Slime
[poly(vinyl alcohol) with sodium borate]
Introduction:
The reaction is as follows:
Materials:
- Large flask of 4% PVA
- Large flask of 4%
sodium borate (borax solution)
- Small styrofoam or Dixie
cups
- Wooden stir sticks
- Food coloring
- Zip lock bags
Procedure:
Mix the PVA and the sodium borate solution together in a
small cup (about a 4:1 ratio). First the PVA should be
added to the cup. This along with a wooden stir stick can
be passed out to each student. Next, the cross linker (sodium
borate) can be added to each cup (remember, you only need
about 1/4 as much cross linker). At this point food coloring
can be added. One or two drops should be plenty. The student
should begin to stir the mixture immediately. Within a
few minutes of stirring the polymer should be dry enough
to handle. If the student is to bring the slime home, zip
lock bags should be provided.
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