All Polymers articles – Page 6
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Resource
Polymer puzzles
This activity is designed to develop the students’ higher order thinking – particularly critical thinking skills – in the context of problem solving. It should help students to recall the facts about some common polymers.
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Resource
The plastic that came out of thin air
The story of Roy Plunkett and the discovery of Teflon® (polytetrafluoroethene) can be used to show that many things in science were discovered accidentally.
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Resource
Plastics conservation - Barbie and friends
This resource provides the essential knowledge needed to keep plastic pieces in the best possible condition so that they can continue to be enjoyed for many years.
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Experiment
Making rayon
Use this demonstration to produce rayon fibres in the classroom using cotton wool or filter paper. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
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Experiment
Phenol-methanal polymerisiation
Make Bakelite in class and investigate its properties using phenol, methanal and ethanoic acid in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
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Experiment
‘Dissolving’ polystyrene in acetone
Investigate what happens to polystyrene when it is placed in propanone (acetone) in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
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Resource
Organic chemistry infographics
A collection of visually stimulating and informative infographics covering various topics of organic chemistry. These would be a valuable addition to any science classroom.
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Resource
Other infographics
A collection of visually stimulating and informative infographics that cover a wide variety of topics. These infographics would make a valuable addition to any science classroom. Topics include: the science of sunscreen; what the chemical composition of smartphones and British coins are; and potential indicators of ‘bad science’ in ...
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Review
Teaching through polymers
Introduction of macromolecular science/polymeric materials into the foundational course in organic chemistry
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The Mole
Polished polymers
Tom Husband explains how varnishing your nails is more like making plastic than painting
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Exhibition chemistry
Perturbed polymers
Declan Fleming shows you how to capture your students’ imaginations with spectacular demonstrations
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The Mole
Trade secrets... Print your world
Secrets of the trade: Jonathan Hare gets hands-on with the 3D printing revolution
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Resource
ChemTube3D: Polymers
This section provides an interactive 3D experience with many different polymers and demonstrates the key features of each one.
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The Mole
When chemistry and art collide
From disappearing bottles to catalytic clothing: Josh Howgego investigates how a scientist–artist duo is starting conversations about society’s future
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News
BPA substitute from paper by-product
Plant-derived plastic shows benefits of BPA without the toxicity
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Resource
Polymers
Understanding the formation and properties of polymers gives an insight into how they are used in everyday life. The chemistry involved is varied and links together many aspects of the subject including an introduction to organic chemistry, ions, structure and bonding. The activities that include both practicals and questions help ...
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Feature
Terpenes: not just for Christmas
The chemicals that give Christmas trees their pine fresh smell could be at the centre of a chemical revolution, as Josh Howgego explains
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