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11-05 :: May/June 2011
nanotimes EU-Projects
Novel Bio-based Nanostructured Polymer Composites Under Construction
Researchers in Austria are investigating how renew- able resources can be used as the basis for multi- functional nanostructured composite materials that will offer improved surface functionality compared to products already on the market. The work is being conducted under the “Surface functionalisation of cellulose matrices using cellulose embedded nano- particles” (Surfuncell) project.
The new materials will be composed of nanoscaled polysaccharides layers with embedded nanoparticles, coating different celluloses matrices. The compoun- ding will target the area where the ‚filler‘ is required; thus, by avoiding the surface and outer layers of the polymers, it will prevent deterioration of the matrix materials‘ chemical properties. Surfuncell will investi- gate the effects of cellulose dissolution, structuration with nanoparticles and irreversible coatings. They will also explore several ways to create an entirely new type of high-value bio-based material: its properties will be widely applicable and its functions tailored to meet user needs. The improved properties of these materials, such as flame resistance, conductivity, antimicrobial activity and barrier properties, could make them ideal for use in medical and hygiene de- vices, as well as in the electronics industry.
Contact: Volker (Prof. Dr.) Ribitsch, University Graz, Institute of Chemistry, Associate Professor for Physical Che- mistry, A-8010 Graz, Austria, Phone: +43-316-3805418
http://physchem.kfunigraz.ac.at/rc/ribitsch_pfragner/ einstieg_rib_pfra.htm
http://www-classic.uni-graz.at/chewww/IfC_mission.html
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Cementing the Future of Construction
Cement depends on an important main ingredient to harden, technically known as C-S-H gel. Gene- rally, the properties of this gel have been difficult to manipulate and fine-tune in order to create more robust varieties. Yet scientific advances and labora- tory simulations investigating its nanoscale properties have helped overcome this barrier. Recent nano experiments have revealed that the C-S-H gel can present itself either in a variety that is of low stiffness and low density (LD C-S-H gel) or in a variety that is of high stiffness and high density (HD C-S-H gel). These varieties are very different in how they resist ‘osteoporosis-like‘ degradation, as reflected in the ageing of the cement structures.
The EU-funded project “Computationally driven design of innovative cement-based materials” (Codice) is investigating whether the development of stronger and more durable HD C-S-H varieties can perform better than LD ones. The project is conduc- ting advanced simulations to find the answer by mea- suring different parameters and using a multi-scale modelling scheme. This helps identify the structural evolution and mechanical performance of different types of cement, or more accurately cement matri- ces, using macroscopic processing variables to guide design of new varieties.
Contact: Jorge (Dr) Sanchez Dolado, Fundacion Labein NANOC, Spain, Phone: +34-946073300: