Chem 201 Archive – Alan Shusterman

Tag: polymer

  • Polymer humor

    This was forwarded to me today from the EHS office. Acrylonitrile’s formula H2C=CH-CN. Nerd humor based on a CN triple bond.

    “Acrylic” is a common textile material. It is favored for its wool-like
    feel and commonly used in socks. “Acrylic’ is really polyacrylonitrile.
    Polyacrylonitrile is a nice way of saying polyvinyl cyanide. Do you
    think anyone would buy socks made from polyvinyl cyanide? If you knock
    some socks off the shelf in your local discount store, do not run up to
    the clerk and announce, “There is a polyvinyl cyanide spill in aisle
    10′.

    Enjoy Fall Break!

  • Lecture slides – Wed Oct 7

    Slides for today’s lecture are located here.

    I’ll be updating this page with information on the rotation barrier in HO-OH later today. Let me know if you would like links to information about conumption/manufacture of polymers, plastics, and petroleum.