Projects / Programmes
Surface physics and chemistry of metallic materials
January 1, 2019
- December 31, 2027
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.04.02 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
Metallic materials |
| 2.09.06 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Electronic components and technologies |
Characterisation of electronic components and materials |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T150 |
Technological sciences |
Material technology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.05 |
Engineering and Technology |
Materials engineering |
metallic materials, surface funcionalization, biodegradability, surface engineering, additive manufacturing
Data for the last 5 years (citations for the last 10 years) on
April 28, 2024;
A3 for period
2018-2022
| Database |
Linked records |
Citations |
Pure citations |
Average pure citations |
| WoS |
700 |
11,352 |
9,815 |
14.02 |
| Scopus |
714 |
12,864 |
11,234 |
15.73 |
Researchers (29)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The research program P2-0132 SURFACE PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF METALLIC MATERIALS is a continuation of our fundamental and applied research on the chemical reactions and physical properties of the surfaces and interfaces of metallic materials, and is highly relevant for Slovenian science and industry. It involves four fields: (A) Surface structuring and functionalization, (B) Correlations between the processes in solid alloys, their phases and interphases, and their physical-chemical properties, (C) Advanced technologies for the synthesis of modern metallic materials and applications in Slovenian industry, and (D) Surface engineering of metallic materials and applications in Slovenian industry. The research topics link the research of free surfaces, the boundaries of crystalline grains and phases, and changes in the functionality of the surfaces of metallic materials.
Understanding the behaviour of surfaces, borders and other free surfaces at the macro, micro and nano levels is crucial for the proper design of new materials with specific properties. New, advanced analytical techniques allow for a better insight into a material and its surface, opening up new areas of research and asking new questions. With various thermo-mechanical process parameters and other modern production technologies, we can influence the appropriate development of the microstructure, which has a decisive influence on the properties of materials. Knowing the processes on the surface and at the borders and the influence of various parameters of modern material synthesis technologies enable the development of simulation models aimed at predicting the microstructure and, consequently, the properties of materials and their surfaces.
The planned basic research of the program relates to various fields of metallic materials in order to acquire new basic knowledge in the field of the physics and chemistry of metal surfaces, and then to transfer this knowledge to Slovenian industry. Research is focused on the design of new approaches to surface functionalization, the development of biodegradable materials, the engineering of boundaries and surfaces, and the understanding of the development of the microstructure, including metallic materials made with additive-manufacturing processes.
The research program group is also involved in applied research for Slovenian industry mainly in the field of metallurgy, energetics, tooling, additive manufacturing, and also the research of medical devices. The group co-creates postgraduate education study at the Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School and University of Ljubljana NTF OMM. The group has extended international collaborations: MPIE Dusseldorf, Germany, Lomonosov University Moscow, University of Sao Carlos, Brazil, University of Leuven-KUL, Belgium, National University South – NUS from Bahia Blanca, Argentina, UC Berkeley, USA, Montan University Leoben, and the University of Genova, Italy.
Significance for science
The main contribution of the proposed research program to the development of science will be in the newly acquired basic knowledge in the area of surfaces and boundaries and the functionalization of metal materials’ surfaces. Researches will clarify the physical and chemical phenomena that are crucial for further processes, such as recovery, recrystallization, oxidation, corrosion, precipitation hardening, formation of the desired microstructure and texture. They have a decisive influence on the mechanical and physical properties of metallic materials. The innovative surface modifications of advanced metallic materials will enable a number of advanced applications in the field of biomedical devices and the use of modified surfaces to prevent biofouling. Additionally, we will investigate and develop self-cleaning surfaces and surfaces that allow a new approach to cooling from micro-systems to solutions in architecture. Research on the formation of coherent, semi-coherent and non-coherent precipitates in the steels for nuclear and thermal power plants will enable the development of a model for determining the creep and deformation resistance of materials as well as the remaining lifetime of individual components in thermal and nuclear power plants. In the field of superalloys, we will expand knowledge in the area of precipitation hardening and gain knowledge about the stability of the microstructure at elevated temperatures and when subject to deformations. The new materials’ manufacturing technologies with rapid solidification and deformation processes will allow an understanding of the formation of a microstructure with high temperature resistance. The concept of the self-healing of metallic materials is an innovative way of improving the mechanical properties of materials and extending their lifetime as well as increasing the safety of structural elements. The results in the field of new syntheses of materials, especially with additive manufacturing processes, will help to understand the formation of microstructures depending on the printing parameters. Mathematical models for predicting microstructures and properties that we will develop will have a major impact on the development of this field. Such models will significantly reduce product-development times. An important contribution will also be the understanding of the nitriding process on various materials and materials produced by the additive manufacturing.
The results of the basic research in the framework of the program's objectives will contribute to the international treasury of knowledge and will be presented at scientific conferences, published in internationally recognized scientific journals and, if necessary, protected in the form of patents. The acquired knowledge will also contribute to the implementation of the European requirements for reduced energy consumption, lower emission and pollution levels and greater efficiency of materials processing. The research results will also provide practical knowledge in the field of surface modification and new material synthesis. In the field of surface engineering by heat treatment and deposition of multi-layer coatings on HSLA steel with a intermediate diffusion layer by the PACVD procedure, we will gain new theoretical findings regarding nanomaterials, additive composite materials and a better understanding of the connection between the diffusion of alloy elements of the composite material, the diffusion of nitrogen and the formation of nitrides. Since we are dealing with problems in the field of interdisciplinary cooperation that brings together researchers in the field of metallurgy, chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering, biology and medicine, we expect many original scientific and applicative results of the proposed research program.
Significance for the country
The Slovenian metallurgy and the metal-processing industry have long traditions. They represent an important share of GDP and an important export segment. In 2013, companies in this field generated nearly €9 billion of net revenues and employed 64,000 people. Added value per employee amounted to €35,000 on average, with almost 70% of industry's products exported. The increase in the production of steel and aluminum in Slovenia shows the importance and relevance of the programme group, which uses its knowledge and experience to support three main Slovenian steel plants (Acroni, Štore Steel, Metal Ravne) and aluminum producers (Impol, Talum). The programme research group is also important for the Slovenian tooling industry, with research in the field of surface engineering and 3D printing of metallic materials. Intensely integrating into this field, where the knowledge of planning and managing the process of additive manufacturing technologies is crucial, are successful Slovenian companies such as LTH Castings, Hidria, TPV, Talum, Gorenje, Unior, Akrapovič. The research group with its knowledge and results-oriented basic research continuously contributes to the development and maintenance of the sector in Slovenia as well as globally. Through application projects, it provides for the rapid transfer of new knowledge to industry.
The proposed research program is of extreme importance for Slovenia, the process engineering at the grain boundaries and the functionalization of the surfaces enable the production of advanced metallic materials with the desired properties. Research results will be transferred into spin-off companies, to be established by young PhDs or postdoctoral researchers within the programme group that will, with the help of established researchers, develop individual products from the field of nanostructured surfaces for a range of applications. Spin-off companies provide new jobs with high added value for young highly educated people, thus helping to transfer knowledge and improve the socio-economic development of Slovenia. We expect that research on the self-healing of metallic materials will open up a completely new research area, with valuable application potential. The Slovenian aluminum and steel industries are very developed and among the leading companies in the world. Impol and Talum together generate around €1 billion of turnover per year, which is a large share of the total Slovenian GDP. Research within the program will also open an entirely new perspective of forging production for the automotive industry, where sub-aged Al-alloys can keep us inside the so-called safe area in the event of cracks. In addition, there is an extremely strong steel industry in Slovenia within SIJ and Štore Steel. An important segment of research in this area is the creep-resistant steel for use in energetics. There is also a tendency towards the development of maraging steels and nickel superalloys. Improving the properties of these materials and incorporating self-healing properties will result in a safety increase, thereby increasing both competitiveness and added value. Slovenian toolmaking will thus be able to provide high-quality vacuum heat-treated tools and tools with surfaces protected by hard multi-layer coatings manufactured by PACVD plasma technologies. This will provide longer lifetime and wear-resistant surface coatings as well as allow the deposition of these layers onto larger tools.
Research focused on the surface functionalization and research of biomaterials with an emphasis on the development and research of biodegradable materials, may have a major impact on healthcare. Clinically developed biodegradable materials will completely change the concept of resurgery in the treatment of traumatic injuries of bone tissue. For patients, this will be a great relief, especially in terms of faster recovery, and for healthcare, this will result in fewer surgeries, fewer complications, and lower costs of health car
Most important scientific results
Interim report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Interim report
