Oil-Absorbing Polymer

On the information level, this experiment serves to

acquaint students with the current work in the field of
polymer chemistry and some of the practical applications
which have been developed in cleaning up our
environment. A major step has been in the development
of polymers which serve to remove crude oil and other
varieties of oils, efficiently and effectively from waters
contaminated by oil spills, thereby restoring our
environment and safeguarding our wildlife.

On the level of experimenting, this science fair

experiment also serves to acquaint students with the
essential processes of sciencing such as the importance
of the use of a control, of identifying dependent and
independent variables, of data collection, of pictorial and
graphic presentation of data and of being able to make
better judgments as to the validity and reliability of their
findings. They take on the role of scientists and in the
process they learn to act as one.

Problem:

How effective are polymers in cleaning up an oil spill and

thereby protecting the environment?

Mat erials:

A polymer designed specifically to remove oil from water

Motor oil
Hydraulic oil
4 jars or beakers
2 graduated cylinders
Paper towels
Plastic gloves
Safety goggles
Apron

Procedure:

1. State the problem you are going to investigate in this science fair project.
2. Create the data sheets you will use to record your observations.
3. Gather all your materials.
4. Put on your rubber gloves, safety glasses and apron.
5. Prepare two samples of a mixture of motor oil and water and two samples of Hydraulic oil and water. Use
the same amounts of water and oil in earth of the four samples. Note that the oils and water do not mix
since oil is not soluble in water.
6. Label one of each of the samples as a control. Label the other s as motor oil plus water and hydraulic oil
plus water.
7. Put your controls aside. Add the same amount of the polymer to each of the oil plus water samples as
directed on the package.
8. Observe the reactions.
 9. Compare the samples treated with the polymer with the controls.
10. Record the results.
11. Take photos of both the controls and the resultant products.
12. Prepare your report and include all of the following: a clear statement of the problems, your hypothesis, list
the materials used. Include the safety precautions taken. Describe the procedures used. Include all the data
that were gathered. Include all charts. Formulate your conclusions. For dramatic value, you may include
photos of the materials used or of you in the process of conducting this investigation as well as the results.
Be sure to include a bibliography of sources you used. You may wish to assess what you did and describe
what you would do differently if you were to do this project again.