hobby #165

Electrolytic Fountain Pen Ink Synthesis

Synthesizing fountain pen inks via controlled electrolysis—passing current through metal electrodes (iron, copper, zinc) in tannin-rich solutions to produce stable, archival-quality coloured inks. Uses DC power supplies for precise voltage control, pH monitoring for stability, and refractometry for specific gravity measurement. Produces iron-gall blacks, copper-tannate blues, and zinc-tannate grays from walnut hulls, oak galls, and tea extracts.

Jun 16 4:33 AM #165 6 min

Point Seven Seven Volts Before the Grey Turned Black

Electrolytic Fountain Pen Ink Synthesis

The walnut ink writes pale grey and darkens over minutes. Atmospheric oxygen is free but slow. What if you just electrocuted it instead?

chemistryelectronicsmakingcraftwriting