Chemistry, physics and mathematics - these are a few of her favorite things. Meet Tatjana Topalovic, a Serbian second year PhD student, pursuing research in Chemical Technology.
Topalovic's research subject at the UT is in keeping with the historical heritage of Enschede, a stronghold of textile-manufacturing industries for many decades in the past which finally collapsed in the 1970's. Topalovic is part of the Textile Technology Group, the only one of its kind in the Netherlands. Topalovic's field of study is chemical technology, particularly textile technology concerning the bleach-ing of cotton. She is studying the mechanism of cotton
bleaching using a catalyst; conventionally cotton is
bleached in a non-catalytic process. The problem with the conventional (non-catalytic) procedure, Topalovic explains, is that it has to be performed at a very high temperature which leads to massive energy consumption. Besides, the equipment needed for the procedure is very expensive. No doubt the bleaching can be achieved in a shorter duration but the `temperature has to be very high, like 90 degrees' as Topalovic puts it. At present, while conventional low-temperature bleaching is applied in the industry, its duration can reach up to 30 hours. Her research, therefore, has two aims: to establish a bleaching process for cotton using a catalyst at a much lower temperature (40 degrees Celsius) and a shorter time compared with the non-catalytic process that is currently being used in the industry.
The function of bleaching lies in its ability to destroy color impurities in fibers. This is usually accomplished by treat-ing the fibers with certain agents which turn the color impurities into colorless compounds. Topalovic stresses that conditions during
bleaching must therefore be carefully controlled to `maximize destruction of the color impurities but to minimize fiber degradation.'
Topalovic is very excited about catalytic bleaching, as it is a rather new and challeng-ing area `presenting plenty of opportunities for conducting fundamental research and the chances of its application in the textile industry of the future are very bright.' Given her undying love for chemistry, physics and mathematics since her school days, another aspect for which she is grateful is its multidisciplinary approach. Topalovic says her research is `not just textile technology, catalysis or chemistry, but all in one.'
Topalovic came to the Netherlands for the first time in September 2000 for a couple of months and spent her time `working hard and enjoying harder.' After having started her PhD, she says Enschede has become almost like a `second home' to her. She says `almost' because of certain differences in the Dutch and Serbian way of life. Tatjana feels that the Dutch lead extremely planned lives so much so that `even rituals concerning life's emotional events are carefully planned and orchestrated.' In contrast, Serbs are prone to leading a more spontaneous life and maybe due to certain historical circumstances are used to improvising, thereby eliminating an `addiction to the agenda.'
Furthermore, Topalovic feels that the Dutch are somewhat inhibited regarding enjoyment and expressing emotion, but ironically they are any-thing but inhibited in their language. They make their views known in very unambiguous terms. This would not be considered apropos within Serbian culture; the Dutch rely on what you say but the Serbs on how you say it. On a lighter note, Topalovic comments on the differences between Dutch and Serbian pubs. `The pubs here are simply too dark! While they have their own charm, one of the first things I do when I am in Belgrade is to socialize with friends in a much more trendy and elegant club.'
Hometown : Sjenica, Serbia
Languages known : Serbian, English, Russian
Favorite movie : A Beautiful Mind
Favorite music : Rock
Favorite movie : Girl with a Pearl Earring
Best part of living
in NL : Being able to visit its wonderful museums
Worst part of living
in NL : Biking on a regular basis
