Laboratory Activity 4B (Producing a Product from Latex):
Aim: To produce a product from latex.
Materials: Latex and ethanoic acid, CH3COOH.
Apparatus: Beaker, glass rod and measuring cylinder.
Procedure:
1. Measure 200 cm3 of latex using a measuring cylinder and pour into a beaker.
2. Measure 5 cm3 of ethanoic acid, CH3COOH using a measuring cylinder and pour it into the latex.
3. Stir the latex using a glass rod.
4. Leave the glass rod in the latex for a while to allow a layer of latex to form on the glass rod.
5. Take out the glass rod from the latex and allow it to dry.
6. Dip the glass rod in the latex again to allow a thicker layer of latex to form.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the desired thickness is obtained.
8. Remove the glass rod from the latex and let it dry for a few days.
9. Strip the layer of dry latex from the glass rod to get a rubber tube.
Discussion:
1. Name another product that can be produced using this method.
2. Can the tube produced be stored for a very long time? Explain.
3. State the characteristics of the product produced in terms of:
(a) Elasticity
(b) Hardness
(c) Resistance towards heat
Answer:
1. Rubber gloves
2. No. Products from natural rubber are easily oxidised.
3.
(a) Elasticity: Less elastic, stretchable but will not return to its original shape.
(b) Hardness: Soft and not hard
(c) Resistance towards heat: Not heat resistant
Aim: To produce a product from latex.
Materials: Latex and ethanoic acid, CH3COOH.
Apparatus: Beaker, glass rod and measuring cylinder.
Procedure:
1. Measure 200 cm3 of latex using a measuring cylinder and pour into a beaker.
2. Measure 5 cm3 of ethanoic acid, CH3COOH using a measuring cylinder and pour it into the latex.
3. Stir the latex using a glass rod.
4. Leave the glass rod in the latex for a while to allow a layer of latex to form on the glass rod.
5. Take out the glass rod from the latex and allow it to dry.
6. Dip the glass rod in the latex again to allow a thicker layer of latex to form.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the desired thickness is obtained.
8. Remove the glass rod from the latex and let it dry for a few days.
9. Strip the layer of dry latex from the glass rod to get a rubber tube.
Discussion:
1. Name another product that can be produced using this method.
2. Can the tube produced be stored for a very long time? Explain.
3. State the characteristics of the product produced in terms of:
(a) Elasticity
(b) Hardness
(c) Resistance towards heat
Answer:
1. Rubber gloves
2. No. Products from natural rubber are easily oxidised.
3.
(a) Elasticity: Less elastic, stretchable but will not return to its original shape.
(b) Hardness: Soft and not hard
(c) Resistance towards heat: Not heat resistant