Science, Technology, and Society

How Does Chemistry Effect Everyday Life? By: Amanda Foley and Niki Scarfo

The cause of an aged book decaying is the acidity of the paper, which originates from alum(aluminum sulfate).

Alum prevents inks from soaking into the paper.

The sizing process of using alum was introduced to cut down the absorbency of wood-pulped paper.

What causes aged books to decay?

Chemists use vacuum chambers as a way to stop blocks from decaying. This process is known as mass deacidification.

In the process of mass deacidification, air is pumped out of the chamber, removing the compound Diethyl Zinc.

The gas being removed from the decaying book forms into Zinc Oxide, protecting books from future acid attack.

Vacuum Chambers and the Effect of Zinc Oxide

What causes books to decay? a. Dustb. Water that stains the pagesc. Acidity, originating from alumd. Air moistureAnswer: c*Fun Fact: It costs $1,000 to repair one decayed book!

Interactive Question

What is a Fire? How do You Put it Out?

Fire, or combustion, is a rapid reaction of fuel mixed with oxygen. The fuel is heated to start the fire.

3 Ways to Put Out a Fire:

1-Cool the fuel

2-Cut off the supply of oxygen

3-Trap the combustion intermediates so they can not react with oxygen.

Classes of Fire

Class A- able to be put out with water. (mild fire)

Class B- burning material of a liquid/gas. *Do not use water to put out! *CO2 extinguisher cuts off oxygen supply!

Class C- A fire involving a electrical energized circuit. *CO2 extinguisher cuts off oxygen supply!

Class D- a metal burning fire. *Do not use water to put out(fire will spread)!

Interactive Question

What are the 3 ways to put out a fire?

a. Get a fireman and they will put the fire out for you.

b. Use an extinguisher, then water, and finally a fire blanket

c. Stop, drop and roll

d. Cool fuel, cut oxygen supply, prevent combustion intermediates from interacting

Answer: d

*FUN FACT: Did you know planes, known as “Halons” carry chemicals, then drop them over forest fires to prevent the fire from spreading. There is approximately 3,000 forest fires per year

CompositesWhat is a composite?• Composites are less dense than

metals and used to manufacture cars as well as other products.

How are composites made?• They are made by embedding fibers

(glass, graphite, and synthetic fiber) in a plastic base.

All of composites properties make it a unique and valuable materials

Advantages of Composites

• Cars are less weight so, it needs less fuel• Cars are stronger for better protection• Composites absorb vibration so it is a smoother

and quieter ride• Cars don’t rust or corrode• strength

Composites in Our Everyday Lives

• Composites are shock absorbent and are used to make sports equipment( tennis balls, baseballs, golf clubs, etc…)

• Also, composites are used to make artificial limbs• Today, scientists are making composites into

lumber because the material saves money, trees, and the environment.

HOMEWORK1. What is mass deacidification?2. What are the components to ignite a fire?3. What are composites used in your everyday life?