What Are Crystals?

Crystals are structures that are formed from a regular repeated pattern of connected atoms or molecules. Crystals grow by a process termed nucleation. During nucleation, the atoms or molecules that will crystallize (solute) are dissolved into their individual units in a solvent. The solute particles contact each other and connect with each other. This subunit is larger than an individual particle, so more particles will contact and connect with it. Eventually, this crystal nucleus becomes large enough that it falls out of solution (crystallizes). Other solute molecules will continue to attach to the surface of the crystal, causing it to grow until a balance or equilibrium is reached between the solute molecules in the crystal and those that remain in the solution.

Use common kitchen materials to make your own glue. Add vinegar to milk, separate the curds, and add baking soda and water. Glue! Difficulty: Average Time Required: 15 minutes Here's How: 1. 2. Mix 1/4 cup hot tap water with 2 T powdered milk. Stir until dissolved. Stir 1 T of vinegar into the mixture. The milk will begin to separate into solid curds and watery whey. Continue stirring until the milk is well-separated. Pour the curds and whey into a coffee filter positioned over a cup. Slowly lift the filter, draining the whey. Keep the curd, which is in the filter. Squeeze the filter to remove as much liquid as possible from the curd. Discard the whey (i.e., pour it down a drain) and return the curd to a cup. Use a spoon to break the curd into small pieces. Add 1 teaspoon hot water and 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon baking soda to the chopped curd. Some foaming may occur (carbon dioxide gas from reaction of baking soda with vinegar). Mix thoroughly until the glue becomes smooth and more liquid. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more water. If the glue is too lumpy, add more baking soda. The finished glue can vary in consistency from a thick liquid to a thick paste, depending on how much water has been added, how much curd was present, and how much baking soda was added. Use your glue as you would any school paste. Have fun!

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10. When not in use, cover your cup of glue with plastic wrap. Over time, its consistency will become smoother and more clear. 11. Unrefrigerated glue will 'spoil' after 24-48 hours. Discard the glue when it develops a spoiled milk smell. Tips:

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The separation of curds and whey works best when the milk is warm or hot (which is why powdered milk is used). If the separation doesn't work well, heat the milk or add a bit more vinegar. If it still doesn't work, start again with warmer water. Clean dried glue by loosening/dissolving it in warm water and wiping it away. Glue will wash out of clothes and off surfaces.

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What You Need: 1/4 cup hot water 1 T vinegar 2 T powdered dry milk 1/2 tsp baking soda water

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How To Make Natural Plastic From Dairy Products

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com Guide

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See More About: plastic milk polymers chemistry projects chemistry for kids Sponsored Links Polymer Research CentreNorner provides Polymer Research, Material testing, Analysis, R&Dwww.norner.no Plastic extrusion lineChina famous plastic extruder, pvc, pp, pe, pipe extruder manufacturewww.xrkj.cn/english ScansisASAnleggtilidrettogaktivitet Facilities for sports and activitywww.scansis.no Chemistry Ads Plastic Plastic Dairy Crates Organic Chemistry 5 Plastic Surgeon Plastic Chemistry Plastics are generally produced from petroleum, but they can come from other sources as well! All that is really required is the ability to join molecules containing carbon and hydrogen together, which you do whenever you curdle milk. Difficulty: Average Time Required: 30 minutes Here's How: 1. 2. 3. 4. Tips: 1. 2. Adult supervision please - hot stove! The plastic is formed as a result of a chemical reaction between the casein in the dairy product and the acid (acetic in the vinegar, citric and ascorbic in the lemon juice). Pour 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream in a saucepan and heat to simmering over low to medium heat. Stir in a few spoonfuls of vinegar or lemon juice. Continue adding vinegar or lemon juice until mixture starts to gel. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Rinse the rubbery curds with water. The curds are plastic! Play with your cool creation :-)

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What You Need: 1/2 C milk or heavy cream vinegar or lemon juice saucepan

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