Sky lanterns are typically constructed from lightweight, biodegradable materials designed to allow them to float gracefully into the sky when heated. Their primary components include the lantern's canopy and a fuel cell, along with various attachment materials.
Primary Materials of a Sky Lantern
The construction of a sky lantern involves specific materials for each part to ensure its functionality and flight.
- Lantern Canopy:
- Rice paper: This is a traditional and common material due to its lightweight nature and semi-transparency.
- Flame resistant paper: Some modern sky lanterns utilize paper treated to be flame resistant, enhancing safety.
- Fuel Cell: This is the heat source that generates the hot air needed for the lantern to ascend.
- Waxy paper: A common form for the fuel cell.
- Waxy cardboard: Another variant used for the fuel source.
- Wax ring: A solid wax ring can also serve as the fuel.
Fuel Cell Attachment Materials
The fuel cell is securely attached to the lantern's opening to ensure it remains stable during flight. The materials used for this attachment are also chosen for their heat resistance and lightweight properties:
- Flame resistant string: Often used to tie the fuel cell to the lantern structure.
- Bamboo sticks: Thin bamboo sticks can form a frame at the opening to which the fuel cell is attached.
- Metal wires: Lightweight metal wires are sometimes used for a more robust attachment of the fuel source.
These materials combined create the iconic structure of a sky lantern, enabling it to illuminate the night sky during celebrations and events.
