Polymers: Testing Tensile Strength

1. Procedure: We gathered our 8 polymer films for our experiment and set them up on a ring stand with a ring attached so that they would be able to hang to test the tensile strength of them. The length was recorded before the experiment and after being attached to the weight every minute until they finally ripped/broke . Polymers: Testing Tensile Strength Analysis: As seen in Figure 1, polystyrene ripped instantly, poly(vinyl alcohol) lasted longer than we all thought (it was the second strongest substance) and as seen as Figures 2 and 3, the variants for Poly(vinyl acetate) got stronger as both the M.W. and concentration increased. Conclusion: The hypothesis was supported by the data for both the variation in molecular weights and concentrations. However, Poly(vinyl alcohol) displayed high tensile strength, therefore the second hypothesis was rejected. Problem/Question: Which polymer has the highest tensile strength? Done By: Rashine Arrington, Tatyana DeJesus, Tiani Edwards and Safiyyah Hill Hypothesis: The substances in the mid-range for both molecular weights and concentrations, will have the greatest tensile strength. Because Poly(vinyl alcohol) has such a low molecular weight, it will tear easily. Since Polystyrene has such a high concentration, it will be very brittle and break very easily as well. Time when it broke (in minutes) Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Special Thanks To: The Staff of PUMA and SMILE Gear Up as well as all of the Professors, Scientists, Presenters, Engineers and Princeton University for taking the time to give us information and helping with our project.