Some students have just completed a prac. whereby they mixed 50% PVA glue with borax solution. The result is a substance slimey in feel but thick like blu tac and malleable. We think it is plastic but of course are unsure why. Can anyone explain please?
Maree
PVA Chemistry
Re: PVA Chemistry
Our yr 12 chemistry are doing polymerisation exp.
PVA( polyvinyl alcohol) 4%, or pva glue, (straight from bottle)
Borax soln 4%
Mix 50ml of PVA glue(or 4% PVA) with 5-10ml borax soln and stir rapidly. The mixture will form a gelatine like slime. More borax, thicker the mixture.
Material can be kneaded to form an elastic, semi-rigid solid, which will flow and stretch under gravity. It can be stretched by slow pulling, or broken by a sharp pull.
Students add colour to it and have a great time.
Enjoy
Lada
PVA( polyvinyl alcohol) 4%, or pva glue, (straight from bottle)
Borax soln 4%
Mix 50ml of PVA glue(or 4% PVA) with 5-10ml borax soln and stir rapidly. The mixture will form a gelatine like slime. More borax, thicker the mixture.
Material can be kneaded to form an elastic, semi-rigid solid, which will flow and stretch under gravity. It can be stretched by slow pulling, or broken by a sharp pull.
Students add colour to it and have a great time.
Enjoy
Lada
-
franco
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- Job Title: Lab Technician
- School: Tuart College
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Re: PVA Chemistry
Hi Maree
I've attached a file with another polymer recipe. This makes the gooey slime that kids love. Initially the slime is quite wet and sticks to fingers, but it dries after a few hours - even less now that summer is finally here. Maybe try 20 mL less water and compare.
Cheers
Fran
I've attached a file with another polymer recipe. This makes the gooey slime that kids love. Initially the slime is quite wet and sticks to fingers, but it dries after a few hours - even less now that summer is finally here. Maybe try 20 mL less water and compare.
Cheers
Fran
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Re: PVA Chemistry
Those recipes are great. Thanks. But can anyone tell me if the 'slime' produced is plastic and, if so, why?
Maree
Maree
Re: PVA Chemistry
Hi Maree,
The question you have given is quite simple to answer, the slime that is produced from the recipes is indeed a type of plastic. This is because the Slime contains weak cross linked bonds or Cross linkages as we call them between the main polymer chains. Because these contain the weak type of cross linkages, the Slime in effect holds its structure... but only for a breif moment, before acting as a fluid and having the property to act like a viscous liquid.
I hope this has aided your explanation.....
Cheers,
Robb.....
The question you have given is quite simple to answer, the slime that is produced from the recipes is indeed a type of plastic. This is because the Slime contains weak cross linked bonds or Cross linkages as we call them between the main polymer chains. Because these contain the weak type of cross linkages, the Slime in effect holds its structure... but only for a breif moment, before acting as a fluid and having the property to act like a viscous liquid.
I hope this has aided your explanation.....
Cheers,
Robb.....
Dr Robert Crosdale. MRACI. NSS. NSSA. NASA.
Ph.D (Chem), Post Grad Ph.D (Physics), M.Ed, B.Sc (Hons), Dip. Appl. Sc. (Chem)
Lake Munmorah High School.
University of New England.
University of New South Wales.
University of Newcastle.
To understand the Universe from our perspective, we need to look towards our own backyard first for answers.
** AD ASTRA PER ASPERA - SEMPER EXPLORO **
Ph.D (Chem), Post Grad Ph.D (Physics), M.Ed, B.Sc (Hons), Dip. Appl. Sc. (Chem)
Lake Munmorah High School.
University of New England.
University of New South Wales.
University of Newcastle.
To understand the Universe from our perspective, we need to look towards our own backyard first for answers.
** AD ASTRA PER ASPERA - SEMPER EXPLORO **
-
rae
- Posts: 1045
- Joined: 31 May 2006, 10:00
- School: Oxley College
- Suburb: Burradoo
- State/Location: NSW
Re: PVA Chemistry
Hi!
Just did an internet search on slime and found this site
http://www.fatlion.com/science/slime.html
It has a simple explanation about slime that may be of some use.
Lorrae
Just did an internet search on slime and found this site
http://www.fatlion.com/science/slime.html
It has a simple explanation about slime that may be of some use.
Lorrae
Re: PVA Chemistry
Thank you everyone for your comments and information. My staff member is extremely happy.
Maree
Maree
