Classic 3179 Dilatant Compound
 

Puttying Around

A polydimethylsiloxane polymer and a non-Newtonian viscoelastic liquid; rheologically speaking not technically a dilatant fluid, but who cares, it's Silly Putty. Bounce it, break it, let it melt, or stretch the funny pages. The crew of Apollo 8 even used it to secure tools in zero-gravity. In addition to classic Silly Putty (Dow Corning 3179 Dilatant Compound), there's variants like Funny Putty, Thinking Putty, and even Potty Putty in the UK. Originally coral colored, the putties are available in various colors, including glow-in-the-dark, metallic, and color changing. Archetypal $1.99 Silly Putty 0.47 ounce eggs work out to $4.23 an ounce. In small quantities, Thinking Putty 3.2 ounce tins (at $2.17 an ounce) are arguably a better deal. However, bulk (1-5 pound lots) of Silly, Funny, or Thinking Putty can be had for about $1.00 an ounce. These prices are for plain putty, exotic colors cost up to twice as much. Not in a buying mood? Check out the pictures and video of the drop of a 50 pound beach ball-sized Silly Putty sphere from a parking garage by the Sunbelt Software...

The CrayolaStore.com - Silly Putty

Silly Putty University Campus Map

Funny Putty

Thinking Putty

Silly Putty - Wikipedia

Sunbelt Software Silly Putty Task Force