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Super-Duper Polymer Gel—Chemical Demonstration Kit

By: Walter Rohr, Retired, Eastchester High School, Eastchester, NY

Super Duper Polymer Gel Chemistry Demonstration Kit
Super Duper Polymer Gel Chemistry Demonstration Kit

Item #: AP4556

Price: $13.70

The Super Duper Polymer Gel Chemistry Demonstration Kit is a cool activity. A long-chain polymer is used. The length of the polymer chains in one drop of gel is 1,700,000 miles long—long enough to go back and forth to the moon 7.5 times.

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When a small amount of a white powder is sprinkled into a liquid and water is added, it transforms into a thick, viscous gel. When poured back and forth between two beakers, the gel begins to take on a life of its own and literally defies gravity by crawling up and out of the beaker.

This is a very cool demonstration! The chemical used is polyethylene oxide, a non-toxic, long-chain, water-soluble polymer. The length of all the polymer chains in one drop of gel is 1,700,000 miles long—long enough to go back and forth to the moon 7.5 times. This is fascinating stuff. Both you and your students will really enjoy this activity. Teacher Demonstration Notes included.

Concepts: Polymers, viscosity.
Time Required: 10 minutes
Chemical Provided: Polyethylene oxide, 25 grams.
Note: Ethanol or methanol (25 mL per demo) and water are required and available separately.

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