How does Silly Putty work?
Silly Putty is made of polymers, or long chains of molecules, that are cross-linked by weak hydrogen bonds. These bonds make the Silly Putty easy to roll into a ball and stick to itself. When the Silly Putty is stretched carefully, the hydrogen bonds break apart slowly and allow the putty to hold together.
How do they make Silly Putty?
Silly Putty is made from a mixture of silicone polymers (about 70 wt%) and other chemicals, including boric acid. Powdered fillers (clay and calcium carbonate) and dry pigments (to produce color or glitter) are also added. A homemade recipe can be made from mixing together water, white glue, and borax solution.
Why does Silly Putty stretch instead of breaking quickly?
They flow like a liquid or can be stretched slowly. This is because the molecular chains are loosely arranged and can slide past each other. If pulled quickly, the molecular chains break away from each other instead of sliding. The zig-zag shape of the molecules allows the putty and the flubber to bounce like a spring.
What was Silly Putty originally made for?
Silly Putty was invented by accident. During World War II, engineer James Wright was working for the U.S. War Production Board, trying to create an inexpensive substitute for synthetic rubber at a General Electric lab in Connecticut.
Does Silly Putty float in water?
The specific gravity of Silly Putty is 1.14. This means it is denser than water and would be expected to sink. However, you can cause Silly Putty to float. Silly Putty in its plastic egg will float.
How long does Silly Putty last?
I thought the negative reviews were baloney, but they’re correct. This stuff is so hard, it’s not fun or useful at all. And immersing it in hot water for a half hour did precious little to soften it. I’ve since learned that silly putty *expires* in two years, and can’t be softened once its expired.
What chemicals are in Silly Putty?
The original coral-colored Silly Putty is composed of 65% dimethylsiloxane (hydroxy-terminated polymers with boric acid), 17% silica (crystalline quartz), 9% Thixatrol ST (castor oil derivative), 4% polydimethylsiloxane, 1% decamethyl cyclopentasiloxane, 1% glycerine, and 1% titanium dioxide.
What is the main ingredient in Silly Putty?
Silly Putty is made primarily from silicone and color pigments. Silly Putty was discovered in 1943 by James Wright and introduced to the public in 1950 by Peter Hodgson.
Can you put Silly Putty in water?
Silly Putty will dissolve when in contact with an alcohol; after the alcohol evaporates, the material will not exhibit its original properties. If Silly Putty is submerged in warm or hot water, it will become softer and thus “melt” much faster. It also becomes harder to remove small amounts of it from surfaces.
Does Silly Putty expire?
Silly Putty will dissolve when in contact with an alcohol; after the alcohol evaporates, the material will not exhibit its original properties.
What happens if you get Silly Putty wet?
Is slime the same as Silly Putty?
Because putty is thicker and more solid than slime, this means different kinds of play. While slime is great for making huge slime bubbles and running gobs of it through your hands, putty usually comes in smaller quantities.