On May 24, 2025, the ALBA Synchrotron opened again its doors to the public for a new Open Day, an event that has been opening up science to the society since 2012. This edition received over 2,000 visitors, especially families, and provided them with insights into research projects carried out in ALBA Synchrotron and the technology behind it.
Among the highlights of the day was a stand dedicated to showcasing four collaborative projects currently being carried out by Eurecat and the ALBA Synchrotron. These projects included the Horizon Europe CISMA project and three major RFCS (Research Fund for Coal and Steel) projects: COOPHS, H2FORM3G, and Sup3rForm.
The stand, led by ALBA Synchrotron's Methodology group, focused on how Eurecat and ALBA use advanced technology to tackle sustainability challenges in the steel industry, particularly around reducing CO₂ emissions. Under this theme, the team explained their involvement in international EU projects, in partnership with steel producers, automotive manufacturers, and appliance makers.
Credit by Sergio Ruiz / Images provided by ALBA Synchrotron
To make science more accessible, the team demonstrated key metallurgical concepts such as grain structures, phase transformations, deformation, and the measurement techniques applied in real-world experiments. Visitors, and particularly children, were invited to participate in hands-on activities, including simulated tensile tests and a Charpy-style impact test using clay and specially designed tools. This interactive setup effectively illustrated how different metals behave under stress, enhancing public understanding of material performance in practical applications.
At the center of the display was a B-PILLAR demonstrator from the COOPHS project, an automotive component designed to protect passengers during crashes by absorbing energy and minimizing deformation. This part exemplifies the potential of hot-stamped Boron Steel made from post-consumer steel scrap, highlighting the projects' focus on sustainable and high-performance materials.
The ALBA Open Day 2025 offered a unique opportunity to connect the public with cutting-edge materials research and to spotlight Eurecat and ALBA Synchrotron's shared commitment to innovation and sustainability in the steel sector.
