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Free
Chemical Recipes
...
(The
following experiments should be performed under adult supervision)
What
are Polymers?
Background Information for Teachers, Parents, and Really Smart Students
Background Information for Teachers, Parents, and Really Smart Students
Polymer
chemistry is a relatively new branch of chemistry that has grown into
one of the largest chemical industries. Many modern products are polymers.
Some of these include: Formica ( used for counter tops), nylon, polyester,
polystyrene (Styrofoam), polyurethane, rayon ( used in clothing), Saran
( Saran Wrap), and Teflon ( used in nonstick frying pans and discovered
by accident).
A polymer can be defined by examining the word "polymer." " Poly" means " many," while" mer" means " member." Therefore a polymer molecule is a molecule of many members called monomers. Thousands of monomers are linked together like a chain in a polymer molecule. An example of a monomer that we used is vinyl alcohol. Its polymer is poly(vinyl alcohol).
A polymer can be defined by examining the word "polymer." " Poly" means " many," while" mer" means " member." Therefore a polymer molecule is a molecule of many members called monomers. Thousands of monomers are linked together like a chain in a polymer molecule. An example of a monomer that we used is vinyl alcohol. Its polymer is poly(vinyl alcohol).
H
C =CHOH=Vinyl Alcohol
(CH=CHOH)=Ply(vinyl alcohol)
(CH=CHOH)=Ply(vinyl alcohol)
Borax,
Na Bo H O, is
the of a strong base and a weak acid. Polyvinyl alcohol is a water-
soluble, long-chain polyvinyl alcohol. When the chemicals are mixed,
the borax links chains of PVA in such a way the 3-dimensional network
of connected chains is formed. When preparing Flubber, a high concentration
of cross-linked chains traps the solvent ( which is water) in the network
and a semisolid gel results. The Flubber is actually about 98% water.
I has both properties of a liquid and a solid. It can be formed into
a ball and sustain a shape, like a solid for a limited time. The polymer
cross-links give the Flubber form. Because the cross-links are weak,
the network is easily disrupted by stirring or squeezing the Flubber
Like a liquid , the polymer flows freely and assumes the shape of its
container.
The polymers that we made in this program were endothermic because they flow. The endothermic reaction causes the Flubber to feel cool as it absorbs the heat from your hand. An exothermic reaction is the opposite. It produces heat when chemicals are mixed together. Some examples of exothermic reactions were: the polyurethane " Mushroom Monster," and the sugar and acid reaction. Polymers are part of our everyday lives. Many of the plastic bottles and bags that we use are made from polymers. Scientists even use polymers to make carpet and some of the clothes that we wear.
The polymers that we made in this program were endothermic because they flow. The endothermic reaction causes the Flubber to feel cool as it absorbs the heat from your hand. An exothermic reaction is the opposite. It produces heat when chemicals are mixed together. Some examples of exothermic reactions were: the polyurethane " Mushroom Monster," and the sugar and acid reaction. Polymers are part of our everyday lives. Many of the plastic bottles and bags that we use are made from polymers. Scientists even use polymers to make carpet and some of the clothes that we wear.
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