Polymers

O'Toole, Jim                              Corliss H.S.
103 E.164 st.                             821-2515
South Holland, Il.60473
339-3532

Objectives:

The students will gain an understanding of what polymers are.
     Define MONOMER
       "    POLYMER
     List 10 examples of polymers found in your home

The students will gain an understanding of how monomers are combined to 
form polymers. 

    Define ADDITION POLYMERIZATION
      "    CONDENSATION POLYMERIZATION

The students will gain an understanding of polymer strength.

     Define CROSSLINKING
       "    CRYSTALLINITY

Apparatus Needed:

Materials: hexamethylene diamine; sodium hydroxide; adipyl chloride; 
     carbon tetrachloride; wood sticks; plastic gloves; safety glasses; 
     common examples of polymers; child type construction blocks;

Prepare two solutions: (1) 2.32 grams of hexamethylene diamine and 
     1.6 grams of sodium hydroxide in about 100ml of water.
     (2) 3.66 grams of adipyl chloride in about 100ml of carbon 
     tetrachloride.

Recommended Strategy:

Place adipyl chloride solution at bottom of clean beaker; carefully pour 
aqueous layer over this without stirring or mixing; try to avoid 
splashing. 

With a stick remove the film which forms between the two layers. 
Continue to remove the film as it is formed. When you have pulled out a 
nylon fiber of sufficient length, wash it in clean water to remove 
excess reagents. [Morgan + Kwolek, J. Chem. Educ. 36 182-184 April 59] 

After about 15 min. or when each student has had a turn, then you will 
want to explain the PHENOMENA. Be sure to integrate your household 
polymer hardware (child type building blocks, common household things 
made of polymers, etc...) in a logistically systematized program that 
will concretize your explanation of the PHENOMENA.