Polymerization

1. Preparation

1. To a 250 mL beaker, add 3 mL (14 mmol) of sebacoyl chloride in 100 mL n-hexane.
2. To a 150 mL beaker, add 4.4 g (38 mmol) of 1,6-diaminohexane in 50 mL distilled water.
3. Add approximately 5 drops of a phenolphthalein solution to the 1,6-diaminohexane solution.

2. Surface Polymerization

1. Overlay carefully the aqueous solution with the sebacoyl chloride solution.
2. Note that a thin layer will form at the interface of the aqueous solution and the organic solution.
3. Note that the added phenolphthalein will make the interface visible.

3. Collecting the Polymer

1. Pull the formed polyamide film from the interface with tweezers and wrap it around a glass rod.
2. Wind the polyamide on the glass rod.
3. Wash the polymer with acetone and then with copious amounts of water.
4. Dry the polymer at 50 °C under reduced pressure.