Separating Milk to make a Polymer
Overview
Milk is made of many different molecules. When the protein casein is separated out it can be molded to form a plastic-like polymer.
Chemicals
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100 mL milk
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40 mL vinegar
Affiliate links to chemicals.
*Note: These chemicals can be purchased locally at stores such as Walmart/Target.
Materials
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Glass beaker
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Paper towel
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Erlenmeyer flask
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Alcohol burner + stand + lighter
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Thermometer in rubber stopper
Procedure
The Science Behind the Reaction
By adding vinegar to milk, it made it acidic. Casein, the main protein in milk, is not soluble in acidic conditions and thus separates out. Casein is made of long polymer strings just like plastic.
Keep Experimenting!
To make a glue with your milk polymer
1. Place the ball into a clean beaker and add 10mL of water and 15mL of baking soda.
2. Heat the beaker on your alcohol lamp and tripod until it starts to bubble.
3. Add more water and baking soda o get a thick cream consistency.
4. Wait till glue has reached room temperature before use.