Polymers

The experiments in this section can be used to show how polymers are made and how the uses of polymers are related to their properties. Experiments include making ‘slime’ and investigating ‘hydrogels’ for example.

While we are still at an early stage with this website it's probably more useful to look at the page with our complete list of experiments in alphabetical order. See the list on About this website.

We are starting with GCSE-level experiments.

Experiments

• Identifying polymers

  A range of polymers in common use can be identified by simple comparison of densities.

• Addition polymerisation

  Phenylethene (styrene) is polymerised to form polystyrene using a free-radical initiator.

• Disappearing plastic!

  Expanded polystyrene is placed in propanone. It shrinks and fizzes as it dissolves. A small amount of propanone can absorb an impressive volume of packing material.

• Phenol-methanal polymerisation

  A hard, pink-coloured thermosetting polymer is produced by adding acid to a solution of phenol in aqueous methanal (formalin).

• Urea-methanal polymerisation

  A hard, white, thermosetting polymer is produced by adding acid to a solution of urea in aqueous methanal (formalin).

• Dyeing – three colours from the same dye-bath

  A visually attractive demonstration of the chemical specificity of different dyes for different fabrics.

• Experiments with hydrogels – plant water storage crystals

  Students investigate plant water storage crystals, a product that contains hydrogels.

• PVA polymer slime

  This experiment shows how to make a slime from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and borax.

• Making a plastic from potato starch

  In this experiment a plastic film is made from potatoes.

• Making rayon

  This experiment shows a simple way of making rayon fibres.

• Experiments with hydrogels – hair gel and disposable nappies

  Students investigate two products that are readily available and contain hydrogels.