON WHAT STATE YOU LIVE IN, CHLOROFORM MAY BE CONSIDERED A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND BE ILLEGAL TO POSSESS AND MANUFACTURE. \n\nIt is also known as trichloromethane. Here's the information from an MSDS sheet:\n********************************************************************\nAppearance: clear colourless liquid with a sweet odour\nMelting point: -63 C\nBoiling point: 61 C\nVapour density: 4.1\nVapour pressure: 159 mm Hg at 20 C\nSpecific gravity: 1.48 g/cm3 \nStability\n May decompose on exposure to light. Incompatible with a wide variety of materials, including peroxy compounds, alkali amides, strong bases, alkali metals, magnesium, aluminium, strong oxidizing agents.\n\nToxicology\nThis material causes cancer in laboratory animals, and is IARC listed as a probable human carcinogen. Inhalation and ingestion are harmful and may be fatal. May cause reproductive damage.  Irritant. Exposure to alcohol may increase toxic effects. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. Typical TLV 50 ppm.\n***********************************************\nhttp://ptcl.chem.ox.ac.uk/MSDS/CH/chloroform.html\n\nFurther, approximately 10% of the population is seriously allergic to chloroform. \n\nThe reaction you are proposing is strongly exothermic and is likely to cause the  chloroform to evaporate before the reaction even finishes. This of course will endanger you if you are present and do not have proper ventilation and safety equipment.  Phosgene can also be produced if the reaction proceeds too quickly and this can be fatal. This is NOT a reaction you would want to experiment with outside of a good laboratory with ventilation hoods, fire equipment, etc. \n\nDepending on what other chemicals you may have around, and what else you are doing, it could also get you ARRESTED simply for having the chloroform. The US Drug Enforcement Agency considers this a dangerous drug, for good reason.
543469
One question at a time please!\n\nCarbon forms Covalent bonds.\n\n1 molecule of Carbon can form 4 bonds.\n\nLipids are formed from Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen and consist of fatty acids, and esters, and glycerols.\n\nOkay, Organic vs. Inorganic Here are some of the most educated opinions on that subject that I have ever encountered:\n\n Ask A Scientist\nChemistry Archive  \n\nhttp://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/chem99/chem99286.htm\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nOrganic / Inorganic\n\nQuestion:\nI teach sophomores an introductory biology course.  When I cover the biochemistry section the terms organic and inorganic come up.\nI am not satisfied with the simplistic statement that organic chemicals are ones that contain carbon since it does not account for carbon dioxide being an inorganic. Is there a definition of 'organic chemical' which accounts for all\nor most molecules?\n doug happ\n \nAnswer 1:\n   Given the existence of hemoglobin, "zinc fingers" in some enzymes, and buckyballs, I'd guess not.\n christopher grayce\n\nAnswer 2:\nConsidering the number of carbon containing molecules that ARE considered to be organic relative to the number that are NOT, the rule that an organic molecule is one that contains carbon,  works VERY well. The "exceptions" might serve as a lead-in to a discussion of the use of rules, such as classifying molecules as organic or inorganic, as a contrived convenience.  They are helpful for most cases.  In the cases\nwhere the rules don't work well we have to be able to turn to other tools, such as an understanding of chemical bonds or molecular orbitals so we can concentrate on the characteristic of interest -- which is very rarely\nwhether the molecule is organic or more often things like reactivity. You're at the leading edge of helping these students think for themselves\nin a field where they probably feel unsure of themselves! It sounds like you have some inquiring students there and some active\ndiscussions.  May you have many more!\nGreg\n\nAnswer 3:  An interesting question.\nI believe that "organic" vs. "inorganic" originally stemmed from the ancient idea that compounds could be divided into two categories; those isolated from plants and animals (organic) and those extracted from minerals and ore (inorganic)\n[source: Bodner and Pardue, Chemistry: An Experimental Science, 1993].\n \nAs a working definition, now we think of organic chemistry as primarily being the chemistry of carbon-containing compounds. Most carbon-containing compounds have one or more of the\nfollowing: H,N,O,S,P. Some authors describe organic chemistry as the study of compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen. By this definition, CO2 would be "inorganic." But I would\nlike to stress that in fact there is no general agreement on such semantics, and I'd bet that a lot of chemists consider CO2 to be "organic" because it contains C and O.\nTopper
449136
There is stuff called Mod Podge (I think I spelled it right), that will work as a glue if you want to glue the paper to the box and as a topcoat to preserve the paper on top.  You just brush it on with a paint brush.  I think that would work pretty well.  You can get it at a craft supply store.
318492
It is fragile as all get out.\nhttp://eande.lbl.gov/ECS/aerogels/satoc.htm\nThey are filled under presure.\n\nOriginally it was used in screwworm medicine for sheep as well as a thickener for house paint.
51015
I have clicked on the link and I read about a chemical substance(filter), that is called PBSA and is contained in some sunscreens. \nIt's impressing!\nWe put on our skin a product in order to protect it and we do exactly the opposite! Thanks for the information. I haven't heard about this, but BBC site is a trustworthy site, so this notice must be valid.\nI suppose that this special case is the result of a European Union program about chemicals, their detection and their elimination from our daily life.\n\nKaterina
514160
Can do, providing that you bung a wedge in the outer envelope.\n\nI live in Harrogate if that is any help.\n\nI would like to be aware as to whether there is any hazard associated with it ie letter bomb, nerve agent etc
581036
I heard that solvent vapours such as cellulose thinners can loosen the ink but I would doubt it would leave it clean (like say you would require if you were forging something!).\n\nOn a school report I would suggest crossing it out neatly and writing the correct thing ... if you are trying to alter something them you probably have a problem as even ink erasers leave a trace.\n\nLike they say with cleaning products ... try on a sample first.
9813
Hi, thats quite a difficult one. \n\nI will tryto give you what i can.\n\nyou can start with wikipedia. Thats because it gives things in the right sequence and then there are a lot of links.\n\nIn general, it describes a term Forensic Chemistry. Forensic chemistry applies the principles of chemistry to law enforcement. Some forensic chemists may deal with explosives or poisons. The bulk of most forensic chemists work is on the analyses of controlled substances. According to federal and state laws an accurate net weight and positive identification of a substance must be obtained before a person can be tried for its possession, distribution or manufacturing. State and local regulations can vary, but in general an analysis must be accomplished based on certain weight criteria. After the weight is obtained the chemist may perform presumptive testing using chemical reagents that cause a color or odor change. The result of the presumptive tests give the chemist clues that guide what type of further testing is required.\n\n\nSee more at :\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forensic_chemistry\n\nYou will find a lot of links here, eg to Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry etc.\n\nSometihng to read here:\nhttp://www.keele.ac.uk/undergraduate/prospectus/2006/forensic.htm\n\nhttp://www.aafs.org/yfsf/newsletter/Sept2001/Goodpaster.html\n\nhttp://www.forensic-science-society.org.uk\n(The official web site of The Forensic Science Society.)\n\nMore useful links at:\nhttp://www.keele.ac.uk/depts/forensic/resources.htm\n\nYou will find links to a few people who you can write to. \nhttp://www.enfsi.org/search?SearchableText=chemistry&Title=&Description=&created%3Adate=1970%2F02%2F01+00%3A00%3A00+GMT&created_usage=range%3Amin&pt_toggle=%23&portal_type%3Alist=Collector&portal_type%3Alist=Collector+Catalog&portal_type%3Alist=Collector+Issue&portal_type%3Alist=Collector+Issue+Transcript&portal_type%3Alist=Collector+Subset&portal_type%3Alist=ContactFolder&portal_type%3Alist=ContentPanels&portal_type%3Alist=ControlTool&portal_type%3Alist=DataGridDemoType&portal_type%3Alist=Discussion+Item&portal_type%3Alist=Document&portal_type%3Alist=DynamicPage&portal_type%3Alist=EUFolder&portal_type%3Alist=Event&portal_type%3Alist=ExFile&portal_type%3Alist=ExtendedEvent&portal_type%3Alist=ExtendedLink&portal_type%3Alist=ExtendedNews&portal_type%3Alist=FAQ&portal_type%3Alist=FAQTheme&portal_type%3Alist=Favorite&portal_type%3Alist=File&portal_type%3Alist=Folder&portal_type%3Alist=GroupSpace&portal_type%3Alist=Image&portal_type%3Alist=Job&portal_type%3Alist=Large+Plone+Folder&portal_type%3Alist=Link&portal_type%3Alist=Member&portal_type%3Alist=MemberDataContainer&portal_type%3Alist=Message&portal_type%3Alist=News+Item&portal_type%3Alist=Newsletter&portal_type%3Alist=NewsletterBTree&portal_type%3Alist=NewsletterReference&portal_type%3Alist=NewsletterTheme&portal_type%3Alist=NewsletterTopic&portal_type%3Alist=Plone+Site&portal_type%3Alist=PloneArticle&portal_type%3Alist=PloneArticleMultiPage&portal_type%3Alist=PloneContactsView&portal_type%3Alist=PressRelease&portal_type%3Alist=PressReview&portal_type%3Alist=SCAuditorium&portal_type%3Alist=SCAuditoriumItem&portal_type%3Alist=Section&portal_type%3Alist=Subscriber&portal_type%3Alist=TempFolder&portal_type%3Alist=Topic&Creator=&submit=Search
629461
Crazy glue was used during WW2 as an instant bandage for wounds, so sodiers could keep them from bleeding.  It wasn't called crazy glue at the time but it had similiar ingredients.  \n\nWD40 was used during that time as well.  WD stands for water displacement and it was used as a waterproofing material for soldier's boots, etc.  I forget what the 40 means...
347438
No I have never heard of using gold in that way.\n\nNo gold is unaffected by air and most reagents; therefore shouldn't taint.\n\nBecause gold is unaffected by most reagents, I don't think it would imbue the perfume with gold attracting properties.\n\nYou would just have a pretty little gold nugget in with the perfume.
88063
First the answer to the yellowing of paper in a book.  There is a substance called lignin that is found with cellulose in wood fiber.  During the paper making process, the manufacturers try to get rid of lignin as much as possible.  Some of it still remains though.  Bleaching helps to mask it, but over time this lignin reacts with humidity and light to brown.  Look at a newspaper after a few days in the sun, it's brown because they don't actually remove much lignin.\n\nNow for the fact the paper crumbles.  Cellulose and other components to paper are organic.  Organics tend to degrade over time due to instablilities in the bonds between the components.  Paper fibers bond both physically and chemically, but it the chemical bonds that keep it together.  These bonds are called hydrogen bonds, and water is needed to obtain them.  But over time, even these bonds degrade, and the paper will fall apart.  Acid-free paper is manufactured in an alkaline process, which helps to reduce the rate of degradation over time.