Procedure+for+Lab+Activity+for+Synthetic+Polymer+Identification

= Procedure =

1. Obtain one of each of the plastics, 1-6 from your instructor. Label each one and then conduct the following tests on each plastic. Record your results in your data table.

2. __Density Test__: Place your sample in the beaker of the sugar water. Record whether it sinks or floats. Note: The sugar water has a density of about 1.2 – 1.3g/cm3.

3. __Flexibility Test__: Gently try to bend the sample. Does it bend easily? If so, does it quickly return to the original shape, or stay curled into the new shape? Record your findings.

4. __Brittleness Test__: Use a hammer to easily strike a sample. If it does not break, try to cut it with scissors. Record your findings.

5. __Low-Temperature Test__: Using crucible tongs, dip the sample into boiling water for about a minute. Remove and cool. Test the flexibility of the sample after heating. Record.

6. __High-Temperature Test__: Do this ONLY in the fume hood. Burning plastics can produce toxic fumes. Holding the plastic with crucible tongs, put an edge of the sample in the Bunsen burner flame for **a few** **seconds**. Record the color and intensity of the flame and smoke. Immediately place the burned plastic in a large beaker of water.

7. After you have completed your data table, take it to your instructor to have it checked for accuracy with the key.

8. Obtain two unknowns from your instructor. Perform tests 2-6 on it and decide which number of plastic you were given.