Fun with Science
Learn the Styrofoam breakdown technique…
Aim:
To break down Styrofoam using acetone Styrofoam is one of the most complex and difficult materials on earth when it comes to decomposition. But, believe it or not, there is a way to make an entire cup of Styrofoam vanish in a matter of seconds. It doesn’t involve fire, so there’s no acrid smoke released, either. It’s not actual magic, but knowing the science behind what takes place is quite awesome.
Method:
Please note that you have to do the experiment in a wellventilated room, wearing safety glasses and gloves. To carry out an experiment with Styrofoam and acetone, all you need is a large bowl or measuring glass. Pour the acetone into the container, then slowly add pieces of Styrofoam. You can use a large piece of Styrofoam, Styrofoam beads or even a Styrofoam cup. Another way of doing this is to pour acetone directly onto a piece of Styrofoam.
What will happen?
Styrofoam dissolves in acetone in a similar way to how sugar dissolves in water. It is a physical rather than a chemical reaction. The air in the foam leaves, and because Styrofoam consists mainly of air, when it dissolves in acetone it completely loses its structure. The acetone splits up the long chain of molecules, and the air disappears, causing the volume to shrink radically.
Inference:
The Styrofoam does not completely disappear, even though it looks like it has. Rather, the polystyrene molecules are actually present in the acetone solution. The reaction between Styrofoam and acetone shows how soluble this plastic is in an organic solvent and how much air is in Styrofoam
Properties of Styrofoam
Styrofoam is actually a trade name, used generically to describe polystyrene foam, a polymer made of a long chain of molecules. It is injected with gases during the manufacturing process and becomes extremely lightweight, with about 95 percent air. Styrofoam often makes up drink holders and insulating materials, as it is a poor conductor of heat.
Properties of Acetone
Acetone is an organic compound with the formula (CH3) 2CO. A colourless, flammable solvent, it mixes easily with water and evaporates quickly in air. It is popular in plastics manufacturing, industrial cleaning products and some household liquids, such as nail polish remover.
-Team ScienceNow
