Projects

National

NEOCAR – Ultra-vysokoteplotné karbidy so zvýšenou oxidačnou odolnosťou
Novel enhanced oxidation-resistant ultra-high temperature carbides
Program: SRDA
Project leader: Ing. Tatarko Peter, PhD.
Annotation: The improvement of oxidation resistance of ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) has critical importance in meeting the growing need for applications used at temperatures exceeding 2000 °C in oxidizing atmospheres such as hypersonic vehicles and spacecraft. Recently, with the aid of the exploration of multi-principal element ceramics, consisting of four or more different cations or anions stabilized by the configurational entropy, a vast new compositional space has opened up to develop novel UHTCs with enhanced oxidation resistance. However, to design such materials through the prediction of their complex oxidation processes, it is fundamental to establish a comprehensive understanding of the mono and binary transitional metal carbides that is targeted in the present project, something that is currently missing. Thus, the main aim of the project is to develop novel oxidation-resistant UHTCs through a systematic experimental based study in which the high-temperature properties (oxidation/ablation resistance, thermal shock resistance etc.) and mechanical behaviour of mono and binary refractory carbides will be studied. Different secondary phase materials with the incorporation of silicon will also be tested in the form of SiC and transitional metal silicides, which are known as protective glassy phase-forming compounds that can further improve the oxidation resistance of newly developed UHTCs. In addition to the understanding of the oxidation and mechanical behaviour of these ceramics and composites, the prediction of the models established will be validated by the synthesis of new oxidation-resistant 3-, 4- and 5-metal carbide systems that will be also tested experimentally. The accomplishment of the present project will generate fundamental knowledge that is needed for the design of novel more complex multi-principal element ceramics. Filling this lack of knowledge would be of great importance for whole materials science community.
Duration: 1.7.2023 – 30.6.2027
ComCer – Vývoj nových keramických materiálov komplexného zloženia pre extrémne aplikácie
Development of new compositionally-complex ceramics for extreme applications
Program: SRDA
Project leader: Ing. Tatarko Peter, PhD.
Annotation: The main aim of the proposed project is to develop next generation ultra-high temperature ceramics capable of withstanding temperatures up to 3000°C for propulsion systems, rocket engines and other aerospace applications. This will be achieved by the synthesis of diboride ceramics with unique compositionally -complex structures, comprising of at least five metal elements. A systematic study will be conducted to generate new knowledge on the understanding of the effect of various molar ratios of individual metal cations in diboride structures on the stability, synthesis, sintering and mechanical properties of bulk diboride ceramics. The results will significantly contribute to the expansion of the high entropy ceramics concept with equimolar compositions towards the development of compositionally-complex ceramics with non-equimolar compositions. The project also proposes an innovative way of manufacturing ultra-high temperature ceramics, consisting of the development of ceramic composites based on the high-entropy and compositionally-complex diboride matrix, reinforced with the refractory additives. The output of the project will be new fundamental knowledge on the formation of disordered diboride structures, and their effect on mechanical properties of the materials at room, intermediate, and ultra-high temperatures.
Duration: 1.7.2022 – 30.6.2026
NanoBioFit – Nanoštrukturované, funkčne navrstvené a bio-inšpirované 3D iplantáty na báze titánu
Nanostructured, functionally graded, and bioinspired 3D Ti-based implants
Program: SRDA
Project leader: doc. Ing. Hnatko Miroslav, PhD.
Annotation: In general, patient response to implants is strongly dependent on the host tissue ─ implant interface because processes such as healing, osteolysis, and infection take place specifically at this interface. Therefore, modification and tailoring of transplants surface properties are attractive methods to trigger and accelerate healing processes and to reduce the possibility of osteolysis and infection.The main goal of the project is oriented towards improving the adhesion of bio-coatings on titanium alloy surfaces and ensure the enhancement of bio-compatibility of the bio-inert implants. Therefore, the main goal will be divided into two interconnected parts.The first part will be devoted to electropolishing of titanium and titanium-based alloys. This electrochemical surface treatment is generally considered as one of the most efficient, convenient and adaptable technique for the improvement of the physical and mechanical surface properties of materials.The second part of the project will deal with the preparation of bio-compatible surface layer on Ti implants by:- the formation of TiO2 nanotube arrays by anodic oxidation of Ti-based alloy – electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of coatings based on bio-composites such as polymers doped with various bioactive glass prepared by glass melting or sol-gel process (with possible antibacterial and inflammatory effect).Introduction of the convenient surface treatment process together with highly bioactive coating materials on bioinert Ti-based 3D implants will allow us to provide personalized, well-fitting implants without the need of additional medical treatment. Significant enhancement of patient comfort together with the reduction of the medical costs will be the main benefits of the presented project.
Duration: 1.8.2021 – 30.6.2025
Elektromagnetické tienenie funkčne gradientných vrstevnatých kompozitov na báze SiC s prídavkom grafénu a uhlíkových nanorúrok
Electromagnetic shielding properties of functionally graded layered SiC-graphene and SiC-carbon nanotubes composites
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Hanzel Ondrej, PhD.
Annotation: The main goal of this project is preparation of layered SiC-carbon nanostructure composites with highelectromagnetic shielding effectiveness. The research will be focus on study of effect of carbon nanostructures (graphene nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes) addition into the silicon carbide matrix and arrangement of functional layers on electromagnetic shielding effectiveness and functional properties of layered composites. In order to achieve project objectives, research focused on preparation of composite granulated powders with homogeneous distribution of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their subsequent effective sintering will be necessary. Composition and arrangement of functional layers of composite layered materials with gradient content of carbon nanostructures will be optimized in order to achieve high electromagnetic shielding effectiveness. Functional and mechanical properties of such prepared layered composites will be studied as well.
Duration: 1.1.2021 – 31.12.2024