Colors vary but the most common are green, blue, and red. Slime has a slightly unpleasant odor and is cold and slimy to the touch. It can be sold by itself or as part of a toy set, such as an accessory for an action figure. In general, slime is a gooey liquid available in small tubs. These products were made from such materials as polyvinyl alcohol, guar gums, or even fortified milk.Īlthough a wide variety of slime variants are sold, they have many common characteristics. During the 1980s, various slime-type toys were introduced. Glow-in-the-dark silly putty was subsequently introduced.

The need for improved and varied play materials led to the development of silly putty in the 1950s.

The earliest of these toys were moldable materials like modeling clay. They are known to not only amuse children and adults, but also help in the development of dexterity and creativity. Manufacturers have sold polymeric play materials like slime for years. By the 1930s, Staudinger's models were widely accepted and extensive development of synthetic polymers began in earnest. These two scientists studied the dimensions of natural rubber using x-ray techniques. In 1928, his models were confirmed by Meyer and Mark. He suggested a new molecular model for polymers one of long, chain-like molecules and not aggregates or cyclic compounds as previously thought. During the 1920s, Nobel laureate Hermann Staudinger laid the groundwork for our modern understanding of polymer science. The story of toy slime's development dates back to the beginning of the twentieth century when the science of synthetic polymers was being determined. Other materials that also behave like this include ketchup, gelatin, glue, and quicksand. They are called non-Newtonian fluids because they do not behave as predicted by Newton's laws. If a high force is applied, like throwing it against a wall, the resistance is very strong. If a small amount of force is applied, such as stirring them slowly with your fingers, they feel thin and water-like. Non-Newtonian fluids, like slime, have a different viscosity based on the amount of force put on them. Molasses is thick and has a high viscosity. For example, water is always a thin liquid with a low viscosity. Newtonian fluids have a constant viscosity depending on their composition. Viscosity is a measurement is the resistance to flow when a shearing force is applied. These are thick liquids that have a variable viscosity. In scientific terms, slime is classified as a non-Newtonian fluid.

It often has an unpleasant odor, a green color, and is cold and slimy to touch. It is classified as a liquid and is typically made by combining polyvinyl alcohol solutions with borate ions in a large mixing container. Slime is a unique play material composed of a cross-linked polymer. So this chapter is about slime! Stuff that you probably didn't know!

How do you test the viscosity of slime