Projects / Programmes
Technologies of metastable metallic based materials
January 1, 2017
- December 31, 2021
Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
2.04.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
|
2.10.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
|
Code |
Science |
Field |
T150 |
Technological sciences |
Material technology |
Code |
Science |
Field |
2.05 |
Engineering and Technology |
Materials engineering |
2.03 |
Engineering and Technology |
Mechanical engineering |
Metastable structures; Nanostructural materials; Nanostructural superbainitic steels; Precipitation and dispersion strengthened Al alloys; Microstructural characterisation; Ultrasonic spray pyrolysis.
Researchers (23)
no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
1. |
10369 |
PhD Ivan Anžel |
Materials science and technology |
Head |
2017 - 2021 |
716 |
2. |
20229 |
PhD Mihael Brunčko |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2017 - 2021 |
262 |
3. |
54469 |
Doris Golub |
|
Technical associate |
2020 - 2021 |
0 |
4. |
16185 |
PhD Leo Gusel |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2017 - 2021 |
156 |
5. |
33050 |
PhD Tadeja Hernja Rumpf |
Neurobiology |
Researcher |
2021 |
106 |
6. |
15673 |
PhD Andrej Ivanič |
Civil engineering |
Researcher |
2021 |
388 |
7. |
51003 |
PhD Žiga Jelen |
Chemical engineering |
Junior researcher |
2019 - 2021 |
53 |
8. |
39336 |
Andraž Jug |
Materials science and technology |
Junior researcher |
2017 - 2020 |
9 |
9. |
11951 |
PhD Gorazd Lojen |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2017 - 2021 |
256 |
10. |
05522 |
PhD Samo Lubej |
Civil engineering |
Researcher |
2021 |
655 |
11. |
35509 |
PhD Peter Majerič |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2017 - 2021 |
203 |
12. |
52123 |
PhD Marija Menih |
Neurobiology |
Researcher |
2021 |
100 |
13. |
19268 |
PhD Zdenka Peršin Fratnik |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2017 - 2020 |
226 |
14. |
37131 |
PhD Gregor Prosen |
Cardiovascular system |
Researcher |
2021 |
262 |
15. |
28075 |
PhD Martin Rakuša |
Neurobiology |
Researcher |
2021 |
266 |
16. |
31506 |
Lidija Rozman Zorko |
Materials science and technology |
Technical associate |
2017 - 2021 |
56 |
17. |
14335 |
PhD Rebeka Rudolf |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2017 - 2021 |
1,109 |
18. |
17123 |
Rok Šulek |
|
Technical associate |
2017 - 2021 |
79 |
19. |
54802 |
Lidija Terzić |
Materials science and technology |
Junior researcher |
2021 |
5 |
20. |
53051 |
PhD Hanuma Reddy Tiyyagura |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2019 - 2021 |
37 |
21. |
15682 |
PhD Tomaž Vuherer |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2017 - 2021 |
520 |
22. |
55641 |
Kaja Zadravec |
|
Technical associate |
2021 |
0 |
23. |
12295 |
PhD Franc Zupanič |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2017 - 2021 |
487 |
Organisations (1)
Abstract
In theory of the systems, metastability is a time dependent phenomenon. In terms of thermodynamics, this is a non-equilibrium state, which may exist for a longer period of time, because the kinetics of the transformation into a stable state are suppressed or significantly slowed down. In the field of materials science, the metastable states are declared as non-equilibrium states in which the materials exist for much longer than in equilibrium states. Due to the specific properties that materials obtain in these states, in most cases, their usefulness depends on the temporal stability of the metastable state at the conditions of their use. The program group P2-0120 has been dealing with the thermodynamically metastable states in metallic based materials from the very beginning of its activity in 1999. During this period of research work, a number of metastable states in a variety of high-strength and functional metallic materials have been identified, described and characterized. For the transition into metastable states, techniques of rapid solidification, forming technologies with extreme plastic deformation, unconventional methods of thermal and thermomechanical treatment and ultrasonic spray pyrolysis were used. The results of the scientific research to date and an interest demonstrated from the industrial environment have paved the way for further work of the program group. It is presented in the present proposal of the content of the research program for the next research period. The proposal contains the research activities in the following areas: optimization of the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technology, synthesis of spherical gold and iron oxide nanoparticles of target size, development of "Core/Shell" nanostructured composites for biomedical applications, optimizing of thermal processing and microstructure in high-strength nanostructured superbainitic steels, as well as the development of high-temperature resistant precipitation and dispersion hardened aluminum alloys. Implementation of the planned research work will be closely linked with the development of manufacturing technologies for thermodynamically metastable materials, methods of characterization of these materials in the metastable states and the studies of aging kinetics in dependence on external influential parameters.
Significance for science
This proposed Research Programme will increase the understanding and knowledge about metastability, technologies for obtaining this state, and the characterization methods which are otherwise intended for characterization of materials in equilibrium. In the framework of the Programme for production of nanostructured metastable materials we will use and develop different procedures that we have used up to now (rapid solidification and casting procedures, various technologies of transformation, including the technology of extreme plastic deformation, processes of thermal and thermomechanical treatment). Special attention will be paid to the development of a modular and redesigned Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis, which is one of the pyrolysis methods. In general, these represent a process of chemical decomposition of various compounds at an elevated temperature. With the USP method, ultrasound is used additionally to spray the precursor solution of the desired material into droplets. These droplets are then subjected to a high temperature, so that the material inside the droplets is decomposed chemically by pyrolysis, producing nanoparticles of pure elements. The advantage of the USP method is the simple installation of individual process segments and changing their configuration, a continuous synthesis of nanoparticles and the ability to synthesize pure nanoparticles of various materials, as well as from gold scrap. The relationship between the initial process parameters and the control of all these steps determines the properties of the final nanoparticles, obtained from the generated aerosol in the synthesis with spray drying of microparticles. USP is used typically for the preparation of metallic sub-micron particles and nanoparticles, since it can form highly crystalline metal oxides from the precursor solution, which may be an aqueous solution of one or more of the complex metal salts or oxides. Prices of different nanoparticles in comparison with the micro-particles are higher. An even greater difference occurs in nanostructured materials versus those made with traditional procedures. The Programme`s orientation is, therefore, an opportunity for a return on investment in cooperation with the Slovenian industrial partners.
We consider also that kinetically activated bainite steels with a properly optimized microstructure would have a high potential for the fabrication of machine parts and tools. Such steels may, due to their flexibility, further the understanding of the bainitic transformations in steels as, well as the understanding of the mechanical behaviour of mixed microstructures in high strength steels. In Slovenia there exists a Metallurgy and Manufacturing sector, which can apply the research results to strengthen their market position. It is an opportunity not to follow the research trends, but take a part in forming them, as there exists a lasting demand for bainitic steels which develop their final properties during air cooling, as well as high strength weldable structural steels. Already some companies have expressed an interest based on preliminary results. Particularly suitable are the areas of knife manufacturing, tooling, hand tools and mining equipment.
Significance for the country
In Slovenia there are many successful companies that are engaged in the production and processing of various metals. These companies handle the technologies for established alloys, but many achieve a relatively low added value. If they wish to stay competitive in the future they will have to qualify for the manufacture of technologically advanced materials and products. The proposed Research Programme is aimed at those basic skills that will mature in the next period or will develop so that they will be useful for the industry. From this perspective, we believe that with the deepening of theoretical knowledge on metastable materials and technologies and the development and management of modern material technologies, we can offer a strong support for the Slovenian metal industry. The industrialisation of nanomaterials and a new advanced high strength steel can be expected to be accompanied with certain economic benefits for the Metallurgical and Metal Processing industries. Kinetically activated bainite steels in particular offer very high productivity compared to other bainitic steel grades transformed at comparable temperatures.
The added values of this research programme are to promote knowledge sharing, greater public awareness, transparency and education. Therefore, the Project researchers will provide tangible proof that collaborative research not only exists, but also pays dividends in terms of academic excellence, industrial competitiveness, environmental improvements and enhanced quality of life for all. An effective flow of information and publicity about the objectives and results of our work, the contributions made to national, as well as European knowledge and scientific excellence, the value of collaboration on a Europe-wide scale and the benefits to EU citizens will be performed by: Newsletter, press release; Website and other internally generated support such as print publications, CDs; The industrial partner Zlatarna Celje d.d. will strengthen the “innovation capacity” and contribute to the development of new USP technology for NPs. This is the basis for outsource research, increased research efforts, extend networks, to exploit research results better and acquire technological know-how, bridging the gap between research and innovation.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2017,
2018,
2019
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2017,
2018,
2019