Experiment 1

A SILLY POLYMER
In the course of performing this experiment the student will
learn to cross-link a polymer and observe the changes in physical
properties as a result of this cross-linking
observe the changes in a cross-linked polymer at varying temperatures
learn concepts of molecular motion and intermolecular bond strength
PRINCIPLES:
If a substance springs back to its original shape after being twisted, pulled or
compressed, it is most likely a polymer called an elastomer. The elastomer has elastic
properties (i.e., it will recover its original size and shape after being deformed).
Examples of elastomers are rubber bands and car tires.
The liquid latex (Elmers glue) which you will use in this experiment is a solution
consisting of the polymer named polyvinyl acetate (PVA). The silly putty is formed by
joining the globules of PVA using sodium borate ( a cross-linker). This cross-linking
causes the mixture to undergo an irreversible gelation reaction. The silly putty is held
together by weak intermolecular bonds that provide flexibility and rotation about the
chain of the cross-linked polymer.
MATERIALS
(L): 55% Elmers glue solution in water, 4% borax solution, food colors
(S): Styrofoam cups, plastic bags
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Borax (as solid or solution) can burn your eyes; it is absolutely

necessary to wear safety goggles and lab aprons.

Wash hands thoroughly after handling the silly putty.

PROCEDURE
1.
2.
3.
4.

Pour 20 mL of Elmers glue solution into a Styrofoam cup.

Add 8.5 mL of the cross-linker (borax solution) to each cup.
Immediately begin stirring the solutions together using a wooden stick.
After a couple of minutes of mixing, the silly putty should be taken out of the cup
and kneaded in the hands. Continue to knead until the desired consistency is
reached.
5. Drop the ball from a height of 30 centimeter. Measure (using a ruler) the height
to which the ball rebounds.
6. Stretch the silly putty slowly from each side.
7. Compress the silly putty back into a ball.
8. Pull the silly putty quickly from each side and compare the results.
9. Place the silly putty on regular newsprint paper and press down firmly.
10. Remove the silly putty from the newsprint and make observations.
11. Place the silly putty in a bag and keep in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
12. Repeat step 5 and compare results.
Questions:
1. How do the physical properties of the glue-water mixture change as a result of
adding sodium borate?
2. What would be the effect of increasing the concentration of sodium borate in the
mixture?
In this experiment, how did you measure the elasticity of the polymer you prepared?

Procedure Flowchart:
1. Preparation of materials and equipment.
I.
Elmers Glue
II.
Borax Solution
2. Mixture of Elmers glue solution and Borax.
3. Kneading of the putty
4.