Learning Aims:
  • Find out properties of the selected plastics in process of burning. Describe the flame – its colour, smoke production, odour.
  • Carry out a flame test to determine presence of halogens .
  • Explain the essence and importance of Beilstein´s test.
Materials:
  • burner, scissors, incombustible mat, tongs, copper wire, samples of different plastic materials (PE, PP, PS, PVC)

Suggestion for use:
  • Carry out an experiment to test combustibility of plastic materials. Observe and describe the changes in phases of the materials during the process of burning, describe the flame – its colour, smoke production, odour. Identify the character of fumes by means of universal indicator paper at the end of the test.
  • Describe the experiment in words.