RET Drexel Program

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RET Drexel Program
My Summer Experience
Maria De Renzis Henry R. Edmunds
School Science-Room 313-7th Grade
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WHY AM I HERE?

• To Learn About
• RET
• Other Schools
• Grant Writing
• Drexel
• Money

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WHAT ARE POLYMERS?

• Very large molecules
• Composed of small units (monomers)
• Long repeating chains
• Chemical mechanical engineering
• Used to make hydro gels
• Hydrophilic (fill with water)

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How Do You Make Hydro gels?
(Polymerization)

• N-Isopropylsalicylamide (monomer)
• Initiator (AIBN)
• Hexane/Menthol Alcohol (solvents)
• Distilled Water
• PVA (Poly Vinyl Alcohol)
• Refrigeration
• Vacuuming
• Oven-drying
• Water Baths (varying temperature for each blend)

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Why Make Hydro gels?What Are Their Futures?

• Artificial Discs
• Cushions
• Disc Space replacement
• Input from You

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INCORPORATING INTO MY CURRICULUM
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Many Thanks To The Research Staff !!
Dr. Michele Marcolongo
Dr. Garland Fussell
Jennifer
Dr. Tony Lowman Advisor / Mentor
Joe
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Extended Thanks To RET Staff

• Dr. Mun Choi
• Joanne Ferroni
• Stephanie Delaney

• Dr.FrederikaReisman
• Dr. Elizabeth Haslam
• Dr. David Brooks
• Stephanos Karas