Projects / Programmes
Tribocorrosion processes- from theory to practice
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.04.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P400 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Physical chemistry |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.04 |
Natural Sciences |
Chemical sciences |
Tribocorrosion, passivation, wear, electrical commuted engines
Researchers (10)
Organisations (4)
Abstract
Tribological processes, which occur during the relative motion of contact surfaces, present a complex combination of friction, deformation and wear. It is difficult to differentiate between these processes on a micro and macro scale since they are interconnected. Mechanical and corrosion processes cannot be simply combined as their sum, but as their synergy, which makes the effects of non-linear and non-stationary tribo-corrosion processes difficult to distinguish.
The interdependence of mechanical and electrochemical mechanisms has recently received increased attention. The main reason for this is the complexity of the simulation of the real conditions and the non-stationary processes. Conventional electrochemical techniques (such as potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) are a good tool for predicting corrosion processes, but are not very useful in the prediction of tribocorrosion. The evaluation of electrochemical mechanisms in synergy with mechanical processes can be difficult and challenging, including the modelling of the processes.
The goal of the research project is two-fold. First goal is the characterization of tribocorrosion processes with implementing novel techniques. The proposed project is continuation of the basic study of tribocorrosion processes and the study of the corresponding mechanical and electrochemical effects.
The second main goal of the project is characterization of tribocorrosion processes of mechanical parts in a chosen industrial case: application at electronic commutated electroengines. Namely, axial ventilating fans with integrated electronic commutated engines are planed to be used in highly demanding atmosphere with high temperature and humidity oscillations. Construction of such system has to provide long life span (up to 15 years). The proposed project would offer characterization of critical processes, its control and diminishing to gain excellent properties in the life span of the product.
An upgrade of the transient techniques in tribocorrosion studies will be performed. These techniques have been recently developed in our laboratory to study local corrosion phenomena. The time effect and corrosion currents will be monitored during different stages of wear of the passive films and generation of inclusions and third bodies in the system as a novel approach to tribocorrosion studies. New research equipment will be used for material inspection, recently recognized as advanced techniques in materials characterization in scientific and industrial field: X-ray tomography and confocal microscopy that enable undestructive testing. Identification and growth of corrosion products will be followed by using spectroscopic techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy.
Experiments and analysis will be done in the collaboration of researchers from the mechanical and tribological fields from Institute for Materials and Technology as well as with experts from industry- Hidria Rotomatika. Research activities will be focused into characterization of tribocorossion processes and development of the new family of low noise and energy efficient ventilating fans. Experiments under well-controlled electrochemical and mechanical conditions will provide an insight into the interactions of the different parameters (mechanical forces, electrolytes) which govern the behaviour of tribocorrosion systems. Special focus will be devoted to development of appropriate design, choice of materials and corrosion protection for efficient result in excelerated performance testings of the industrial product.
The result of the proposed project will enable Slovenian industry to control and upgrade the technological processes. At the same time, the selection of techniques will provide tools for the prediction of the tribocorrosion behaviour of certain materials in real systems. Some of the results will be interpreted in collaboration with partners from other countri
Significance for science
The proposed project meets certain objectives assessed by The National Research Development and Research Fields. Which are that it connects the field of advanced materials and nanotechnology together, with the field of technological development for sustainable economy. Newly developed materials can have better mechanical characteristics and/or corrrosion resistence, but suffer from intensive deterioration process under certain agressive environment(s). Complex corrosion processes are usually localized and quickly initiated, which makes it difficult to detect. In most cases, the processes are combined actions of both mechanical and electrochemical events (stress corrosion cracking and tribocorrosion). It is usually observed in materials that form stable oxide films (stainless steels and titanium alloys). It is of great importance to set the limiting operation conditions and parameters to ensure the longer lifespan of such alloys, because they are important technological and biomedical materials that are used in a wide range of applications. Sudden failure of technological and medical systems can result in vast damages leading to ecological catastrophy and human deaths (victims of circumstances). The optimal methodology for estimation and characterization of tribocorosion processes will be chosen after evaluation of different electrochemical and physical methods. We expect that the collection of proposed techniques will supplement the fundamental knowledge on different stages of corrosion processes, wear, and their synergistic effect. The critical parameters will be determined at the chosen metal/electolyte systems. Tribocorrosion is a relatively new scientific research area. It is expected that our results will be published in journals of high impact factors. Collaborating with scientists and experts from the field at other research and technology institutes, we will assure the results to be applied in practice. The rationale being to start the implementation of technological research to resolve problems of high industry impact.
Significance for the country
The world leading countries utilize certain knowledge prinicpals (basic and technological). However, the knowledge principal that plays the most important role is multi-disciplinarity. Slovenia's Development Strategy states that its country still lacks these certain knowledge principals and realizes that this has to change. In this particular project, the knowledge will be gathered and used from different scientific fields (chemistry, physics, civil engineering, metallurgy, and medicine) to different extents (scientific fields, industrial technologies, and research centers). There was an intensive international collaboration with the partners (scientific communities) involved in the past and present. The conclusions were for continuous research, dialogue, and collaboration within these communities towards the selected scientific field of tribocorrosion.These experiences will be impelmented in our own research field, which will lead to better reaserch and knowledge. It is expected that the knowledge of tribocorrosion would be implemented as special courses at different faculties; such as Faculty for Mechanical Engineering, Faculty for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Medical Faculty
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2014,
2015,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2014,
2015,
final report
