Changes

Two different alcohols, ethanol and propanol, were measured out and mixed with tap water to create different concentrations.  In the first 5 vials were concentrations of ethanol, the next five were concentrations of propanol, and in the last vial was tap water only.  The fibers destined for the vials were cut, measured cross-sectionally and lengthwise, and weighed with a milligram scale.  Both scintillating fibers and lightguides were tested.   

Two different alcohols, ethanol and propanol, were measured out and mixed with tap water to create different concentrations.  In the first 5 vials were concentrations of ethanol, the next five were concentrations of propanol, and in the last vial was tap water only.  The fibers destined for the vials were cut, measured cross-sectionally and lengthwise, and weighed with a milligram scale.  Both scintillating fibers and lightguides were tested.   

The vials were left to sit in a dark, climate controlled area for two weeks.  After the two week period, the fibers were drained, left to dry, and measured/weighed again.  The raw data, as well as the plotted results, can be seen by clicking on the link below.   

One lightguide and one scifi were put into each vial, and the vials were left to sit in a dark climate controlled area for two weeks.  After the two week period, the fibers were drained, left to dry, and measured/weighed again.  The raw data, as well as the plotted results, can be seen by clicking on the link below.   

[[Alcohol Test 1]]

[[Alcohol Test 1]]

As can be seen from the plots of the data the greatest change in the size of the fibers occurred when the fibers were soaked in 80% alcohol.  The most interesting thing, I think, to be learned here is that there seems to be a greater change in the fibers that were soaked in 80% alcohol as opposed to the ones soaked in 100% alcohol.  My guess is that there were impurities in the tap water that acted as catalysts in the reaction, but the reason could be any number of things. 

As can be seen from the plots of the data the greatest change in the size of the fibers occurred when the fibers were soaked in 80% alcohol.  The most interesting thing, I think, to be learned here is that there seems to be a greater change in the fibers that were soaked in 80% alcohol as opposed to the ones soaked in 100% alcohol.  My guess is that there were impurities in the tap water that acted as catalysts in the reaction, but the reason could be any number of things.

 

Although alcohol damages fibers, the fibers still need to be cleaned.  It was determined that 100% alcohol would be preferable to, say 5%,  because it would get any oil off of the fiber in one pass, and would evaporate quickly.  Ethanol was also chosen over propanol as the safer of the two alcohols as far as fibers are concerned.

== Strength Test ==

== Strength Test ==