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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2006  > March  >
In the Laboratory
An Introduction to Polymer Processing, Morphology, and Property Relationships through Thermal Analysis of Plastic PET Bottles. Exercises Designed to Introduce Students to Polymer Physical Properties
H. Darrell Iler
Department of Chemistry, Greenville College, Greenville IL 62246

Eric Rutt and Seth Althoff
Department of Chemistry, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Cover
March 2006
Vol. 83 No. 3
p. 439
Abstract
This article describes a set of demonstrations and experiments involving a polymer product that can be used in a polymer chemistry lab course or incorporated into more traditional type chemistry courses (e.g., general chemistry and instrumental analysis). Through thermal analyses of poly(ethylene terephthlate) (PET) bottles, students are introduced to the relationships between processing, morphology, and physical properties of polymer materials. Although the complete set of exercises incorporates differential scanning calorimetry, important relationships can be demonstrated with just PET bottles and a laboratory oven. A "real-world" problem-solving experience is provided through a multi-week lab project in which students assume the roles of analytical chemists for a hypothetical PET bottle manufacturer.
Supplement
Instructions for the students and notes for the instructor are available.
*  Contents JCE2006p0439W.doc (Microsoft Word)
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*  Citation
 Iler, H. Darrell; Rutt, Eric; Althoff, Seth. J. Chem. Educ. 2006 83 439.
*  Keywords
 Analytical Chemistry; Applications of Chemistry; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Heat Capacity; Inquiry-Based / Discovery Learning; Instrumental Methods; Interdisciplinary / Multidisciplinary; Laboratory Instruction; Materials Science; Polymer Chemistry; Second-Year Undergraduate; Thermal Analysis; Upper-Division Undergraduate
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 1/31/2006
2/9/2006
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