Polymer Detective
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| Polymer Detective | |
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| Description | The purpose of this event is to develop an awareness of polymers and plastics and how they affect daily living in a modern society. Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of common plastics, i.e., properties and uses, key terms, chemical formulas and structure, and scientists known for their work on these materials. No notes of any kind will be allowed. Students must bring and use OSHA approved splash goggles with indirect vents and chemical aprons. Open toed shoes are not allowed |
| Event Information | |
| Participants | 2 |
| Eye Protection | C |
| Allowed Resources |
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| Approx. Time | 50 minutes |
| History | |
| First Appearance | 1997 |
| Latest Appearance | 2004 |
Polymer Detective was a Division C event in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, and 2004. For more information on polymers, see Materials Science/Polymers and Forensics#Polymers. Students are expected to be able to identify common polymers and plastics, as well as demonstrate knowledge about scientific concepts and related terms. Safety goggles are required to participate in this event.
The Competition
The event is broken down into three parts, the first two of which featured lab components. In parts one and two, students will be expected to identify unknown fibers and plastics. Part three is a written test featuring questions about polymers, their resin codes, and how polymers are made and disposed of.