A balloon is basically a flexible, stretchable bag crafted from different materials such as latex, rubber, chloroprene or nylon fabric. They are then filled with helium, nitrous oxide, hydrogen or plain air. Balloons are generally used for various decoration purposes for celebrations and parties. Just like their very nature, balloons have undergone a colourful evolution. Whenever the word balloon is mentioned, the very first things that come to mind are those cute and colourful things that decorate virtually every party venue. However, while balloons are normally decorative in nature, they are also used in other highly specialized fields such as the military, meteorology, medicine and even as a form of recreational transport.
The origin of the word balloon can be traced to the French word ballon which refers to a huge ball. Other likely origins include the Latin ballone meaning ball or perhaps from the old German word balla which also pertains to a ball. Other related etymology includes the Middle English term bal, which was in turn traces its roots from the Old English beall, both referring to a ball. The earliest
balloons delivery was crafted out of dried animal bladders or intestines and were frequently used by buffoons for entertainment. It is believed that the first balloon was made by Bartolomeu de Gusmao and it made its public debut during an exhibition in Lisbon. However, the first rubber balloon called caoutchoucs was invented by famed scientist Michael Faraday in 1824 and he filled it with hydrogen gas. Nearly two decades later, J.G Ingram made the first latex balloons in London. But its only around the 1930s when latex balloons were mass produced.
Balloons were initially filled with hydrogen to make them float. However, hydrogen is extremely flammable so its use was essentially restricted to scientific experiments. Helium became the best choice since it is non-toxic, non flammable and found naturally in the air. The increased safety of helium allowed balloon makers to use it in a number of ways. In the late 1970s,
foil balloons were introduced and quickly grew in popularity as they were more durable, though a bit more expensive. They were made of thin aluminised plastic films which are less permeable, keeping helium from escaping for a number of days. Foil balloons are more buoyant and not stretchable like rubber balloons. This allows for the printing of detailed and colourful images on their surfaces, without being distorted when they are inflated.
Balloons can be filled with air, by blowing into it. Air pumps are currently used in order to inflate more balloons quickly. Balloons that float are more popular among children so helium is usually used. It is also used to fill up latex balloons but it only remains inside for some time because the helium atoms escape through the pores of the latex. In order to prevent the leakage, the interior of the balloons are treated with a polymer solution such as hi-float gels that make them less permeable. Other types such as foil and plastic balloons are a lot less porous and they can float for up to five weeks! In all, balloons provide a lot of fun and one cant imagine special occasions or parties without them.
