Polyvinyl Acetate Lab Report

The chemical and physical properties of a variety of chemicals work together to form a desired end product that is used commercially. Three chemicals that are used to form a bouncy ball in this experiment were; Polyvinyl Alcohol, Polyvinyl Acetate, and Borate. Polyvinyl Alcohol is a water-soluble polymer that is commercially used for paper and textiles products (Polyvinyl Alcohol PVA chemical Compound). Polyvinyl Alcohol is unique polymer, for it is only created with the dissolving of another polymer such as Polyvinyl Acetate, through hydrolysis (Polyvinyl Alcohol PVA chemical Compound).Polyvinyl Alcohol is an adhesive element. With the application of polyvinyl acetate that is formed from polyvinyl alcohol; is used as an adhesive in Elmer’s

Chemicals were mixed in order listed previously mentioned, kneading and mixing of chemicals until solid ball was formed. The order in which chemicals were mixed to together as previously mentioned were due to the fact of the chemical reaction formula researched showing the application of polyvinyl alcohol plus polyvinyl acetate and with the addition of borate in the middle to act a buffer for pH for the better adhesion of reactants. And the corn starch was added at end of reaction so it would provide the bouncy ball with more density and consistency and reduce friction due to its viscosity. After bouncy ball was formed, it was tested for best performance in bounce, elasticity, and temperature change resistance. For quality testing purposes. For quality of bounce, ball was dropped 20 inches from base of table, and recorded bounce altitude from ruler that was held vertically. The elasticity of ball was measured and then followed by testing temperature change resistance by placing bouncy ball in 1° Celsius conditions and noting any physical or chemical change in bouncy ball. This was accomplished by placing ice in a 250ml beaker and temperature was measured with thermometer and when 1° Celsius condition were met bouncy ball was placed inside a beaker for about five minutes. Followed by testing a change in quality of bounce. This was

Based on result driven from various trials done, more of polyvinyl acetate and cornstarch are required to establish stable spherical shape ball. Less of polyvinyl alcohol and borate should be used since no evident loss of bounce efficiency was seen when a decreased amount of polyvinyl alcohol was used. Same was observed with borate since borate is just a pH buffer between reactants for proper collaboration of reactants. These conditions were practiced in trial ten, which was the most successful trial in developing the most effective bounce and resistance in temperature change without resulting in major change in quality of bounce. Overall bouncy ball in trial ten proved to be the best quality bounce due to its ability to withhold spherical shape under gravity, and temperature change. With the highest quality bounce at 16cm in height compared to previous failed