Review of laboratory methods for the preparation of polymer films

Mano, Eloisa B.; Durao, Leni Akcelrud

doi:10.1021/ed050p228

Cited by 7 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 64 publications

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“…However, glass slides were used as opposed to silicon wafers, a fan instead of a research-grade spin casting machine, FTIR rather than ellipsometry for thickness, and did not use the information to determine the molecular weight of the polymer 8 . Another experiment analyzed various materials as substrates for polymer spin casting but did not use silicon wafers 9 . This report strives to answer questions regarding the types of techniques that will most effectively introduce a large group of students without prior laboratory experience to methods for determining the molecular weight of a polymer in a condensed time, emphasizing the importance of determining molecular weight as a key for applications in recycling.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Polystyrene Laboratory Analysis: A Hands-On Experience to Determine the Molecular Weight of Polystyrene Through Spin Casting in A University Laboratory Setting

Sood

Fang

Wang

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Hands-on learning is a staple in high school science education, as it provides students with a fast-learning curve and a great degree of field competency. However, due to the safety risks associated with high school students in university chemistry laboratory settings, high school students rarely engage in authentic hands-on chemical learning. To bridge the gap between the benefits and drawbacks, this study investigates a method to educate high school students (with no previous experience) about standard chemical laboratory practices. 98 high school students experimented throughout two days to determine the molecular weights and characteristics of various polystyrene samples, essential knowledge for polymer recycling. Students were split into 5 groups so that laboratory usage be organized and staggered. After laboratory safety training was administered, students created different types and concentrations of toluene-based samples and spin casted these samples onto silicon wafers, determining thickness through ellipsometry. With the data, each group calculated molecular weight, propagated error, and wrote laboratory reports. In order to evaluate the extent of learning through this process, students were given pre-training and post-experimentation assessments with the same questions pertaining to laboratory safety, equipment usage, and materials science related topics. On average, students displayed scores 63% higher on the post-experiment assessment compared to those of the pre-training assessment. The results suggest the experience not only taught students about the various materials science concepts, but also improved their laboratory logic. Therefore, our method is recommended to be implemented at the university level for motivated high school and first-year undergraduate students.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Polystyrene Laboratory Analysis: A Hands-On Experience to Determine the Molecular Weight of Polystyrene Through Spin Casting in A University Laboratory Setting

Sood

Fang

Wang

et al. 2022

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Poly(methyl methacrylate‐g‐urethane). II. Thermal and mechanical behavior

Akcelrud

Gomes

1986

J. Polym. Sci. A Polym. Chem.

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SynopsisThe thermal and mechanical behavior of poly(methy1 methacrylate-g-urethane) has been investigated. Thermal analysis indicated compatibility between the two polymeric segments up to 15% polyurethane content. Tensile tests revealed progressive change in mechanical properties with composition, and the materials varied from glassy to leathery to rubberlike. Thermal and mechanical results suggested a morphological model where a glassy matrix of poly(methy1 methacrylate) mixed with polyurethane is the continuous phase up to 25% polyurethane content, when a phase inversion occurs.

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