Oxidation/Decomposition of Chewing Gum Blots

Thread starter Islam Hassan
Start date Jun 2, 2014

AI Thread Summary

The oxidation and decomposition of chewing gum blots on pavements occur slowly due to the chemical stability of its molecular components. Chewing gum typically contains synthetic polymers, such as polyisobutylene, which are resistant to environmental degradation. These polymers do not easily break down under normal weathering processes, leading to the persistence of gum blots for extended periods. Factors such as UV exposure, moisture, and microbial activity contribute to the eventual weathering of gum, but the initial resistance of its components significantly prolongs its presence on surfaces. The discussion highlights the need for effective removal methods to address the environmental impact of discarded chewing gum.

Jun 2, 2014

Islam Hassan

Why is the oxidation/decomposition of chewing gum blots stuck on pavements such a slow affair? Why do these blots persist for such a very very long time before being weathered away? What molecular components give chewing gum this great chemical stability?IH

Last edited: Jun 2, 2014

Chemistry news on Phys.org

Jun 3, 2014

256bits

Gold Member

This is quite a good explanation.
http://www.scienceinschool.org/2008/issue9/chewinggum

Thread 'Solubility of MgSO47H2O in water'

It seems like a simple enough question: what is the solubility of epsom salt in water at 20°C? A graph or table showing how it varies with temperature would be a bonus. But upon searching the internet I have been unable to determine this with confidence. Wikipedia gives the value of 113g/100ml. But other sources disagree and I can't find a definitive source for the information. I even asked chatgpt but it couldn't be sure either. I thought, naively, that this would be easy to look up without...

View full post »

Thread 'Why does having 8 valence electrons make an element inert?'

I was introduced to the Octet Rule recently and make me wonder, why does 8 valence electrons or a full p orbital always make an element inert? What is so special with a full p orbital? Like take Calcium for an example, its outer orbital is filled but its only the s orbital thats filled so its still reactive not so much as the Alkaline metals but still pretty reactive. Can someone explain it to me? Thanks!!

View full post »

Thread 'Enthalpy - published values'

Do the published values of Enthalpy include the work done against a constant pressure, e.g., the atmosphere? (I am not a chemist). I am reviewing enthalpy and entropy as part of the statistical mechanics applied to transistors. I assume, from my reading, that the work done would mostly apply to reactions involving gasses.

View full post »