Interesting experiments on pressure and force can be performed by using dataloggers to measure exploding plastic film tubs.

A method for printing designs on plastic containers is presented. (CK)

A study demonstrates the potential application of conducting polymers to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy at low voltage or current. The performance of the device is explained using electrochemistry and solid-state chemistry.

Random-climb models enable undergraduate chemistry students to visualize polymer molecules, quantify their configurational properties, and relate molecular structure to a variety of physical properties. The model could serve as an introduction to more elaborate models of polymer molecules and could help in learning topics such as lattice models of…

Judge Harry T. Roman, an electrical engineer and inventor, has selected the best of the crop in the 2006/2007 Tech Directions Inventors Award Competition. The challenge this year called on students to slow the filling of landfills by devising uses for discarded plastic water, juice, soda, and sports-drink bottles. Judge Roman noted "many common…

Plastics can be combined with several of the more traditional material areas of industrial arts instruction to introduce a more truly industrialized approach. (MS)

Describes how to make wooden molds and then form plastic laminates using the molds. (GB)

Describes the technology of the recycling process for high density polyethylene plastics; illustrates a way for technology teachers to demonstrate the process. (SK)

Various properties of polymers can be demonstrated using these simple tricks and recipes that were previously described in the 2002/3 IOP Schools and Colleges Lecture.

The electrical properties of polyaniline changes by orders of magnitude upon exposure to analytes such as acids or bases, making it a useful material for detection of these analytes in the gas phase. The objectives of this lab are to synthesize different diameter polyaniline nanofibers and compare them as sensor materials. In this experiment…