Paper Towel Lab Report

Introduction:
Spills and streaks are an evitable constant as old as liquids. The introduction of paper towel by Authur Scott in 1931 had proven to be a household miracle. As a result, billions of pounds of paper towels are currently being processed annually world-wide by hundreds of paper towel manufactures. Guaranteeing stores and homes unlimited access to this essential multi-purpose high demand product. The scarification of such a large number of trees is beyond unfortunate, nevertheless the sacrifice is deemed worth it considering the alternative. With the exception of the company's design, a roll of paper towel bare a striking resemblance to its neighboring rolls on the shelf. Written in fine black print on the packs of every paper towel

produced displays the similarities and differences of each brand of towels. The cost is the determining factor in the quality of a product for majority of consumers. Although, that assumption is a fact more often than not, paper towels durability, strength, and absorbency level vary by different manufacturers. We conducted a two part experiment to test the strength of five known brands of paper towels, as well as the water absorbency level.

Background:
The best brand of paper towel is debatable, yet easily testable.

The cost, sheets per roll, amount of ply- sheets, and the dimension is all major components that give a brief overall description of just what to expect out of our towel. Paper towel data were collected from five brands of paper towel labeled A-E, and compared to each other. Then, the towel is visually and physically evaluated by each student, followed by a two part experiment to test the strength and water absorbency of each brand of paper towel by means of water and pool balls. The strength test was accomplished by adding a quantity of up to twelve pools balls onto one wet elevated paper towel sheet. Whichever brand held the most pool balls while wet, was in fact the stronger when wet. To measure the amount of water one sheet of paper towel absorbed, the sheet is totally submerged into 50ml of water, with the remaining water recorded. This experiment is conducted twice and the average is recorded as the final result. Just as expected the most expensive brands were the strongest and most absorbent. The chart below displays the name and data of the five brands used in this

experiment

Purpose:
This experiment allows us to measure the strength of particular brands of paper towel while wet and dry. It also helps to determine which brand is the most useful for light and heavy spills, by measuring the absorbency level and comparing the results to other known brands. In addition, the data provide a factual insight into the underlying pros and cons of five particular brands of paper towel, as well as help consumers determine if spending less or more on paper towel could save or cost them additional money.

Hypothesis:
Upon inspection of each brand of towel, we predict that paper towel "D" is the strongest when wet and paper towel "B" is the most absorbent. Both paper towel D and B, visually and physically appear to be the strongest when dry, which is a great indicator of the durability when wet.

Equipment Used:
⦁ Five Brands of paper towel
⦁ Graduated Cylinder
⦁ Plastic cups
⦁ Small measuring cups
⦁ Pools balls or pennies
⦁ Pipette
⦁ Water
⦁ Timer
⦁ Large Bowl

Procedure:
Test 1: Wet Towel Test
⦁ Place a large bowl on a hard, sturdy surface
⦁ Measure two milliliters of water
⦁ Two or more students hold each end of one sheet of paper towel approximately one to two inches over the large bowl
⦁ Pour the two milliliter of water on and around the center of the paper towel
⦁ Quickly but gently place the balls on the paper towel.
⦁ Record the amount of pool balls the paper towel holds before tearing and falling into the bowl
⦁ Repeat this step for each brand.

Test 2: Water Absorbency Level
⦁ Measure fifty milliliters of water in a graduated cylinder
⦁ Pour the water into a cup
⦁ Submerge one sheet of paper towel into the water
⦁ Remove the towel and allow the excess water to drip back in the cup for ten seconds
⦁ Pour the remaining water back into the cylinder
⦁ Record the amount of water in the cylinder
⦁ Repeat this step twice.
⦁ Add the two recorded number together and divide it by two for the average
⦁ Record the results

Test 1:
Test 2:

Description of Data:
The results show that Shop Towels ( Paper Towel D) held twelve pool balls, Paper Towel (Towel A) held zero balls, Viva (Towel B) held eleven balls, Great Value (Towel C) held eight balls, and Bounty Basic (Towel E) held eleven balls.

One sheet of Viva absorbed forty three milliliters, Paper Towel absorbed twenty one milliliters, Great Value absorbed thirty five ml, Bounty Basic absorbed 35.5 ml, and Shop Towels absorbed thirty six ml.
Explanation:
According to the results, our hypothesis was completely supported. Shop Towels are obviously the strongest out of the brands tested. It consists of a thick tear resistant material that is not easily penetrated. Although, they are intended to be disposable, often usage of Shop Towels over the years has somewhat contradicted that presumption. Undoubtingly, this towel can be reused a time or two for minor jobs, if handled properly. Viva has a cotton like material that makes it perfect for absorbing liquids. Cotton can absorb over twenty percent of its weight. We believe our results to be accurate, but addition tests should be performed to further assure result accuracy.

Conclusion:
For the best results out of your paper towel, investing a few more dollars will be very beneficial. The cheaper the paper towel, the more towels required per clean up. Subsequently, resulting in you purchasing many rolls of towels for a job that one good roll can take care of, and still have plenty of sheets remaining for future messes.