Making your own slime is a fun and educational experiment that demonstrates the basics of chemistry. Not only is it entertaining, but also a great way to learn more about chemical reactions and the properties of polymers. In this experiment we will mix PVA glue with a borax solution to make slime. Follow this step-by-step guide to creating your own slime and discover the science behind it.
What do you need?
- White PVA glue (e.g. school glue )
- Borax powder (sodium tetraborate)
- Water
- Food coloring (optional)
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or stir stick
- Measuring cups
- Small plastic cups
- Sealable plastic bags (for storage)
- Gloves and safety glasses
Safety regulations ⚠️
- Although borax is used in small amounts, it is important to avoid contact with the skin and eyes. Wear gloves and safety glasses when working with borax.
- Borax can be harmful if swallowed. Keep the experiment away from small children and ensure that no one puts the materials in their mouths.
- Perform the experiment on a clean, easy-to-clean surface and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Step-by-step guide to making slime
- Prepare your workplace
- Ensure a clean work surface.
- Gather all necessary materials and prepare them.
- Make the borax solution
- Dissolve 1 teaspoon of borax powder in 1 cup of warm water. Stir well until the borax powder is completely dissolved. This is your borax solution.
- Make the glue solution
- Pour 1/2 cup of PVA glue into a mixing bowl.
- Add 1/2 cup of water to the glue and mix well with a spoon or stir stick.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the glue solution and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
- Mix the borax solution with the glue solution
- Slowly add the borax solution to the glue solution, a little at a time, stirring constantly. You will notice that the mixture begins to thicken and become slime.
- Continue adding borax solution and stirring until the slime reaches the desired consistency. You may not need the full amount of borax solution.
- Knead the slime
- Remove the slime from the bowl and knead it with your hands until it is smooth and elastic. If it is too sticky, you can add a little more borax solution and continue kneading.
- Observations
- Note the changes in texture and consistency during mixing and kneading.
- Try stretching, rolling and shaping and observe the properties.
- Tidy
- Store the slime in a sealable plastic bag to prevent it from drying out.
- Clean all materials used thoroughly with soap and water.
- Wash your hands well after the experiment.
Theory of slime making
When making slime with borax and glue, a chemical reaction known as crosslinking occurs. The polyvinyl acetate (PVA) in the adhesive reacts with the borax solution, creating a network of polymer molecules. This network ensures that the mixture thickens and acquires elastic properties.
Practical questions and answers
- What is the role of borax in making slime?
- Borax acts as a crosslinker. It reacts with the polyvinyl acetate (PVA) in the adhesive, linking long polymer molecules together and creating a network structure. This network gives the mucus its characteristic elastic and viscous properties.
- How does the consistency of the slime change when you add more borax solution?
- When more borax solution is added, the mucus becomes firmer and less sticky. This is because more cross-linking occurs, resulting in a denser network of polymers. However, too much borax can also make it too hard and less stretchy.
- What would happen if you used a different type of glue, such as a glue stick or super glue?
- A glue stick often contains less PVA and more fillers, making it less suitable. Super glue (cyanoacrylate) works differently than PVA glue and is unlikely to form slime with borax. The chemical process and properties of the polymers differ too much.
Conclusion
This experiment shows how polymerization and crosslinking work to create a new material. Making slime is a fun and practical way to explore the properties of polymers and understand how different substances can react to form new materials. By following the steps and safety precautions, students can make their own slime in a safe and educational way.
