Proposal
SOURCES
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/a/scented-gel-air-fresheners
http://www.viralnova.com/diy-air-fresheners/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Air-Freshener-Gel
Science
Gel air fresheners are able to scent the air for a long time because gelatin is a polymer. Specifically, the polymer is collagen, a protein that forms a solid type structure, allowing the gelatin to hold its shape. The fragrance oil particles are suspended in the gel which keeps the scent trapped inside. As the gel evaporates, the scent particles are released , causing a continuous scent to be released from the air freshener.
Steps
Only hazards are boiling water.
SOURCES
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/a/scented-gel-air-fresheners
http://www.viralnova.com/diy-air-fresheners/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Air-Freshener-Gel
Science
Gel air fresheners are able to scent the air for a long time because gelatin is a polymer. Specifically, the polymer is collagen, a protein that forms a solid type structure, allowing the gelatin to hold its shape. The fragrance oil particles are suspended in the gel which keeps the scent trapped inside. As the gel evaporates, the scent particles are released , causing a continuous scent to be released from the air freshener.
Steps
- Boil one cup of water and stir in four packages of gelatin until dissolved. Remove from heat and add in one cup of cold water
- Add about 10 to 20 drops of the fragrance oil to the gelatin. If you would like, add a few drops of food coloring as well
- Add one tablespoon of salt to the gelatin mixture to keep mold from growing
- Carefully pour the gel into the small jars. Allow the gel to set either at room temperature or in the refrigerator
Only hazards are boiling water.
Reflection:
Looking back what happened?
Unfortunately my experiment didnt work for multiple reasons. The first reason was that we did not put enough gelatin because there was confusion with edible jello and actual gelatin so janessa told its a just trial and to just put one teaspoon just to test it out.
On a molecular level what happened?
On a molecular level the gelatin melted and turned into a goo and started to thicken. The gelatin and the water were mixing together and it would harden in the end but that never happened.
How do you think you performed?
I think performed well on this experiment but I wish I knew the difference between commercial gelatin and a packet jello. There was obviously some confusion when measuring, and I really wanted to do the project myself with not so much teacher help.
Collaboration?
I worked with Nayeli and Marco on this project and I think that we worked well together although they also felt some confusion with jello as well. We were not prepared as much as we should have.
What next?
I could continue this experiment by actually fixing it and finish the air freshner. I would know the complete difference between commercial gelatin and edible gelatin and I would know how to measure correctly.
Take aways?
A take away I got from this experiment was knowing how to make a n air freshener out of jello because I know where I went wrong.
Looking back what happened?
Unfortunately my experiment didnt work for multiple reasons. The first reason was that we did not put enough gelatin because there was confusion with edible jello and actual gelatin so janessa told its a just trial and to just put one teaspoon just to test it out.
On a molecular level what happened?
On a molecular level the gelatin melted and turned into a goo and started to thicken. The gelatin and the water were mixing together and it would harden in the end but that never happened.
How do you think you performed?
I think performed well on this experiment but I wish I knew the difference between commercial gelatin and a packet jello. There was obviously some confusion when measuring, and I really wanted to do the project myself with not so much teacher help.
Collaboration?
I worked with Nayeli and Marco on this project and I think that we worked well together although they also felt some confusion with jello as well. We were not prepared as much as we should have.
What next?
I could continue this experiment by actually fixing it and finish the air freshner. I would know the complete difference between commercial gelatin and edible gelatin and I would know how to measure correctly.
Take aways?
A take away I got from this experiment was knowing how to make a n air freshener out of jello because I know where I went wrong.