Projects / Programmes
Characterization and modelling of nanostructured metal surfaces
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.04.02 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
Metallic materials |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T150 |
Technological sciences |
Material technology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.05 |
Engineering and Technology |
Materials engineering |
nanostructured surfaces, single crystals, polycrystals, metallic materials, ion beam, focused, defocused, laser beam, characterization, integrated electron spectroscopy analytical techniques, AES, XPS, AFM, FIB, FE-SEM, EDS, EBSD, AFM Density function theory (DFT) , neuron nets
Researchers (25)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
Research project Characterisation and modelling of nanostructured surfaces of metallic materials is focused on a wide range of basic and applied research in chemical reactions and physical properties of nanostructured surfaces and boundary surfaces of metal and composite materials. It consists of studying the atomic structure and chemical composition of surfaces and experimental research on the properties of metallic materials with the aim of understanding the relationship between structure, composition and properties. The essential aim of the proposed project is better understanding of complex physical processes and chemical reactions of these materials at the surface. The project combines a number of research areas by integrating the research at the surfaces and interfaces, nanostructured surfaces, characterization and modelling.
Engineering of interfaces and nanostructures focuses on a model of the mechanism and kinetics C, P, S in the basic planes of the monocrystal FeSi and modelling of nanostructures with DFT, MonteCarlo and neural network, model research of nanostructuring of surfaces by adsorption of surface active elements, faceting and modelling.
Model research of surface nanostructuring by defocused and focused ion beam
Study of de-wetting properties of thin layers in the production of nanostructured surfaces by FIB.
Micro-and nanostructured surfaces by laser ablation of solid surfaces. The surface will be structured with a sequence of laser pulses so that we will remove material (with sublimation) on the trajectory of the laser beam.
Nanostructured surfaces of metal materials and polymers, PACVD coatings for biofouling control in fresh and marine water
Nanostructured surfaces coated with inorganic antibiotics—PhD thesis
Bacterial adhesion to the surfaces is an important biological process that depends on various parameters such as surface chemistry, chemical composition, topography and surface roughness. Surface roughness plays an important role in the process of adhesion, especially when the irregularities on the surface are comparable to the size of the bacteria and therefore act as a shelter from unfavourable environmental factors. The aim of the research is to examine the effect of roughness and surface topography of stainless steel (austenitic and duplex) and of the samples with deposited thin layer of TiO2-Ag-Co on the adhesion of different bacteria.
Significance for science
In the frame of the project the new methodologies were developed for the characterization of nanostructured metallic materials and interface analysis at nano and atomic scale. The experimental technique for measurements of equilibrium segregation in situ was developed at IMT, and the mechanism and kinetics of segregation were determined. The phenomenon of faceting was compared to the formation of ripples at lower temperatures and with the ion beam application in the frame of doctoral dissertation “Ion beam modification of surfaces in the nanoscale domain” . A new research field introducing the nanostructuring of the surface using ion beam was opened, which is a promising and less costly process than nanolithography. In the frame of the project together with the Argentinian research group of Prof. Alfredo Juan From Universidad National del Sur, Bahia Blanca the model investigation of Se surface segregation on the surface of single crystal facets (100), (001) and (111) by DFT (Density Functional Theory) modelling was performed, The common results are published in two papers and additional one is in print. The third part of the projectis interesting for Štore Steel, a producer of steel for high strength springs. The non-metallic inclusions are crucial for the desired quality of steels and springs. Therefore, in the frame of BSc Thesis entitled “Comparative analysis of 51CrV4 alloy and structuring of the results” a new methodology for determining content of non-metallic inclusions and their spatial distribution was produced, which represents a completely new approach not currently accessible in the literature data. The PhD thesis "Characterization and modelling of the microstructure of spring steel using genetic algorithm" is also under preparation as a part of Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies Advanced Metallic Materials, in the frame of JSI and IMT at the Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School. Doctoral dissertation “Characterization and modelling of the spring steel microstructures using genetic algorithm” introduces the innovative breakthrough method of modelling microstructure of metallic materials, the meshless modelling of metallic materials. Doctoral dissertation “Automated Auger Electron spectra analysis” presents the enviable results in the field of AES automation. The key for automation analysis of AE spectra lies in noise removal and spectral background at the fact that spectra are not deformed. The known spectral background is removed from spectra and in such a way by automation method the investigated element of spectra can be detected. The detection limit of AES method was decreased, which is enviable achievement. We succeeded to establish the basis for automated analysis of AE spectra. The results of laser nano structuring of metallic surfaces with the aim of analysis the effect of their hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity showed that at the occasion of laser drilling the small squirts on the surface appeared, represented additional surface microstructure. We noticed superhidrophilicity but we did not achieved superhydrofobicity. We studied also microstructured surfaces for antibiofouling and the shark let pattern as well as other samples were exposed to bacterial biofouling. Doctoral dissertation “The influence of chemical an physical modification of austenitic stainless steel (AISI 316L) on bacterial adhesion “ deals with the investigation of bacterial adhesion on the surface and formation of biofilms on the surface of stainless steel which present the chronic source of microbes contamination in medicine and food industry. The numbers and bacterial organization among different sample differed. Bacteria adhered to direct vicinity of already adhered bacteria and formed clusters. Often bacteria adhered to cracks, scratches and other irregularities on the surface, due to protection from unfavourable environment factors.
Significance for the country
Results of development of new methodologies and experimental techniques for characterization of metallic materials and composites on nano and atomic scale as well as implementation to Slovenia is very important for Slovenian R&D. Direct impact of the project to Slovenian economy and society of the results of teh project is through the development of new advanced nanostructured surfaces of coatings to prevent bio fouling. The results will also impact on Slovenian industry, producers of medical and food equipment. The results of second topic are important for non-oriented steel, FeSi alloy, producer ACRONI and also for producers of nanaostructured surfaces using ion beam, this is a promising and less costly process than nanolithography. The results are also important for company LPKF, the nanostructuring is possible also with laser ablation. The results of characterization and modelling of microstructure of metallic materials are very important for producer of high quality spring steels for manufacturing of high strength springs for automotive industry. The most important is the Model for simulation of space distribution non-metallic inclusions in spring steels
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
