Branch Details

Advanced Materials

Original title in Czech: Pokročilé materiályCEITEC VUTAbbreviation: PMAcad. year: 2020/2021

Programme: Advanced Materials and Nanosciences

Length of Study: 4 years

Accredited from: 17.7.2012Accredited until: 31.7.2020

Guarantor

Issued topics of Doctoral Study Program

  1. Adaptable engineering metamaterials

    Project will focus on lightweight engineering materials fabricated by hierarchical assembly of building blocks into prescribed local architectures yielding unprecedent combination of stiffness, strength , toughness, impact resistance at low density and novel acoustic properties. Fundamental components investigated will include block copolymers and their nano-composites with controlled nanoparticle spatial organization.

    Tutor: Jančář Josef, prof. RNDr., CSc.

  2. Bioactive wound dressing

    The main aim of this work is synthesis and modification of natural polysaccharides with finding suitable conditions for preparation of stable hydrogels applicable as wound dressing. The modification will be performed by bioactive substances providing both antibacterial and enhanced healing effect of the resulting hydrogel dressing. In addition to chemical-physical characterization, hydrogels will also be subjected to biological monitoring of biocompatibility and antibacterial activity.

    Tutor: Vojtová Lucy, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  3. Ceramic bioreactors for biomedical applications

    A growing number of bioceramic materials are applied in tissue engineering of three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds. Ideally, 3D scaffolds should be highly porous, have well-interconnected pore networks, and have consistent and adequate pore size for cell migration and infiltration. Scaffold architecture design can significantly influence both mechanical properties and cell behavior. However, chemical and phase composition are critical for bioactivity and chemical reactions in bioreactors. Aim of this Ph.D. study is to prepare ceramic bioreactors with various shape, chemical and phase compositions. Mainly the bioactive calcium phosphate materials will be shaped to the desired structure and combined with other materials to prepare bioreactors suitable for regenerative medicine. The research will require a multidisciplinary approach and cooperation with CEITEC BUT partners.

    Tutor: Salamon David, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  4. Ceramic materials and composites for advanced applications

    Recently, a worldwide trend is the development of new types of ceramic materials with a suitable combination of useful mechanical, biological, optical or electrical properties which are used in in advanced applications. For the preparation of such materials, critical consideration of the final structure at the design stage is required as well as the correct selection of input powder materials, the choice of advanced forming techniques and optimised sintering process conditions. The aim of the dissertation work will be to prepare single-phase and multi-phase ceramic materials using modern technological processes such as dry and wet shaping methods, additive technologies, spark plasma sintering, etc., and evaluation of their properties with respect to their specific application. Thesis will be directly linked to finished and running projects, e.g. Novel material architectures for SMART piezoceramic electromechanical converters, Development of functional ceramic and glass ceramic materials, Microstructure and functional properties refinement by dopant distribution in transparent ceramics - combined experimental and theoretical approach and future projects, e.g., Implementation of 3D stereolithography of ceramic dental materials to dentistry.

    Tutor: Drdlík Daniel, Ing., Ph.D.

  5. Colloidal processing of ceramic nanoparticles

    The subject of the PhD study is focused on shaping and consolidation of nanoceramic oxide particles. The main task of the student will contain a study of bulk colloidal ceramics processing using ceramic particles with size below 100 nm via colloidal shaping methods. The research will concern primarily with methods of direct consolidation of ceramic particles. A common difficulty of all these methods lies in the preparation of a stable concentrated suspension of nanoparticles with appropriate viscosity. The solution of the problem assumes understanding and utilization of colloidal chemistry and rheology of ceramic suspensions.

    Tutor: Trunec Martin, prof. Ing., Dr.

  6. Control release of bioactive substances using 3D hollow fiber scaffold and their application in bone and cartilage regeneration

    The main aim of the thesis study is to extract and fabricate 3D scaffold structure materials with control physical, chemical and mechanical properties from biopolymers and their application as a new drug and cell. For more details contact the supervisor.

    Tutor: Abdellatif Abdelmohsen Moustafa, M.Sc., Ph.D.

  7. Crack initiation and propagation in the area of gigacycle fatigue

    With the ultrasonic loading machine, billions of load cycles can be achieved in a relatively short time. Thus cracks occur even under loads below the conventional fatigue limit. The process of crack formation and propagation in this area will be investigated experimentally and theoretically, among others using ultrasonic loading machine, electron microscopy and interferometric measurements of deformation of the tested sample.

    Tutor: Klusák Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  8. Cyclic plasticity and microstructural changes in fatigued ultrafine-grained austenitic stainless steels prepared by reversion annealing

    Advanced ultrafine-grained (UFG) materials with a mean grain size smaller than 1μm have attracted the attention of research community due to their highly enhanced mechanical properties. Grain size refinement of metals via severe plastic deformation (SPD) is in the centre of research for several decades. It was repeatedly demonstrated that various SPD methods, ussually equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) or high pressure torsion (HPT), are feasible to produce “bulk” ultrafine-grained (UFG) materials with considerably enhanced mechanical properties. The SPD grain refinement generally results in an improvement of strength characteristics under monotonic and high-cycle fatigue loading conditions. Due to low ductility and mechanical and thermal instability of UFG structure it has also a detrimental effect on fatigue characteristics obtained during strain controlled, i.e. low-cycle fatigue (LCF) tests. In case of metastable austenitic steels an alternative and very promising technique of grain refinement and thus strengthening represents the so called reversion annealing. This special thermomechanical treatment is based on the phase transformation of strain induced martensite created during cold working back to austenite. Depending on the conditions of thermomechanical treatment the UFG structure can be achieved with supposed effect of strength enhancement while retaining the excellent ductility of the resulting material. Positive effect of grain refinement using this thermomechanical treatment on high-cycle fatigue (HCF) behavior has been documented for several types of metastable austenitic steels. Although LCF behavior of this steel is of great importance for potential industrial and medical applications, it has not been studied systematically so far. The principal goal of the proposed study is thorough experimental study of cyclic plasticity and low-cycle fatigue (LCF) behaviour of metastable 301LN austenitic stainless steel with grain sizes ranging from several hundreds of nanometers to several micrometers. The grain refinement will be achieved by proper choice of conditions of reversion annealing (temperature and time) after prior cold deformation. Fully symmetrical LCF tests will be conducted on flat sheet specimens at room temperature with low constant strain rate. The cyclic stress-strain response (cyclic hardening/softening curves) in the wide range of constant total strain amplitudes and fatigue life curves will evaluated for all grain sizes. Microstructural changes, fatigue damage mechanisms and destabilization of originally fully austenitic structure will be characterized after cyclic straining by ferritescopy and advanced microscopic methods (SEM-FEG, EBSD, FIB). To reveal the finest details of deformation mechanisms TEM technique will be adopted. Experimental data on microstructural changes in grain-refined steels will be used to discuss and interpret the cyclic stress-strain response and fatigue life for all grain sizes with the aim to reveal an effect of grain refinement on LCF behavior of metastable austenitic steels

    Tutor: Man Jiří, Ing., Ph.D.

  9. Development of piezoelectric lead-free ceramics for energy harvesting

    Recently, energy harvesting based on piezoelectric ceramics has attracted wide attention as an electric energy source for low-power electronics. Due to environmental aspects the commonly available piezoceramic generators based on PZT (Pb-Zr-Ti-O) must be replaced by lead-free materials. BCZT (Ba-Ca-Zr-Ti-O) a BT (BiFeO3) are very promising lead-free piezoelectric ceramic materials for this application. The work will be, therefore, focused on the development and study of these unleaded materials and their controlled doping for the purpose of efficient electric energy harvesting. The student will develop processes for preparation of piezoceramic and composite piezoceramic tapes for application in energy harvesters. The efficiency of the new materials in the energy harvesting will be evaluated. Internship at the University of Oulu is planned during the study.

    Tutor: Trunec Martin, prof. Ing., Dr.

  10. Dielectric energy storage materials with high energy density

    Nowadays limitations of electro-mobility, intelligent electrical networks and pulse power systems is fast energy storage and release. The dielectric capacitors allows fast charging and discharging compared to lithium-ion batteries, moreover, these materials have a higher cyclic life. The ceramic-ceramic or ceramic-polymer composites seem to be the ideal candidates. The aim of this Ph.D. study is to increase the energy density characteristics through modulation of the nanostructure in 3D (the formation of a texture) what is necessary for the mobile applications of these dielectric capacitors of new generation. The innovative processing techniques such as Spark Plasma Sintering and Freeze-casting will be applied to achieve tailored microstructures of the investigated materials.

    Tutor: Salamon David, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  11. Effect of compatibilizer structure on mechanical properties and environmental stability of blends from recycled PE and PP

    The main objektive of the proposed project is to investigate effects of structural variables such as molecular weight, supermolecular structure and interfacial tension of selected compatibilizers on the fracture behavior and environmental stability of PE/PP blends from recycled PE and PP. Principal goal of the project is the quantification of the structure – property relationships with emphasis on the molecular and supermlecular structure of the recycled PE/PP blends, interactions between PE/PP and compatibilizers and both the fracture mechanisms under both static and dynamic loading conditions and environmental stability. The results of the proposed project will enable to optimise the material’s composition with respect to the selected applications and will allow to expand application range of these materials into structural applications with greater added value.

    Tutor: Jančář Josef, prof. RNDr., CSc.

  12. Effect of entropy in impurity segregation at grain boundaries

    Despite of evident significance of entropy in various phenomena of materials science, this quantity is neglected in their quantification in majority of cases. This negligence results in inaccurate quantitative values and – in the case of generalization – in incorrect prediction and interpretation of the effects. The aim of this work is to demonstrate the role of the entropy for an important example of solute segregation at grain boundaries of bcc iron. Practical methods of theoretical determination of the entropy of segregation will be developed and the data calculated for selected solutes will be compared to experimental values in literature. The calculated data will be then tested using known phenomena, such as the anisotropy of the grain boundary segregation and enthalpy–entropy compensation effect.

    Tutor: Černý Miroslav, prof. Mgr., Ph.D.

  13. Electrospinning of ceramic and composite fibers

    The main objective of the study will be fabrication and characterization of electrospun ceramic based fibers for electric and electrochemical applications.

    Tutor: Částková Klára, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  14. Fabrication and characterization of nanofibers based on bionanocomposite and their medical application

    The Ph.D. work will be concerned with the fabrication of nanofibers dressing mats based on bionancomposite materials (hyaluronan, chitin/chitosan fibril, etc) by electrospinning technique. The main target will investigate the optimum conditions for synthesis nanocomposite with different bioactive nanoparticles and fabrication nanofibers dressing mats from it. The selected nanocomposite dressing mats will be testes and apply as a new wound dressing for cutaneous wound healing. For more details please contact the supervisor.

    Tutor: Abdellatif Abdelmohsen Moustafa, M.Sc., Ph.D.

  15. Fracture mechanics of concentrators in composite materials

    Composite materials exhibit outstanding properties thanks to suitable junction of two different materials. However, sharp materials interface can lead to degradation of the properties. Conditions of crack initiation in places of sharp shape and materials changes will be determined and evaluated using the procedures of generalized fracture mechanics.

    Tutor: Klusák Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  16. Friction materials – analysis of their composition and degradation

    Modern friction materials used in transportation are complex composites with sophisticated structure and chemical composition. The reason for this complexity is the wealth of physical and chemical processes occurring in the braking system. One of the most critical aspect is the degradation of friction materials during the braking and subsequent release of small particles into the environment. A detailed study of these particles is of utmost importance as they significantly contribute to the pollution of the predominantly urban environment. First, they cause the pollution of the soil in the vicinity of main roads. Second, our inhalation of these particles is known to be very dangerous to our health. The aim of proposed PhD program is to determine the impact of various degradation mechanisms in friction materials (heat, environ-ment and salty solutions), materials characterization of friction materials as well as thorough analysis of particles released during the braking.

    Tutor: Friák Martin, Mgr., Ph.D.

  17. Functional Aerogels for Medical Applications

    Aerogels are materials with controllable micro- or nano-sized pores and a high porosity, large specific surface area, and low density. Biopolymers (chitin, chitosan, cellulose) based aerogels will be fabricated by different techniques like supercritical drying or freeze dryer process. The main aim of the dissertation will be preparation, modification, characterization of functional aerogels based on different biopolymers and their derivatives for skin and bone regenerations.

    Tutor: Abdellatif Abdelmohsen Moustafa, M.Sc., Ph.D.

  18. Hydrogen storage in metallic materials with varied phase and chemical composition

    Hydrogen is a very prospective and eco-friendly fuel which can bring significant economical and environmental benefits. The main obstacle that impedes expected future of hydrogen technology is safe and acceptably efficient hydrogen storage (HS). It is generally accepted that a possible solution to this problem is HS in solid phase of metallic materials (HSM). However, there are not HSMs up to now with sufficient HS properties at low temperature and pressure. Therefore, the main idea of this study is to investigate HS properties of new perspective model alloys which could show effective HS at temperatures near to room temperature and at low pressure. One of ways how to influence HS properties HSM is to change their phase and chemical composition. The results could lead to new strategies in development of HSM.

    Tutor: Král Lubomír, Ing., Ph.D.

  19. Hydrogen storage in Mg-based materials with various level of crystallinity

    Hydrogen is a very prospective and eco-friendly fuel which can bring significant economical and environmental benefits. The main obstacle that impedes expected future of hydrogen technology is safe and efficient hydrogen storage (HS). It is generally accepted that a possible solution to this problem is HS in solid phase of metallic materials (HSM). However, there are not HSMs with sufficient HS properties at low temperature and pressure. Therefore, decreasing the thermodynamic stability of hydride phase of HSM with high hydrogen capacity is crucial for tuning their HS properties. One of ways how to influence thermodynamic properties is changing of structure states and chemical composition of HSM. The main idea of this study is to investigate the HS properties of model Mg-alloys in various states of structure from critically cooled or amorphous state to ordered crystallized structure. These materials could show desired HS properties at lower temperatures and pressures. The results could indicate new ways for development of new HSM.

    Tutor: Král Lubomír, Ing., Ph.D.

  20. Chemical Modification of Aerogels for Environmental Applications

    Aerogels are materials with controllable micro- or nano-sized pores and a high porosity, large specific surface area, and low density. Biopolymers (chitin, chitosan, cellulose) based aerogels will be fabricated by different techniques like supercritical drying or freeze dryer process. The main aim of the dissertation will be preparation, modification, characterization of functional aerogels based on different biopolymers and their derivatives for wastewater treatments.

    Tutor: Abdellatif Abdelmohsen Moustafa, M.Sc., Ph.D.

  21. Influence of self-assembly of hydrogels on its deformation response

    Self-assembly has significant influence to the deformation properties of hydrogels. This influence is not described in detail in literature. The task for PhD-student will be mapping of the different mechanisms of self-assembly. Selected mechanisms will be modelled by molecular dynamics. By this model, the student will analyze the transformation of self-assembly structures during deformation. Their influence to deformation behaviour will be investigated.

    Tutor: Žídek Jan, Mgr., Ph.D.

  22. Lightweight ceramic materials for ballistic protection

    The recent research direction in field of ballistic protection is reduction of weight simultaneously with increasing demand for its ballistic resistance. Therefore, oxide ceramic materials are gradually replaced by non-oxide ceramic materials in personal ballistic protection, and light weight composites are designed for ballistic protection of vehicles. The aim of this Ph.D. topic is the research of chemical reactions in ceramic-metal composites, which can increase the energy absorption during impact of a projectile. The fundamental research of reaction kinetics will be carried out on materials with high probability of applications. The Spark Plasma Sintering method will be used to prepare novel composites, the properties of which will be further mechanically tested to optimize the parameters of their processing.

    Tutor: Salamon David, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  23. Low density auxetic composites with gradient of Poisson’s ratio based on nanocomposites of shape memory block copolymers

    Mechanical metamaterials with properties beyond nature represent a fundamental challenge to materials science from their structural architecture, functionality, composition and novel fabrication technologies. State of the art additive fabrication technologies are unable to produce auxetic structures with engineering properties effectively. Another fundamental scientific challenge is merger of structural properties and autonomous mechano-adaptability. The aim of this project is to discover fundamental principles governing formation of structural architecture exhibiting auxetic behaviour employing functional nano composites of block copolymers with shape memory functionality controlled by light stimuli.

    Tutor: Jančář Josef, prof. RNDr., CSc.

  24. Magnetic properties of high-entropy alloys

    So-called high-entropy alloys represent one of the most promising classes of modern materials. They are characterized by specific atomic distributions when a number of chemical species randomly occupy crystalline lattice positions. Combination of different elements and their concentrations provide materials with a wide range of unique properties. After years of intensive research focused on mechanical properties of high entropy alloys, the international scientific community has become recently interested in their magnetic properties. These will be the main topic of the proposed PhD program. The planned measurements will be supported by theoretical simulations. The research will be based on a recent cooperation of Czech, German, Austrian and American scientists: O. Schneeweiss, M. Friák, M. Dudová, D. Holec, M. Šob, D. Kriegner, V. Holý, P. Beran, E. P. George, J. Neugebauer, and A. Dlouhý, Magnetic properties of the CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy, Physical Review B 96 (2017) 014437.

    Tutor: Friák Martin, Mgr., Ph.D.

  25. Machinable ceramics for 3D milling

    The topic of this PhD study is a development of processing methods for a unique manufacturing of ceramic prototypes and small series of complex ceramic parts using 3D milling. The dissertation is focused on research into semiproducts (blanks) of advanced ceramics for 3D milling based on zirconia, alumina, calcium phosphates and other materials for dental and structural applications and prospectively even for customized complex-shaped surgical implants. The blanks will be prepared for both dense ceramic parts and bodies from a ceramic foam. For preparation of large and complex parts shaped machinable blanks will be developed that can ensure reliable and economical production of such parts. The blanks will be processed by CAD/CAM methods utilizing CNC milling.

    Tutor: Trunec Martin, prof. Ing., Dr.

  26. Mechanic stability and strenght of crystalline solids from first principles

    The aim of the study is to delimit a region of mechanical stability of selected crystals under nonhydrostatic triaxial loading. For this purpose, phonon spectra will be computed for the crystals in their ground states as well as in deformed states. Phonon spectra will be obtained using force constants that will be computed by the VASP code.

    Tutor: Černý Miroslav, prof. Mgr., Ph.D.

  27. Mechanism of the small creep strains of the metallic materials at low stresses and transition to the plastic strain - model development and experimental study

    Creep strains measured at very low applied stresses are, by their properties, very different from those measured at higher stresses during the conventional creep tests [1]. The stress and strain dependencies of the creep rate are much weaker and the strain is mostly anelastic. Deformation mechanisms controlling these strains are not known, mainly because there are no observable signatures of the small strains in the microstructure. The small strain kinetics is clearly related to the internal stresses build-up. At present, only one simplified micromechanical model exists which is based on the dislocation segments bowing. This model combines the viscous glide and climb of dislocations [2], but its predictions are only relevant for very small strains, not explaining the transition to the normal plastic creep regime. The main topic of the thesis is the development of the complex dislocation model which will provide better insight into a nature of creep strains which accumulate at very low stresses. The model should also address the transition into the normal plastic creep regime. The solution will be based on the simplified model mentioned above and will include realistic description of the interactions between dislocations and solute atoms. Recently developed discrete dislocation dynamics method [3] will facilitate a statistical description of dislocation segments reaching a critical stress condition. Experimental study of the low-stress creep of the selected metallic materials will be important part of the work. The materials having exceptional creep behaviour observed during the conventional creep tests will be targeted. The Institute of Physics of materials AS CR [http://www.ipm.cz] , which is fully equipped with all the required facilities, will be the workplace .

    Tutor: Kloc Luboš, RNDr., CSc.

  28. Microstructural stability of wrought austenitic stainless steels: Impact of local chemistry

    Within a stainless steel family comprising five basic types the wrought Cr–Ni austenitic stainless steels (AISI 300 grade) still occupy a privileged position. Due to their exceptional corrosion resistance and prominent mechanical and technological properties have found utilization in diverse industrial, domestic, architectonic and biological applications at room and elevated but also at cryogenic temperatures. The f.c.c. (face centered cubic) paramagnetic austenitic  structure of most of these alloys is known to be, however, metastable, i.e. it can partially transform to ferromagnetic b.c.c. (body centered cubic) ′-martensite during cooling and/or plastic straining. The most important parameters controlling the stability of austenite are chemical composition and temperature. The formation of ′-martensite can have a beneficial effect on mechanical properties of these steels but with respect to the corrosion resistance of these steels the presence of ′-martensite may be detrimental and in the case of some applications (e.g. superconducting magnets) must be avoided. In the absolute majority of studies dealing with the stability of wrought AISI 300 grade austenitic stainless steels so far these materials are considered to be chemically homogeneous after numerous step of hot working. The importance of local chemistry in the form of chemical banding on the destabilization in various semi-product forms of wrought AISI 304 grade steels has been recognized only recently (J. Man et al.: Effect of metallurgical variables on the austenite stability in fatigued AISI 304 type steels. Eng. Fract. Mech. 185 (2017) 139–159). The principal goal of the proposed study is thorough experimental study of destabilization of austenitic structure and DIM (deformation induced ′-martensite) formation in wrought AISI 300 grade ASSs in the perspective of their physical metallurgy. The great importance will be put on the description of characteristic forms of local chemistry in various forms of steel semi-products and their impact on the morphology and spatial distribution of DIM in the whole volume of strained selected ASSs (304/304L, 316/316L, 321, 301LN). The experimental program will accomplish the following topics: (i) systematic monitoring of chemical homogeneity of AISI 300 series austenitic stainless steels (304, 316 and some others) in various industrially produced wrought forms (cylindrical bars, thick and thin plates), (ii) systematic study of destabilization of wrought 316-type ASSs of various semi-products under cyclic straining under total strain control at room and especially depressed temperatures. (iii) Qualitative and quantitative study of DIM formation during tensile testing of 304- and 316-type ASSs at room, depressed and elevated temperatures with the particular emphasis on the spatial distribution of DIM across the sheet thickness and iv) Experimental study of local chemistry and texture on austenite destabilization in ultrafine-grained AISI 301LN steels produced via reversion annealing after prior cold deformation. The chemical heterogeneity across the whole cross-section of various semi-product forms will be characterized qualitatively by color metallography and quantitatively by EDS technique. Volume fraction of DIM will be evaluated across the sheet thickness using X-ray technique and compared with Ferritescope data. Microstructure of deformed specimens and especially the DIM distribution across the sheet thickness will be visualized using color technique (Beraha II) and for detail characterization of DIM morphology at the microscale modern high-resolution techniques SEM–FEG, ECCI, EBSD and TEM will be adopted. The local texture analysis of ultrafine-grained steels will be performed in co-operation with CEITEC Brno University of Technology or TU Bergakademie Freiberg/Germany.

    Tutor: Man Jiří, Ing., Ph.D.

  29. Modelling of the dependence of measured electrical and electrochemical material properties on the actual physical shape and dimensions of the studied samples

    In this work the student will become familiar with problems of electrical and electrochemical measurements (especially impedance, voltage and current distribution on the electrodes and the flow of material in electrochemical cells). The student will concurrently learn the principles of computer modeling through the method "Finite Elements Modelling" while using commercial software. Computational research will lead to the clarification of the best practice for practical measurements, proposals for possible new practical geometry and the feedbacks to colleagues who are developing samples of functional designs.

    Tutor: Vanýsek Petr, prof. RNDr., CSc.

  30. Nanocellulose-based biomaterials

    The main aim of this work is preparation and modification of nanocellulose natural material with finding suitable conditions for preparation of „smart“ biomaterials for wound healing. The modification will be carried out by enzymes ensuring biodegradation of nanocellulose and thus setting the “lifetime” of the biomaterial with respect to the rate of wound healing. In addition to chemical-physical characterization, the hydrogels will also undergo enzymatic degradation and biological monitoring of biocompatibility in vitro.

    Tutor: Vojtová Lucy, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  31. Nanostructured metal oxide layers for advanced applications

    This Ph.D. thesis will be focused on the synthesis of thin layers of various oxides (such as TiO2, WO3, Ta2O5, etc. and their mixtures) by various means: thermal oxidation, anodic oxidation, atomic layer deposition, magnetron sputtering, etc. State-of-art characterization techniques will be utilized to investigate intrinsic properties of these layers as well as their semiconducting, electronic, catalytic and optical properties. Further treatment of these layers using doping, atomic layer deposition, magnetron sputtering, advanced lithographic techniques, focused-ion beam, etc. is also foreseen to tailor the materials´ properties. The materials will be investigated for their performance in various applications – batteries, catalysts, supercapacitors, etc.

    Tutor: Macák Jan, Dr. Ing.

  32. Non-linear mechanical response of self-assembled polymer nanocomposites

    A key obstacle in the development of complex multiscale theories lies in our current inability to directly control the structure formation at multiple hierarchically arranged length scales. Directed self-assembly of surface decorated precisely defined NPs represents means for obtaining precisely controlled spatial arrangements of NPs. No theoretical framework has been published describing the laws governing multi length scale assembly of NPs into hierarchical superstructures in polymer continua. We aim at developing experimental and theoretical foundations for novel multiscale hierarchical predictive model of relationships between structural variables, nature and kinetics of the structural hierarchy formation via self-assembly of NSBBs and the physico-chemical and mechanical properties and functions in polymer nanocomposites.

    Tutor: Jančář Josef, prof. RNDr., CSc.

  33. Optical and electrochemical monitoring of the state of charge of the flow-through redox electrochemical energy sources

    In this work the students will become familiar with current issues in energy storage electrochemical redox flow cells and with monitoring the extent of their state of charge. The research will lead to the design and development of methods that can be used for continuous monitoring of the state of charge status. Two basic principles will be used: first, optical tracking in those systems where the spectrum varies coloration due to state of charge, and second, in the absence of optical changes, measuring electrochemical properties.

    Tutor: Vanýsek Petr, prof. RNDr., CSc.

  34. Properties and behaviour of advanced materials in very-high-cycle fatigue regime

    Special engineering and bio-mechanical applications require the use of advanced materials. Because of their cost and purpose it is essential to ensure adequate strength of components made from them over the lifetime. From the viewpoint of material fatigue the number of load cycles often exceeds 107. Materials for these special applications will be tested in very high cycle fatigue regime, i.e. from 106 to 1010 cycles. Numerical simulations by FEM will be used to design specimens, tests will be carried out on ultrasonic testing machine, failure mechanisms will be searched using a scanning electron microscope.

    Tutor: Klusák Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  35. Protein stabilization for transdermal applications

    The main objective of the study will be to find a suitable method for stabilization of proteins used for transdermal applications, its optimization and characterization including efficacy evaluation of prepared materials.

    Tutor: Vojtová Lucy, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

  36. Redox flow cells for energy storage

    The student will learn in this project about current issues of energy storage using electrochemical redox flow cells. The experimental component of the work will lead to the improvement of the cells based on the principle of the vanadium system and to the design and development of new cells, not using the vanadium redox couples.

    Tutor: Vanýsek Petr, prof. RNDr., CSc.

  37. Structure of magnetic materials at low temperatures

    Our thorough understanding of magnetic properties is intricately inter-linked with a detailed information about the structure of studied materials. The decreasing particle size and/or temperature resulted in the past few years to the observation of new magnetic states, for example, the superparamagnetism. Importantly, the magnetic states sensitively depend on the atomic structure, crystal boundaries and/or magnetic domains which all significantly change with the temperature. The proposed PhD study will therefore focus on these structure-property relations at low temperatures. The following aspects will be covered: - Preparation of samples by various methods - Structural study of materials by XRD, SEM, TEM, AFM etc. - Magnetic measurements by VSM, PPMS and SQUID

    Tutor: Friák Martin, Mgr., Ph.D.

  38. Study of electrical and impedance characteristics of thermally stressed dielectrics

    In the course of the research the student will become familiar with the current status of insulation materials and their behavior at low, room and high temperatures. The research will lead to the design and development of methods that can be used to continuously monitor the insulation properties of the dielectrics and to predict the practical life span of the insulators and their resistance to extreme temperatures. The principal experimental method will be the measurement of complex impedance at variable temperatures as well as the measurement of DC resistance and loss factor at 50 Hz. The methodology will be supplemented by monitoring aging due to sunlight exposure.

    Tutor: Vanýsek Petr, prof. RNDr., CSc.

  39. Synthesis and applications of novel 1D fiberous structures

    Fiberous materials represent scientifically and technologically higly interesting materials, owing to their easy preparation, compositional flexibility, dimensionality, possibility to tune fiber dimensions vs. porosity, etc. The aim of this thesis is to develop new compositions and structures of fibers with diameter on the sub-micron or micron scale. The focus will be given on inorganic fibers (in particular oxides) that have potential for filtration and catalytic applications. In particular, part of the thesis will be also devoted to the development of electrically conducting fibers for various applications in textile, electronic and military industries. Two techniques will be mainly used: centrifugal spinning and electrospinning. Various shapes of fiberous structures will be investigated, including planar layers, bulky forms, fibers with a specific orientation, etc. The conducted research will be very application oriented. Cooperation with partners from industry is expected for the testing of the application potential of developed fibers.

    Tutor: Macák Jan, Dr. Ing.

  40. Theory-guided materials design of new ferritic superalloys.

    For further details, please contact mafri@ipm.cz.

    Tutor: Friák Martin, Mgr., Ph.D.

  41. Thin flexible ceramic sheets for electrotechnical applications

    The topic of the dissertation thesis focuses on research into flexible self-supporting ceramic foils with a thickness ranging from 0.05 to 1 mm. The research will be concern with the preparation of ceramic foils and with mechanical, electrical, or optical properties of such foils. The basic task will be the development of unique methods for the preparation of ceramic foils from nanoparticulate suspensions. The research will be aimed at electrotechnical applications that utilize ceramic foils as flexible dielectric substrates or piezoceramic energy harvesters.

    Tutor: Trunec Martin, prof. Ing., Dr.

  42. Use of recycled PE/PP blends in engineering composites

    The main objective of the proposed project is to investigate effects of structural variables such as molecular weight, supermolecular structure and interfacial adhesion on the fracture behavior of composites with polymer matrix based on recycled PE/PP compatibilized with suitable means. Principál goal of the project is the quantification of the structure – property relationships with emphasis on the molecular and supermlecular structure of the recycled PE/PP blends, interactions between PE/PP matrix and the reinforcing short fibers or graphenoids and the fracture mechanisms under both static and dynamic loading conditions. The results of the proposed project will enable to optimise the material’s composition with respect to the selected applications and will allow to expand application range of these materials into structural applications with greater added value.

    Tutor: Jančář Josef, prof. RNDr., CSc.

  43. 3D printing of ceramic structurec by LCM method

    The PhD work will be concerned with manufacturing of complex ceramic parts with internal structure using the LCM method (Lithography-based Ceramic Manufacturing). The research will be focused on investigation of ceramic suspensions for the LCM method and on correlation between the processing conditions of LCM method and the properties of the final ceramic parts. The research will be aimed at applications in medicine. The internal structure of calcium phosphate bioscaffolds for bone regeneration will be optimized with respect to modification of ceramic skeleton with inorganic as well as organic biopolymers.

    Tutor: Trunec Martin, prof. Ing., Dr.

  44. 3D smart hydrogel platforms for cell imaging

    The main aim of this work is to prepare “smart” hydrogel substrates that are able to react to pH or temperature and are suitable for 2D and 3D cell monitoring in molecular biology or tissue engineering, or for testing new drugs on cancer cells. Hydrogels should be suitable for both in vitro and in vivo applications. In addition to chemical-physical characterization, hydrogels will be subjected to biodegradation and monitoring of biocompatibility in vitro.

    Tutor: Vojtová Lucy, doc. Ing., Ph.D.


Course structure diagram with ECTS credits

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