Team 2 Project in Chemistry: Improving The Hydrophobicity Of Kitchenware Through the Covalent Bonding Of Phosphonic Acids
Emily Chen, Marcus Elias, Jonathan Lin, Nathaniel Okun, Olabade Omole, Matthew Piccolella, Suraj Shukla, Dominique Voso, Jonathan Wu, Peter Xiong, Tania Yu
Advisor: Michael Avaltroni
Assistant: Liz Day
ABSTRACT
In this experiment, phosphonic acids with various carbon chains were covalently bonded to three common kitchen surfaces: glass, tile, and aluminum. The main goals of these trials were to examine which alkyl groups correspond to the greatest increase in surface hydrophobicity, to test the durability of these coatings, and to study different application methods. As expected, the collected data show a general increase in hydrophobicity with the long, more ordered carbon chains. In addition, the group used an oven, heat gun, and iron to heat each surface and determine an optimal method for application. The group observed that placing the samples in the 120°C oven for eighteen hours proved to be the most consistent and effective method. The group also examined the consequences of wear methods such as water rinsing and soap-water rubbing. The results for these tests varied depending on whether more disordered multi-layer was removed or more physically-bonded phosphonic acids. Lastly, the group found that applying two coatings increases the covalent bonding of the phosphonic acids. Overall, the group collected and analyzed data concerning the application, durability, and effects of various phosphonic acids on common kitchen surfaces.