Project general objective:
- elaboration, making and experimentation of new nano-functional materials used as functional surfaces highly resistant to corrosion and wear which make them fit for use in nuclear industry, human body implants, industrial tribo-corrosion systems through synergy and convergence of competences in various scientific fields: chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, biology, medicine.
The present project shall bring an important contribution to the development of knowledge in the field of advanced materials and processes by:
► making functional nano-structured surfaces by electrolytical deposition of nano-dispersed particles (mechanism and kinetic of co-deposition process of nanodispersed phases with metals);
► investigation of the mechanism of functional surfaces repassivation kinetic by in situ
electrochemical investigations (free potential during intermittent friction potential-dynamic curves with and without friction, impedance diagrams of surfaces in passive and active state, potential jumps from active to passive recording the current by monitoring the development and growth of the passive film);
► the corrosion and tribocorrosion tests on functional surfaces as nano-structured composite coatings;
► elaboration of the repassivation mathematical model depending on time and layer
thickness based on in situ and ex situ electrochemical measurements, the surface structure and composition.
Objectives of each partners:
► In - situ and ex - situ testing techniques for the kinetic mechanism of obtaining the functional surfaces (by different procedures) compatible with the scope of applications (CC – ITES);
► Correlation of their characteristics with the nano/micro structure, chemical composition, surface defects, type of disperse phase (CC - ITES).
► Processes taking place at the interface of functional surfaces (nano and microcomposite layers, hard layers, protection layers) / working environments (all partners);
► Mechanism and kinetics of dispersed phase’s (ceramics and polymers) electro – co -
deposition with metallic matrices (Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) (CC – ITES);
► Optimisation of co-deposition parameters for each type of nanocomposite coatings
(Ni-TiC, Ni – WC, Ni-TiO2, Co- CeO2, Cu-ZnO etc.) (CC - TES);
► Obtaining of nanocomposite coatings on support materials at optimum parameters for performing the specific tests in working environments (CC - ITES);
► Characterisation of coating thicknesses, surface morphologies and composition by SEM-EDX, XRD, XPS etc. (CEA + ECP);
► Characterisation of adhesion, roughness and microhardness (all partners);
► Characterisation of corrosion properties of nanocomposite coatings in different specific environments (CC - ITES + ECP);
► Characterisation of wear – corrosion properties (tribocorrosion) of nanocomposite coatings in specific environments (fretting bidirectional mode) (ECP);
► Characterisation of complex passive film on nanocomposite coating materials (ECP + CCITES)