The Secret Chemistry of Swiss Banknotes

Category "Poster", 8. – 10. grade

Ivayla Nikolova, 10th grade[1]
Supervisor: Mariyana Georgieva

134th “Dimcho Debelyanov” Secondary School – Sofia (Bulgaria)

https://doi.org/10.53656/nat2025-3.15

Abstract. Swiss banknotes use innovative and resistant pigments to achieve rich colors and protect against counterfeiting. The yellow color of the 10-franc banknote is due to arylide yellow, a non-toxic organic pigment with excellent resistance. The red 20-franc banknote uses synthetic iron oxide and metallic pigments of aluminum and bronze, replacing the previously used toxic cinnabar. The green 50-franc banknote contains chromium oxide, a hard and refractory pigment. The blue 100-franc banknote uses phthalocyanine, a stable organic compound with unique optical properties. In addition to its technological advantages, each banknote carries a symbolic message: time, creativity, nature and knowledge - expressed through hands holding objects with deep meaning.

Keywords: color; sustainability; symbolism

Свързани статии:

The Need to Study “Green Entrepreneurship” In Universities in Bulgaria The Chemistry of Banknotes and Coins – Progress of Science In Memory of Assoc. Prof. Anna Lilova In the Footsteps of the Interwar Traveler in Europe and America (М. Ruseva. Poetics of the Road in Bulgarian Literature of the 1920s and 1930s)