Polymers

What are polymers? You see examples of polymers every day—from styrofoam cups and plastic soda bottles to even some types of clothes. Polymers are formed when many molecules are connected together into large, often complicated structures. Some of the common molecules involved in making polymers include: Carbon, Chlorine, and Hydrogen.

Some polymers are cross-linked This means that strings of polymers become linked together by other molecules. This is important in giving polymers stability and the ability to hold together.

Non-Newtonian Fluids Slimes, oozes, and goo are types of cross-linked polymers that are a special type of fluid. These fluids have a high viscosity (they resist flowing depending on how fast they are moving) and they are resistant to strong forces. Basically—they have properties of both liquids and solids. Some examples of non-Newtonian fluids are quicksand, glue, Jello, and toothpaste. Today you will be making a type of polymer that is a non-Newtonian fluid.

Goo Also, this is a really good website all about polymers in case you would like to learn more:

Today’s activity 1.Using the graduated cylinders provided, measure out 30mL of the 50/50 glue/water solution. 2.To this solution, add 2-3 drops of food coloring. ONLY ADD 2-3 DROPS (any more and you will wind up dyeing your hands and anything else the slime touches). Stir until the color is uniform. 3.Next, add 10mL of the borax solution to your colored glue mixture. Stir hard to make sure the borax is able to cross link all the glue strands—forming a slimy goo-y mixture. 4.Remove the slime from the cup and note the differences between your final product and your original solutions on your worksheet. 5.Keep your slime in the plastic bag provided when you are not playing with it to ensure it will stay good for a long time.

PRECAUTIONS 1.Make sure to keep this slime out of the reach of small children. They might want to eat it and it could hurt or kill them. 2.Do not throw the slime on walls that are painted or wall papered. It will stain them. 3.The slime can ooze into and stain carpet and clothes also, so don’t leave your slime on anything for long periods of time.