Hannah Fry Destroys Bank Card in Acetone Experiment: The Science Behind PVC Dissolution

In a fascinating experiment shared by Hannah Fry, a common guest on Numberphile and Stand-Up Maths, and now a YouTube channel host, a bank card was submerged in acetone to observe its dissolution. Acetone, known as a super strength nail varnish remover, was used to demonstrate the effects on a PVC-made bank card. Initially, the card appeared unaffected, but soon bubbles formed on the signature panel, followed by the peeling away of the mag stripe. Within half an hour, the card was unrecognizable, with all the plastic dissolved.

This intriguing experiment sparked a flurry of reactions from viewers. One user reminisced about embedding the chip from an Oyster Card into a fairy godmother's wand, finding it "cute as hell". Another shared their experience of converting Oyster cards into keyrings and wands for tapping into the tube, though it did not end well as TFL disapproved. Some viewers humorously recounted their own acetone mishaps, like cleaning before welding and inadvertently starting small fires.

The science enthusiasts were particularly captivated by the RFID technology discussion. The video highlighted how readers power chips upon scanning, explaining the popularity of RF blocking wallets. One comment pointed out the need to cut through the chip when discarding a card to prevent misuse. Another curious thought questioned the security marketing of contactless cards, given their ease of use without PIN requirements.

The experiment also led to light-hearted banter. One user jested about the cafe serving acetone, while another humorously wondered if Doom could run on the card. The video concluded with the producer's card in a decidedly altered state, much to the amusement of the viewers.

Hannah Fry's enthusiasm and awe in conducting the experiment resonated with many, making science not just educational but also entertaining. This acetone experiment, while simple, offered a captivating look into the properties of common materials and the science behind everyday technology.