For this lab, we tried to create hydrophobic sand. This is sand that is repelled by and avoids waters.
We first got a couple of scoops of pink and green reptile sand. We put it inside a pan and made sure it was as flat and even as possible.
We first got a couple of scoops of pink and green reptile sand. We put it inside a pan and made sure it was as flat and even as possible.
We finally began applying a coat of Scotch Guard. This would make the sand actually be hydrophobic.
We would apply multiple coats of Scotch Guard. After each application, we made sure to thoroughly mix the sand together with the Scotch Guard.
After about six coats of Scotch Guard, we set it out to dry outside. When it was dry enough, we brought it back inside the class. Then we could finally start playing with the sand.
It was interesting to see how the water reacted with the now hydrophobic sand. We played with it for a while until it seemed to stop working.
The reason why the sand became hydrophobic was because it was sprayed with Scotch Guard, which is a non-polar liquid. Since Scotch Guard is non-polar, it can not react with water which is polar.
I thought that our sand turned out successfully. It was not reacting with the water until it got overwhelmed. I honestly thought that it would be a lot more amazing than it actually is. Although it was interesting to look at at first, it became a little dull after a few minutes.
I feel it could have worked better if we applied more coats of Scotch Guard. We could have also left it to dry in the sun for longer. It still seemed kind of wet when we brought it inside.
For this lab, I worked with Franky and Angel. As usual, we worked efficiently together and did well with mixing the sand with the Scotch Guard.
I would not want to do this lab again. If I had to though, I would apply more coat of Scotch Guard. I would also leave it to dry for long than a few minutes.
My most important takeaway from this lab is knowledge of polar and non-polar solids and liquids are. I had never heard of these properties before.
The reason why the sand became hydrophobic was because it was sprayed with Scotch Guard, which is a non-polar liquid. Since Scotch Guard is non-polar, it can not react with water which is polar.
I thought that our sand turned out successfully. It was not reacting with the water until it got overwhelmed. I honestly thought that it would be a lot more amazing than it actually is. Although it was interesting to look at at first, it became a little dull after a few minutes.
I feel it could have worked better if we applied more coats of Scotch Guard. We could have also left it to dry in the sun for longer. It still seemed kind of wet when we brought it inside.
For this lab, I worked with Franky and Angel. As usual, we worked efficiently together and did well with mixing the sand with the Scotch Guard.
I would not want to do this lab again. If I had to though, I would apply more coat of Scotch Guard. I would also leave it to dry for long than a few minutes.
My most important takeaway from this lab is knowledge of polar and non-polar solids and liquids are. I had never heard of these properties before.