Advanced Materials
!!! PLEASE PAY ATTENTION:
THE TOPICS FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2024/2025 WILL BE ACTUALIZED IN THE SECOND HALF OF FEBRUARY 2024 !!!
RG 2-01 Advanced Ceramic Materials
Supervisor: prof. Ing. Martin Trunec, Dr.
► Transparent composite ceramics for high-power lasers
Optimizing the structural design of laser gain media is essential to meet the challenging equirements for laser power, beam quality, efficiency, size, and weight. Due to recent progress in ceramic processing, polycrystalline ceramics opened a pathway to new gain media architecture, which was previously impossible with single crystals. This Ph.D. topic will be aimed at developing ceramic composite structures of optical quality based on yttrium-aluminium garnet doped with rare earth elements. Advanced shaping and sintering technologies based on colloidal shaping, including 3D ceramic printing and high-pressure sintering, will be used to prepare laser ceramics. Ceramics will be evaluated in terms of effectiveness and usability in intended laser applications.
► Advanced microstructural control of textured BCZT piezoceramics
Although lead-free textured BCZT ceramics exhibit promising piezoelectric properties, the piezoelectric response of these materials still suffers from high scatter due to difficulties in processing textured microstructures. Due to powder synthesis and processing limitations, it has not been possible to correlate piezoelectric properties with different structural parameters and optimize the textured microstructure. In this research project, newly developed advanced ceramic processes will be adapted to the BCZT system and combined with the template grain growth method to achieve textured high-density tapes with excellent piezoelectric performance. For a better understanding of the effect of grain structure on material properties, the samples will be thoroughly characterized in terms of mechanical, microstructural, dielectric, and piezoelectric behaviour.
RG 2-03 Advanced Polymers and Composites
Supervisor: prof. RNDr. Josef Jančář, CSc.
► Frontal polymerization for 3D printing of auxetic materials
3D printing represents an additive manufacturing method with an unprecedented control over the shape of the printed body and its internal structure. One of the shortcomings of the simple FDM techniques is inability to print cellular solids without the use of a secondary supporting material. Auxetic materials are porous structures characterized by the negative Poisson´s ratio. 3D printing enables fabrication of cellular structures with gradient of porosity as well as gradient of Poisson´s ratio, resulting in metamaterials with unprecedent mechanical properties. Frantal polymerization is a novel polymerization technique enabling low energy in-situ polymerization of various monomers within any cellular structure. The project will investigate auxetic structures printed using light initiated epoxy matrix systems including their complex mechanical and thermomechanical response. It will also involve characterization of the morphology, reaction kinetic assessment with FTIR, photo-DSC, and photo-rheology, mechanical and thermomechanical measurements with DMA.
Influence of self-assembly of hydrogels on its deformation response
► Active interphases in fiber reinforced composites
The goal of the project is a design of LCP and suitable photonic dopants causing local conformational changes in the LCP network resulting in local deformation and preparation of block copolymer/quantum dots nanocomposites, developing suitable deposition technique of these systems into photonic networks on a solid substrate and testing of the light stimulated mechanoadaptability of the model systems.
► Static fatigue crack growth in polyolefins
Project deals with investigating process zone at the crack tip and growth of the crack through the solid, especially under the conditions of static fatigue. The primary external parameters to be investigated include temperature and the stress intensity factor. The main goal is to discover relationships between the stress field in the crack tip process zone and the structural variables of various polyolefins with the main focus on polyethylene with bimodal MWD and high molecular weight polypropylene. The fundamental experimental protocol includes creep tests using notched specimens, deformation tests focusing on the strain hardening behaviour and various structural analysis methods. Additionally, cyclic fatigue tests can be utilized.
► Block multi-oligosacharide networks with structurally programmable swelling behaviour
Use of biopolymers in functional materials with structurally programmable properties is needed. Here, focus is on block multi-oligo-saccharide (BMOS) networks with the structurally programmed swelling behavior. Native and waste polysaccharides are enzymatically degraded into oligosaccharide precursors and functionalized for solubility and connectivity to form a library of coding building blocks. Swelling behavior of BMOS networks is structurally programmed by linking sequence of building blocks into chains with encoded solubility and designing type, density and spatial organization of inter-chain X-links. Processing and materials design concepts are developed in the form toolbox consisting of library of code elements with different hydrophilicity and programing algorithms linking them into sequence enabling structurally program desired swelling behavior. BMOS networks with programmable swelling behavior can restore soil water holding capacity, enable effective plant disease control, simplify plant breeding and support effective use of food and agricultural waste. The primary goal is a library of block co-oligosaccharides with hydrophilicity coded by the sequence of their monodisperse blocks and utilization of the library for programming kinetics of the water uptake and release in the cross-linked block co-oligomer networks.
► Structurally programmable mechanical metamaterials
Lowdensity mechanical metamaterials v structurally tunable acoustic damping and shape memory represent a major engineering challenge with foundational technological and societal implications. Advancements in their theoretical description has not, so far, been accompanied by experimental validations of the predicted effects. Unifying development of geometry and materials of their building blocks, algorithmization of the design of their function specific spatial arrangement and an industrial scale fabrication technology are critical for their practical deployment. Palette of universal building blocks with hybrid structural geometry, shape memory and functionalities enabling their spatially precise connectivity represent the core knowledge critical for effective fabrication of mechanical metamaterials with a broad range of applications. Programing elastic moduli, Poisson´s ratio, 3D tunable dumping of vibration spektra and coefficient of thermal expansion at the level of geometry and materias of the building blocks will instigate a paradigm shift in design of enhanced crashworthiness cars, aircrafts and space ships, explosion and ballistic resistant civil and military structures, vibration damping and tunable band gap acoustic structures, senzors, medical stents and bionic prostheses. The primary goal is a facile preparation of a palette of polymer nanocomposites with shape memory, algorithmization of the design of universal geometrically hybrid building blocks and assembly of digitally orchestrated sequence of deposition processes for their assembly into auxetics with 3D tunable vibration dumping.
► Robust, structurally and functionally coded building blocks for autonomously adaptive composites
Dynamic engineering composite structures with autonomous adaptability to external stimuli represent a major engineering challenge with foundational technological and societal implications. Unifying development of dynamic composite building blocks, composite structure design with its additive fabrication technology is foundational for the novel composite platform addressing many challenges current society faces. Scalable synthesis of the palette of building blocks with structurally encoded hierarchical assembly motifs and mechanical and photonic connectivity provides the core knowledge needed for the composites for extreme applications. We prepare palette of structurally and functionally programmed building blocks, develop algorithms for their assembly into load bearing and functional sub-structures with photonic signaling, control and power infrastructure in-situ in the course of fabricating engineering composites. Programing composite performance at the level of its building blocks will instigate a paradigm shift in design and fabrication of satelites and spacecrafts, shock resistant surface and air transport vehicles, lightweight armour, earthquake resistant civil engineering structures and tunable acoustic damping structures. The primary goal is a facile preparation of a palette of structural and functional building blocks with encoded mechanical and photonic connectivity and processes for their use in a multi-step fabrication of dynamic engineering composite structures.
Supervisor: Mgr. Jan Žídek, Ph.D.
► Designing of functional nanostructured materials by stacking of thin layers
The aim of the thesis will be the design of 3D nanostructured materials with the aid of the new method. The principle is a preparation of the 3D structures by stacking of very thin layers. The collection of the layers will create a 3D pattern that can show functional properties. These materials can be structured similarly to natural materials, for example, a cell membrane-like structure. Other materials may exhibit controlled release of active molecular compounds for medical applications such as capsaicin. The student's task will be to cooperate in the development of this method. Next, his/her task will be the designing of his/her own systems which can be created by this method. The topic is proposed in the framework of the TAR project and is in cooperation with the Vietnamese Academy of Sciences. (The student can but will not be obliged to travel to Vietnam, other international cooperation and travel will be also appreciated and supported.)
► Molecular dynamic study of direction-driven motion of water in macromolecular systems
The aim of the work will be to describe the molecular motion of water in macromolecular systems by molecular dynamic simulations. Water in macromolecular systems usually moves in a random Brownian motion. Nevertheless, there exist materials, where motion of water molecules is directed. One molecular system with directed motion will be investigated. The student will investigate this system by the molecular dynamic simulations, and he/she will describe the mechanism of the directed motion. The student can design his/her model or choose one of the models that are currently investigated. The first example is a hydrogel in which motion is controlled by water groups fixed in space. It has been found that the combination of interacting groups with fixation in space causes better adsorption of water compared to the groups with motion. The aim of this study will be to discover the mechanism of increased adhesion. The second example is a phenomenon called durotaxis, where a drop of water moves on the surface of the material in the direction of stiffness gradient. Durotaxis on rigid surfaces is currently well described. The mechanism of durotaxis on soft surfaces is currently partly described. However, there is still a good area to describe all aspects of such a motion. The topic is investigated in cooperation with the Institute of Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw.
► Modeling of deformation response of combined auxetic-classic materials
Auxetic materials are materials with a negative Poisson's ratio. Their specific feature is that, unlike standard materials, they expand in the perpendicular direction during tensile deformation. This factor gives a wide range of applications for highly stressed components, which should be fixed. Auxetic material cannot be easily removed from the place where it is fixed. Their disadvantage is low rigidity.
One way for auxetic material reinforcement was when combined with a conventional porous material with a positive Poisson's ratio. The student will deal with various possibilities of combining materials with negative and positive Poisson's ratio. The effect of reinforcement and stress distribution during deformation will be investigated. Materials will be theoretically described using solid-phase mechanics.
Supervisor: Mgr. František Kučera, Ph.D.
► Biodegradable thermoplastic materials for plastic processing technologies
Proposed doctoral thesis will be focused on the research in the field of biodegradable polymeric materials based on thermoplastic starch, polymeric blends with TPS and composites of TPS reinforced with cost-effective nature materials derived from food industry as by-products. The aim is the optimization of the composition of TPS/biodegradable matrice-filler system with respect to mechanical properties, processability, biodegradability, hydrophobic/hydrophilic behaviour etc. Rheological analysis will be the key tool for the optimization of the polymeric blends with optimal material properties suitable for conventional plastics processing technology and testing for application in single use disposable products according to CZ and EU legislation.
This work will be focused on application of expanded graphite (EG) in rubber matrix with the aim to modify mechanical and electrical properties of prepared vulcanizates. Morphology, interaction of EG with the rubber matrix, electrical properties (conductivity, electromagnetic shielding), rheological, tribological and mechanical properties will be investigated. Existing theoretical models will be used for describing mechanical and electrical properties of EG composites such as Young’s modulus and conductivity, respectively.
RG 2-05 High Performance Materials and Coatings for Industry
Supervisor: doc. Ing. Ladislav Čelko, Ph.D.
The electronic configuration of transition metals, characterized by an incomplete subshell and a readiness to donate cations, allows the production of a number of coordination complexes or intermetallics which are represented by a wide range of oxidation states, unique chemical and physical properties having a great potential in new clean and cost-effective renewable energy applications. The doctoral topic will focus on development of green chemistry, mechanochemistry and/or powder metallurgy protocols for synthesis or formation of selected Ti, Fe and Mn transition metal-based complexes, its interaction with various environments, advanced materials properties characterization as well as compaction and sintering into the form of a precursors or targets utilized for thin film deposition technologies. Along the studies, the candidate will have the opportunity to work on development of chemical syntheses routes, and learn a variety of materials characterization and manufacturing technologies. Only, highly motivated and collaborative candidates with outstanding track record and with the ambition in chemistry, materials science and mechanical engineering are welcome to submit an application.
Supervisor: M.Sc. Edgar Benjamin Montufar Jimenez, Ph.D.
► Additive manufacturing of titanium and its alloys beyond powder bed fusion
This doctoral topic explores material extrusion and vat polymerization for the additive manufacturing of titanium porous structures with applications such as tissue engineering scaffolds, bone implants and catalytic supports. The research involves the development of new titanium formulations for use in additive manufacturing, topology optimization, sintering and characterization of the mechanical, chemical and biological performance. Along the studies, the candidate will have the opportunity to learn and work from the synthesis to the characterization of the materials. Highly motivated and collaborative candidates with outstanding track of records and with the ambition to learn from both materials and biological sciences are welcome to submit an application.
► Additive manufacturing assisted processing of interpenetrating phase composites
This doctoral topic will study the properties of metal/metal, metal/ceramic, and polymer/ceramic interpenetrating phase composites with broad range of application including bone repair. The aim is to explore additive manufacturing to control the fraction, topology, and consequently, the properties of the new composites. The research involves the design of new composite topologies, additive manufacturing and consolidation of the composites, characterization of the structure and the mechanical performance, and explore numerical models to predict the mechanical response. Along the studies, the candidate will have the opportunity to learn and work from the synthesis to the characterization of the materials. Highly motivated and collaborative candidates with outstanding track of records and with the ambition to learn from both materials and biological sciences are welcome to submit an application.
Supervisor: MDDr. Carolina Oliver Urrutia, Ph.D.
► Fabrication and surface modification of metallic foams for potential application in biomaterials
The development of this topic aims to manufacture porous metallic materials using the direct foaming method. The project involves the surface modification, study of the microstructure and mechanical properties of the materials, as well as their cytocompatibility. At the end of the Ph.D. program, the applicant will have skills and conceptual knowledge of the manufacture and characterization of porous materials with application in industry and biomedicine. Applicants must demonstrate initiative and disposition for research, with a solid professional, methodological and ethical training, to develop original research.
Supervisor: Ing. Karel Slámečka, Ph.D.
► Multiscale analysis of surface topographies in the area of thermal spraying
This work is focused on systematic experimental research of the connections between the surface topography of the substrate and the adhesion, microstructure, and useful properties of thermally sprayed coatings. The surface topography of the substrate will be characterized by multiscale analysis. As part of the work, conventional and advanced material systems for application in the areas of transport and energy production will be studied. The aim of the work is to identify the optimal topography of the substrate, which will lead to the improvement of the useful properties and the increase of the service life of the existing coatings.
Supervisor: M.Sc. Serhii Tkachenko, Ph.D.
Transition metal-based compounds (TMC), such as MAX phases and ABO3-type perovskites, are promising candidate materials for environmental remediation uses and green energy production. Among other additive manufacturing technologies, robocasting offers a powerful and versatile tool to shape these materials into frameworks with controlled hierarchical microstructure, porosity, and chemistry, which have exceptional physical and chemical properties. This research is focused on the preparation of printable pastes based on transition metal (Ti, Fe, Ni…) compounds using different mechanochemical (high-energy ball milling, spray drying, etc.) and chemical methods (wet chemistry syntheses) or their combinations. The influence of various parameters of prepared pastes on the shaping and sintering behavior of framework structures from TMC, their functionalization, and the resulting catalytic properties will be thoroughly explored.
RG 2-07 Advanced Biomaterials
Supervisor: doc. Mgr. Zdenka Fohlerová, Ph.D.
► Electrical properties of PVDF fibers as scaffold for biomedical applications
The project is focused on the fabrication of fibers from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), an attractive material for making functional scaffolds, via electro-spin coating method. The choice of PVDF is due to an excellent piezoelectricity and good biocompatibility. Electrospun PVDF scaffolds can produce electrical charges during mechanical deformation, which can provide necessary stimulation for repairing tissue. The candidate will work on the fabrication of scaffolds with randomly oriented or uniaxially aligned fibers. The scaffolds will be characterized using various methods such as SEM, XPS, FTIR, XRD, contact angle. The main part of the project will focus on determining the piezoelectric properties of PVDF fibers and their potential contribution in the use of these piezoactive materials in liquid environments and as part of hydrogel structures. In addition, the biological characterizations of scaffolds including viability assays and the detection of parameters demonstrating electromechanical activation of cells will be performed.
► Advanced structures with antimicrobial properties
The project is focused on the study of antibacterial and antiviral properties of nanostructured surfaces and/or parylene coatings. Various technological approaches to the synthesis of nanowires from metals and oxides with an antimicrobial effect will be used. The production of a composite film from parylene and antimicrobial nanoparticles will also be addressed, or post-modification of parylene with antimicrobial molecules. In addition, the project will include the production and characterization of a parylene film with micro/nano hierarchical structures, which will also be tested against bacteria and viruses.
RG 2-08 Bioelectronics Materials and Devices
Supervisor: doc. Eric Daniel Glowacki, Ph.D.
► Optical communication and powering methods for biomedical implants
There is a great interest in miniaturizing bioelectronic implant devices, such as those used for neurostimulation or drug delivery. The most important aspect is efficient wireless powering and data transfer. Most methods rely on electromagnetic induction, but this suffers from geometric constraints. Our alternative is using optical power/data transfer using LED light sources and photovoltaic receivers. This is enabled by using tissue-penetrating wavelength in the deep red and infrared part of the spectrum. This work will include experiments on powering biomedical implants, including with animal models. Computer modelling will also be used. This work is sponsored by the company Opto Biosystems Ltd. and close collaboration is envisioned, leading to clinical translation applications.
Microelectrodes are a very important element for neurostimulation and recording of neurological signals in the body. The properties of these electrodes significantly affect their performance, safety, and reliability. In terms of long-term implants, the most important is the lifespan in the physiological environment, which is currently the biggest problem of various implants for neurostimulation. This work will focus on the study and development of next-generation electrode systems that will be characterized by long-term stability and excellent electrical properties at the interface with the environment.
RG 2-09 Plasma Technologies
Supervisor: doc. Lenka Zajíčková, Ph.D.
► Ti-based oxide thin films and heterostructured nanomaterials
TiO2 is a fascinating material finding applications in optical, electronic, optoelectronic, and sensing devices. TiO2 properties can be modified or fine-tuned by adding another element, thereby creating ternary oxides. It provides new materials for continuous device down-scaling in semiconductor fabrication technology. The Ph.D. topic is focused on atomic layer deposition of Ti-based ternary oxides from the Ti-Si-O and Ti-Sr-O systems. The research should answer the question about the composition-dependent optical and electrical properties and the structure of the deposited films, whether it is well mixed or phase separated.
► Towards understanding the energetic conditions on the chemical reactivity of plasma polymers
Plasma polymers deposited in cyclopropylamine/argon radio frequency discharge at low pressure proved to be an excellent platform for immobilizing biomolecules and improving cell adhesion and proliferation [E. Makhneva et al. Sens. Actuator B-Chem. 276 (2018) 447,A. Manakhov et al. Materials & Design 132 (2017) 257, A. Manakhov et al. Plasma Process. Polym. 14 (2017) e1600123]. Similarly, plasma polymers containing carboxyl or anhydride groups are perfectly suitable for biomedical applications, as, e.g., the immobilization of drugs and platelet-rich blood plasma were recently reported [E. Permyakova et al. Materials & Design 153 (2018) 60, A. Soloviev et al. Polymers 9(12) (2017) 736]. Plasma polymer thin films are significantly influenced by external parameters such as gas feed composition, pressure, and power to the discharge. Unfortunately, a detailed understanding of plasma polymerization is difficult because it is a complex chemical vapor deposition process that involves many neutral reactants created in the plasma. Moreover, at low pressure, it is affected by positive or negative ions. This thesis aims to understand the plasma-chemical gas phase and surface processes by using plasma diagnostics methods (optical emission spectroscopy, mass and ion spectroscopies, retarding field energy analysis, and Octiv VI Probe measurements). The information gained will be correlated with the characterization of the thin films.
RG 2-11 Advanced Multifunctional Ceramics
Supervisor: prof. RNDr. Karel Maca, Dr.
► Advanced multifunctional ceramic materials
Multifunctional advanced ceramic materials exhibit a proper synergy of mechanical, optical, electrical or magnetic properties. The processing of such materials requires the optimization of all steps of the ceramic technology, i.e. the treatment of the input powder precursors and the selection of suitable methods of their shaping and sintering. The aim of the dissertation work will be the utilization of modern ceramic technology methods (dry and wet forming methods, pressure-less and pressure-assisted sintering) to prepare multifunctional ceramic materials and composites and evaluate their microstructure and properties in relation to possible applications. Within the ongoing Horizon Europe project "GlaCerHub" (co-ordinator K. Maca), it will be possible to complete Cotutelle studies (double-degree-type studies) in cooperation with the University of Trenčín. During the course of the study, the specific topic of the work will be specified in cooperation with the student and the FunGlass Center of Excellence Trenčín (e. g. High-Enthropy Ceramics with luminescent properties, Transparent ceramics with luminescent properties, etc.).
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