Slime Facts: Everything You Need To Know About This Gooey Substance

Slime is a product that is used by children as a toy and a great way to pass time.

It was first created in the year 1976 in the U.S. The major purpose for creating it was to create a toy that could be a bit gross in nature.

When it was created in the year 1974, the creators were looking for an oozing substance or a basic fun toy. But, eventually, after the first production, kids within the U.S. really took to the toy.

To take full advantage of the market, the production of the product from all of the existing toy companies saw full-fledged slime sales.

With the increase in the popularity of slime among children, different media channels also started showcasing slime on their shows. One of these channels was 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' on Nickelodeon.

Historical Facts

The history of slime science does not go back very far. It was simply created by toy manufacturers as a creative way to create something new and oozing.

In 1976, Mattel Toys was the first one to come up with the idea of a toy that could be equivalent to liquid starch. Once it was launched, kids loved the sticky and fluffy texture of slime.

It became so popular that multiple toy manufacturers came up with different slime recipes and began producing them. Another manufacturer, apart from Mattel Toys, is Kenner Toys. Companies saw increased popularity and clientele when slime was advertised on different kids' channels.

Soon after, there was no end to the love and interest that kids developed for slime. In fact, kids, as well as adults, enjoy playing with slime even today.

Chemical Composition

Considering the fact that companies began using slime to attract children as their major consumer, they had to keep the chemical composition of the toy transparent and absolutely harmless. The chemical reactions and the main ingredient were always kept transparent for parents as a way to make it more reliable.

The two major things that those producing this product had to keep in mind were: one, to make the slime sticky and harmless, which meant that, in order to maintain these standards, the main ingredients that were used in the slime were polyvinyl alcohol and borax powder.

While using these ingredients, they made sure that the ingredients contained boric acid and sodium borate; two, the next important part was to add these ingredients in correct proportions to get the perfect slime. Borax is the major ingredient used to create slime, which is why sometimes slime is also called borax slime.

A temporary ingredient included in the composition is food coloring, which is added as the consumer's choice.

Its Cultural Impact

Over the years, slime has had an immense impact not only on children, but on adults as well. Several scientific experiments have declared slime to have helped with anxiety, focusing, and mindfulness.

Initially, when slime came to the market, it was mainly treated as a toy for children to play with. Slowly, as time passed, the interest of the adults in slime increased and was further examined.

Reports from several experiments stated that slime had positive impacts on the mind. It is believed that playing with slime can help children and adults with mindfulness.

It helps people focus on the present and concentrate on one thing at a time. Slime does not require multiple people to participate and can be played with individually.

This promotes the habit of focusing on things independently and individually. Playing with slime can promote motor skills as well.

As we know, playing with slime requires attention from the eyes, ears, and muscles. It helps in the muscle work out of the hand and arms while, on the other hand, it helps with fine motor control.

Considering the fact that the craze for slime has increased over the years, and the chemical reactions for making it are quite simple, people have taken to making slime of different colors at home. Researchers said that this, as well as the increase in the interests of the general public, was a big step for the market.

Other Miscellaneous Facts

Apart from the facts regarding the chemical composition and the discovery of the product, there are a lot of interesting facts about slime that you may find to be really amusing.

For starters, we can say that slime is not only a man-made object, it can also be created by animals. A fish known as the Hagfish creates a substance similar to slime when attacked by predators as a way to choke them.

When it comes to humans, 2017 was considered to be the 'Year of Slime' as it was the most trending thing on the internet that year. Children of different ages became so interested in not only playing with, but also creating slime.

A 10-year child was reportedly considered to have created a record by creating slime that was the most flexible. This flexible slime could be stretched to 7 ft 4 inches within 30 seconds.

One of the essential items required by any person to prepare slime at home would be a wooden stick.

FAQs

Who was the first to make slime?

A: Mattel Toys first created slime.

When was slime first made?

A: The first slime was made in the year 1976.

What was slime originally used for?

A: It was originally created as a toy for children to play with.

What country invented slime?

A: Inventors in the United States of America created slime.

Why is slime so popular?

A: Slime is popular for its appearance as well as its oozing nature that relaxes minds and promotes mindfulness.

Is slime bad for the environment?

A: Slime can be a bad influence on the environment, as it is not biodegradable in nature.

What is Nickelodeon slime made of?

A: The Nickelodeon slime was known to have been made of vanilla pudding with a bit of green food coloring added to it.

Is slime a plastic?

A: Slime is not the usual kind of plastic, but it can be considered as an unusual plastic since it's made with polyvinyl alcohol.

What happens if you put slime in water?

A: There is a chance that slime might float when put in water, but in case you allow the water to evaporate, the sticky slime can turn into a state of solid as well.

What is slime made from?

A: Slime is made from a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol and borax powder. The powder contains boric acid and, at times, a pinch of baking soda can be added. This mixture is used to make a sticky and oozing slime. After they are made, they are usually kept in an airtight container for future and multiple uses.