What are some good polymerization chemistry experiment ideas

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around ideas for polymerization chemistry experiments suitable for a school science fair. Participants explore various approaches, materials, and variables related to polymerization, particularly focusing on epoxy resins and cross-linking reactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in researching polymerization chemistry but finds existing ideas either too expensive or not complex enough.
  • Another participant suggests testing epoxy resins by varying hardeners, specifically amines, to observe effects on cure time and relative strengths, though they note the expense involved.
  • A different experiment idea involves esterification of epoxy resins, but the participant is uncertain about the dependent variable to investigate.
  • Modeling or simulating the cross-linking process of epoxy resin and a curing agent is proposed as another experimental approach.
  • Participants discuss the concept of chain length as a potential dependent variable, with one questioning how it could be utilized in experiments.
  • Another participant suggests examining melting points or densities as functions of chain length.
  • A claim is made that the melting point of polymers is influenced by crystallinity rather than molecular weight, and that density is also affected by crystallinity.
  • One participant mentions inexpensive cross-linking reactions using body filler and hardening agents, highlighting their availability and quick setting time as practical options for experiments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views regarding the variables and methods for polymerization experiments, with no consensus reached on a specific approach or dependent variable.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the appropriate dependent variables and the relationship between molecular weight, chain length, and properties like melting point and density. The discussion reflects a variety of assumptions and lacks resolution on these points.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and educators interested in polymer chemistry experiments, particularly those looking for practical and cost-effective ideas for science fairs.

Sam Donovan
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
I'm very interested in researching polymerization chemistry for my school science fair.
All the ideas I have are either too expensive or not complex enough.
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
What have you considered?
 
Bystander said:
What have you considered?

I've been focused on epoxy resins:

I thought about testing epoxy resins and how varying hardeners (mainly focused on amines: primary amines, tertiary amines, aliphatic,etc) affect "cure time" and relative strengths (this is too expensive).

I thought about an experiment about esterification of epoxy resins. (I'm not sure what my dependent variable, like what's a good thing to solve)

I thought about simulating or modeling the cross-linking caused by epoxy resin and a "curing agent"
 
Are you familiar with the various "classes" of polymerization reactions?
Sam Donovan said:
my dependent variable, l
Chain length?
 
Bystander said:
Are you familiar with the various "classes" of polymerization reactions?
Chain length?
No, not familiar.

How would you use chain length?
 
Look at melting points or densities as functions of chain length.
 
Bystander said:
Look at melting points or densities as functions of chain length.

Melt point of polymers is a function of crystallinity, not molecular weight. Density too is a function of crystallinity. Molecular weight is a function of chain length and its distribution.
 
A good example of a cross linking reaction is body filler and hardening agent. Inexpensive and sets up quick. You ca even mold it into shapes before it hardens. Available at Wal Mart and auto parts stores everywhere. Another example is Durham's wood putty. Cross links with water.
 

Similar threads

Experiments with interfacial polymerization
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Atom-Transfer Radical Polymerization: Method Question
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Ideas for a project in computational chemistry?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Implementing “Ab initio” approach in molecular mechanics method
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Aftermath of polymerization of EtOH
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
How Can an 8th-Grader in Pakistan Set Up a Home Chemistry Lab?
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
4K
In what class does one typically learn that atoms emit EM radiation?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
What were your favorite childhood science hobbies?
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
Pourbaix diagram and current voltage curve
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Polymer Physics: molar mass, polymerization
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K