 17 industrial companies and 7 research centres and European universities participate in this research project called “IP NANOKER – Structural Ceramic Composites for Top-End Functional Applications”
The overall objective of this Integrated Project (IP) is to provide and industrialize knowledge-based nanoceramics (<100 nm) and nanocomposites (second phases <10 nm) for top-end functional and structural applications which are beyond reach with incremental materials development only. Many new technological advances are limited by the impossibility to combine high mechanical performances of actually known ceramic materials with critical functional or structural material properties. "Nanocomposites", entirely made up ceramic and metallic nanoscale particles or nanoscale phases, denote a broad, new class of engineered materials where unique and otherwise unattainable properties can be revealed.
The industrial applications of nanocomposites rely on the successful consolidation of these materials into bulk-sized components while preserving their nanostructures. Traditional consolidation techniques have strong limitations of not being able as they are not able to retain the nanoscale grain size. The technological objectives and expected breakthroughs of IP NANOKER will consist of:
• New multifunctional materials with outstanding hardness, fracture resistance and fracture toughness operating in chemical-physically aggressive environments.
• New multifunctional materials processed into knowledge-based, industrially applicable nanoceramics and nanocomposites with added multifunctionality, e.g. biocompatible functions and very long lifetime, optical properties, tribochemical functions and excellent electrical conductivity, nanocoatings with tribological and barrier functions, etc.
The multi-sectorial and cross-cutting approach of this IP is the only way to assemble the critical mass needed to break through these roadblocks. Industry, at the lead in terms of highly specialised materials development, together with excellent basic science institutions and users of knowledge form a unique pool of expertise, competencies and facilities needed to fulfil the ambitious objectives of this IP. The research strategy of this IP is based on modelling and simulation, synthesis, processing, conditioning and compounding of nanopowders, their shaping, forming and consolidation into materials and coatings with engineered properties and technological functions and the introduction of new device concepts and manufacturing technologies. |