Making polymers

A polymer is any of numerous chemical compounds of usually high molecular weight consisting of up to millions of repeated linked units, each a relatively light and simple molecule. Some polymers occur in nature, and some are synthetic (man-made). Polymers have extremely varied and versatile uses in industry, such as in making plastics, concrete, glass, and rubber.

Different kinds of polymers will have different properties -- rubberiness, strength, bounce, stickiness, viscosity, and so on. The different ingredients you use in the following experiments demonstrate some of these characteristics.

This activity is adapted from the "Making it Matter" badge in the Junior Girl Scout Badge Book (c2001).

Polymers

You will need:

borax
water
white glue
salt
sugar
baking powder
coarse corn meal

1 tablespoon (2 or more) and 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoons
1-cup liquid measuring cup

plastic cups (5 per polymer; the girls can share if necessary)
plastic spoons

Make a basic polymer: Measure 1/2 cup water into a plastic cup. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of borax in the water. This solution should be enough for 8 polymer mixtures (8 tablespoons in 1/2 cup). In another cup, put 1 tablespoon of white glue and 1 tablespoon of water; stir well. Add 1 tablespoon of the borax solution and stir. What happens?

Some variations on the basic polymer: Make sure that you have enough borax solution and cups for 4 polymer variations.

In a plastic cup, put 1 tablespoon of white glue and 1 tablespoon of water; stir well. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and stir until the salt is dissolved. Now add 1 tablespoon of the borax solution and stir. What happens?

Try this again using sugar, baking powder, OR corn meal instead of salt. How do the polymers compare?

Be sure to dispose of the polymers properly (not in the sink!), and wash all of the utensils well after you have finished.

Learn much more about polymers here at the University of Southern Mississippi's Polymer Science Learning Center.