RPI Member of Class of 2014 Material Science

2/17/11 Lab 1

Abstract: There are millions of different kinds of polymers and they are part of everyday life. Physical properties are influenced by chemical structure.

Introduction: Many different types of polymers can be created in the laboratory environment. One example of a polymer is Nylon, which is used in a sustainable amount of clothing and other applications. Engineers can utilize this material to solve various problems because of its unique properties.

Procedure:First we approximated 1.00g of phthalic anhydride by finding the approximate level in the 12x75mm test tube. Then, we also approximated 50 mg sodium acetate by the same method ad added to the previous test tube. Glycerin was added in the amount of .40 mL. The mixture was heated over an alcohol burner until it turned slight yellow. Part of the mixture was poured over a microscopic slide. This portion was observed and manipulated by pulling fibers out of it. The other portion remained in the test tube and was attempted to be broken up by acetone. The next experiment involved creating Nylon. Aqueous hexamethylenedamine in the amount of 10 mL was added to a 50 mL beaker. Slowly and carefully we added 10 mL of sebacoyl chloride hexane to the beaker. A paper clip then drew out several feet of the Nylon thread from the beaker. Acetone did not dissolve this material when added.

Results and Observations: Fibers are able to be drawn out of the phthalic anhydride and glycerin mixture when hot but once cooled, the mixture became very hard. Acetone would not dissolve this once cooled. It became darker and more opaque as the mixture cooled. This substance seems slightly crystalline. The second part of the experiment produced Nylon that was able to be drawn out the beaker. The Nylon was opaque in nature and probably had a high percent crystallinity. Approximately eight feet of thick thread was able to be drawn out before it broke. Acetone did not dissolve this material when added.

Discussion: These materials are probably both either networked or cross-linked materials once cooled. They were unable to be dissolved by acetone which suggests they have stronger bonds.

Conclusions: The polymers in this lab were easily created using certain compounds. These polymers have many useful functions, including clothing and other engineering related applications. Their properties are different by having high strength to weight ratios and are therefore useful.