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How Hand Warmers are Made
When the slopes turn into an icy hell, hand-warmers provide welcome relief. But they aren’t magic. A hand-warmer’s air-activated instaheat is more 10th-grade chemistry than high-tech trickery.
Iron Powder
Iron + oxygen + water = rust. The chemical reaction that turns iron into rust creates heat and is the secret behind hand-warmers.
Water
When a hand-warmer is exposed to air, iron and oxygen ions combine, releasing energy. There is a tiny amount of water in the pouch that acts as the medium for the process to occur.
Salt
Salt, an electrolyte, improves the movement of electrons across water, speeding up the exchange between the iron and the oxygen. The result: instant warmth.
Activated Charcoal
Like a mini-barbeque, processed charcoal helps disperse the warmers’ heat, roasting your mitts.
Vermiculite
A common fireproofer, vermiculite retains moisture and insulates, which is why your warmers are still cooking after five hours.
Iron Powder
Iron + oxygen + water = rust. The chemical reaction that turns iron into rust creates heat and is the secret behind hand-warmers.
Water
When a hand-warmer is exposed to air, iron and oxygen ions combine, releasing energy. There is a tiny amount of water in the pouch that acts as the medium for the process to occur.
Salt
Salt, an electrolyte, improves the movement of electrons across water, speeding up the exchange between the iron and the oxygen. The result: instant warmth.
Activated Charcoal
Like a mini-barbeque, processed charcoal helps disperse the warmers’ heat, roasting your mitts.
Vermiculite
A common fireproofer, vermiculite retains moisture and insulates, which is why your warmers are still cooking after five hours.