Functioning of Shrinky Dinks
In the realm of biomedical engineering, Dr. Michelle Khine at the University of California, Irving, is making waves with her innovative use of polystyrene, a common plastic type, in various projects.
Polystyrene, a lightweight, transparent material that originates from petroleum-based chemistry, is best known for its role in the creation of Shrinky Dinks, a beloved toy from our childhoods. But its uses extend far beyond the realm of play.
The manufacturing process of polystyrene is quite intriguing. Ingredients for the plastic are loaded into a heated mixing drum and forced through a slot die, resulting in sheets that are 0.09 inches thick. These sheets are then compressed down to 0.01 inches in thickness using rollers.
The secret to Shrinky Dinks' unique properties lies in the orientation of its polystyrene molecules. When warmed to temperatures above 375°F (190°C), these molecules realign themselves and return to a thicker sheet that's two-thirds smaller. However, to avoid distortion during the shrinking process, Shrinky Dinks require biaxially oriented polystyrene, a state where the molecules are stretched in two directions.
At room temperature, polystyrene remains rigid, but when heated, it becomes malleable, allowing manufacturers to easily manipulate it into various shapes. This characteristic has earned polystyrene the nickname 'memory plastic' among some.
The company behind the Shrinky Dinks plastic kits, K & B Innovations, was founded by two cousins, Kate and Betty. While the exact date of its founding remains unknown, the company has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on our society.
Dr. Khine has taken advantage of polystyrene's shrinking effects to create minute plumbing for experiments requiring cell assay or very small samples of body fluids. These types of devices can be used for important purposes, such as testing for diseases inexpensively and quickly, determining drug toxicity, or helping culture stem cells.
The potential applications of Shrinky Dinks extend beyond the field of science. They could play a significant role in areas like computer data storage, solar energy, and research that necessitates a lot of trial and error. Shrinky Dinks are proof that plastics like polystyrene have multiple uses and can find new markets through playful, fresh eyes.
In conclusion, the humble Shrinky Dinks, a staple of our childhood, are more than just a toy. They represent the versatility of plastics and their potential to solve some of the world's pressing problems.
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