Flubber (material)
Flubber (named from the film The Absent-Minded Professor), gluep, glurch, or slime are common names referring to a rubbery polymer formed by cross linking of polyvinyl alcohol with a boron compound. Making flubber from polyvinyl-alcohol-based glues, such as Elmer's Glue, and borax can be done as an elementary science education experiment.[1]
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[edit] Reaction mechanisms
The formation of a gel may be due to hydrogen bonding between boric acid hydroxyl groups and the diol groups in polyvinyl alcohol. Hydrogen bonding, as opposed to covalent bonding, would account for the physical properties of the gel.[2]
[edit] Properties
Flubber is a non-Newtonian fluid that flows under low stresses, but breaks under higher stresses and pressures. This combination of fluid-like and solid-like properties makes it a Maxwell solid. Its behaviour can also be described as being viscoplastic or gelatinous.[3][4]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Parratore, Phil. Wacky Science: A Cookbook for Elementary Teachers. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt. p. 26. ISBN 0787227412.
- ^ Cassasa, E. Z.; A. M. Sarquis, C.H Van Dyke (January 1986). "The Gelation of Polyvinyl Alcohol with Borax". Journal of Chemical Education 63 (1): 57.
- ^ Glurch Meets Oobleck. Iowa State University Extension.
- ^ [1]. University of Maine Earth Science Department.
