What is a polymer? How is one formed? What is a polymer's importance? What are some common polymers?
Ingredients:
MONOMER: 1 cup white school glue + 3/4 cup warm water
CATALYST: 2/3 cup warm water + 1 1/2 teaspoon Borax
a. Cover your work area with newspapers.
b. Gather the necessary materials.
c. Mix the monomer in the bowl, using a plastic spoon.
d. Mix the catalyst in a plastic cup using a straw.
e. Mix the monomer and the catalyst with the plastic spoon.
f. Knead with hands when the polymer becomes too stiff for the spoon.
g.. Lift the polymer from the bowl and allow the excess water to drain off.
h. Examine and observe the polymer (see the observation questions below )
i. Clean up your area and divide the polymer among your group members.
A hypothesis is an EDUCATED guess based on EXPECTED outcomes formed from your knowledge and expectations of the ingredients. Write your hypothesis and the reason(s) why you think this.
Write your observations on a separate sheet. Address the following areas. Be specfic.
What changes took place?
Describe the polymer's appearance.
What is its texture?
Is it stiff? Is it flexible?
Does it flow?
Is it a liquid or a solid? Or both?
Can it be stretched?
Is it water soluble?
Did the odor change? The color?
Can it be rolled into a ball? Does it keep its shape?
Can you form a thin layer of Flubber on the back of your hand?
Last updated Dec. 21, 1997