Science+Fair+Background

Tatianna Valiente Period 6

Hairspray is a solution of polymers in a very volatile solvent. Spraying hairspray deposits a stiff layer of the polymer on your hair after the solvent evaporates. The solvent used was once a compound of carbon, fluorine, and chlorine (a.k.a. chlorofluorocarbon, or CFC). CFC’s are nontoxic, nonflammable, and make almost ideal aerosol propellants. But when it was learned that they cause destruction of stratospheric ozone, they were replaced with other solvents, like alcohols and hydrocarbons – which unfortunately are flammable. As time has passed and hairspray products have revolutionized, hairspray companies label their products to be “CFC free”. Even though these hairspray companies make their products with no CFC’s, it doesn’t guarantee the complete safety of plants or animals. In this experiment, three different hairsprays were chosen. The three different brands of hairsprays will be used for the same purpose. The first hairspray chosen was Aussie Mega Flexible Hold Hair Spray Mega. The formula contains natural Australian ingredients (contains no CFC’s). The second Hairspray chosen was Garnier Fructis Style Flexible Control Aero Hairspray. The formula contains micro fruit waxes. The final hairspray chosen is Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Flexible Hold Hair Spray. It also doesn’t contain any phthalates. The plant being used in this experiment is Crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum). The leaves of large crabgrass are pale blue green, pubescent on both sides, and with margins that may be rough. They are flat and sharply pointed. Crabgrass originated from Europe but has now been found in excessive amounts in America. Crabgrass reproduces at an aggressive and fast rate making it a very adept plant considering it can grow with little sunlight and water. The results of this experiment can be more accurate because of this factor. The type of plant and type will be the same. The purpose of the hairspray, the amount sprayed and the distance in which the hairspray is sprayed will also be the same. The only difference for the plant is which brand of hairspray is sprayed on it.