- A polymer is a very large molecule that is like a chain of smaller (often identical), molecules linked together. In this experiment, you will mix two clear solutions in a paper cup. You will produce a fluid polymer. If green food coloring is added, the product will be like the commercial polymer, slime.
SAFETY: Wear safety goggles and plastic gloves.
MATERIALS:
Safety goggles
Plastic disposable gloves
Polyvinal alcohol, 4% solution
Sodium borate, 4% solution
Small paper cups and stir stick
Food color (preferably green)PROCEDURE:
1. Place 20 mL of polyvinyl alcohol solution in a paper cup.
2. Optional: Add food coloring to the desired color, and stir to mix completely.
3. Add 3 mL of sodium borate solution
4. Using a circular motion, stir vigorously with a stir stick
5. As the solution begins to solidify, continue to stir.
6. When a gel has formed, remove it and continue to shape it with your hands.
7. Investigate the different ways your polymer will act.
Does it flow? Can it be flattened? Does it fracture(crack)? Does it get hot or cold when it flows? Will it bounce?REACTIONS:
- When the sodium borate, Na2[B4O5(OH)4] * 8H2O , is added to the polyvinal alcohol, [CH2CHOH]x , a cross-linked polymer is formed. The new polymer is composed of strands of polyvinal alcohol held together side-by-side (cross-linked) by the borate particles.
--- polyvinal alcohol ----- polyvinal alcohol ----- polyvinal alcohol --- |
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|borate borate borate |
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|--- polyvinal alcohol ----- polyvinal alcohol ----- polyvinal alcohol ---
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- When the sodium borate, Na2[B4O5(OH)4] * 8H2O , is added to the polyvinal alcohol, [CH2CHOH]x , a cross-linked polymer is formed. The new polymer is composed of strands of polyvinal alcohol held together side-by-side (cross-linked) by the borate particles.
CLEAR FLUID POLYMER
"SLIME"
INTRODUCTION: