MSTF JUNE 24

Today we discussed with Emilee how to research what chemicals would webbing dissolve or hydrolyze in. Dr. Yarger is interested in our results. With the help of Tom we went to a chemical research room which could supply some common acids/bases. We choose phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, formic acid, sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. All the acids and a base were at high concentrations. After using the vortex to stir/shake the vials all the acids either dissolved or hydrolyzes the webbing. We need further investigation to determine whether the webbing actually hydrolyzes or just dissolved. My job was to mix up a 10 molar solution of KOH. It seemed the webbing was being affected by the KOH but it was taking longer than the acids. The research was more qualitative then quantitative at this point. It was a bit rushed, but was a beginning to more detailed investigations. There is not enough time in the morning to get much done. Real lab work is time consuming but very interesting. I look forward to tomorrow in the lab. This research can be applied to the high school classroom!