Projects

National

Experimentálny vývoj nových kovo-keramických nano-kompozitov pre trecie aplikácie s využitím odpadov z obrábamia kovov
Experimental development of new metal – ceramic nano – composites for friction applications using metal wastes from machining operations.
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Podobová Mária, PhD.
Annotation: The aim of the project is to investigate the properties of nano-composites with a metal matrix based on Fe-Cu with the addition of SiC, ZrO2, Al2O3 and graphene and with the addition of metal wastes from conventional machining operations such as Al, CuSn, stainless steel, Ti, MgAl etc. The composites will be prepared by the method of dry mixing in a 3D turbula, attritor, the method of high-energy ball-mill in ethanol, the method of rapid sintering using a pulsed electric current in a vacuum under the simultaneous action of uniaxial pressure (SPS "spark plasma sintering"). The results will be mapping the properties of prepared nano-composites, such as hardness, strength, abrasion resistance, thermal and structural stability (DSC / TG), coefficient of friction and wear and selection of nano-composites with the best possible combination of individual components with respect to the resulting properties (stability, carrying-off heat weight reduction, coefficient of friction, wear rate).
Duration: 1.1.2023 – 31.12.2025
Vývoj a výskum vysokoentropických zliatin určených na efektívne uskladnenie vodíka
Research and development of highentropy alloys for efficient hydrogen storage
Program: VEGA
Project leader: doc. Ing. Saksl Karel, DrSc.
Annotation: The aim of this project is the development and research of high-entropy alloys – HEA whose primary function will be in hydrogen storage. Commercial use of H2 relies on its efficient and safe storage. One of the most efficient ways to store H2 is chemically bond it to an alloy lattice in a form of metalhydrides. The TiVZrNbHf alloy is capable of storing far greater amounts of H2 up to 210 kg.m-3. The problem of the alloy is its relatively high density of 7.81 g.cm-3, for transport applications. Much higher mass storage capacities are expected to be achieved with other HEA, consisting of lighter elements. In the project, we will design, prepare and fully characterize a series of new HEA with a low density of <7 g.cm-3. Materials that meet the targets of absorption capacity (>2wt% and>220 kgH2/m3), low desorption temperature <140°C and high cyclic absorption/desorption stability (>1000 cycles with a capacity drop of less than 10%). In the project, we will use our knowledge and expertise in the design and preparation of HEA.
Duration: 1.1.2022 – 31.12.2024
NOVEMBER – Vývoj nových 3D materiálov pre post Li-iónové batérie s vysokou energetickou hustotou
Development of novel 3D materials for post lithium ion batteries with high energy density
Program: SRDA
Project leader: Ing. Ballóková Beáta, PhD.
Annotation: The overall objective of NOVEMBER is to prepare and characterize new materials and concepts with self-healing functionalities integrated within the battery cell. These new composite 3-D materials will enable a variety of critical features including fail-safe and self-healing technologies to improve the battery performance, and greatly extended lifetimes. Special emphasis will be on in-operando electrochemical measurements using impedance spectroscopy and structural measurements. Validation of new materials will be done in small laboratory prototypes. This small prototypes are important in order to demonstrate scalability to battery cell production processes. To reach this goal, NOVEMBER has identified three specific objectives: 1. Development of novel high entropy oxides and sulfur based materials with self-healing functionalities. 2. Development of new physico-chemical in-operando techniques and solutions for monitoring of agign and degradation mechanisms 3. Validation and exploitation of the developed materials in prototypes. In summary, this project combines materials research advances and sophisticated in-operando technology development in order to obtain new materials for post Li -ion batteries with enhanced life-time and performances.
Duration: 1.7.2021 – 31.12.2024
HydroHEA – Výskum a vývoj nových vysokoentropických zliatin určených na efektívne uskladnenie vodíka v energetických aplikáciách
Research and development of new high – entropy alloys for efficient hydrogen storage in energy applications
Program: SRDA
Project leader: doc. Ing. Saksl Karel, DrSc.
Annotation: The presented project aims to development and research of metal hydride materials of the latest generation – highentropyalloys, which report the highest volumetric storage capacity of hydrogen among all materials used so far.We intend to utilize these materials in metal hydride tanks of hydrogen compressors, which are being developed inSlovakia by the project cooperating organisation – FME TUKE.In June 2020, the European Commission presented the Union\’s hydrogen strategy, which states that hydrogen andthe hydrogen economy are among the key technologies for the future of industry in the EU.The presented project aims to meet the goal of efficient and safe hydrogen storage. Up to date studies show thehighest volumetric hydrogen storage capacity of 150 kg/m3, out of all conventional alloys, is reached by Mg2FeH6metal hydride. In 2016, Sahlberg et al. in a publication entitled "Superior hydrogen storage in high entropy alloys"confirmed that the high-entropy alloy TiVZrNbHf can store an incredible "superior" of 210 kg/m3 of hydrogen in itsstructure with a ratio of hydrogen atoms to metal (H / M) 2.5. However, the problem of the alloy is its relatively high density of 7.81 g/cm3, which makes it too high for transport applications. In the project, we will design, prepare andfully characterize a series of completely new high-entropy materials with a low density <7 g/cm3. Materials thatmeet the targets of absorption capacity (> 2 wt% and> 220 kg H2/m3), low desorption temperature (<140C) andhigh cyclic absorption / desorption stability (> 1000 cycles with capacity drop of less than 10%) we will patent. Thealloys will also be tested in a hydrogen compressor, which will undoubtedly contribute to the further evaluation ofthe outputs of this project. In the project we will use our long-term knowledge and expertise in the design,preparation and characterization of high-entropy alloys.
Duration: 1.7.2021 – 30.6.2024
BiAll-2 – Vývoj nových bioresorbovateľných zliatin pre vnútrotelové implantáty
Development of new bioresorbable alloys for intracorporeal implants
Program: SRDA
Project leader: Ing. Molčanová Zuzana, PhD.
Annotation: The main goal of submitted project is to develop the new bioresorbable alloys Ca-Mg-Zn-NN and Ca-Mg-Sr-NNwith controlled rate of biodegradation (NN are solid solution strengthening and stabilizing elements). Developed alloys will be preferentially dedicated to fabrication of intracorporal implants for bone tissue engineering field. Members of project research team are highly focused on the investigation of these alloys systems since 2014. Essential and logical continuity of research activities are moving towards to experimental outputs into medical practice. However, this requires a large-scale investments of research capabilities to enhance the plastic deformability of alloys, while maintain their excellent strength properties and slow dissolution rate. Taking into account that healing of traumatic injuries needs different time of implant mechanical support, the great ambition of the project is to prepare alloys with possibility of controlling their dissolution rate. Another research point with hugepotential of success is handling and mastering of 3D printing of well -defined intracorporal implants from proposed alloys. One of the final research tasks will be in-vivo testing of implants dissolution in the environment of animals bone tissue and continuous monitoring of their degredation rate. Several state-of-the-art experimental techniques, such as HR-TEM microscopy or experiments using synchrotron and neutron diffraction techniques, will be used to study the atomic structure and microstructure of materials to meet the project objectives. Modern techniques of selective laser sintering and/or melting will be used for the production of final implants. The achieved outputs of the project research programme will be adapted by contracted private company Biomedical Engineering s.r.o. and displayed into clinical practice.
Duration: 1.7.2021 – 30.6.2024
Vývoj nekonvečného termo-mechanického postupu finálneho spracovania izotropnych elektrotechnických ocelí
Unconventional thermo-mechanical technology development of final processing of isotropic electrical steels.
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Mgr. Petryshynets Ivan, PhD.
Duration: 1.1.2021 – 31.12.2023
Vývoj progresívnych disperzne spevnených kompozitov s kovovou matricou pripravených spekaním pomocou pulzného elektrického prúdu
Development of progressive dispersion-reinforced metal matrix composites prepared by pulsed electric current sintering
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Puchý Viktor, PhD.
Duration: 1.1.2020 – 31.12.2022
REDHYBEAR – Výskum a vývoj energeticky úsporného hybridného ložiskového reduktora so zníženým opotrebením pre robotické zariadenia (pre Priemysel 4.0)
Research and development of energy saving hybrid bearing reducer with lowered wear rate for robotic equipment (for Industry 4.0)
Program: SRDA
Project leader: doc. RNDr. Hvizdoš Pavol, DrSc.
Duration: 1.7.2019 – 30.6.2022
Histes – Vývoj vysoko-legovaných izotrópnych elektro ocelí pre trakčné motory elektromobilov
Development of high-alloy isotropic electrical steels for traction engines of electric vehicles
Program: SRDA
Project leader: RNDr. Kováč František, CSc.
Annotation: In this project, for the production of high strength electrical steel type “finish”, we aim to propose an original concept of chemical composition and microstructural design with the desirable crystallographic texture which would beprovided a combination of excellent electro-magnetic and high strength properties. The strength properties will be provided by high alloying of steels which are based on substituents elements with Si content from 3 to 3,5 wt.%, Alcontent from 0,5 to 1,5 wt.%, Cu content up to 0,5 wt.%, and P content up 0,10 wt.%. The low value of watt losses and high level of magnetic induction will be achieved by means of coarse-grained columnar or coarse-grained equiaxial microstructure with average grain size in the range from 150 to 300μm and with increased intensity of cube and Goss texture components at the expense of deformation texture. The evolution of the final microstructure will be based on the use of the strain-induced growth of ferrite grains through the thickness of the sheet from itssurface to the central part. At the same time, we want to eliminate the liability to the brittle failure of materials during the cold rolling. It will be realised by optimization of previous thermal deformation exposures in the hot rollingprocess as well as optimization of deformation process of cold rolling with "tailor-made" parameters of rolled steel.The development steel will be used in traction engines of electric vehicles and in high-speed electric motors withhigh requirement for the power.
Duration: 1.7.2019 – 30.6.2022
Textúrne dvojito orientované elektrotechnické ocele s vysokou, izotrópnou indukciou.
Double-oriented electrical steels with high and isotropic magnetic induction.
Program: VEGA
Project leader: RNDr. Kováč František, CSc.
Annotation: The project is a goal-oriented on the development of isotropic electrical steels with high induction. The idea of theproject is based on the increase of cubic texture intensity and the control of the Goss texture component in thesheet plane. The mentioned crystallographic texture will be achieved by columnar grains growth via themechanisms of diffusion-controlled and deformation-induced grain boundary motion. The intensity of the cubictexture component will be increased from sub-surface region to the central part. At the same time the highintensity of the deformation component (111) [0vw] will be eliminated at the middle part of steel. Such amicrostructural and textural state will be the basis for the isotropy of magnetic properties at a relatively low lossesand a high isotropy of magnetic induction. The output of the project will be not only the acquired knowledge infield of basic research, also will be proposed a technological process for the preparation of such a microstructure.
Duration: 1.1.2019 – 31.12.2021
Vývoj nových biodegradovateľných kovových zliatin určených pre medicínske aplikácie
Development of new biodegradable metal alloys for medical applications
Program: VEGA
Project leader: doc. Ing. Saksl Karel, DrSc.
Annotation: In the submitted project we would like to prepare and investigate ultralight amorphous alloys (metallic glasses) which will be produced only from bioabsorbable elements (Ca, Mg, Zn, Sr, Si, Zr and Li). These elements are present in the human body and they are naturally tolerated by the human body.These amorphous alloys are applied in the field of medicine to prepare intracorporeal implants with controlled dissolution in the body of a patient. During the project our research team will design a brand new amorphous alloys. We will perform analysis of their atomic structures, tests of thermal stability, critical casting thickness, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance in environment similar to the human body fluids and cytotoxicity of the osteoblastic cells on the alloys surface. During the evaluation of new alloys we use our knowledge in field of detail study of atomic structure upon highly disorered materials.
Duration: 1.1.2019 – 31.12.2021
Vplyv grafénu na tribologické vlastnosti keramických materiálov na báze karbidov a boridov
The influence of graphene platelets addition on tribological properties of ceramic composites based on carbides and borides.
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Kovalčíková Alexandra, PhD.
Duration: 1.1.2017 – 31.12.2019
Vplyv sekundárnych častíc na mikroštruktúru a mechanické vlastnosti horčíkových nanokompozitných sústav.
Effect of secondary phases on microstructure and mechanical properties of magnesium nanocomposite systems
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Ballóková Beáta, PhD.
Annotation: The purpose of the project is to investigate properties of Mg nanomaterial systems prepared by the method ofIPD, the analysis of the failure micromechanisms in relation to the microstructure and basic mechanical andtechnological properties. Tribological parameters, creep characteristics, local mechanical properties of phases,as well as kinetics and mechanism of superplasticity will also be evaluated. Further, behavior of the individualcomposite materials after influencing the surface by laser radiation and determination of the optimal parametersof the laser beam will be examined. The aim will be to analyze mechanical properties, wear resistant andcorrosion properties of the materials in relation to their morphology and their microstructural changes induced bylaser modification.Experimental materials will be one-phased and composite nanostructured material systems based on Mg withthe different volume fractions of strengthening nanoparticles of Al2O3, SiC and carbon nanotubes.
Duration: 1.1.2017 – 31.12.2019
Vplyv parametrov laserového zvárania na štruktúru a vlastnosti zvarových spojov moderných ocelí pre automobilový priemysel
Influence of laser welding parameters on microstructure and properties of welded joints of advanced steels for automotive industry
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Kepič Ján, PhD.
Annotation: The project is focused on prediction of laser welded joint behaviour at different strain rates. Mentioned simulatedthe real crash tests by creating new and cost-efficient test methods available in the laboratory. The strength anddeformation properties of high-strength steel sheets, laser welded tailored blanks and composites will beinvestigated by tensile, 3-point bending and cyclic bending tests. The measured characteristics of these materialswill be compared with the characteristics of progressive materials such as aluminium alloys and composites. Thethermodynamic calculations will be performed before welding in order to predict phase composition ofpolycomponent welds depending on welding conditions (power, welding rate and focus position). To reach theobjectives the method of design of experiment, experimental tests and numerical simulations based on finiteelements metod will be used.
Duration: 1.1.2016 – 31.12.2018
VEGA – Modelovanie napäťových stavov pri nanoindentácii a mechanickom zaťažení v kompozitných systémoch
Modeling of stress state during nanoindentation and mechanical loading in composite systems (MONACO)
Program: VEGA
Project leader: doc. RNDr. Lofaj František, DrSc.
Annotation: Project deals with the mathematical and experimental modelling of stress states during instrumented indentation and scratch testing under uniaxial – and multiaxial loading of fixed beam in composite systems by means of finite element modeling and experimental testing in model systems. The aim of the project is to create a knowledge basis for the optimization of the conditions for the measurement of nanohardness and scratch resistance of thin hard coatings on hard and soft substrates using instrumented indentation and scratch testing and on the increase of mechanical bonding of beams under loading mimicking bicortical dental implants.
Duration: 1.1.2014 – 31.12.2016
VIPD – Vplyv intenzívnych plastických deformácií na formovanie štruktúry a vlastnosti progresívnych kompozitných nanomateriálových sústav
Effect of intensive plastic deformations on microstructure and properties of advanced composite nanomaterial systems
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Ballóková Beáta, PhD.
Annotation: The project aim is to contribute to the description of deformation behavior and failure mechanisms of materials prepared by intensive plastic deformation especially with regard to interaction of solidified phases withnanocomposite matrix.The basis of the project is the main research in the area of microstructure, substructure and texture changes analysis with the aim of formation of the high-angle nanograins matrix composites based on Mg (AZ61, AZ91,AM60) with various volume ratios of Al2O3 by the intensive plastic deformation process. Focus will be devoted to evaluation of the mechanical properties and “in situ” micromechanisms failures fundamentals.Local mechanical properties, kinetics and mechanism of superplasticity, creep behavior of composites using the method of "small punch", as well as tribological parameters will be tested. Composites based on Al (Al-Al4C3) willbe simultaneosly analysed, too.
Duration: 1.1.2014 – 31.12.2016
Štúdium štruktúry a teplotnej stability kovových skiel a nanokryštalických materiálov.
Study of microstructure and thermal stability of metallic glasses and nanocrystalline materials
Program: VEGA
Project leader: Ing. Ďurišin Juraj, CSc.
Annotation: Project is oriented on study microstructure and thermal stability of the selected metallic alloys with disorderedstructure. One group will be alloys with high disordered structure in particular metallic glasses based on Zr. Thesecond group will be materials which structure is partially disordered, dispersion strengthened nanocrystallinecomposites based on Cu and Al. Macro and microstructure, thermal stability and local mechanical properties ofthese materials will be characterized by means of standard methods applicable in material science: opticalmicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, simultaneous thermal analysis,X-ray diffraction, micro and nanoindentation. Atomic structure and thermal stability of the metallic glasses will becomplexly characterized. Experimental data will be obtained by advanced techniques like: high energy X-raydiffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy measured at absorption edges of elements present in the sampleand/or neutron diffraction
Duration: 1.1.2013 – 31.12.2015