Network of Centers of Excellence "Interfacial effects, novel properties and technologies of nanostructured materials"

Presentation by Witold Lojkowski, CoE High Pressure, network coordinator

High Pressure Research CenterPolish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw

Outline:1. Nanotechnology and nanomaterials2. Example network3. Our network4. Results5. Conclusions

The network webpage: http://www.unipress.waw.pl/CE/

The subject of nanotechnology research are materials or devices the characteristic length scales of whose structures are in a range of less than 100 nanometers. A nanostructure of this type can be produced, e.g., by reducing to a few nanometers the crystallite size of polycrystals or the thickness of multilayer structures. This reduction gives rise to novel properties, which are highly attractive in a number of technical applications.

Example of network.NanoMat Supraregional (German) Network for Nanotechnology MaterialsBased at FZ Karlsruhe.

Activities since year 2000:

• Web page, • Joint application for EC nad national projects• 8 WORKSHOPS• Important role in organising EMRS FALL

MEETING in Warsaw 2003, 2003, 2004• Kick – off meetings to prepare projects and coordinate research• Interaction with other networks and

organisations (IoN, Nanoforum, Nanomat, Polish Networks)

SOME EXPERIENCESFormal stuff not so important.• At the beginning plenty of people but after

a while only a few remain = this is „fishing”.• So after some time the network is

very different than at the beginning.• Very important is to build good personal relations with

people with complementary competence• Create a good atmosphere: short lectures, plenty of time for

„networking” = the art of networking • The results of networking cannot be foreseen in advance.a)– expected result, but deeper understanding of the

phenomena was achievedb)- completely unexpected activity and results

Scientific „glue”

Some Size effects important for luminescence ofnano-powders and ceramics

Particle size decreasing below interaction lengthEffects in luminescence to be expectedfor SiC and ZnO

Contribution of surfaces to luimnescenceExpected for YAG, ZrO or other oxides - insulators

2

Isolated particles

wavelenght

Particles in a polymer matrix

Sintered ceramics

No light scatterimg at surfaces and interfaces for nano-sized grains

wavelenght

Application:Sinterd transparent ceramic will replace solid stateLasers made by growing single crystalsThe same with scintilatorsPolymers with nanoparticles can be used in white LEDs

Spiekanie nano-proszków

YAG 2%TbZnO EDOC

Nanokrystaliczne przeźroczyste ceramiki:może w przyszłości lasery i scyntylatory

Współpraca: zespół Prof. Stręka, Wrocław

Two attempts for STREP

First attempt: group compositon not optimal yet, but almost sucessful (Nano-priority 3)

Second attempt: group composition much better, project much improved, but failure (ISC priority)

Third attempt? Success in joining SSA „Nanoroad SME”,

which will help us to compare our scientific vission with the needs of SMEs

The core members

Poland: High Pressure Research Center (Lojkowski), Faculty of Materials Science WUT (Kurzydlowski, Ryszkowska), Institute of Low Temperatures and Structural Investigations (Strek)

Germany: Institute of Nanotechnology Karlsruhe (Hahn), University of Ulm (Fecht), University of Applied Sciences Munster (Kynast)

Italy: University of Modena (Leoneli) and Palermo (Caponnetti) Romania: Institute of Non Ferrous Metals (Piticesku) Latvia: Institute of Solid State Physics (Millers&Grigorieva) Perhaps two new members from France + interaction with industry (OSRAM and some SME from

Poland and abroad)

Now the network is a core group with optimum compostion of 10 members + about 20 associated members

Synthesis of nano-powders by four routes, best powders will be selected at milestone

Characterisation Functionalising the surfaces Mixing with polymers Sintering Testing in the final aplications Industry: global player and 3 SME

Conclusions

After 3 years a coherent group was formed of committed members with well defined objective

The composition was optimised, however the „associated members” can jump in if needed

The network resources are used to coordinate the research work and support preparing joint projects

However what will be next proper call and how to „attack” is not yet clear.

But we make progress anyway.