Engaging DIY Activities: Discovering Synthetic Fibers & Plastic
Introduction:
Welcome to our DIY activity blog post for high school teachers & homeschooling parents! Explore the captivating world of synthetic fibers & plastic through six hands-on activities. Create Oobleck to understand linear linkages, make slime to grasp cross-linked polymers. Observe the burning differences of natural & synthetic fibers and conduct strength tests. Experience the magic of thermosetting plastic as you mold a cube, and explore thermoplastic lamination in your home. These 6 interactive experiments will enlighten students about the properties, applications, and environmental impact of these essential materials, turning learning into a fun and memorable experience. Let's begin the adventure together!
Concept of Polymers:
A synthetic fiber is a chain of small units joined together. Each small unit is actually a chemical substance called a Monomer. “Mona” means one and “mer” means part or unit. Many such small units combine to form a large single unit called a Polymer” Poly” means many. So, a Polymer is made up of many repeating units of Monomers.
Example:
1. Polythene bags are made of repeating monomers of ethene (C,H), hence the name Poly-ethene (Ethene) (Poly-ethene or polythene)
2. PVC pipes used in electrical and plumbing works are made of a polymer called Polyvinyl Chloride. The monomer is Vinyl Chloride.
Activity 1: Oobleck - Linear Linkages
Materials Required:
- Corn flour
- Water
Procedure:
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup of corn flour with ½ cup of water.
- Stir the mixture until you achieve a gooey consistency.
- Observe the behavior of the oobleck as you apply pressure and release it.
- Discuss the characteristics of this non-Newtonian fluid and relate it to the linear structure of synthetic fibers.
What’s happening?
‘The polymer chains in the oobleck require time to move away. So when the finger is dipped in slowly the chains have enough time to move away and allow the finger to pass through. When the surface is tapped or the fingers are pushed, suddenly the chains do not have enough time to move away and hence the oobleck feels hard.
Activity 2: Slime - Cross-linked Polymer
Materials Required:
- Borax
- White school glue
- Water
- Food coloring (optional)
Procedure:
- In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of borax with 1 cup of water until dissolved.
- In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup of white school glue with a few drops of food coloring (optional).
- Slowly pour the borax solution into the glue mixture while stirring continuously.
- Observe the formation of slime and its stretchy properties.
- Discuss the concept of cross-linked polymers and their applications in various products.
Activity 3: Burning of Natural and Synthetic Fibers
Materials Required:
- Cotton thread
- Nylon thread
- Matchbox or lighter
Procedure:
- Cut small pieces of cotton and nylon threads.
- Set up a safe burning area and ensure adult supervision.
- Use a matchbox or lighter to ignite the threads separately.
- Observe and compare the differences in combustion behavior, scent, and residue.
- Discuss the implications of these differences in terms of safety, durability, and environmental impact.
Synthetic Fibers:
Synthetic Fibers is a manufactured regenerated cellulose fiber. Because it is produced from naturally occurring polymers, it is neither a truly synthetic fiber nor a natural fiber; it is a semi-synthetic or artificial fiber.
Nylon:
Nylon is made of repeating units linked by amide bonds and is frequently referred to as polyamide (PA).
Polyester:
Polyester is a category of polymers which contain the ester functional group in their main chain.
Activity 4: Strength Test
Materials Required:
- Cotton thread
- Nylon thread
- Ruler or measuring tape
Procedure:
- Cut equal lengths of cotton and nylon threads.
- Hold one end of each thread and stretch them gently.
- Observe and compare the differences in elasticity and resilience.
- Measure the distance the threads stretch before breaking (optional).
- Discuss the structural properties of synthetic fibers and their applications in different industries.
Plastic:
Plastic is also a polymer like the synthetic fiber. Plastics can be divided into 2 category
1.Thermoplastics
2..Thermosetting plastic
A thermosetting plastic, also known as a thermoset, is polymer material that irreversibly cures. The cure may be done through heat (generally above 200 °C (392 °F)), through a chemical reaction, or irradiation such as electron beam processing or UVlight. Thermoset bonds break down upon melting and do not reform upon cooling.
Activity 5: Thermosetting Plastic
Materials Required:
- Black M seal
- White M seal
- Mixing container
- Mold (e.g., silicone mold or plastic container)
Procedure:
- Take equal amounts of Black M seal and white M seal and place them in a mixing container.
- Mix the two substances together until they are thoroughly combined.
- Pour the mixture into a mold, shaping it into a cube.
- Allow the mixture to harden and cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Discuss the irreversible cross-linking process of thermosetting plastics and explore their applications in various industries.
2) Thermoplastics
A Thermoplastic, also known as a thermosoftening plastic, is a polymer that becomes pliable or moldable above a specific temperature, and returns to a solid state upon cooling. Most thermoplastics have a high molecular weight.
Activity 6: Thermoplastic Home Assessment
Materials Required:
- Plastic sheets or laminate pouches
- ID card or any thin cardstock
- Candle or heat source
- Scissors
Procedure:
- Cut a plastic sheet or laminate pouch slightly larger than the ID card.
- Place the ID card in the center of the plastic sheet.
- Fold the excess plastic sheet around the ID card, creating a sealed pouch.
- Gently heat the sealed pouch using a candle or heat source until the plastic melts and fuses together.
- Allow the plastic to cool and solidify.
- Discuss the versatility of thermoplastics, their recyclability, and their environmental impact.
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Quick understanding pic
By incorporating these engaging activities into your curriculum or homeschooling sessions, you’ll provide an interactive and comprehensive learning experience on synthetic fibers and plastic
8th Grade Topic List
- crop production & Management
- Chemical effects of electric current
- Light and Reflections
- Understanding quadrilaterals
- Mensuration
- Algebra and Factorisation
- Micro- organism
- conservation of wildlife
- Friction
- Force, Pressure & Area
- Sound Introduction
- Natural Phenomena (Static Electricity)
- Synthetic Fibers & Plastics
- Solar system - Celestial Objects & Satellites
- Visualizing Solid Shapes
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