1. How To Write a Discussion!

2. Introduction
In this investigation the chemical products paint, plaster, perfume and moisture cream were synthesized. The paint was made by combining lead nitrate and potassium chromate. The plaster was made by heating gypsum and adding water. The perfume was made by combining salicylic acid, methanol and sulfuric acid and heating it. The moisture cream was composed of potassium carbonate, glycerol and stearic acid. This discussion will focus on the evaluation of one of the products, the moisture cream.

3. State Results
The moisture cream that was synthesized was a white solid combined with some liquid to create a thick and somewhat smooth paste. The paste did have some clumps of solid in it and left a somewhat grainy texture when applied to the skin. The moisture cream did not absorb readily when it was rubbed into the skin. After applying the cream to the skin, the skin did feel softer and less dry. The cream had no odor. The cream was too thick to come out of a standard lotion container.

4. Analyze and Interpret Results
The objective was to make a moisture cream that was comparable to the moisture creams that can be purchased commercially. The moisture cream that was synthesized had some of the properties that are desired but others that were not desirable. The cream was smooth enough to have a pleasant texture when rubbed into the skin, and the cream did appear to soften and moisture the skin. The cream was too clumpy and grainy and did not absorb as readily as it should. The cream also did not have a pleasing odor, like commercial moisture creams do.

5. Error Analysis
Some limitations that might have affected the quality of the moisture cream include that the amount created was very small which made it difficult to evaluate, and that the amounts of chemicals used were not carefully controlled. There was also some uncertainty in how long to heat the initial mixture. Perhaps the results would be better if it were heated for a longer or shorter period. Another limitation was that it was difficult to really whip the cream smooth using only a glass stir rod.

6. Modifications and Further Experiment
It is suggested that for more effective results, the experiment would be repeated and the amounts of chemicals would be monitored to identify the exact amounts needed to produce the best cream. Since glycerol is the main lubricating ingredient, it would be a good idea to try using a larger amount of this chemical. The chemicals should be heated thoroughly and the exact time needed should be documented. The final mixture should be whipped with an electric beater or other device to created a better final texture.
A further experiment would be to create a chemical with a pleasing odor and add it to the moisture cream to give the cream the additional property of having an appealing scent.