Expository Writing Example
This paper is for science fair I did a project called ' Chemical Reaction with Fabrics.' This paper is an example of an expository essay. Expository writing is basically you are explaining what are you going to do? Why did you choose this topic? It is basically how to explain the instruction that the expository writing is all about. Isn't this like super easy?
This paper is for science fair I did a project called ' Chemical Reaction with Fabrics.' This paper is an example of an expository essay. Expository writing is basically you are explaining what are you going to do? Why did you choose this topic? It is basically how to explain the instruction that the expository writing is all about. Isn't this like super easy?
Review of literture
Chemical reaction with fabrics
Clothes are not only worn for a fashion statement, but serve many purposes for humans. For instance, fabrics like wool and polyester help keep people warm in the winter months. Clothes even help protect human skin from harmful things in our environment such as too much sunlight or chemical substances. However, every fabric reacts differently with chemical substances, so it is important to know how a chemical will react if it comes in contact with a fabric or piece of clothing. Although cotton, wool, and nylon are common fabrics used for clothing, each reacts differently when coming in contact with acids such as hydrochloric acid or vinegar and bases such as sodium hydroxide or the oxidizing agent, Clorox bleach. Such chemicals are found in many household items, so scientists conduct tests to determine which chemicals are harmful to humans if they come in contact with clothing or human skin.
So many household products contain harmful chemicals. Such chemicals may contain acids like Hydrochloric Acid or HCl. Acids are defined as substances that taste sour, turn litmus paper red, and react with bases. Strong acids are very corrosive and extremely reactive. For instance, "HCl is a solution of hydrogen chloride in water that is very corrosive to both skin and eye tissue" (Odabasi). Even the fumes of HCl are toxic and irritating to humans. Concentrated HCl found in many scientific laboratories is extremely harmful. Protective equipment such as rubber gloves, eye goggles, chemical-resistant clothing and shoes are used to minimize the risks when handling hydrochloric acid. Also, the hazards of solutions with hydrochloric acid depend on the concentration and molarity; the higher the concentration, the greater the danger. Hydrochloric acid is used in household cleaners, production of gelatin and other food additives, leather processing, and building construction. For instance, hydrochloric acid can be found in common household items such as "Lysol, Vanish toilet bowl cleaner, Febreze laundry odor eliminator and CLR stain remover"(Blegvad). It is very important to know the effects of such products containing HCl if the chemicals get on clothing or skin. Almost "20 million tons of hydrochloric acid are produced annually," so scientists and chemists must conduct tests and know the hazards associated with HCl (Blegvad).
Another common acid found in many homes is vinegar with the chemical formula CH3COOH. The hydrogen (H) atom in the "carboxyl group (-COOH) is a carboxylic acid such as acetic acid and when given off as an H + ion, gives it the acidic character"(Odabasi). Vinegar is an acid liquid produced from the fermentation of ethanol that results in acetic acid. Acetic acid also known as ethanoic acid is an organic acid that gives vinegar its sour and horrible smell. Vinegar in general is a weak acid, but "pure water-free acetic acid is a colorless liquid that absorbs water from the environment"(Lozeva). The pure acid and its concentrated solutions can be very corrosive, it can cause skin burns, permanent eye damage, and irritation to mucus membranes. Some burns and blisters may not appear until hours after exposure to the acid. Also, hazards associated with acetic acid depend on the concentration; the greater the concentration, the greater the risks of using it. Acetic acid in the form of vinegar is "typically 4% to 18% acetic acid (this percentage is usually calculated by mass)" (Lozeva). Dilute solutions of acetic acid are used in many household items such as descaling agents to remove limescale from taps and tea kettles. White vinegar is used as a cleaning agent. The acidity can help dissolve mineral deposits from glass, coffee makers, and other household items. In general, acids can be harmful to humans so they should always be handled with care.
Aside from acids, bases can also be harmful to humans. Strong bases are very corrosive and reactive chemicals. Bases are defined as substances that feel slippery, turn litmus paper blue, and react with acids. For instance, sodium hydroxide, with chemical formula NaOH, is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used as a strong chemical base for textiles, soaps, detergents and drain cleaners. Production of NaOH is over "60 million tons a year. Sodium hydroxide in either solid or liquid form, can cause chemical burns, permanent injury or scarring if it contacts human skin or tissue"(Zehnder). It can even cause blindness, if it comes in contact with eyes. For this reason protective equipment such as rubber gloves, safety clothing and eye protection should always be used when handling sodium hydroxide. Also dissolution of sodium hydroxide can result in an exothermic reaction and the heat given off my cause burns or ignite flammable objects. According to Ms.Khakpor, a lab technician at American Diagnostic Lab, sodium hydroxide is used as a cleaning agent to "wash" inside the cells of the lab machines. She explained that sodium hydroxide can be used as a cleaning agent and can be found in products like oven cleaners, drain cleaners, and for laboratory machines.
Aside from sodium hydroxide as a strong base, another very common household product that be potentially harmful to humans, is Clorox bleach. Commercial Clorox bleach is a strong oxidizing agent, however bleach can be both oxidizing and reducing. Still, most common commercial and household bleaches tend to be strong base with a pH of 12.3. Commercial Clorox bleach is made from sodium hypochlorite with the chemical formula NaOCl. Ms. Khakpor explained that "like sodium hydroxide, NaOCl can feel slippery (even in water) and may cause severe burns to the skin. For this reason, Clorox is so difficult to wash off, since it slowly dissolves the skin." She further clarified that sodium hypochlorite was a strong oxidizer, and oxidation reactions can burn the skin, cause eye damage, especially if the solution is very concentrated. Only "solutions containing more than 40% sodium hypochlorites by weight are considered hazardous oxidizers. Solutions less than 40% are classified as a moderate oxidizing hazard. Household bleach and pool chlorinator solutions are typically stabilized by a significant concentration of lye (caustic soda, NaOH) as part of the manufacturing reaction"(Zehnder). In general, no matter if the chemical as an acid, base or oxidizing agent, scientific research has proven that precaution should always be taken when handling household products.
Not only is it important and vital to have knowledge about chemical substances that can be found in common household products, but the effects they will have on common fabrics that clothes are made from. For example, cotton is probably one of the most common fabrics used to make clothing. Cotton consists of "soft, fluffy organic fibers that grows in a protective capsule around the seeds of cotton plants"(Krogar). Cotton is a good strong fabric that is absorbent, however, chemicals could easily absorb through the fibers. For example, the properties of Clorox bleach or sodium hydroxide can cause fiber degradation. Residual amounts of "NaOH not rinsed out will continue slowly degrading organic fibers in cotton clothing"(Matskevich). Also, acids can cause degradation of cotton.
Alongside cotton, another fabric widely used for clothing is nylon. The first nylon fiber was "completely synthesized entirely from petrochemicals; produced from synthetic polymers known generically as polyamides"(Matskevich). Nylon is strong and abrasion resistant, not water absorbent, and melts when heated rather than burned. It is highly durable and its fibers are used for seatbelts and tire cords and they have a good resistance to many chemicals. Since it is not water absorbent, is has a good chemical resistance. However, when "susceptible to hydrolysis especially by strong acids, the reaction degrades the polymer"(Matskevich).
Cotton comes from plant, while nylon is made of synthetic fibers, however wool comes from fibers obtained from sheep and other animals such as goats or muskoxen. Wool can absorb up to "30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp"(Blaxland). Wool also absorbs and releases moisture quickly, so the fabric is durable. Other properties include dirt resistant, flame resistant and resists wear and tear. It is stronger when dry so chemicals will be able to effect if they come in contact. Wool "affords more protection from flash burns or corrosive chemicals than cotton or synthetic fabrics"(Blaxland).
Not only is it important to know how chemicals can be harmful to human skin, but how will they reacting if they come into contact with different fabrics. It is important to know if the clothes we are wearing will help protect us if we come into contact with chemicals such as different acids or bases. There are many chemicals found in household items such as hydrochloric acid, vinegar, bleach and sodium hydroxide. Each can come in contact with the different types of clothes made from cotton, nylon or wool. Knowing how they will react will greatly help people to take the right precautions to avoid harmful injuries. Ms.Khakpor stresses the importance of protective gear in the lab. She explains that some lab coats are made of a polyester/cotton blend because of their protective qualities. However, even at home people use many chemicals and should be educated on how to handle them properly. As technology advances there will be probably be new types of fabrics with greater protection against chemicals.
So many household products contain harmful chemicals. Such chemicals may contain acids like Hydrochloric Acid or HCl. Acids are defined as substances that taste sour, turn litmus paper red, and react with bases. Strong acids are very corrosive and extremely reactive. For instance, "HCl is a solution of hydrogen chloride in water that is very corrosive to both skin and eye tissue" (Odabasi). Even the fumes of HCl are toxic and irritating to humans. Concentrated HCl found in many scientific laboratories is extremely harmful. Protective equipment such as rubber gloves, eye goggles, chemical-resistant clothing and shoes are used to minimize the risks when handling hydrochloric acid. Also, the hazards of solutions with hydrochloric acid depend on the concentration and molarity; the higher the concentration, the greater the danger. Hydrochloric acid is used in household cleaners, production of gelatin and other food additives, leather processing, and building construction. For instance, hydrochloric acid can be found in common household items such as "Lysol, Vanish toilet bowl cleaner, Febreze laundry odor eliminator and CLR stain remover"(Blegvad). It is very important to know the effects of such products containing HCl if the chemicals get on clothing or skin. Almost "20 million tons of hydrochloric acid are produced annually," so scientists and chemists must conduct tests and know the hazards associated with HCl (Blegvad).
Another common acid found in many homes is vinegar with the chemical formula CH3COOH. The hydrogen (H) atom in the "carboxyl group (-COOH) is a carboxylic acid such as acetic acid and when given off as an H + ion, gives it the acidic character"(Odabasi). Vinegar is an acid liquid produced from the fermentation of ethanol that results in acetic acid. Acetic acid also known as ethanoic acid is an organic acid that gives vinegar its sour and horrible smell. Vinegar in general is a weak acid, but "pure water-free acetic acid is a colorless liquid that absorbs water from the environment"(Lozeva). The pure acid and its concentrated solutions can be very corrosive, it can cause skin burns, permanent eye damage, and irritation to mucus membranes. Some burns and blisters may not appear until hours after exposure to the acid. Also, hazards associated with acetic acid depend on the concentration; the greater the concentration, the greater the risks of using it. Acetic acid in the form of vinegar is "typically 4% to 18% acetic acid (this percentage is usually calculated by mass)" (Lozeva). Dilute solutions of acetic acid are used in many household items such as descaling agents to remove limescale from taps and tea kettles. White vinegar is used as a cleaning agent. The acidity can help dissolve mineral deposits from glass, coffee makers, and other household items. In general, acids can be harmful to humans so they should always be handled with care.
Aside from acids, bases can also be harmful to humans. Strong bases are very corrosive and reactive chemicals. Bases are defined as substances that feel slippery, turn litmus paper blue, and react with acids. For instance, sodium hydroxide, with chemical formula NaOH, is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used as a strong chemical base for textiles, soaps, detergents and drain cleaners. Production of NaOH is over "60 million tons a year. Sodium hydroxide in either solid or liquid form, can cause chemical burns, permanent injury or scarring if it contacts human skin or tissue"(Zehnder). It can even cause blindness, if it comes in contact with eyes. For this reason protective equipment such as rubber gloves, safety clothing and eye protection should always be used when handling sodium hydroxide. Also dissolution of sodium hydroxide can result in an exothermic reaction and the heat given off my cause burns or ignite flammable objects. According to Ms.Khakpor, a lab technician at American Diagnostic Lab, sodium hydroxide is used as a cleaning agent to "wash" inside the cells of the lab machines. She explained that sodium hydroxide can be used as a cleaning agent and can be found in products like oven cleaners, drain cleaners, and for laboratory machines.
Aside from sodium hydroxide as a strong base, another very common household product that be potentially harmful to humans, is Clorox bleach. Commercial Clorox bleach is a strong oxidizing agent, however bleach can be both oxidizing and reducing. Still, most common commercial and household bleaches tend to be strong base with a pH of 12.3. Commercial Clorox bleach is made from sodium hypochlorite with the chemical formula NaOCl. Ms. Khakpor explained that "like sodium hydroxide, NaOCl can feel slippery (even in water) and may cause severe burns to the skin. For this reason, Clorox is so difficult to wash off, since it slowly dissolves the skin." She further clarified that sodium hypochlorite was a strong oxidizer, and oxidation reactions can burn the skin, cause eye damage, especially if the solution is very concentrated. Only "solutions containing more than 40% sodium hypochlorites by weight are considered hazardous oxidizers. Solutions less than 40% are classified as a moderate oxidizing hazard. Household bleach and pool chlorinator solutions are typically stabilized by a significant concentration of lye (caustic soda, NaOH) as part of the manufacturing reaction"(Zehnder). In general, no matter if the chemical as an acid, base or oxidizing agent, scientific research has proven that precaution should always be taken when handling household products.
Not only is it important and vital to have knowledge about chemical substances that can be found in common household products, but the effects they will have on common fabrics that clothes are made from. For example, cotton is probably one of the most common fabrics used to make clothing. Cotton consists of "soft, fluffy organic fibers that grows in a protective capsule around the seeds of cotton plants"(Krogar). Cotton is a good strong fabric that is absorbent, however, chemicals could easily absorb through the fibers. For example, the properties of Clorox bleach or sodium hydroxide can cause fiber degradation. Residual amounts of "NaOH not rinsed out will continue slowly degrading organic fibers in cotton clothing"(Matskevich). Also, acids can cause degradation of cotton.
Alongside cotton, another fabric widely used for clothing is nylon. The first nylon fiber was "completely synthesized entirely from petrochemicals; produced from synthetic polymers known generically as polyamides"(Matskevich). Nylon is strong and abrasion resistant, not water absorbent, and melts when heated rather than burned. It is highly durable and its fibers are used for seatbelts and tire cords and they have a good resistance to many chemicals. Since it is not water absorbent, is has a good chemical resistance. However, when "susceptible to hydrolysis especially by strong acids, the reaction degrades the polymer"(Matskevich).
Cotton comes from plant, while nylon is made of synthetic fibers, however wool comes from fibers obtained from sheep and other animals such as goats or muskoxen. Wool can absorb up to "30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp"(Blaxland). Wool also absorbs and releases moisture quickly, so the fabric is durable. Other properties include dirt resistant, flame resistant and resists wear and tear. It is stronger when dry so chemicals will be able to effect if they come in contact. Wool "affords more protection from flash burns or corrosive chemicals than cotton or synthetic fabrics"(Blaxland).
Not only is it important to know how chemicals can be harmful to human skin, but how will they reacting if they come into contact with different fabrics. It is important to know if the clothes we are wearing will help protect us if we come into contact with chemicals such as different acids or bases. There are many chemicals found in household items such as hydrochloric acid, vinegar, bleach and sodium hydroxide. Each can come in contact with the different types of clothes made from cotton, nylon or wool. Knowing how they will react will greatly help people to take the right precautions to avoid harmful injuries. Ms.Khakpor stresses the importance of protective gear in the lab. She explains that some lab coats are made of a polyester/cotton blend because of their protective qualities. However, even at home people use many chemicals and should be educated on how to handle them properly. As technology advances there will be probably be new types of fabrics with greater protection against chemicals.
