The Plastics Kit©
The Plastics Kit© case enables 14 experiments to be performed 20 times each.

It contains:
• A teacher's booklet:
• Students' information sheets
• Samples concerning the markets and technologies used in the conversion of the plastic;
• Products to carry out experiments.

A CD-ROM shows 9 experiments in real-time (PAL or SECAM cassette possible). Internet site: www.eklyps.org (December 2005).

Training of teachers at the “IFC (Institute of Mid-Career Training): "Updating of know-how with a view to using and developing science skills", see www.ifc.cfwb.be.

Additional information: bruno.philippe@skynet.be - 0496 59 36 32.

Teaching aid for the presentation and understanding of organic chemistry concepts through experimentation and discovery of the properties of polymers.

Organic chemistry experiments
• Preparation of plastic sulphur.
• Making a urea-formaldehyde resin.
• Making nylon threads.
• Making "slime".
• Making threads of polyvinyl alcohol.
• Preparation of balls made from expanded polystyrene.
• Experiment on the interaction of a superabsorbent polymer with water and a saline solution.
• Separation of the various polymers based on their density.
• Highlighting the conductivity and shrinkability of certain polymers.
• Viewing of a film about the preparation of polyurethane foam.

Experiments concerning the properties of polymers
• Characteristics of plastics compared with traditional materials.
• Behaviour of plastics in relation to changes in temperature:
- Thermoplastic versus thermohardening;
- Role of temperature during conversion and forming of plastic materials;
- Behaviour of plastics in response to heat.
• How to recognise plastics?
- Visual inspection;
- Identification by the flame, fumes, smell.
• How to choose a plastic for a specific application?
- Draw up specifications for objects made of plastic;
- Comparison between properties of a number of common plastics.

Plastics and the environment
• Biodegradable plastics (topics raised)
• Mechanical recycling
• Chemical recycling
• Incineration
• Environmental balance sheet.