Background

Polymers, both natural and synthetic, play an integral role in our daily lives. Naturally-
occurring polymers include cellulose (mentioned in gun cotton demo), rubber, skin, hair,
DNA, etc. There are also many synthetic polymers that have been incorporated into
every aspect of our lives, such as nylon, rayon, polyester, plastics, PVC, chewing gum,
etc. In this demonstration, we are showing some of the properties of a common synthetic
polymer, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). PVA (structure seen below) is a straight-chain
polymer that is often used as a thickener, stabilizer, and binder in cosmetics, paper cloth,
films, cements, and mortars.

PVA:

The straight-chain PVA will cross-link with the tetrahedral borate anion, which is
generated from borax as follows:

 B4O72-(aq) + 7H2O --> 4H3BO3(aq) + 2OH-(aq)

 H3BO3(aq) + 2H2O --> B(OH)4-(aq) + H3O+(aq)

Borax, or sodium borate, occurs naturally in the deposits of evaporated seasonal lakes.
However, we are most often accustomed to thinking of borax as a cleaning agent.
Sodium borate is commonly used in detergents, water softeners, soaps, disinfectants, and
pesticides. The reaction between borate and PVA is:
The solution of PVA in water is viscous, but free-flowing. Once the borate and PVA
have been combined, the cross-linked polymer is produced. When the concentration of
cross-linked chains is high, water molecules become trapped inside the 3D network, thus
producing a semisolid gel. Eventually the water will evaporate leaving behind a crunchy
ball of slime.

You can invite a few students to handle the slime, but it is probably a good idea to have
them wear safety gloves. Avoid getting the slime on your clothes, and make sure the
students leave the slime with you at the end of the demonstration. Be sure to wash all
glassware immediately following the show to prevent the slime from drying.

References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borax
 Slime
Procedure

Preparation
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
Solid Borax
Hot plate
250 mL Beaker

Presentation
PVA solution
NaB(OH)4, 4% solution
Food coloring
250 mL Beaker
Large Glass Stirring Rod
 Heat ~100 mL of water in a 250 mL beaker to 95⁰C on hot plate
 Weight out 4.0g of PVA into a paper cup
 Remove the water from the hot plate and slowly add the PVA while
stirring
 Return the beaker to the hot plate (~90⁰C) and stir the solution until the
PVA has completely dissolved
 Using solid borax and water, prepare a 4% by weight solution of
NaB(OH)₄

Presentation
 Pour 100 mL of the PVA solution into the 250 mL beaker
 Add a few drops of food coloring
 Add 10 mL of the sodium borate solution to the beaker
 Stir constantly until the correct consistency. You will probably need to add
additional NaB(OH)₄. Add a small amount (~5 mL) each time while
stirring until there is only one large glob of slime

*adapted from E.Z. Casassa. Et al., J. Chem. Educ., 63 (1986) 57-60.

G. G. Stroebel, et al., J. Chem. Educ., 70 (1993) 893.

Safety Concerns:
MSDS sheets for all chemicals involved can be found I nthe Appendix. There are no
known toxic effects of borax, PVA, or the slime. However, we should make sure the
students who touch the slime thoroughly wash their hands afterwards.