The lab has confirmed in the past that it is possible to make beads. Over the next few weeks we plan to refine this process and discover the most efficient synthesis of these beads.
Description
Begin the Synthesis
Measure out 0.0550g of Clay and 0.5000g PVA and place in a scintillating vial
Dissolve the Solid
Figuring out how much 1M HCl is necessary to completely dissolve the PVA and Clay
we want the minimum amount of acid but still dissolve in a timely fashion
we determined that we need at least 6mL of HCl and heat
attempt at beads
using a Pasteur pipette, drop the PVA-clay into solution
Data
Solution Number
0.0550g Clay + 0.5000g PVA
0.0554g Clay + 0.4989g PVA
Acetone Trial
PVA-Clay was not strong enough to hold a sphere but rather made string/fibers. This can be weaved into a sort of bead but this cannot be measured
Hexane Trial #1
HCl is immiscible in Hexane, spherical constitution of beads was overall maintained. Upon adding to Glutaraldehyde, the beads did not stay together.
Used 250μL Gluteraldehyde in 10mL Hexane
Hexane Trial #2
This time the Glutaraldehyde was rapidly stirred and the PVA-Clay solution was slowly dropped in. Bead formation was observed while stirring, however the beads were not given enough time to finish cross linking and stuck together.
Used 100μL Glutaraldehyde in 10mL Hexane
Hexane Trial #3
Bigger container and more time in between drops in order to allow more time to cross linking.
200μL Glutaraldehyde in 150mL Hexane
Hexane Trial #4
Using a blender this time in attempt to make an emulsion.
Notes
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