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A Silly Polymer: Experiment 1
A Silly Polymer: Experiment 1
A SILLY POLYMER
PRINCIPLES:
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
(L): 55% Elmer’s glue solution in water, 4% borax solution, food colors
(S): Styrofoam cups, plastic bags
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Borax (as solid or solution) can burn your eyes; it is absolutely necessary to wear
safety goggles and lab aprons.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling the silly putty.
1
Procedure:
Questions:
2
Experiment 1
A SILLY POLYMER
Objective(s):
Observation (step 6)
4. Observation (step 8)
2. What would be the effect of increasing the concentration of sodium borate in the
mixture?
3. In this experiment, how did you measure the elasticity of the polymer you
prepared?