Overview of Slimes
There are over 900 species of slime mold on Earth, known as "blobs", which contribute to decomposing dead plants and can be parasitic. Species of slimes can simulate traffic networks, and they require water to help their polymer molecules flow; otherwise, slimes solidify.
History of Slime as a Toy
In 1976, Mattel introduced slime in a plastic trash can as a green, gooey toy made of guar gum. Slime can be molded and played with for stress relief and teaching scientific principles.
Composition and Uses of Slime
- Adding shaving cream can make fluffy slime, with more cream increasing its fluffiness.
- An activator binds the ingredients of slime, which allows them to move by surfing on their mucus.
- Slime is a polymer of PVA glue and borate ion, which can cause skin and eye irritation. Despite this, slime remains a popular, malleable toy.
Real Life Slimes
There are more than 900 species of slime mold globally that contribute to decomposing dead plants and some of which are parasitic. Water is essential for their polymer molecules to flow, as slimes solidify without it.