Hypothesis: If we mix Sodium-Silicate solution to the ethyl alcohol, a hard dense polymer will be made.
Materials:
Sodium Silicate 12ml
Ethyl Alcohol 3mL
2 small beakers
Stirring rod
Paper Towels
Ruler
Graduated Cylinder
Plastic Spoon
Our objective in this experiment was to create a polymer out of sodium silicate and ethyl alcohol. When sodium silicate reacts with alcohol, the resulting substance is a crystalline object that looks somewhat like this (for video, see bottom of page):
After we took out our object, we molded the object into a spherical shape. After the polymer was molded, we had to perform "rebound" tests. This test was showing the height of the polymer after it was dropped from 30 cm high. Another variable that was used was temperature. For the first trial, we dropped the ball 10 times, and our average height was 19.3 cm. For the second trial, we put the ball in a refrigerator for 10 minutes, and then dropped it again 10 times. Our average was 17.3 cm.
Questions
What characteristics are similar between your two types of polymers you have made? Differences? Both of the polymers were white. Each solution used sodium in some way, and the time it took for the polymers to...materialize was relatively quick. Some differences would include: shape, adhesiveness, ability to mold, look at texture.
Most commercial polymers are carbon based. What similar properties to silicon and carbon share that may contribute to their abilities to polymerize? Similar properties, hmm. Silicon and carbon have the same chemical structure, both silicon and carbon have many opportunities to bound with other elements or compounds, they are both semiconductors, silicon is made using carbon electrodes, silicon and carbon both crystallize in a diamond cubic crystal structure.
Plastics are made of organic (carbon based) polymers. What similarity does the silicone polymer share with the plastics? Silicon is also a carbon based element.
How did you know that a chemical reaction had taken place when the when the two liquids where mixed? When the liquid turned into a solid and wouldn't conform to the shape of the beaker or spoon.
How could you find out what liquid was pressed out of the mass of crumbled solid as you formed the ball? I know this isn't safe, but tasting the liquid? You would know it wasn't water when you tasted it, so you could make an educated guess because you knew what the materials were.
Compare your ball with those of the other members of class. How many properties can you compare? Well to start off, our ball was unusually large, and I'm wondering if we put too much of something into the mix. The colors are the same, and generally, the shape is the same too. The range of average's is close together, and most of the heights are fairly equal. Overall, most of the groups got similar results.
For a video showing how the polymer was made, the unchilled rebound test, and the chilled rebound test...watch this.
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