A SILLY POLYMER

Group Members: Isabelle Imperial Angelo Tanjuatco Mico Resurreccion

What we will learn through this experiment!

We will learn to cross-link a polymer and observe the changes in physical properties as a result of this cross-linking. We will observe the changes in a cross-linked polymer at varying temperatures. We will learn concepts of molecular motion and intermolecular bond strength.

Principles Of This Experiment

If a substance springs back to its original shape after being twisted, pulled or compressed, it is most likely a polymer called an elastomer. The elastomer has elastic properties (i.e., it will recover its original size and shape after being deformed). Examples of elastomers are rubber bands and car tires. The liquid latex (Elmer s glue) which you will use in this experiment is a solution consisting of the polymer named polyvinyl acetate (PVA). The silly putty is formed by joining the globules of PVA using sodium borate ( a cross-linker). This cross-linking causes the mixture to undergo an irreversible gelation reaction. The silly putty is held together by weak intermolecular bonds that provide flexibility and rotation about the chain of the cross-linked polymer.

Materials
1.) 55% Elmer s glue solution in water 2.) 4% borax solution 3.) Food coloring 4.) Styrofoam cups 5.) Plastic bags

Procedure
1.) Pour 20 mL of Elmers glue solution into a Styrofoam cup. 2.) Add 8.5 mL of the cross-linker (borax solution) to each cup. 3.) Immediately begin stirring the solutions together using a wooden stick. 4.) After a couple of minutes of mixing, the silly putty should be taken out of the cup and kneaded in the hands. Continue to knead until the desired consistency is reached. 5.) Drop the ball from a height of 30 centimeter. Measure (using a ruler) the height to which the ball rebounds. 6.) Stretch the silly putty slowly from each side. 7.) Compress the silly putty back into a ball. 8.) Pull the silly putty quickly from each side and compare the results. 9.) Place the silly putty on regular newsprint paper and press down firmly. 10.) Remove the silly putty from the newsprint and make observations. 11.) Lace the silly putty in a bag and keep in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. 12.) Repeat step 5 and compare results.