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Silly Putty
DESCRIPTION:
This is a hands on activity that demonstrates how chemical reactions change the
properties of a substance. In this case, borax (sodium borate) changes the sticky
properties of Elmer’s glue, to make a fun to play with putty. Elmer's glue is polyvinyl
acetate, and when sodium borate is added to it, a cross-linked polymer is created giving
the glue very different properties that make for a fun activity for students!
TOPICS COVERED:
- chemical change
- polymers
MATERIALS NEEDED:
- Elmer’s glue
- plastic cup
- water
- 10-mL graduated cylinder
- food coloring
- popsicle stick
- 4% borax solution
- sandwich bag
PROCEDURE:
1. Add ~ 25 mL of glue to the plastic cup (fill to the bottommost line on the cup)
2. Add 10 mL of water
3. Add a few drops of food coloring and stir
4. Add 2-3 pipetfulls of borax and stir
5. the mixture should become very very viscous, remove and “smush” with hands until
the texture becomes putty-like. If needed add another squirt of borax
6. Place in plastic bag to keep.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
Food coloring can stain the hands when “smushing”. This is usually done as a hands on
activity, not as a demo.
http://sites.jmu.edu/chemdemo
JMU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
SAFETY:
The putty should not be eaten.
REFERENCES:
“Gluep Production Lab.” Chem Fax! Flinn Scientific, Inc. 2007.
STORY:
Borax is usually referred to as the magic ingredient with younger students.
http://sites.jmu.edu/chemdemo
JMU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry