Advanced Materials. At the heart of materials in general, is the chemistry that informs the structure of the material in order to eventually arrive at a useful application. However, in order to attain a desired structure with properties required for a particular useful application, there are processes required. Embedded in this process of materials design are the understanding of the theory, materials synthesis and characterization. Advanced materials, therefore, entails advances over old and conventional materials that have hitherto been in application. The discovery and making of these advanced materials, therefore, require advanced theories towards their discovery which currently entail the use of computational approaches to understand and predict their performance in various applications. These new and novel approaches to materials allows for a deeper understanding of their structures, dynamics and functionality. The research and development of advanced materials normally exhibit novel properties that are superior to their conventional counterparts. This inherent novelty in most cases is associated with the generation of new knowledge and intellectual property (IP) that can be exploited in the form of new processes, products and technologies. The knowledge and IP hereby developed can now be exploited through the formation of new industries, its use in enhancing and revitalizing the currently existing industry for job creation and retention. In this regard, Mintek follows the above-mentioned approaches towards specific research, development and innovation into the end-use of materials in the mining, fabrication and manufacturing industries. Through the use of advanced process technologies, Mintek aims to produce high value-added products by deploying cross-cutting skills from various disciplines that range from chemical sciences, physics, materials science and engineering, biochemistry and chemical engineering. The focus areas through which these are attained are in physical metallurgy, catalysis, biomedical and nanotechnology. In physical metallurgy, the sectors of interest are the broader metals-related industry that require novel materials for application in conventional and extreme environments. Catalysis, on the other hand, finds special application in the hydrogen economy sector through the manufacture of fuel cells for various application. Nanotechnology has a special focus for application in health, where biomedical adds value, and in water and waste water technolo...
Advanced Materials. In a number of applications, polymer-based materials are gradually used, especially when it comes to dif- ferent types of polymer matrix composites. Additive processes in the case of plastics provide relatively high-quality technology and thus we can expect an increase in development work related to component production technology. The behavior and functions of smart components (including mechatronic applications) utilize the specific characteristics of structural ceramics. For this purpose, in addition to mechanical resistance, it shall exhibit other physical properties to detect critical environmental parameters, such as mechanical stresses or damage present in the component. The focus of the center on smart components makes it necessary to provide ap- plication support for this group of materials. Research program 2 - Additive technologies The main benefit of additive technologies is the ability to realize the production of conventionally difficult to manufacture or completely unproductable products. These are mainly topologically optimized compo- nents and micro-beam structures. Although topological optimization is a well-known method, thanks to the massive expansion of AM technology, it is essentially a rediscovered approach in the design of engineering products. In principle, the design of the structure is subordinated to the function of the product and second- arily to the technology of its production. In many applications the principles of topological optimization are used, especially in the automotive, aerospace and aerospace industries, these methods are accentuated to minimize weight and material. Similarly, the possibilities of micro-rod structures are investigated not only as a means for mass reduction, but also as a possible solution for energy absorption and damping. Their specific properties can be well used in mechanical and mechatronic systems. Research Program 3 - Mechatronics, Smart Technologies and Virtual Twins Advanced mechatronic active and semi-active dynamic components add value to modern machines and the automotive industry. The mechatronic approach makes it possible to design some components as passive dynamic vibration dampers using advanced materials and to make production and operation cheaper. Test- ing devices and systems for controlling dynamic properties and vibro-diagnostic elements are necessary to verify the dynamic properties of products in the production and operational phases. Virtual prototyping is the basis for vi...
Advanced Materials. ▪ A bilateral workshop will be organized for each topic to identify detailed cooperation perspectives and plan actions on the period 2011 - 2014.
