Projects / Programmes
Sustainable Polymer Materials and Technologies
January 1, 2015
- December 31, 2019
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.05.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Mechanics |
|
| 2.04.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T210 |
Technological sciences |
Mechanical engineering, hydraulics, vacuum technology, vibration and acoustic engineering |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.03 |
Engineering and Technology |
Mechanical engineering |
Polymers, nanoporous, granular, time-dependency, mechanical properties, mechanical spectroscopy, processing technologies, thermo-mechanical, target drug delivery system, measuring devices, non-linear viscoelastic model, rheology, medical diagnostics, free volume, durability.
Researchers (13)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The “Sustainable Polymer Materials and Technologies” Programme, which is continuation of the “Intelligent Polymer materials and technologies” research programme, has the goal to provide basic knowledge and understanding of non-linear time-dependent behaviour of synthetic- and bio-polymers and their composites, for innovative ideas that will represent technological potential and economic opportunities for Slovenia. The programme has been divided into 3 complementary research spheres interrelated to each other.
The 1st sphere of research deals with the study of the structure-property relationship in polymeric materials (without changing their chemical composition) and the means of controlling their inherent topological structure and consequently their physical properties to fit a particular application.
The 2nd sphere concentrates on developing experimental techniques for analyzing material time-dependent mechanical properties that will allow prediction of the durability of polymeric materials under harsh conditions, on one hand, and experimental techniques for mechanical spectroscopy of biomaterials that could be used as diagnostic method for predicting the health state of a person, on the other hand.
The 3rd sphere focuses on the development of theoretical and numerical tools that coupled with experimental data can be used to predict the desired mechanical behaviour of synthetic- and bio-polymers and their nano-, micro-, and macro-composites, and to predict their long term behavior.
The knowledge generated could and will be utilized for developing better insulating/damping materials for thermal, noise, vibration and shock, to be used in household appliances, transport systems, deep-water oil excavation, and space applications (in collaboration with corporation “NPO Machinostroyeniye”, and Bauman University, Russia). The knowledge will also be used for optimize the feedstock material for Powder Injection Moulding (in collaboration with BASF).
This knowledge could also be used for the development of new diagnostic tools and new medical implantable devices, such as solid drug delivery containers (in collaboration with Fresenius-Kabi).
Finally, the theoretical developments could be used to optimize processing conditions and accurately predict the durability of structural elements and products made of time-dependent materials. Developed basic knowledge will be implemented into existing (Gorenje, Odelo, BSH, Elan, Hella-Saturnus, Danfoss, …), as well as new spin-off companies. Therefore it can be said that the programme will have a significant impact on the scientific and socioeconomic progress of Slovenia.
Significance for science
The proposed program has several aims: 1) study the structure property relationship in polymeric materials and the means of controlling structure to fit a particular application; 2) develop experimental techniques based on time-dependent mechanical properties; and 3) development of theoretical and numerical tools that coupled with experimental data can be used to predict the desired mechanical behavior of polymers and their composites under harsh conditions. Therefore the proposed program will contribute in the following areas of science directly:
I. Effect of multimodal particle size distribution and multimodal molecular mass (multimodality) on the mechanical time dependent behavior of granular/porous materials and composites with granular materials. This knowledge will allow preparing ‘custom-made’ materials with predefined thermo-mechanical properties, which could be used in multitude of applications. We expect to provide some fundamental understanding of our empirically developed knowledge related to behavior of granular systems. Knowledge in this area is still rudimental and there is room to improve or develop completely new theoretical models.
II. We are planning to contribute to the understanding of temperature and pressure effects on behaviour of polymeric and micro/nanocomposites. There is little known about the effect of pressure on the behaviour of polymers and composites, particularly when pressure increases beyond 1000 bar. From our past experience we know that at elevated hydrostatic pressure, shear properties of polymers can change for several orders of magnitude whereas thermal expansion and other bulk properties remain almost unchanged. This is important for applications where materials are exposed to large temperature gradients like high-pressure injection moulding and ultra-deep water oil extraction. With the data obtained it could be possible to check if the existing reduced-time models (e.g., Knauss-Emri-Liechti) are applicable for this applications or further improvement is needed. If so, then computer programs with built-in reduced-time constitutive models will allow designing and defining corresponding technological parameters and prediction of the durability of products under harsh conditions.
III. The program will also contribute to the medical area by studying the relationship between mechanical properties of biopolymers (ie. skin) with the state of health of individuals. Also in the area of medicine, we will investigate the relation between structure and the sorptive properties of polymeric materials with gradient structure for medication or other therapeutic substances. This knowledge will contribute to the development of new implantable devices for localize treatment of diseases.
Significance for the country
The proposed programme is aimed at generating basic knowledge and experimental methods needed for development of a technological breakthrough in the field of nano and micro-structured polymeric materials. Several markets could be targeted with this type of materials from implantable medical devices (implants and drug delivery systems), to thermal, noise, vibration and impact insulation. For example, the implantable medical devices world market is estimated to be worth 265€ billion by 2015, while the insulation market is estimated at 38€ billion by 2018. Entry into these niches with higher added value (particularly medical devices) represents for Slovenia a technical and socio-economic challenge and a great opportunity. Contribution of the programme can be estimated from various aspects:
Sustainable socio- economic and cultural development
Developing polymeric materials with adjustable properties and understanding how to modify its structure is critical for technological advances in the manufacture of a multitude of Slovenian products, from skis to washing machines. By understanding material behaviour at extreme thermo-mechanical boundary conditions, we can significantly speed up the production process, which will reduce the cost of final products & increase the competitiveness of the manufacturing companies. The knowledge obtained during the programme will also be utilized to produce technologies for reducing vibration and noise pollution created by home appliances and transportation infrastructures. Reduction of all types of pollution represents an improvement to the quality of living of Slovenes. Development of therapeutic techniques, based on the nanostructured materials will put Slovenia among the world leaders in this field, bringing economic success.
Technological development
Our programme is in line with the goals set in the framework of Slovenian Industrial Policy, and Strategic Development of Slovenia; both documents define as priority technological development & encourage its use in industry. Among others, priority areas are advanced materials, advanced production and processing technologies. The programme is targeted to obtain the knowledge needed by Slovenian industry in those segments where is possible to raise the added value of the product by utilizing specific properties of new materials and thereby increase the competitive ability of companies. Integrative research activities will be carried out within the framework of the Institute for Sustainable Innovative Technologies – ISIT. ISIT offers the environment in which we combine basic research, development and education of experts with a view to create of new spin-off companies leading to economic success.
Leap of industrial products into higher price markets and the development of cutting edge technology will contribute to raise the socio-economic level of Slovenia, as well as, having a positive & constructive impact on all levels of its social and cultural development.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2015,
interim report,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2015,
interim report,
final report
