In the renown weekly show on TV Slovenija 1, Ugriznimo znanost, where science is discussed in a popular, relaxed, we were discusing the prospects of ceramics. Ceramics is a material that has been used for more than 30,000 years. Tradtional ceramics has a drawback - it is brittle. In the show we reposnded to the queations like: How is it then possible that nowadays we have ceramic teeth and hip-joint replacements? How were scientist able to overcome that drawback?
B.06 Other
COBISS.SI-ID: 29108775The prospects of nanoceramics of the future are discussed. What nano means and how are nanoceramics prepared, shaped and sintered, especially by employing the modern sintering techniqes, such as SPS; and how this extrapolates to their applicability, for example, porous materials used for insulation, biomaterials of the future and transparent ceramics. The interview was published in a public journal with the biggest daily printout.
B.06 Other
COBISS.SI-ID: 28597287We have designed and conducted an In Vivo experiment, where we can follow ageing of zirconia ceramics (3Y-TZP) in a safe procedure, un-invasive for the patients. The extent of degradation at both types of surface modifications, i.e., polished and sandblasted, proceed at a relatively slow pace. The increase in roughness of polished samples in the timeframe available did not yet reveal any clinically significant proportions, indicating on the absence of concerns of spontaneous fracture of the material. An important conclusion of the present in vivo study is pointing on the much longer clinical reliability of the zirconia ceramics, in contrast to the predicted outcomes based on laboratory in vitro experiments of accelerated ageing in an autoclave at elevated temperatures and pressures.
F.18 Transfer of new know-how to direct users (seminars, fora, conferences)
COBISS.SI-ID: 32326617Asst. prof. Andraž Kocjan spoke about the evolution of nanoceramics in the frame of a series of popular lectures on science, Science on the Street, in Kavarna Union. Advanced ceramic materials can be porous or dense, they usually exhibit composite structure, many of ceramics family has high melting point, i.e., above 2000C. By manipulating, processing the microstructure we can tailor mechanical, electrical, thermal and magnetic properties of ceramic materials, which make them suitable candidates for extreme conditions. As an example Kocjan put forth parts in turbine engines that are made from nanoceramics, where their employment the working temperature can be increased for 300-400 C, i.e., to 1300 C. This way the efficiency of power plants is also increased, while on the other hand planes can achieve better heat efficiency, where nanoceramic coatings make sure the metal parts of turbine engines do not melt.
B.04 Guest lecture
COBISS.SI-ID: 28543527The patent relates to a simple noninvasive process for enhancing the adhesion of dental cements to ceramic dentures that exploits the hydrolysys of AlN powder in a water suspension. The process was developed within the PhD thesis of A. Kocjan, while the implementation was part of a PhD thesis of P. Jevnikar and master thesis of M. Golobic, whose presentations were recognized by the Pfaffenberg award given by ADM to outstanding students achievemnets in 2010 and ECERS in 2012 for the best student's poster.
F.09 Development of a new technological process or technology
COBISS.SI-ID: 21150759