Introduction
The objective of the experiment is to produce the best possible bouncing ball for corporate presentation. The ball is comprised of three chemicals: polyvinyl alcohol, a polymer with a high water content which will provide physical reaction, i.e. “bounce,” to the finished product; polyvinyl acetate, a monomer easily polymerized into an adhesive; sodium borate, a white, powdery substance, easily dissolved in water (Encyclopedia Britannica). The resulting reaction of polyvinyl alcohol and sodium borate is a substance similar to the children’s toy, Slime. However, the addition of sodium borate imparts significant structure to the emulsion.
Methods
Three formulas were attempted to secure the desired results, of which only one produced the required end-result. The ratio of .5 ml of each element did not in any way end with a measurable result. Additional ratios were 1 ml of each element and 1 ml each of polyvinyl alcohol and sodium borate with 3 ml of polyvinyl acetate. With each formula, a pressure/ bounce test was executed. The pressure test, to ascertain whether or not the ball would hold its shape, was executed by first measuring the ball with a yardstick, then placing an iPhone on top of it to ascertain the extent of distortion, removing the iPhone and collecting data as to any new measurements available as well as determining if the ball returned to its former shape. The ratio which produced the most favorable results proved to be the 1:1:1, where the shape and return factor of the ball was the most consistent. We refer to this ratio as Bounce Ball A.
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Discussion
Of the three formulas tested, the 1:1:1 formula resulted in the best shape retention as well as the best bounce distance of 8” from a 20” drop. The chemicals were chosen for their ability to react with each other in the manner most likely to produce the desired results. The polyvinyl alcohol served the purpose of providing bounce, the polyvinyl acetate stabilized the shape and the sodium borate bound the reaction together effectively binding the polymer. The end result was a ball that held it shape under pressure and performed as desired.
Conclusion
The ratio of 1:1:1 for the polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate and sodium borate bouncy ball produces the desired results, after data collection and evaluation. Color might be added for physical appearance, and additional testing might be conducted, but based on this examiner’s practical application and observation, the formula utilized produces the desired effects and results.
