Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Sodium Silicate Polymer Lab/Purcell/Block I

Problem: Find the physical properties of a polymer that is made up of sodium silicate and ethyl alcohol.

Hypothesis: The polymer made of sodium silicate and ethyl alcohol will be harder than that of a polymer made of glue and sodium borate.

Materials: sodium silicate (water glass) solution, 12 mL
                 ethyl alcohol, 3 mL
                 2 small beakers
                 stirring rod
                 paper towels
                 Clorox wipes

Procedures: Pour 12 mL of sodium silicate into one of the small beakers. Do not touch the solution with bare skin. Pour 3 mLof ethyl alcohol into the other small beaker. Slowly pour the alcohol in the beaker into the other small beaker with the sodium silicate solution. Stir them together in a circular motion. Roll the polymer into a ball. Bounce the ball. Put the polymer into a Ziploc bag.

Results: The polymer was harder than the polymer made of glue and sodium borate. The ball bounced 15 centimeters in the air.

Conclusion: The polymer made of sodium borate was softer than the sodium silicate polymer, however it bounced as high.






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