How will adding more of a polymer change the properties of a polymer “slime”?
The objective of this experiment is to create a cross-linked polymer and observe the physical properties of adding increased polymer chains. Guar gum is used as a thickening agent in foods. The guar contains a polymer called polysaccharide. Polysaccharide is a large molecule composed of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms joined together in long chains, which makes it long and flexible. Because it is a linear polymer that is not cross-linked, guar gum pours like a thick solution. In order to form a “slime” the linear polysaccharide must be crosslinked to form a three-dimensional network. This creates stronger bonds between the separate chains. Borax has sodium borate as the active ingredient. Sodium borate is the…