Europe, Latin America join forces for nanocomposite research
Advanced techniques for producing novel materials and for evaluating them significantly increase the exploitation potential of these materials. This is particularly true for the relatively new and rapidly growing field of nanotechnology. European and Latin American institutions in related multidisciplinary fields joined forces on the EU-funded project 'Advanced processing and characterisation of micro and nano composites' (NANOCOM-NETWORK) to design new nanocomposites with superior properties. Over its three-year duration, the project focused on metal-based nanocomposites of great industrial importance and covering numerous potential applications. It has published 18 peer-reviewed papers and more are currently under revision. Fruitful exchange of ideas led to more than 10 new collaborative research projects covering topics that were not part of the original proposal. Scientists employed and optimised a variety of processing and manufacturing techniques. In order to characterise the new materials, the team developed or applied state-of-the-art technologies, including synchrotron analysis, focused ion beam nanotomography, atom probe microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. NANOCOM-NETWORK manufactured carbon nanotube-reinforced metal matrix composites with superior thermal and mechanical properties compared to un-reinforced metals. Aluminium-based metal matrix composites produced using a variety of optimised processing techniques also demonstrated enhanced mechanical properties. Ceramics are of interest in numerous applications. However, they face difficulties with processing and resultant quality. Scientists manufactured and characterised nano-structured bulk metal–ceramic composites and are currently optimising processing parameters and methods.Investigators also produced titanium-based nano-structured coatings with star-shaped crystallite morphology. These had superior mechanical properties, making them particularly well-suited for coating of machining tools for cutting operations. NANOCOM-NETWORK established a productive and progressive collaboration between European and Latin American research institutes in the field of processing and characterisation of metallic nanocomposites. Hard work and stimulating scientific exchange has resulted in numerous papers, initiating new fields of endeavour, and a lasting partnership to advance the design of novel materials that will benefit both national economies and citizens.
Keywords
Nanocomposite, nanotomography, carbon nanotube, metal matrix composite, ceramic, coatings
