Projects / Programmes
Intelligent polymeric materials and technologies
January 1, 2004
- December 31, 2008
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.04.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
|
| 2.05.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Mechanics |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T390 |
Technological sciences |
Polymer technology, biopolymers |
polymeric materials, macro- and nano-composites, intelligent behavior, multiscale phenomena, time-dependent behavior of materials and structural elements, constitutive modeling, effect of pressure, temperature, moisture, and mechanical loading, processing technology
Researchers (10)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
For many years the research group has been studying the behavior of time-dependent materials, especially polymers and polymer based composites.During the manufacturing process the polymeric materials are usually exposed to extreme and rapid changes of temperature and pressure.In this process the formation of the material structure takes place, which finally defines the behavior of the material in solid state. The nonlinear viscoelastic model 'Knauss-Emri', developed by our group, enables modeling of the macroscopic behavior of polymers exposed to different boundary conditions (pressure, temperature, moisture, and mechanical loading) during the production process and later in exploitation.
The research group develops the unique measuring systems for studying the influence of boundary conditions and initial molecular kinetics on the solidification process of polymer melts in which the material structure is being formed.As accompanying tool the software for interconversion of the viscoelastic material functions and determination of the mechanical spectrum (utilizing the iterative numerical algorithm 'Emri-Tschoegel') was developed. The spectrum is qualitatively connected to the molecular weight distribution, which defines the initial kinetics of the material.
The nonlinear model 'Knauss-Emri', developed apparatuses, and accompanying software, represent a unique iterative experimental-analytical tool for studying and analyzing the relations between the chemical structure and the macroscopic behavior of the material in solid state. This new approach enables optimization of processing conditions as well as development of new materials by modifying the initial kinetics of molecules. Based on this approach, the group in collaboration with the German company BASF developed a new generation of thermoplastic polymeric materials (I-Polymers), which were patented in 156 countries and independently with 5 patents in USA and EU.
The goal of this program is to study the effect of thermo-mechanical boundary conditions (i.e.technology) on the polymer structure formation, which results from the nonlinear molecular interactions that take place at different time-space scales. The research is performed at three levels, representing transition from the laboratory to the industrial environment: a) Laboratory scale: study of the influence of controlled boundary conditions on complex material structure formation. This is achieved through precise specimen preparation procedure, which enables very exact control of temperature and pressure history (loading); b) Semi-industrial scale: simulation of controlled boundary conditions by using laboratory extruders and injection molding machines. This is the first step in determination of technological parameters, which lead to the formation of superstructure at real polymer processing conditions; c) Industrial scale: scale-up of the polymer processing technology to the industrial level.
For studying the effect of boundary conditions on the solidification process of polymer melts, the newly developed iterative experimental-analytical approach is used. The interrelation between the variation of boundary conditions and the time-scale of molecular interactions is predicted with the modified 'Knauss-Emri' model. The predicted boundary conditions are used for the specimen preparation. Their structure is then analyzed by different characterization techniques such as creep and relaxation, NMR, DSC, optical and electron microscopy, etc., which allow 'observation of the structure' on different time-space scales. The analytical prediction of boundary conditions is only approximative. The optimization of technological parameters, which induce the formation of superstructure exhibiting the intelligent behavior, should be therefore obtained experimentally through the iterative analysis in the vicinity of the analytical prediction. Small variations in boundary conditions can have significant effect on the struct...
Significance for science
Understanding multidimensional interactions of processes which take place at various time-space scales represents one of the most rapidly developing fields of science in the world. This field is distinctly interdisciplinary, integrating almost all conventional scientific disciplines. The most courageous ones claim that this research will give an answer to the question about the origin of life on Earth. The roots of this field of research go back to 1999 when Toyota published astonishing results of their discovery that by adding 1-2 vol.% of nanoparticles to a polyamide it was possible to achieve completely new mechanical properties of the material, which were the consequence of a modified structure of the basic polymer matrix. Hence, the added nanoparticles initiated a variation in the material structure formation. Our team achieved similar results by adding very short molecules of the same material which reflects as a multimodal molecular mass distribution. A little later it was found that similar effects could be achieved by extreme pressure and temperature boundary conditions [1]. The combination of both is the subject of our research. Under extreme pressure and temperature, polymer materials start to behave in an extremely nonlinear (chaotic) manner. In these extreme conditions, the material subjected to even minute changes in boundary conditions (technology) can be brought to completely new quasi-stable state in which it exhibits physical properties that are different by several orders of magnitude. An example of this is intelligent polyamides – i.e., I-PA material which we developed in collaboration with BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Germany. These multimodal materials in combination with appropriate technology enable the production of materials with gradient structure and intelligent behaviour, which represents an unparalleled result in this field (cutting edge technology). At this moment, biocompatible osseointergative materials with gradient structure, developed by our group, represent a worldwide novelty, and an opportunity for various applications in medicine as well as engineering practice. References: [1] A.L. Greer. Too hot to melt. Nature, 404, 134-137 (2000)
Significance for the country
The ultimate goal of the proposed programme is to generate the basic knowledge, which we do and will need for technological breakthrough in the field of biocompatible osseointegrable gradient polyamide implants. The size of the market niche of orthopaedic and dental implants is estimated to be EUR 20 billion per year. Entering this niche with a new brakethrough product is a technical and socio-economic challenge and opportunity for Slovenia. The contribution of the programme can be assessed from several aspects as follows: Sustainable socio-economic and cultural development A new generation of intelligent materials and technologies provides for an increase in the added value of products whose functionality depends on the structural material used. The use of polymer materials whose mechanical properties are stable (constant) in the temperature range from -20 to +10°C represents, for example, a technological advantage in the production of ski boots, and enables the placement of this product in a higher price bracket. Again, we have to emphasize the use of gradient materials in orthopaedic and dental surgery, and the use of polyamide fibres in ophthalmic and cardiovascular surgery. The development of new surgical techniques based on the specific behaviour of gradient materials and intelligent fibres will place Slovenia among the leading countries in this field worldwide. The shift of industrial products to higher price brackets and the development of superior medical techniques will contribute to the increase of Slovenia’s socio-economic level and, as a consequence, produce a positive and productive impact on all the levels of social and cultural development of the Slovenian nation. Technological development The results of the proposed research represent the basic knowledge of the technology network in the field of new materials and environmental technologies, which is one of the four priority areas of Slovenian technologic development in this decade. The National Technology Network Intelligent Polymer Materials and Technologies – TM IPMT, which also includes the Center for Experimental Mechanics as the basic knowledge provider, interconnects the leading Slovenian companies engaged in polymer materials processing. The research team’s work is oriented towards targeted research for the needs of Slovenian industry in those segments where specific properties of new materials can be utilized to raise the added value of products and consequently increase competitive capacities of Slovenian enterprises. This team’s knowledge and skills serve as the basis for development tasks carried out in the framework of TM IPMT. Integrative research activities will take place in the framework of the newly established Institute for Sustainable Innovative Technologies - ISIT, which was established by enterprises as the centre of excellence in the framework of the National Technology Networks of Slovenia. ISIT offers over 4000 m2 of the environment where basic research, development and postgraduate education of experts will be pooled with the aim of establishing new spin-off companies in which we will bring the superior scientific achievements to economic success. Strengthening of national identity and conservation of the wealth of natural and cultural heritage National identity of a nation is closely related to the economic and technological level of the country. Introduction of most advanced technologies requires new forms of organization of production processes and education levels. Both have a strong impact on the general socio-economic organization of the society. New sustainable technologies also have a more long-term influence on the preservation of the environment and use of natural resources. Increasing the quality of products and consequently enhancing the standing of the Made in Slovenia symbol is one of the key elements in systematic consolidation of Slovenia’s reputation in the world and the associated national identity of Slovenes.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
