HotHands warmers contain a specific mix of materials that, when exposed to air, produce heat.
Composition of HotHands
The key components inside a HotHands warmer are:
- Iron Powder: This is the primary ingredient that reacts with oxygen in the air to generate heat through a process called oxidation.
- Salt: Acts as a catalyst, speeding up the oxidation process of the iron.
- Activated Charcoal: Helps to disperse the heat more evenly and also plays a role in absorbing moisture.
How HotHands Work
- The HotHands packet contains a sealed, air-tight mesh bag.
- When the outer package is opened and the mesh bag is removed, the ingredients inside are exposed to oxygen.
- The iron powder, salt, and activated charcoal begin to react with the oxygen in a controlled oxidation reaction.
- This reaction generates heat, which is what makes the HotHands warmer feel warm.
The following table summarizes the components of a HotHands warmer:
Component | Function |
---|---|
Iron Powder | Main substance reacting with oxygen to produce heat |
Salt | Catalyst to speed up the oxidation reaction |
Activated Charcoal | Evenly distributes heat and absorbs moisture |
This reaction is what enables HotHands to provide a portable and convenient heat source.