Gluep Lab

Gluep Lab

Problem: Can you make a cross-linked polymer from white glue?

Introduction:

Polymers are large chain-like molecules that are built from small molecules called monomers. You have used polymers, such as Teflon and nylon, in everyday life. Polymers are also used in plastic bottles, carpets, clothing, and synthetic rubber.

Cross-linked polymers consist of polymer chains connected by chemical bonds. Substances such as Slime or Gak are cross-linked polymers. Cross-linking polyvinyl acetate (present in most white glues) with laundry borax can make a substance called gluep.

In this lab activity you will make gluep from white glue and laundry borax. You will also test its properties.

Procedure:

Part 1: Making Gluep

1. Pour about 1 tablespoon of white glue into your plastic cup.

2. Add 15 mL of water to the white glue and stir until completely mixed. Add a drop or two of food coloring. Mix. Make and record careful observations.

3. Add 10mL of borax solution to the glue and water mixture and stir. Make and record careful observations.

4. Use the plastic spoon to transfer the gluep onto wax paper. Use a paper towel to get rid of excess liquid.

5. Squeeze out the excess liquid and roll the gluep into a ball.

6. Write a paragraph discussing your observations while making gluep.

Part 2: Testing Gluep’s Properties

1. Does a ball made from gluep bounce? Drop your ball from a height of 2 feet onto a non-carpeted floor. Measure and record how high the ball bounces.

2. Some substances you can buy at a toy store can lift an image from the newspaper. Can gluep do this?

Part 3: Reacting Gluep with Vinegar and Baking Soda

1. Place a small ball (1 cm diameter) of gluep in your cup. Add about 20 drops of vinegar and stir. Record your observations.

2. Add about half a teaspoon of baking soda to this mixture and stir. Record your observations.

Data/Observations:

1. Write a paragraph discussing your observations when making gluep.

2. How high could your gluep ball bounce?

3. Can gluep lift an image from the newspaper?

4. Explain what happened when vinegar was added to gluep? What happened when baking soda was added?

Analysis and Conclusions:

1. Write a paragraph summarizing the properties of gluep.

2. Explain your observations when gluep reacted with vinegar and baking soda. Explain what happened to the polymer with the vinegar (a weak acid) was added and then what happened when baking soda (a weak base) was added.