Serbia enhances materials research potential
The Department of Materials Engineering (DEMATEN) at the Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad was one of the first in Serbia to investigate nanostructured materials. In the 1990s, building on its expertise in the field of ceramics and polymers, DEMATEN started to extend its activities — into the processing and characterisation of nanopowders, nanotubes, nanofilms and nanocomposites. With EU funding of the RP-DEMATEN project, the department has successfully reinforced its capabilities in this important field of research, through investments in both facilities and personnel. Three young scientists were recruited and trained, two experienced returning researchers were hired and three experienced senior researchers were hosted for a period of three months each. DEMATEN purchased and installed important state-of-the-art equipment. Researchers effectively employed a waters gel permeation chromatography (GPC) instrument to separate particles based on their sizes, and used a Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZS is to measure size as well as other properties of nanoparticles and polymer solutions. RP-DEMATEN also organised two training schools and three workshops on nanostructured materials. RP-DEMATEN has provided an important reinforcement of DEMATEN's research potential that should facilitate integration into the European Research Area (ERA) and foster innovation in nanomaterials characterisation and application. Benefits will include enhanced understanding of nanostructured materials and better job opportunities for Serbia-trained scientists.
