Effectiveness of Experimental Planning Design as a Tool for Safe Use of Toluene with Natural Rubber: Case Study in Buriram Rajabhat University

Abstract

Introduction: Experimental planning design is an important area for research that can be incorporated into the preparatory step of a research project in a chemistry course. Correct handling procedures are necessary for students studying the characteristics of natural rubber. Instruction on laboratory safety can serve as an introduction to the importance of the handling and use of toluene. This work reports on the results from a planning design study. We describe and discuss the necessary steps in the experimental planning design for chemistry students to prevent the release of toxic toluene that may have adverse effects on the students and the environment. The experience was based on a cooperative laboratory experiment with students who would work with toluene in their research. In addition, an activity using toluene was implemented in the planning procedure. We found that students could apply the experimental planning design in subsequent experiments and their research.