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Environmental Chemistry

Demonstrating the Glass Transition of Polylactic Acid with a Rattle

Dean Campbell | Wed, 03/27/2024 - 20:42

Polylactic acid (PLA) exhibits a glass transition from hard and brittle to soft and rubbery when immersed in boiling water. PLA-based structures containing a small metal object can be used as rattles when they are shaken. The sound of the rattles change when they are heated above or cooled below their glass transition, enabling them to be used as demonstrations.

Colour Changes with Caffeine - Part 2

Iain Smellie | Mon, 03/11/2024 - 14:12

This study outlines the effect on the colour of anthocyanin-containing solutions when mixed with caffeine. Given the diversity of anthocyanin structures available from other vegetables, fruits or flowers, there is great potential for series of open-ended experiments for students in classes or science clubs to investigate.

Colour Changes with Caffeine

Iain Smellie | Thu, 12/14/2023 - 13:46

This initial study outlines the effect on the colour of anthocyanin-containing solutions when mixed with caffeine. Given the diversity of anthocyanin structures available from other vegetables, fruits or flowers, there is great potential for series of open-ended experiments for students in classes or science clubs to investigate.

Seashell Chemistry

Tom Kuntzleman | Thu, 06/01/2023 - 14:15

Placing dry ice in limewater is a great demonstration to accompany discussions on a variety of chemical topics, including the impact of ocean acidification on marine organisms that depend upon the formation of CaCO3.

A Visit to Natural Fiber Welding: Demonstrating Green Chemistry in Action

Dean Campbell | Mon, 10/10/2022 - 09:00

The theme to the 2022 National Chemistry Week, observed October 16-22, is “Fabulous Fibers: The Chemistry of Fabrics”. A visit to Natural Fiber Welding, Inc. in Peoria, IL, revealed how that company is using ionic liquids to solvent weld cellulose fibers together to produce more durable yarn which can then be made into more durable fabric. The production method and “greenness” of the product is discussed, from the cellulose itself to the recycling of the solution used in the welding process. Macroscopic demonstrations of the fiber solvent welding process are also described.