LABORATORY MANUAL

SKU3043
POLYMER CHEMISTRY

Department of Chemistry
Faculty of Science and Mathematics
UNIVERSITI PENDIDIKAN SULTAN IDRIS
SKU3043: Polymer Chemistry Semester 1 2021/2022

GUIDELINE TO WRITE LAB REPORT

OBJECTIVE
State the objective clearly in a complete sentence. A few explanatory sentences may be
included, if needed.
The objective should answer the question: What is the lab objective designed to determine?

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
The experimental methods should give a detailed description in your own words of how YOU
accomplished the experimentation (Passive voice sentences).
*Tips: This should include equipment used in the experiment as well as how it was used. The
description should have sufficient detail so that another experimenter could duplicate your
efforts.
Use sketches and diagrams to describe the experimental set-up. Label the main components.
Tips: Any information copied directly from Lab manuals or other references should be stated
within quotes and referred, otherwise, it is considered plagiarism.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This is the most important part of the report. Summarize your results in the introductory
sentence. Relate your results to your objective. Present the results in the easiest way for
your reader to understand: graphs, tables, figures, etc.
Spreadsheets are often an ideal tool for organizing the data, analyzing the data, and
generating graphs and tables. All tables and figures should be accompanied by comments or
discussions in the text of report; use a numbering system for identification of each one.
All figures and tables must have numbers and captions. While the table captions should be
placed over the table, figure captions should be placed below the figure.
Explain the results of the experiment, comment on the results you obtained, compare obtained
results with expected results, give probable reasons for discrepancies from the correct results,
answer any questions outlined in the instructions and solve any problems that may have been
presented. Tell why things happened, not only that they did happen. Implementation errors
should be discussed here.

CONCLUSIONS
State your discoveries, judgments and opinions from the results of this experiment and relate
it with your experiment objectives. Suggest ways to improve the results of this experiment.

REFERENCES
List the book, publication or website that you referenced in writing your report. Provide
authors, publisher, date of publication, page number, etc.

2
SKU3043: Polymer Chemistry Semester 1 2021/2022

*Tips: Follow the standard format for typing a reference:

[1] Little, P., and Cardenas, M., “Use of Studio Methods in the Introductory Engineering
Design Curriculum,” Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 90, No. 3, 2001, pp. 309-
318.
[2] Nunally, J., Psychometric Theory, 2nd ed., New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill, 1978.
[3] Lister, B., “Next Generation Studio: A New Model for Interactive Learning,”
www.ciue.rpi.edu/pdfs/nextGenStudio.pdf.

3
SKU3043: Polymer Chemistry Semester 1 2021/2022

EXPERIMENT 1
CROSS-LINKED POLYMER

1.1 OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this experiment, students should be able to:
1. prepare a cross-linked polymer.
2. examine the physical properties of the cross-linked polymer.

1.2 INTRODUCTION
Borax is sodium borate, Na3BO3 which is a strong base and weak acid. The borax actually
dissolves to form boric acid, H3BO3. This boric acid-borate solution is a buffer with a pH of
about 9 (basic).

Boric acid will accept a hydroxide OH- from water:

B(OH)3 + 2H2O B(OH)4- + H3O+ pH = 9.2

PVA has a carbon atom backbone like polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC. The repeat unit
is -CH2-CHOH-. When borax is added to a solution of PVA the polar -OH groups on borax
and PVA cross-link by hydrogen bonding. The weak hydrogen bonds are not strong enough
to form a rigid solid so the material is a gel. Commercial Slime is a gel of guar with borax.

In this experiment, poly(vinyl alcohol) is cross-linked by a hydrated borax molecule.

SAFETY GUIDELINES:
• Since borax solid (a bleaching agent) and solution will burn the eyes, goggles and
laboratory coat should be worn.
• Hands should always be washed with soap and water after kneading the polymer and
finishing the experiment.

4
SKU3043: Polymer Chemistry Semester 1 2021/2022

Chemicals
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (Mn 70,000 and Mn 31,000)
Borax (Na2B4O7.10H2O)
Distilled water

Apparatus
Wooden stir stick / plastic stir rod
Graduated cylinder
Beaker
Heater

1.3 PROCEDURE

Refer to this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNAf3PjVnGI

Part A: The effect of concentration

1. Prepare poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and borax solutions in different concentrations (Table
1). Use distilled water as the solvent.

Table 1 : Reactants for cross-linking in polymer

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) Borax

Reaction Types of Concentration Volume Concentration Volume
PVA (Mn) (g/ml), % (ml) (g/ml), % (ml)
1 70000 2.5 / 50 , 5% 10.0 1 / 20 , 5% 1.0
2 70000 2.5 / 50 , 5% 10.0 2 / 20 , 10% 1.0
3 70000 5.0 / 50 , 10% 10.0 1 / 20 , 5% 1.0
4 31000 2.5 / 50 , 5% 10.0 1 / 20 , 5% 1.0
5 31000 5.0 / 50 , 10% 10.0 1 / 20 , 5% 1.0
6 31000 5.0 / 50 , 10% 10.0 2 / 20 , 10% 1.0

2. Add PVA into a plastic cup. Pour borax solution into the cup (Refer to Table 1).
3. Immediately stir the solutions and observe any changes occur as the reaction proceeds.
Record your observation.
4. After the slime (gel) formed, knead the slime until the desired consistency is reached.

5
SKU3043: Polymer Chemistry Semester 1 2021/2022

Part B: Physical Properties of Gel

Compare the formed gel (if have) physical properties based on:
1) stretching effect
2) pressure effect
3) gravity effect (changes in physical shapes based on its container) water solubility

1.4 QUESTIONS
1. Draw the structure and write the chemical equation for the production of cross-linked
poly(vinyl alcohol).
2. Explained why the properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) network are totally different than
vulcanized rubber.
3. Differentiate the physical properties of cross-linked polymer, linear polymer and
branched polymer.

6
SKU3043: Polymer Chemistry Semester 1 2021/2022

EXPERIMENT 2
CONDENSATION POLYMERIZATION

2.1 OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this experiment, students should be able to:
1. produce nylon by condensation polymerization
2. identify the effect of stirring, addition of detergent and acid on the nylon.

2.2 INTRODUCTION
Condensation polymerization involves interaction of two similar or different difunctional
monomers and generally eliminates liquid of gaseous by-products such as water, hydrochloric
acid or nitrogen gas. Condensation polymer can be defined as a polymer in which the
structural unit contains fewer atoms than the monomer or monomers from which the polymer
is derived.
Nylon is the common name for synthetic polyamides. The most generally useful of the
polyamides is Nylon 6,6. The designation 6,6 arises from the fact that it is made from six
carbon diamine and the six carbon dicarboxylic acid. Nylon 6,6 is synthesized by the reaction
of diamine and dibasic acid. It is necessary to have an exact stoichiometric equivalence of the
reactants. To achieve this, a "nylon salt" can be prepared, where the dibasic acid donates a
proton to the diamine. The nylon salt is purified, and when the salt is converted back to acid
and salt, there is one diamine molecule for every dibasic acid molecule, and thus, a perfect
stoichiometric balance (assuming perfect purification.)

O O O O

H2N NH2 + H2O

+ HO N NH2
HO OH 6 4 H 6 water
4
1,6-Diaminohexane nylon 6,6
Adipic acid

Safety Guidelines:
Both the 1,6 hexane diamine solution and the sebacoyl chloride solution are irritating to the
skin, eyes and respiratory system. Handle them carefully. Wear goggles and gloves for
protection!

Chemicals
Sebacoyl chloride (ClCO(CH2)8COCl)
1,6-hexanediamine (C6H16N2)
Soap

7
SKU3043: Polymer Chemistry Semester 1 2021/2022

Sodium hydroxide
Distilled carbon tetrachloride or tetrachloroethylene
Hydrochloric acid, HCl (0.1 M)
Acetone
Phenolphtalein

Apparatus
Beaker
Pipette, 10 ml
Hot plate with magnetic stirrer
Glass stirring rod
Graduated cylinder, 100 ml
Forceps

2.3 PROCEDURE

Refer to this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqpoLmyfUQM

Part A: Stirring
1. Measure solution A (1,6-hexanediamine) and solution B (sebacoyl chloride) according
to Table 1.

Table 1 : Reactants for polymerization reaction

Reaction Solution A NaOH Soap Solution B

(ml) (g) (g) (ml)
1 2.5 - - 17.5
2 2.5 0.1 - 17.5
3 5.0 - 9.0
4 5.0 - 0.03-0.1 9.0

2. Add solution A with additive: NaOH or soap (refer to Table 1) and stir the mixture using
the magnetic stirrer.
3. Immediately, pour solution B into that mixture and keep stirring for 5 minutes.
4. Add 20 ml HCl into that mixture and stop stirring. The nylon polymer will precipitate.
5. Filter the solution.
6. Rinse the nylon with distilled water for several times followed with acetone.
7. Put the nylon between a dry filter paper and gently press the nylon (WHY?).

8
SKU3043: Polymer Chemistry Semester 1 2021/2022

8. Put the nylon in a desiccator for 30 minutes.

9. Record the weight.

Part B: Without stirring

Condensation polymerization without stirring is done for reaction number 3 (Table 1).
1. Add two drops of phenolphthalein into solution A in a beaker (WHY).
2. Transfer solution B into the beaker by slowly pouring the solution down a glass rod onto
the diamine solution. A film of nylon polymer will form immediately at the interface
between the two immiscible solutions.
3. Gently pull the nylon layer from the interface by using a forceps. Rotate the forceps to
wind up the nylon thread.
4. Put the polymer into the funnel and filter paper assembly. Rinse the polymer with 20 ml
HCl.
5. Wash the nylon with distilled water followed with acetone.
6. Put the nylon in a desiccator for 30 minutes.
7. Record the weight.

2.4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1. Calculate the percentage of nylon produced in each reaction.

Do the calculation based on this example:

Production of nylon-11

n HOOC(CH2)10-NH2 HO C(CH2)10-NH + (n-1) H2O

n

Repeat unit mass is same but the molecular weight of polymer for each sample is not
the same. If monomer (75 g, 0.373 mol) is used and 51g of polymer is produced, then
the percentage product is:
51g
x 100
183 gmol −1
Percentage product (%) = = 75 %
0.373 mol

183 gmol-1 = mass of the repeating unit

[Calculation must based on the smallest mole of reactant]

9
SKU3043: Polymer Chemistry Semester 1 2021/2022

2. Write the polymerization reaction equation and give the name of the produced polymer.

3. Explain briefly either the reactants of the reaction are needed in the same stoichiometric
amount.

2.5 QUESTIONS
1. The following structures are examples of commercial polymer which are produced from
condensation polymerization. Write the polymerization reaction equations and name the
polymers.
a) O

H NH(CH2)11 C OH
n

O O
b)
H NH(CH2)6NH C(CH2)10 C OCH3
n

O O
c)
HO C(CH2)4C NH(CH2)4 NH H
n

2. If there are some impurities such as acetic chloride (CH2COCl) or acetic acid
(CH3COOH) in the organic phase, how these impurities will effect on the polymerization
reaction?

10
SKU3043: Polymer Chemistry Semester 1 2021/2022

EXPERIMENT 3
SYNTHESIS OF POLYSULFIDE RUBBER

3.1 OBJECTIVE
Upon completion of this experiment, students should be able to:
1. synthesize polysulfide rubber (THIOKOL A)

3.2 INTRODUCTION
Natural rubber is an elastic hydrocarbon polymer which occurs as a milky emulsion (known as
latex) in the sap of several varieties of plants. Natural rubber is essentially a polymer of
isoprene units, a hydrocarbon diene monomer.
An unusual and very useful property of rubber is its elasticity. Rubber will strech up to 10 times
its length and if released, will return to its original size. The elasticity property of rubber is due
to the flexibility of its long-chain molecules.
Rubber can also be produced synthetically. Synthetic rubber is made through the chain or
condensation polymerization of a variety of monomers to produce polymers such as
polybutadiene rubber (BR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polyurethane, ethylene-
propylene rubber (EPR, EPDM) and polysulfide rubber.
Polysulfide is polymer that contains one or more groups of sulfur atoms in their backbones.
They fall into two types: compounds containing a single sulfur atom per repeating unit -SX- (x
> 2) and compounds containing two or more sulphur atom.
For a common reaction to prepare polysulfide rubber is condensation reaction via emulsion
polymerization between dihaloalkane and aqueous solution of sodium polysulfide. For
instance is to produce poly(diethylformaldisulfide):

ClCH2CH2OCH2OCH2CH2Cl + Na2S2 (S-CH2CH2OCH2CH2-S2)n

+ NaClNa2S2
-chloroethylformal (excess)

Poly(diethylformaldisulfide) or the commercial name is THIOKOL ST is used in oil-resistant

which is rubber o-ring seals, weather-resistant seals, gaskets and in gasoline hoses.
Copolymerization of 1,2-dichloroethane, -chloroethylformal and sulfide will produce
copolymer THIOKOL FA which is used as ‘window seal’ for car. While preparing the THIOKOL
ST, addition of 1,2,3-trichloropropane will form liquid polysulfide copolymer. Then, when this
liquid polymer is polymerized with ammonium nitrate by heating them slowly, it will be used as
binders for solid rocket propellants.

11
SKU3043: Polymer Chemistry Semester 1 2021/2022

Chemicals
Sodium hydroxide
Sulphur
1,2-dichloroethane
Boiling chips

Apparatus
Beaker
Conical flask, 500 ml
Condenser
Heating mantle
Two-neck round-bottom flask, 250 ml

3.3 PROCEDURE
Refer to this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3ZY_OWp5wM

1. Set up the apparatus according to Figure 1. Grease all glass to glass connections with
a thin layer of grease.
Have the instructor check your set-up before you start heating and this experiment
should be handled in the fume hood!!

Figure 1. Reflux set up

12
SKU3043: Polymer Chemistry Semester 1 2021/2022

2. Add 80.0 ml of distilled water to 10.0 g of NaOH in a beaker and stir at room temperature
until completely dissolved.
3. Pour this solution into a two-neck round-bottom flask and heat it slowly.
4. Add 13.0 g of sulphur into the hot solution (about 70 ºC) . Reflux the reaction mixture for
30 minutes.
5. After this period, allow the mixture to cool slowly until 70 ºC. Add about 2-3 pieces of
boiling chips and 20 ml of 1,2-dichloroethane.
6. Reflux the reaction mixture again for 45 minutes.
7. Filter off the reaction mixture. Discard the filtrate into ‘chlorinated waste container’ and
wash the polysulfide polymer with distilled water for several times to remove impurities.
8. Dry the polymer with tissue paper and record the weight.
9. Dispose this dried polymer in a water container/bottle.

3.4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1. Describe any observations or changes from the beginning to the end of the reaction.
2. Why the polymer produced in this experiment must be kept in water?
3. What are the uses of polysulfide rubber?
4. Write the equation for the polymerization reaction.

13