T-SHIRT CHROMATOGRAPHY (6/11/2004)i
INTRODUCTION/THEORY
Although they may appear to be pure substances, many materials are mixtures comprised of two or more
different substances. Since likes dissolve likes, the result of a chromatogram depend greatly on the type of
solvent or mobile phase used. The solvent (mobile phase) used in this experiment is isopropyl alcohol
which is squeezed onto a simple pattern made with permanent ink on a T-shirt (the stationary phase). As
the dyes in the ink dissolve in the mobile phase, they travel at different rates and are separated (according
to their polarity) into an explosion of color and chromatographic design.
MATERIALS
Variety of permanent markers
Large flat-rimmed basin
Rubber band, large
Plastic pipets
White T-Shirt, washed
Isopropyl alcohol solution
Iron and Ironing Board
PROCEDURE
1. Place the basin upright inside the T-shirt. Position the T-shirt so that the area to be decorated is
covering the mouth of the basin. Stretch the rubber band around the basin over the T-shirt, then gently
pull down on the T-shirt along the sides to draw up any slack and to tighten the T-shirt fabric slightly
over the mouth of the basin.
2. Use the permanent pens to make a pattern of spots somewhere on the stretched fabric. Some
suggested patterns are offered below:
3. Use the pipet to draw up some isopropyl alcohol (the solvent for this technique), allow any excess to
drip off, then position the pipet tip on the stretched fabric in the direct center of the pattern. Gradually
squeeze the pipet bulb to deliver a slow and constant stream of the solvent onto the fabric. (If you hear
the solvent dnpping down into the basin, you are squeezing it out too fast-faster than the T-shirt fabric
can absorb it!) As the solvent soaks in and passes the colored spots, it will start to spread them out
radially into a brilliant chromatogram.
4. When the spreading pattern has gotten almost as large as you want it, stop squeezing out the solvent,
and you are ready to create a new pattern somewhere else on the stretched sufface.
5. When the stretched area has been sufficiently decorated, allow 1-2 minutes for partial drying. Then
remove the rubber band, and if desired, repeat steps 1~ to decorate another area of the shirt. Try a
variety of patterns, shapes and sizes.
6. When you are finished, allow the T-shirt to dry completely, then iron it to help set the patterns. At this
point the T-shirt is ready to be worn, but some of the colors tend to fade with repeated washings
(especially in hot water).
Tips:
1.
Patterns in the ~1O cm range seem to work best. Very large patterns (>15 cm) can also be made, but
they tend to take considerably longer to dry. Keep in mind also: the larger the desired pattern, the
larger and darker the ink spots need to be.
2. If the sleeves of the T-shirt are to be decorated, wide-mouth plastic cups may be used in place of the
basin, and the patterns made one at a time.
3.
The process is not limited to T-shirts. Sweat shirts, boxer shorts, white pants, hats, pillow cases, socks
& canvas shoes can be used as well.
4.
The chromatograms produced in T-Shirt Radial Chromatography do not have color separations as
distinct as in paper radial chromatography. This is due to the fast rate at which the T-shirt
chromatograms are run.
5.
Writing tends to “smear” and become unreadable from this process.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
Iso-propyl alcohol is a flammable liquid; fire hazard; toxic by ingestion and inhalation.
i
“Radial Chromatography T-Shirts – The Experiment You Can Wear!”, Chem Fax Publication No. 8686, Flinn
Scientific, Inc., Batavia, IL 60510.