Harmonisation of EU-wide nanomechanics protocols and relevant data exchange procedures, across representative cases; standardisation, interoperability, data workflow

Project Information

nanoMECommons

Grant agreement ID: 952869

DOI

10.3030/952869

Project closed

EC signature date 22 February 2021

Start date 1 February 2021

End date 31 January 2025

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies - Advanced manufacturing and processing

Total cost

€ 5 999 988,75

EU contribution

€ 5 999 988,75

Coordinated by

ETHNICON METSOVION POLYTECHNION
Greece

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - nanoMECommons (Harmonisation of EU-wide nanomechanics protocols and relevant data exchange procedures, across representative cases; standardisation, interoperability, data workflow)

Reporting period: 2024-02-01 to 2025-01-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The nanoMECommons project addresses the critical challenge of characterizing nanomaterials' mechanical properties, which are essential for applications in electronics, energy storage, and biomedical devices. The lack of standardized and reproducible methods for assessing nanomaterial properties at small scales hinders the reliability of data used in material design and industrial applications. By bridging this gap, nanoMECommons improves the accuracy and comparability of nanomechanical characterization techniques, ultimately enhancing the performance and safety of advanced materials.

Ensuring reliable nanomechanical characterization is crucial as nanomaterials are increasingly integrated into products affecting daily life. Improved measurement techniques support innovation across industries, enabling the development of stronger, lighter, and more durable materials. Additionally, these advances contribute to regulatory efforts, ensuring nanomaterials meet safety and environmental standards, while fostering sustainable industrial growth and benefiting both businesses and consumers.

The project's key outcomes include establishing standardized nanomechanical testing frameworks, integrating experimental methods with digital solutions, and promoting data sharing and analysis. By developing advanced protocols, standardizing methodologies, and fostering collaboration between research institutions and industry, nanoMECommons enhances the reliability and efficiency of nanomechanical characterization. The project’s achievements strengthen Europe’s position in nanotechnology and materials science, laying a foundation for continued innovation and supporting future research, industry applications, and policymaking in nanomechanics.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The project has made significant strides in advancing materials characterisation by developing new methods, tools, and standards that enhance data quality, experimental reliability, and industrial applications. A major achievement is the creation of CHAMEO, a standardized framework for documenting and integrating characterisation workflows, which ensures data is easily accessible and reusable. The adoption of BPMN 2.0 for process documentation further improves communication across sectors.

Advanced techniques, including high-speed automated nanoindentation and the i-CHADA approach, were developed for reliable mechanical data interpretation. Machine learning models now assist in analyzing nanomechanical properties, while improved methods for measuring residual stress in materials, such as through Raman spectroscopy and nanoindentation, provide new insights into materials like α-Quartz. Innovations in strain analysis combine tensile testing, electron microscopy, and diffraction methods to better understand the impact of manufacturing processes like 3D printing on material performance.

The project has also contributed to international standardisation efforts, ensuring harmonization of characterisation methods across industries. Workshops, collaborations, and open-access resources, including ontologies and best-practice guidelines, have promoted better data management. By integrating experimental techniques with digital tools and AI, the project has significantly improved materials testing, accelerating innovation across industries and reinforcing Europe’s leadership in advanced materials characterisation.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The nanoMECommons project has made significant progress in developing standardized protocols for material characterization, improving testing reliability, and fostering data trust. These efforts contribute to harmonizing testing practices across European industries, reducing costs, and enhancing product performance assessments, ultimately supporting the competitiveness of SMEs in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and energy by facilitating access to advanced characterization techniques.

In the third reporting period, innovations such as high-speed nanoindentation protocols were introduced to reduce data acquisition time, improving testing efficiency. Additionally, synthetic data generation techniques were integrated, enabling simulation-driven material design and reducing the need for physical testing. These advancements are critical for faster product development and optimization, particularly in industries where material properties are central to design and function.

The project also improved the comparability and traceability of characterization data, ensuring consistent and reliable results across laboratories and industries. Key innovations include the CHAMEO reference ontology and the i-CHADA app, which streamline data management and documentation, ensuring transparency and reproducibility in material testing. These developments support EU policy goals on sustainability, regulatory compliance, and market harmonization, particularly in emerging technologies like additive manufacturing and energy storage, contributing to a more competitive and sustainable European manufacturing sector.

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