Flubber (material)

Flubber (named from the film The Absent-Minded Professor), Glorp, Glurch, or Slime are common names referring to a rubbery polymer formed by cross-linking of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with a boron compound. Flubber can be made by combining polyvinyl-acetate-based adhesives such as Elmer's Glue with baking soda, borax, and (optionally) shaving cream as an elementary science education experiment.[1]

Flubber polymer with green food coloring added. The polymer is normally colorless.

Reaction

The gelation process entails formation of a borate ester that crosslinks the chains of the PVA.[2] Borate esters form readily by condensation of hydroxyl groups and the B-OH groups.[3]

Structure for borate ester that comprises crosslinking in "slime".

Properties

Flubber is a non-Newtonian fluid that flows under low stress, but breaks under higher stresses and pressures. This combination of fluid-like and solid-like properties makes it a Maxwell solid. Its behavior can also be described as being viscoplastic or gelatinous.

See also

References
  1. Parratore, Phil. Wacky Science: A Cookbook for Elementary Teachers. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall Hunt. p. 26. ISBN 0-7872-2741-2.
  2. Cassassa, E. Z.; A. M. Sarquis; C. H. Van Dyke (January 1986). "The Gelation of Polyvinyl Alcohol with Borax". Journal of Chemical Education. 63 (1): 57. doi:10.1021/ed063p57.
  3. Katoa, Y.; K. Suwaa; S. Yokoyamab; T. Yabeb; H. Ikutaa; Y. Uchimotoa; M. Wakihara (December 2002). "Thermally stable solid polymer electrolyte containing borate ester groups for lithium secondary battery". Solid State Ionics. 152–153: 155–159. doi:10.1016/s0167-2738(02)00370-3.
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