The purpose of this event is to develop an awareness of polymers and plastics and how
they affect daily living in a modern society. Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of
common plastics, i.e., properties and uses, key terms, chemical formulas and structure, and scientists
known for their work on these materials. No notes of any kind will be allowed. Students must bring and
use OSHA approved splash goggles and chemical aprons
A TEAM OF UP TO: Team of up to 2
APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 minutes
THE COMPETITION:
This event will consist of three parts:
Part I
Students may be given up to 3 unknown samples of fibers including cotton, wool, and no more
than one synthetic fiber. Students will be expected to identify these by the reaction of these fibers with burn
tests, and/or by examination with a microscope. Burn tests should done with a match, lighter or candle.
Part II
Students will be expected to characterize samples of the following polymers. The characteristics
they will be expected to determine by testing or by observation are density and information about the burn
results. If the actual bum tests are done, they MUST be done as a demonstration under a hood or in an
approved ventilation system by the event supervisor. The student may be provided written information
about the burn test results for the polymers. Emphasis in scoring this part of the event is placed on careful
and organized observation and identifying the polymers.
MAKE A TABLE
MAKE A TABLE
MAKE A TABLE
MAKE A TABLE
Sample Questions:
(1) What is the density of this sample of the polymer?
(2) Based on the information
provided about the bum test, which type of polymer could this be?
Part III
The other part of the competition will consist of a written test.
Students will be expected to be
able to do the following for the polymers in the list of part II:
A. State common uses of polymers
B. Write structures of polymers, given the name.
C. Name the polymer, given the structure.
D. Sketch a portion of the polymer given the monomer(s).
E. Write the structure of the monomer(s), given the structure of the polymer.
F. Identify the method of polymerization: addition (chain-growth) or condensation (step-growth).
SCORING:
Part I: 30 points Part II: 40 points and Part III 30 points. Ties are broken by using highest
score from Part II first, then Part I and if needed Part III last. TIME IS NOT A TIE BREAKER!
RESOURCE: American Plastics Council 1300 Wilson Blvd. Suite 800, Arlington VA 22209.
1-800-2-HELP-90. Website: www.HandsOnPlastics.com.
2002-CC38
