Idea credit goes to @Unicks.
The goal is to see how much size increase I can get from an original Sun Hoppity Hop using acetyl tributyl citrate, a PVC plasticizer. The HH was made of thick PVC compared current cheaper, thinner hoppers so I ordered a large bottle to ensure I has enough.
The HH is max rated at 20" for teens and adults, per original instruction sheet. Last year, I manage to heat stretch an un-replasticized HH to right at 24". This was the absolute max and didn't leave very much bounce.
The current HH has been coated inside and out with ATBC, which the vinyl immediately soaked up as it vanished within a few minutes. The ball is now hanging in a closet under some pressure. It will be measured daily for any change in size and softness.
Did the same to a new Hop! 66, which is of a different material and presumably not lacking in its original plasticizer. The maximum rated size is 26 inches. After coating the inside yesterday with ATBC and inflating, it is now near 28 in. but still somewhat bouncy. This may still be within the factory range of inflation so will keep watching.
Unicks said it took about a week to see a real difference. End result for the HH and 66 is to see how much relaxation of the vinyl happens chemically leading to an increase in size, which then may or may not be followed up with heat stretching of the HH.
The goal is to see how much size increase I can get from an original Sun Hoppity Hop using acetyl tributyl citrate, a PVC plasticizer. The HH was made of thick PVC compared current cheaper, thinner hoppers so I ordered a large bottle to ensure I has enough.
The HH is max rated at 20" for teens and adults, per original instruction sheet. Last year, I manage to heat stretch an un-replasticized HH to right at 24". This was the absolute max and didn't leave very much bounce.
The current HH has been coated inside and out with ATBC, which the vinyl immediately soaked up as it vanished within a few minutes. The ball is now hanging in a closet under some pressure. It will be measured daily for any change in size and softness.
Did the same to a new Hop! 66, which is of a different material and presumably not lacking in its original plasticizer. The maximum rated size is 26 inches. After coating the inside yesterday with ATBC and inflating, it is now near 28 in. but still somewhat bouncy. This may still be within the factory range of inflation so will keep watching.
Unicks said it took about a week to see a real difference. End result for the HH and 66 is to see how much relaxation of the vinyl happens chemically leading to an increase in size, which then may or may not be followed up with heat stretching of the HH.
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