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Nylon

Materials

• Solution A: 50ml 0.5M hexamethylenediamine, H₂2N(CH₂)₆ NH₂, in 0.5M sodium hydroxide
• Solution B: 50ml 0.2M sebacoyl Chloride, ClC0(CH₂)₈COCl, in hexane.

  (To prepare dissolve 1.5 - 2 ml sebacoyl chloride in 50ml hexane.

• gloves, plastic or rubber
• 250ml beaker or crystalizing dish
• forceps
• 2 stirring rods
• food coloring or phenolphthalein

Procedure

1. Wearing gloves, place the hexamethylenediamine solution in a 250ml beaker.

2. Slowly pour the sebacoyl chloride solution as a second layer on top of the diamine solution, taking care to minimize agitation at the interface.

3. With Forceps, grasp the polymer film that forms at the interface of the 2 solutions, and pull it carefully from the center of the beaker.

4. Wind the polymer thread on a stirring rod.

5. Wash the polymer thoroughly with water or ethanol before handling.

Hazards

Hexamethylenediamine is irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory system. Sodium Hydroxide is caustic and can cause severe burns. Sebacoyl Cloride is corrosive, and irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Hexane is extremely flammable.

Disposal

Any remaining reactants should be mixed thoroughly to produce nylon. The solid nylon should be washed before discarding in a solid waste container.
Any remaining liquid should be discarded in a solvent waste container or should be neutralized and flushed down the sink with water.