Purdue Chemistry Show creates 'slime,' explores the chemistry of polymers

September 24, 2013  


Paul E. Smith demonstrtion

Paul E. Smith, director of lecture demonstrations for Purdue's chemistry department, performs a demonstration during a show. (Purdue University photo/Steven Scherer)
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The children's toy "slime" will be created and shared with the audience as one of several demonstrations at the Purdue University Chemistry Show on Oct. 5.

The show, designed to be entertaining and educational for all ages, will focus on polymers - large, chain-like molecules that make super balls bouncy and diapers absorbent, said Paul E. Smith, director of lecture demonstrations.

The one-hour show begins at 11 a.m. in Wetherill Laboratory of Chemistry, Room 200. The show is free and open to the public.

In addition to making "slime," demonstrations will include quickly burning flash paper, shrinking plastics, melting packing peanuts with a few drops of acetone, sodium polyacrylate absorbing 60 times its own weight and sticking a needle through a balloon without popping it. Audience volunteers will participate in some of the demonstrations.

Additional information is available at http://www.chem.purdue.edu/chemshow  

Writer: Elizabeth K. Gardner, 765-494-2081, ekgardner@purdue.edu 

Source: Paul E. Smith, 765-494-5307, psmith4@purdue.edu 

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