According to Wikipedia, Slime was a toy product manufactured by Mattel, sold in a plastic trash can and introduced in February 1976. It consisted of a non-toxic viscous, squishy and oozy green or other color material made primarily from guar gum. Different variations of Slime were released over the years, including Slime containing rubber insects, eyeballs, and worms and Masters of the Universe Slime for Hordak’s Slime Pit playset in the 1980s.
Another name for slime is flubber. Flubber (named from the film The Absent-Minded Professor), Glorp, Glurch, or Slime are common names referring to a rubbery polymer formed by cross-linking of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with a boron compound. Flubber can be made by combining polyvinyl-acetate-based adhesives such as Elmer’s Glue with baking soda, borax, and (optionally) shaving cream as an elementary science education experiment. See the full post at Wikipedia.
These are examples of a non-Newtonian fluid which is a fluid that does not follow Newton’s law of viscosity, i.e., constant viscosity independent of stress. In non-Newtonian fluids, viscosity can change when under force to either more liquid or more solid. Ketchup, for example, becomes runnier when shaken and is thus a non-Newtonian fluid. Many salt solutions and molten polymers are non-Newtonian fluids, as are many commonly found substances such as custard, honey, toothpaste, starch suspensions, corn starch, paint, blood, melted butter, and shampoo. Wikipedia has more info on this.
Slime has come a long way over the years as many people have become obsessed with playing with it. The feel of the textures as well as the the colors and even sounds have proven to aid in relieving anxiety.
Slime play is a stimulating sensory experience and playing with it is sure to bring relaxation to anyone.