Polymers
O'Toole, Jim Corliss H.S.
821-2515
Objectives:
The students will gain an understanding of what polymers are.
Define MONOMER
" POLYMER
List 10 examples of polymers found in your home
The students will gain an understanding of how monomers are combined to
form polymers.
Define ADDITION POLYMERIZATION
" CONDENSATION POLYMERIZATION
The students will gain an understanding of polymer strength.
Define CROSSLINKING
" CRYSTALLINITY
Apparatus Needed:
Materials: hexamethylene diamine; sodium hydroxide; adipyl chloride;
carbon tetrachloride; wood sticks; plastic gloves; safety glasses;
common examples of polymers; child type construction blocks;
Prepare two solutions: (1) 2.32 grams of hexamethylene diamine and
1.6 grams of sodium hydroxide in about 100ml of water.
(2) 3.66 grams of adipyl chloride in about 100ml of carbon
tetrachloride.
Recommended Strategy:
Place adipyl chloride solution at bottom of clean beaker; carefully pour
aqueous layer over this without stirring or mixing; try to avoid
splashing.
With a stick remove the film which forms between the two layers.
Continue to remove the film as it is formed. When you have pulled out a
nylon fiber of sufficient length, wash it in clean water to remove
excess reagents. [Morgan + Kwolek, J. Chem. Educ. 36 182-184 April 59]
After about 15 min. or when each student has had a turn, then you will
want to explain the PHENOMENA. Be sure to integrate your household
polymer hardware (child type building blocks, common household things
made of polymers, etc...) in a logistically systematized program that
will concretize your explanation of the PHENOMENA.
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