Chemistry rocks
I took these photos at work last week as part of documenting our students' involvement with two schools science events at the University of Bath: the Green Science Symposium on Wednesday and Bath Taps Into Science on Friday. Public engagement is an important part of the course in the Doctoral Training Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies.
The molecular model is polylactic acid (PLA), a type of biodegradable plastic; the yellow goo is a half-finished bouncy ball made from equal parts PVA glue and custard powder with a dash of borax to cross-link it; the foam spewing from the bottle is what happens when yeast decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen with a little bit of washing up liquid for a more impressive effect.
Oh, yes, and also it's the International Year of Chemistry this year too, so go find a chemist and give them a hug. Then ask them to tell you about what they do.
