The Institute of Polymers-BAS organized an information campaign “Open Doors Day” which took place on 26 November. The initiative was attended by a record number of visitors who had the opportunity to explore the scientific infrastructure of the Institute and observe interesting practical demonstrations, including:
- 3D printing of polymer biomaterials;
- Exposure of polymeric materials for wound healing and delivery of drug substances obtained by electrospinning;
- Synthesis, modification and degradation of polymers using microwave reactor;
- Observation of micro- and nanoparticles with scanning electron microscope;
- Preparation of temperature-sensitive polymer hydrogel;
- X-ray structural analysis of plastic products;
- Observation of the Brownian motion of colloidal dispersions of carbon nanotubes with light microscope;
- Characterization of polymers and polymer-based composites: determination of composition, molar mass and dispersity, and thermo-mechanical properties;
- Rheological relationships of polymer systems.
The program also included popular science lectures on the preparation of materials with potential applications in biomedicine, innovative polymeric materials as biocontrol agents with applications in eco-agriculture, scanning electron microscope images, and a demonstration of a prototype electric car powered by two integrated energy sources – a solar cell and a water electrolyzer/hydrogen fuel cell with a polymer membrane.
Among the guests were students from the “Academician Ivan Tsenov” Highschool with Natural Sciences and Mathematics Profile, Vratsa and 82nd Primary School “Vasil Aprilov”, Sofia and students from UCTM – majors polymer engineering, perfumery and cosmetics, energy and environmental efficiency, biochemistry and biochemical engineering, FCP of SU “St. Kliment Ohridski” – majors chemistry, engineering chemistry and advanced materials, FB of SU “St. Kliment Ohridski”. The information day was attended by scientists and lecturers from TU-Sofia, UCTM, FB-SU, MU-Sofia, the Institute of Metal Science, Equipment and Technologies with the Centre of Hydro and Aerodynamics “Acad. А. Balevski” – BAS and Faculty of Engineering and Pedagogy and College at TU-Sofia in Sliven. There was also interest from industry representatives.
