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CEITEC VUTAbbreviation: AMAcad. year: 2019/2020
Programme: Advanced Materials and Nanosciences
Length of Study: 4 years
Tuition Fees: 3000 EUR/academic year for EU students, 3000 EUR/academic year for non-EU students
Accredited from: 1.1.2011Accredited until:
Profile
The field "Advanced Materials" will provide students with knowledge and skills focused mainly on advanced (functionally and structurally gradient, nanostructured, intelligent) ceramic materials, polymers, metals and composites. This area includes advanced methods of preparation of advanced materials and multifunctional composites with polymer, ceramic and metal matrices, to characterize their structure at different dimensional levels, to quantify the relationships between structural parameters and properties of these materials. The field also includes applications of advanced materials in medicine, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, energy and chemistry. By completing the study, the student will gain sufficient professional knowledge and skills needed to solve various scientific problems in research and development institutions and in industrial practice. The graduate will be able to work at the necessary level for further development of the field at the workplaces of their further activities (academic and scientific institutions and institutions of the implementation area) and contribute to improving the competitiveness of research and application areas of these institutions. The concept of the study program enables students to acquire sufficient competencies for cooperation in national and international development, design and research teams. The graduate of this field will gain solid abilities and skills to work in scientific and research centers not only in the Czech Republic but also abroad.
Entry requirements
http://amn-phd.ceitec.cz/admission-step-by-step/
Guarantor
prof. RNDr. Josef Jančář, CSc.
Issued topics of Doctoral Study Program
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.
The aim of the thesis is to develop and test new antibacterial wound healing agents, which would replace antibiotics and thus prevent their overuse. Antibacterial substances will be used as additives in hydrogel wound dressings, physicochemically and biologically tested in vitro and in vivo.
Tutor: Vojtová Lucy, doc. Ing., Ph.D.
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.
For more details contact the supervisor.
Tutor: Abdellatif Abdelmohsen Moustafa, M.Sc., Ph.D.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For more details please contact the supervisor.
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.
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.
Testing and characterization of various inorganic-organic additives to increase the adhesion of polymer-composite paste to bone tissue during bone regeneration. Important part will include finding optimal parameters for biomechanical ex-vivo tests.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Here we will use hierarchical polymer nano-composites (PNCs) foamed in-situ with environmentally benign supercritical CO2 directly in the deposition zone of the additive manufacturing nanotechnology (AMN). This breakthrough AMN will yield lightweight solids with multi length scale programmable hierarchical structure, customizable shapes and tunable mechanical response. By selection of polymers, nanoparticles, PNC composition, nanoparticle spatial organization, interfacial attraction, foaming process and AMN parameters, advanced low density materials will be fabricated exhibiting simultaneous enhancement of stiffness, strength, toughness and thermal stability. Selecting functional NPs will introduce electrical conductivity, super-hydrophobicity and reduced flammability. Their application areas include impact protection of space structures, integral car body panels, EMI shielding and low pressure hydrogen storage.
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.
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.
For more details please contact the supervisor
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The use of different methods and their optimization to monitor mutual physical interactions between proteins and thermosensitive polymers to understand the principles of their controlled release and biodegradation for regenerative medicine.
Layered transition metal dichalcogenides represent some of the most investigated 2-D nanomaterials nowadays. They are typically prepared by various top-down methods and may contain defects that limit their potential use. Among bottom-up methods, atomic layers deposition profiles as the method of the choice to prepare these materials in the form of uniform thin layers. This method is feasible to prepare various sulphides and selenides in a controllable fashion. The aim of this Ph.D. study is therefore synthesis of new types of layered transition metal dichalcogenides sulphides and selenides (such as (MoS2, MoSe2, etc.) by ALD on various substrates. Characterization of the resulting materials will be realized by a whole range of techniques. These materials are expected to have very attractive properties that will be characterized and exploited for various applications.
Tutor: Macák Jan, Dr. Ing.
For further details, please contact mafri@ipm.cz.
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.
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.
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.
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.