This module allows students to investigate forces and interactions at the molecular scale by mixing different liquids with a cross-linked polymer. The polymer (sodium polyacrylate) is similar to the structure found in cellulose and collagen. The interactions are dependent upon the charge distribution of the liquid molecules as well as temperature. Liquids with non-uniform charge distribution will interact with (attach to) the atoms in the polymer and if the strength of attraction between the liquid and the atom is stronger than the forces holding the atom in the polymer structure then the atomic structure of the system is changed and therefore changes in the material properties can be observed.  By observing the different results with different liquids, students can compare and contrast interactions between different fluids and the polymer. The students, by observing the interactions that different fluids have with the polymer can infer the nanoscale interactions between the atoms within the polymer and the fluid molecules.

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Disponible en Español: Polímeros Entrecruzados o Reticulados.

National Science Foundation

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

• Nano-Link Center for Nanotechnology Education, Deb Newberry, Billie Copley, Jim Marti, Laura Arndt (2020), "Cross-Link Polymer," https://nanohub.org/resources/33162.

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1. ATE Centers
2. callagen
3. celllulose
4. educator resources
5. English
6. high school
7. interactions
8. Introduction to Nano Science
9. K-12
10. lab experiment
11. materials science
12. middle school
13. nanofluidics
14. Nano-Link
15. Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
16. polymers