COST Domain Committee "Materials, Physical and Nano Sciences”" COST Action MP0902 Start Date: 06/11/2009 “Composites of Inorganic Nanotubes and Polymers (COINAPO)” MONITORING PROGRESS REPORT Reporting Period: from 06/11/2009 to 31/07/2013 This Report is presented to the relevant Domain Committee. It contains three parts: I. Management Report prepared by the COST Office/Grant Holder II. Scientific Report prepared by the Chair of the Management Committee of the Action III. Previous versions of the Scientific Report; i.e., part II of past reporting periods The report is a “cumulative” report, i.e. it is updated annually and covers the entire period of the Action. Confidentiality: the documents will be made available to the public via the COST Action web page except for chapter II.D. Self evaluation. Based on the monitoring results, the COST Office will decide on the following year’s budget allocation. Executive summary (max.250 words): COST Action MP0902-COINAPO at present comprises 25 signatory COST countries and 3 non-COST members, which altogether incorporate more than 140 researchers from various fields. In the period from 06/11/2009 to 31/07/2013 seventeen events were organized: kick-off meeting, four MC meetings, one core-group meeting, four cohesive meetings of all WGs, three topical meetings, one minisymposium, one joint meeting with two other COST Actions, and two training schools for ESRs. Two topical meetings were aimed at promotion of the Action activities to industry and establishing contacts with industrial and SME partners, while one was focused on theoretical modeling of composite materials. The minisymposiom was devoted to safety and health risks issues related to research work with nanomaterials. The first training school was focused on practical training on experimental techniques for nanocomposite characterization and involved lab work with the samples of inorganic nanotube – polymer composites. The second school was focused on recent advances in nanocomposite materials. The instrument of STSM was used to establish several new collaborations. 21 STSM exchange visits were successfully concluded, 1 is running, 1 was approved and 1 is pending until 31/07/2013. We believe that our action is successfully and fully exploiting all the tools made available by COST.
Transcript
COST Domain Committee "Materials, Physical and Nano Sciences”"
COST Action MP0902 Start Date: 06/11/2009
“Composites of Inorganic Nanotubes and
Polymers (COINAPO)”
MONITORING PROGRESS REPORT
Reporting Period:
from 06/11/2009 to 31/07/2013
This Report is presented to the relevant Domain Committee. It contains three parts:
I. Management Report prepared by the COST Office/Grant Holder II. Scientific Report prepared by the Chair of the Management Committee of the Action III. Previous versions of the Scientific Report; i.e., part II of past reporting periods The report is a “cumulative” report, i.e. it is updated annually and covers the entire period of the Action. Confidentiality: the documents will be made available to the public via the COST Action web page except for chapter II.D. Self evaluation. Based on the monitoring results, the COST Office will decide on the following year’s budget allocation.
COST countries and 3 non-COST members, which altogether incorporate more than 140 researchers from various fields. In the period from 06/11/2009 to 31/07/2013 seventeen events were organized: kick-off meeting, four MC meetings, one core-group meeting, four cohesive meetings of all WGs, three topical meetings, one minisymposium, one joint meeting with two other COST Actions, and two training schools for ESRs. Two topical meetings were aimed at promotion of the Action activities to industry and establishing contacts with industrial and SME partners, while one was focused on theoretical modeling of composite materials. The minisymposiom was devoted to safety and health risks issues related to research work with nanomaterials. The first training school was focused on practical training on experimental techniques for nanocomposite characterization and involved lab work with the samples of inorganic nanotube – polymer composites. The second school was focused on recent advances in nanocomposite materials. The instrument of STSM was used to establish several new collaborations. 21 STSM exchange visits were successfully concluded, 1 is running, 1 was approved and 1 is pending until 31/07/2013. We believe that our action is successfully and fully exploiting all the tools made available by COST.
I. Management Report prepared by the COST Office/Grant Holder I.A. COST Action Fact Sheet
Action MP0902 Fact Sheet
Title
Composites of Inorganic Nanotubes and Polymers (COINAPO)
Barbara Paci 03.07.2012 31.07.2012 Crete, Greece 2.500,00 €
Ana Dergan 17.9.2012 6.10.2012 Rome, Italy 2.000,00 €
Luka Cmok 6.10.2012 3.11.2012 Florence, Italy 2.500,00 €
Total 11.000,00 €
Workshops
Title Date Place Participants Cost Total
From To
5th COINAPO Topical
Meeting: Safety on
nanotube – polymer
composite materials
3.7.2012 3.7.2012 Mainz,
Germany 9/13 6.855,58 €
Topical Meeting:
Nanocomposites:
synthesis,
characterization,
testing and realization
19.11.2012 21.11.2012 Rehovot
Israel 27/67 26.607,34 €
Total 33.462,92 €
Schools
Title Date Place
Cost Total
from to
Advances in
nanocomposite
materials: preparation
and characterization
3.9.2012 7.9.2012
Bucharest, Romania
27.021,40 €
Dissemination
Title Date
Place
Cost Total
Web page &
hosting
18.12.2012 Web page 2.000,00 € 2.000,00 €
Others
Bank charges 405,24 €
FSAC
Beneficiary Date Cost Total
University of Ljubljana 31.12.2012 16.676,65 € 16.676,65 €
Total : 128.004,54 €
Total Action Budget 2013: 134.667,00 €
Eligible costs till 31. July 2013: 49.529,30 €
Meetings
Meeting Type Date Place Participants Cost Total
Working group Meeting 20.3.- 21.3.
2013
Ercolano,
Italy 42/65 29.674,18 €
MC Meeting 22. 3. 2013 Ercolano,
Italy 20/65 6.944,03 €
Total 36.618,21 €
STSM
Beneficiary Date
from
to
Place
Cost Total
Racheli Ron 14.1.2013 14.4.2013 Zaragoza, Spain 2.500,00 €
Sumeet Kumar 12.2.2013 10.5.2013 Ljubljana,
Slovenia 2.500,00 €
Shehab Hassan 14.4.2013 26.4.2013 Ljubljana,
Slovenia 1.450,00 €
Total 6.450,00 €
Workshops
Title Date Place Participants Cost Total
Total
Schools
Title Date Place
Cost Total
from to
--
0 €
Dissemination
Title Date
Place
Cost Total
Web page &
hosting
0 €
Others
Bank charges 147,30 €
FSAC
Beneficiary Date Cost Total
University of Ljubljana 31.7.2013 6.313,79 € 6.313,79 €
Total : 49.529,30 €
II. Scientific Report prepared by the Chair of the Management Committee of the Action,
describing results achieved during the Action operation in this period, in no more than 3 pages (the report is “cumulative”). All items listed in Sections A, B, and C, below, must be addressed. Additional documentation such as extended scientific reports, proceedings of workshops, seminars or conferences may be provided separately as an annex to this report, and should be referenced in the report.
II.A. Innovative networking
Innovative knowledge resulting from COST networking through the Action. (Specific examples of Results vs. Objectives)
The innovative research activities of the COST Action MP0902 (COINAPO) have during the last year focused on incorporation of inorganic nanotubes into various polymer hosts and on characterization of so-obtained composite materials.
During the period August 2012 – July 2013 the following results vs. objectives were achieved:
Example 1: Objective A: Understand the structure of the produced nanotubes and their characteristics – Result 1: It was discovered that non-fluorescent lanthanum phosphate nanotubes become fluorescent if doped with Tb and Eu ions ; Result 2: An efficient single-step decoration method for coating MoSI nanowires with Pt nanoparticles was found. The method enables large scale production for different applications; Result 3: New 1D nanostructures of multiferroic BiFeO3 were successfully synthesised. Result 4:It was found that semiconducting properties of MoS2 nanotubes can be strongly altered if a small amount of molybdenum atoms is substituted by rhenium atoms.
Example 2: Objective B: Develop methodologies for dispersing nanotubes/nanowires within polymers - Result 1:It was found that functionalization of NaTi nanotubes with silane molecules makes these nanotubes much more compatible with polymers, Result 2: A systematic investigation of effect of purification of MoS2 nanotubes on their dispersion in P3HT conjugated polymer for bulk heterojunction solar cells was performed.
Example 3: Objective C: Study the structural, opto-electronic and mechanical properties of nanocomposites - Result 1: A comparative study of effect of adding INT-WS2 nanoparticles in the form of nanotubes, fullerene-like nanoparticles and micron-sized platelets to epoxy matrix was performed. The study was focused on tribological performance of the nanocomposites; Result 2: Several groups investigated opto-electronic properties of composite materials developed for application in photovoltaic devices. Result 3: Charge transfer properties of a new composite material made from long silver nanowires doped into polycarbonate matrix were investigated; Result 4: Piezoelectric response of nanostructured polymeric 1-D materials was explored.
Example 4: Objective D: Determine the effect of processing on the final properties of the composite materials - Result 1: It was shown that doping soft liquid crystalline polymers with small amount of ZnO nanorods strongly changes morphology of the polymer; Result 2: It was found that duration of reaction in hydrothermal reactor influences the length of the fabricated NaTi nanotubes. Subsequently, the influence of the NaTi nanotube length on thermal and mechanical properties of their nanocomposites with polymers was determined. Result 3: The effect of nanotube content on crystallinity of the P3HT host matrix was investigated. It was found that the nanotubes improve the crystallinity of the composite layer in organic solar cells.
Example 5: Objective E: Model the response of the material as means to deeper understanding and optimisation of the composite - Result 1: A theory that shows that nanotube alignment due to external fields (electrical, magnetic and elongational flow) impacts their electrical percolation threshold in composite materials was completed; Result 2: Effective medium modelling of dielectric function of nanocomposites was continued in combination with experimental investigations of different kinds of composite materials; Result 3: A new model of nanocomposite dynamics aimed at explaining the results of transient grating experiments was implemented. Its applicability needs to be checked with further experimental investigations.
Example 6: Objective F: Establish characterization protocols for determining the key properties for key applications - Result 1: Partner group from Prague performed systematic measurements of absorbance of several ionic liquids in THz range. This is prerequisite for development of efficient polymeric absorbers of THz radiation.
Significant scientific breakthroughs as part of the COST Action. (Specific examples)
Example 1: Cooperative investigations have shown that treatment of WS2 nanotubes with plasma can produce secondary nanotubes of smaller diameter, which are only 2-3 layers thick. This finding demonstrates that by using experimental conditions far from equilibrium one can fabricate nanotubes that were considered by theory to be highly unstable. These nanotubes open up new prospects for fabrication of WS2 nanotube-polymer composites.
Example 2: A multidisciplinary investigation focused on the problem of electrically conductive composite
materials from nanotubes and polymers has shown that nanotubes need not to be conductive for the composite to be conductive. The main idea is to use non-conducting nanotubes as fillers, which drastically reduce the amount of electrically conducting polymer needed. The procedure developed along this research line is water-based and environmentally friendly. Example 3: A new method for decoration of MoSI nanowires, which gives rise to novel noble metal/molybdenum hybrid networks, was discovered. These decorated nanowires have promising properties for fabrication of new composite materials that can be used in electronic devices or sensors and for fabrication of conductive composites.
Tangible medium term socio-economic impacts achieved or expected. (Specific examples)
Example 1: First design and assembly of solar cells, which use new inorganic nanotube-polymer composite materials developed in the framework of the Action, were started. These activities are important for further development of technology for electricity production from light. Example 2: Further test experiments with inorganic nanotube-polymer composite materials that exhibit reduced friction and improved wear rates were performed. This research has important impact for energy saving in mechanical systems.
Spin off of new EC RTD Framework Programme proposals/projects. (List)
1) Proposal “Theoretical Modeling of Liquid Crystal Based Tunable Metamaterials” submitted last year, is funded by the European Office of Aerospace Research & Development (EOARD). The proposal in particular addresses a problem of the influence of the liquid crystalline host and nano-particles parameters on tuning of the optical properties of metamaterials. Total funding is 106,000.00USD (V. Reshetnyak)
Spin off of new National Programme proposals/projects. (List)
1) Our partner from Israel (R. Tenne) is heading a new national program (2012-2016) “Inorganic nanotubes (INT): from nanomechanics to improved nanocomposites”, which encompasses 11 research groups in 5 different Israeli universities
2) A new VEGA (Slovakia) national project entitled: “Nanocomposite materials for fabrication of gas sensors” was started (P. Lobotka).
3) Austrian Science Funds Project FWF P23982-N20 (1.11.2011-31.10.2014) "Multiscale properties of disordered ferroics and glasses" contains a subproject devoted to the study of Composites of
inorganic nanotubes and polymers. 4) POM Project “Ambition Power” – 140.000 eur (G. Compagnini)
II.B. Inter-disciplinary networking
Additional knowledge obtained from working with other disciplines within the COST framework. (Specific examples)
Example 1: A partner group from Greece involved in synthesis of new composite materials started collaboration with partner group from Italy that provides testing of these composites as possible component of photovoltaic cells.
Example 2: Interdisciplinary collaboration between the groups from Israel and Poland resulted in development of new methods for nanorods and nanowire alignment in porous alumina films.
Example 3: New knowledge on properties of soft liquid-crystalline polymers doped with small amount of nanoparticles (ZnO nanorods) was obtained from collaboration between the groups from Poland and Czech Republic.
Example 4: In the framework of the Action a partner from Italy (IIT) started collaboration with University of Vienna, Riga Technical University, ETH Zurich and Jožef Stefan Institute in Ljubljana achieving new results and competences in dynamic- and thermo-mechanical analysis of new type of nanowires/elastomer composites.
Evaluation of whether the level of inter-disciplinarity is sufficient to potentially provide scientific impacts. (Specific examples)
The level of inter-disciplinarity amongst the action-members is sufficient to potentially provide scientific impacts. Two examples are specifically mentioned below which highlight the inter-disciplinary approach on different aspects of the action of general scientific and technological interest.
a) A combination of measurements, computer simulation and analytical theory were necessary to find out that nanotubes need not be electrically conductive for composites to be conductive with a low percolation threshold if use is made of another conducting component that can be templated onto the nanotubes. Without such kind of interdisciplinary co-operation, this breakthrough discovery could not have been made.
b) Two partner groups from WG1-Fabrication of materials are involved in synthesis and preparation of new type of inorganic nanotubes decorated with noble-metal nanoparticles. These new materials are made available to partners from other WGs, which allows fast scanning/monitoring of their most interesting/promising properties.
Evaluation of whether the level of inter-disciplinarity is sufficient to potentially provide socio-economic impacts. (Specific examples)
Inter-disciplinary collaboration within the scope of the Action, which was further strengthened also during the period August 2012-July 2013, is to our opinion sufficient to potentially provide full insight into the properties of IN-P nanocomposite materials and consequently provide important socio-economic impacts.
Example 1: Several partners are involved in research activities on two specific fields: INT-polymer based solar cells and tribological properties of INT-polymer composites. Both topics can potentially provide high impact on development of new energy production and energy saving technologies.
II.C. New networking
Additional new members joining the Action during its life. In the period August 2012-July 2013 no new members from COST countries have joined the Action.
Total number of individual participants involved in the Action work. (Number of participants. Give % of female and of Early Stage Researcher participants)
In July 2013 the Action was composed of 145 individual participants (accordingly to the Action e-mailing list). From these about 20% are female and about 20% are Early Stage Researcher (ESR) participants.
Involvement of Early Stage Researchers in the Action, in particular with respect to STSMs, networking activities, and Training Schools. In addition, justification should be provided if less than 4 STSMs were carried out during the year. In the period August 2012-July 2013 altogether 6 STSM exchange visit were concluded, 1 is in the
reporting phase, 2 applications (to be accomplished in summer and autumn 2013, respectively) are already approved, while 1 is pending (waiting for required equipment to be purchased by the host). The goal is to realize 8-10 STSM visits within 2013. The majority of the STSM visits involve ESRs.
The second COINAPO training school was organized in Bucharest, Romania in on September 3.-7. 2012. 22 out from 23 trainees selected to receive the COST grant for this school were ESRs, predominantly Ph.D. students.
The ESRs involved in the past STSM visits are invited to the final Action meeting in Greece (Heraklion, October 2013) and asked to present there their research work performed during the STSM visit. This provides promotion of their work as well as improvement of their skills in relation with giving presentations on their research results.
Involvement of researchers from outside of COST Countries. (Number of participants from non-COST Countries approved by the CSO. Give % of such participants from countries with reciprocal agreements. Specify their contribution)
Ukraine (1 participating research group to the WG3-“Theory”) - approved by the CSO in spring meeting 2010, South Korea (1 participating research group to the WG1-“Fabrication of Materials”) – approved by CSO in spring meeting 2011. Australia – country with the reciprocal agreement - (1 participating research
group to the WG2-“Characterization”) – approved by CSO in autumn meeting 2012. Russia – expressed intention to join in 2012 – but no action was taken so far. At the moment 3,6% of participants from countries with reciprocal agreements are involved in Action activities.
Advancement and promotion of scientific knowledge through publications and other outreach activities. (Number of publications and other outreach activities that resulted from COST networking through the Action. Complete list should be given in an annex)
- Update (with guide for reimbursement procedures) of the Action web site www.coinapo.eu took place. - Further extensions of password protected area for Action members were made. - Action flyer and logo remain available to be downloaded from the Action web page. - 27 regular scientific publications resulting from collaborative research activities within COST networking were published/accepted/submitted in the period August 2012-July 2013 (see annex) - 22 conference contributions (on non-COINAPO meetings) publications resulting from collaborative research activities within COST networking were published in the period August 2012-July 2013 (see annex) - 17 manuscripts were submitted for Action final publication, which will be published as a special issue of Physica Status Solidi (Wiley). The manuscripts are at present in standard reviewing procedure for this journal. - 7 Ph.D. /M.Sc./B.Sc. works were accomplished (in the period August 2012-July 2013) in relation to the COST networking through the Action (see annex)
Activities and projects with COST network colleagues. Despite being close to the end of the Action, some new collaborations between COST network colleagues were established also in the period August 2012-July 2013 (the list of all new collaborative initiatives is given in the annex).
The capacity of the Action members to raise research funds. As can be seen from the lists of granted/applied national projects given above, the capacity of the Action members to raise research funds on national level is further increasing. There were no new project applications on the EC level during the last year. However, all Action partners agree that widespread collaborative links established within the Action should be used as a base for common project applications also after the end of the Action – i.e. within the Horizon 2020 calls.
III. Previous scientific report(s) Part II of past periods’ reports are to be found here. Report for period from 31/07/2011 to 31/07/2012
II.A. Innovative networking
Innovative knowledge resulting from COST networking through the Action. (Specific examples of Results vs. Objectives)
The innovative research activities of the COST Action MP0902 (COINAPO) have during the last year shifted from nanotube fabrication to their functionalization and incorporation into various polymer host materials.
During the period August 2011 – July 2012 the following results vs. objectives were achieved:
Example 1: Objective A: Understand the structure of the produced nanotubes and their characteristics – Result 1: A method of annealing of MoSI nanowires in ammonia gas that enables formation of MoN nanowires was developed. The resulting MoN nanowires were found to exhibit electrical superconductivity properties; Result 2: A dedicated study of crystalline structure of WS2 nanotubes under HRTEM was undertaken.
Example 2: Objective B: Develop methodologies for dispersing nanotubes/nanowires within polymers - Result 1: A new method for surface functionalization of sodium titanate nanotubes and nanowires with various types of silanes or by acryloul chloride was developed , Result 2: A new method using chemical and electrochemical polymerization for preparation of nanocomposite films between the gold micro-electrodes was tested. Result 3: Several groups developed methods for incorporation of inorganic nanotubes into polymer fibres produced by electro-spinning technique; Result 4: A method for dispersion of the nanotubes which allows to get 60-80% of dispersed nanoparticles was demonstrated. Result 5: A set of methods for dispersion of inorganic nanotubes in conductive polymers, such as P3HT or PANI, was developed.
Example 3: Objective C: Study the structural, opto-electronic and mechanical properties of nanocomposites - Result 1: A new method for preparation of MoSI nanowires decorated with CdSe quantum dots and/or Au nanoparticles was developed. The resulting nanowires are suitable for preparation of conductive polymers and preliminary study of their photoluminescent properties indicates potential applications in photovoltaics (solar cells) and optoelectronics; Result 2: A preliminary investigation of a nanocomposite material (MoS2 nanotube in a Polyurea matrix) by a non-linear optical microscope shows a very interesting second harmonic generation (SHG) phenomena from the bundles of nanotubes. This technique enables a very good 2D imaging of the single micro/nano-particles inside a bulk sample. A 3D imaging of the nanocomposite can be obtained by software reconstruction. Result 3: The effect of presence of inorganic material on the crystallinity and crystalline characteristics of the polymer (PEO) was investigated.
Example 4: Objective D: Determine the effect of processing on the final properties of the composite materials - Result 1: It was shown that use of a liquid crystal polymers as host material for ZnO piezoelectric nanorods can produce anisotropic distribution of the filler, Result 2: It was shown that surface modification of LaPO4Tb3+ fluorescent nanowires produces modification of their fluorescent spectrum in composite materials. Result 3: Effect of concentration of inorganic nanotubes on dynamical mechanical properties of their composites with polyuria was systematically investigated.
Example 5: Objective E: Model the response of the material as means to deeper understanding and optimisation of the composite - Result 1: A combination of measurements, computer simulations and theory has shown that mixtures of nanotubes and nanospheres form networks with a lower electrical percolation threshold than may be expected from simple mixing rules, Result 2: Theoretical investigation of charge transfer in TMCN composites/misfit compounds combined with experimental studies was performed.
Example 6: Objective F: Establish characterization protocols for determining the key properties for key applications - Result 1: A non-destructive technique for characterization of mechanical dissipative properties adapted for testing of nanocomposite material samples with small dimensions was developed; Result 2: Collaborative links established between different partners provide a possibility of detailed studying of electrical percolation phenomena using a broad-band dielectric spectroscopy in combination with theoretical modelling based on various effective medium approaches.
Significant scientific breakthroughs as part of the COST Action. (Specific examples)
Example 1: Composite materials of inorganic nanostructures and polymers for use in plasmonic organic solar cells were studied: the in-situ structural/morphological monitoring approach performed at ISM CNR in Rome integrated the work of other COINAPO partners allowing to directly correlate the improved photovoltaic performances to the superior structural-morphological properties of these systems. First evidences of enhanced morphology and photovoltaic stability in OPV devices incorporating plasmonic nanostructures were collected.
Example 2: The synthesis procedure of polyaniline (PANI)/TiO2 nanocomposites was developed, which
utilizes both the chemical and the electrochemical polymerization, and is available for in-situ preparation of gas sensing films directly on the interdigitated micro-electrodes on insulating substrate. Example 3: A method for synthesis of pure phase of WS2 inorganic nanotubes in large amounts (500 g/week) in reaction route enabling easy dispersion was developed. This provides a possibility to investigate effect of incorporation of nanotubes in polymer materials processed via standard large-scale industrial methods. New nanocomposites reinforced with these nanotubes are presently being studied.
Tangible medium term socio-economic impacts achieved or expected. (Specific examples)
Example 1: The promising preliminary results achieved by gas sensors based on PANI/TiO2 nano-composites are expected to provide numerous applications to the environment monitoring, chemical industries, health services, automotive industry and several other daily-life products. Example 2: European patent “Process for the preparation of a conductive polymer composition” (EP11003445.1, inventors E. Tkalya, C. Koning, P. van der Schoot) that was recently submitted is expected to have strong impact on improvement of electrical charge sensitive devices and products.
Spin off of new EC RTD Framework Programme proposals/projects. (List)
1) A project proposal within the call FP7-NMP-2012 was prepared. The small and medium-sized collaborative project entitled: “Realization of Sensors based on Nanocomposite Materials for Automotive Engines” involved 6 academic partners from COINAPO network and 4 partners from companies. The application unfortunately did not pass the evaluation procedure. However, valuable links with industrial partners have been established and a new project application on similar topic is in preparation within the FP7 call published in July 2012.
2) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-ITN MoWSeS training network project was approved for funding in 2012.
Spin off of new National Programme proposals/projects. (List)
5) Proposal to the Ministry of Energy and Water, Israel was submitted on June 2012. 6) INNI-FTA (Israeli National Nano Initiative - Focal Technology Area program) proposal is in process of
submission. 7) Project: HYDROCESPED (Development of new artificial grass) Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación,
8) Project: Nanostructured Catalysts for biomass hydrogen purification. Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Spanish government.01/12/2011-01/12/2014. 90,000€. Silvia Irusta
9) The research group of Prof. S. H. Anastasiadis is a partner in the recently awarded research program “High performance nanocomposite materials: Reinforcement of polymers with advanced carbon and silica nanostructures" (NANOCOMP) under the Action THALIS of the Greek Ministry of Education and Long Life Learning.
10) Project proposal: “Transition metal based nanowires and nanotubes by a two-step approach”. In evaluation process at ARRS, Slovenia.
11) The ISM CNR unit has participated to a proposal for Italian PRIN founding: the project, focussing on photovoltaics, was positively evaluated by two external referees and selected for the further evaluation step.
12) Dielectric and phonon spectroscopy of nanocomposite dielectrics and conductors, Project P204/12/0232 of the Grant Agency of the Czech Republic 2012-2014, principal investigator D. Nuzhnyy
13) Functional nanocomposites and their broad-band dielectric and conduction properties, Project LD12025 of the Czech Ministry of Education 2012-2013, principal investigator P. Vanek
14) The Slovak Grant Agency project APVV 0593-11 IOLISEN was granted, 2012-15. 15) Dielectric and ultrasonic investigation of composites of inorganic nanotubes and polymers” Lithuanian
Research Council funded project from May 2012. (Involved J.Banys , V. Samulionis and students) 16) Austrian Science Funds Project FWF P23982-N20 (1.11.2011-31.10.2014) "Multiscale properties of
disordered ferroics and glasses" contains a nubproject devoted to the study of Composites of
inorganic nanotubes and polymers. 17) Proposal to the Spanish ”MINISTERIO DE ECONOMIA Y COMPETITIVIDAD”, within the “PLAN
NACIONAL de I+D+i 2008-2011 - Subprograma de Proyectos de Investigación Fundamental” on “Synergies of inorganic nanofillers with different morphologies in the reinforcement of polymers”
18) Project: Kinetic theory of structural transitions in supramolecular polymers. Funding agency: Chemical Sciences Foundation, Dutch Organization for Scientific Research NWO. Granted: 2012. Position funded: 1 PhD student.
19) Project: Predictive processing of polymer-fullerene solar cells. Partners: P. Blom (RUG), R. Janssen (TU/e), J. Loos (Glasgow), M. Michels (TU/e). Funding agency: Dutch Polymer Institute. Granted: 2011. Positions funded: 4 PhD students.
II.B. Inter-disciplinary networking
Additional knowledge obtained from working with other disciplines within the COST framework. (Specific examples)
Example 1: The Action meeting (minisymposium) taking place in Mainz, Germany, was organized as a joint meeting with international conference on Transition Metal Chalcogenide and Halide Nanostructures - TMCN'12. Discussions of Action partners with researchers from the field of nanomaterials fabrication stimulated exchange of ideas and experience on various safety issues related to development and applications of nanomaterials.
Example 2: New techniques for characterization of nanoparticles and their composites with polymers, like PAS – positron annihilation spectroscopy, THz spectroscopy, plasma treatment, etc. were introduced via inter-disciplinary networking.
Example 3: New knowledge was obtained on the combination of chemical and electrochemical polymerization for the preparation of thin nanocomposite films in-situ over the insulating gap between the gold micro-electrodes of a gas sensor which resulting in the doubling of the ammonia sensitivity of the TiO2 containing nanocomposite film. This was achieved through the STSM of Mr. P. Kunzo from the working group of Prof. P. Lobotka (Slovakia) and his collaboration with the working group of Prof. S. H. Anastasiadis (Greece).
Evaluation of whether the level of inter-disciplinarity is sufficient to potentially provide scientific impacts. (Specific examples)
The level of inter-disciplinarity amongst the action-members is excellent to potentially provide scientific impacts. Two examples are specifically named below which highlight the inter-disciplinary approach on different aspects of the action of general scientific and technological interest.
c) Provision of inorganic nanotube and particle sample amongst the Action-members to enable systematic studies on various aspects of research on inorganic nanotube composite systems, such as mechanical, electrical optical properties or wear and tribological tests. This has boosted the scientific out-put and co-operation between the nanotube producing partners and different groups of the action studying the processing and characterization. The mutual feed-back led to improvements of dispersibility of inorganic nanotubes and the establishment of general processing guidelines.
d) Different samples of nanotube-reinforced aluminium alloys have been prepared by colleagues to validate the developed non-destructive technique. Results of dissipative material properties characterisation gave the possibility to formulate the recommendations for the improvement of technological process.
Evaluation of whether the level of inter-disciplinarity is sufficient to potentially provide socio-economic impacts. (Specific examples)
Inter-disciplinary collaboration within the scope of the Action, which was further strengthened during the period August 2011-July 2012 seems to be sufficient to potentially provide full insight into the properties of IN-P nanocomposite materials and consequently provide important socio-economic impacts.
Example 1: Several partners started very active cooperation on the topic of INT-polymer based solar cells, which can potentially provide high impact on development of new energy sources.
II.C. New networking
Additional new members joining the Action during its life. In the period August 2011-July 2012 the following new members have joined the Action: Croatia.
Total number of individual participants involved in the Action work. (Number of participants. Give % of female and of Early Stage Researcher participants)
In July 2012 the Action was composed of 127 individual participants (accordingly to the Action e-mailing list). From these 22% are female and about 15% are Early Stage Researcher (ESR) participants.
Involvement of Early Stage Researchers in the Action, in particular with respect to STSMs, networking activities, and Training Schools. In addition, justification should be provided if less than 4 STSMs were carried out during the year. In the period August 2011-July 2012 altogether 6 STSM exchange visit were concluded, 1 is running
right now, 2 STSM applications (to be accomplished in autumn 2012) are already approved, while 2 are still in the agreement process. The goal is to realize 8-10 STSM visits within 2012. The majority of STSM visits involve ESRs.
The second COINAPO training school will be organized in Bucharest, Romania in September 2012. 22 out from 23 trainees selected to receive the COST grant for this school are ESRs, predominantly Ph.D. students. Accordingly to the very positive experience from our first training school in Oxford (2011), also this school will combine lectures with practical training.
The ESRs involved in the past STSM visits were invited to the Action meeting in Slovenia (Ljubljana, December 2012) and were asked to present their research work performed during the STSM visit in the oral presentation. This provided promotion of their work as well as improvement of their skills in relation with giving presentations on their research results.
Involvement of researchers from outside of COST Countries. (Number of participants from non-COST Countries approved by the CSO. Give % of such participants from countries with reciprocal agreements. Specify their contribution)
Ukraine (1 participating research group to the WG3-“Theory”) - approved by the CSO in spring meeting 2010, South Korea (1 participating research group to the WG1- “Fabrication of Materials”) – approved by CSO in spring meeting 2011. Australia – country with the reciprocal agreement - (1 participating research group to the WG2- “Characterization”) – application is at present in the process - waiting for DC approval. PR China – intention to join – the application process is further delayed to the autumn 2012. At the moment 3,6% of participants from countries with reciprocal agreements are involved (application in progress) in Action activities.
Advancement and promotion of scientific knowledge through publications and other outreach activities. (Number of publications and other outreach activities that resulted from COST networking through the Action. Complete list should be given in an annex)
- Update (with new design) of the Action web site www.coinapo.eu took place. - Further extensions of password protected area for Action members were made. - New updated Action flyer was printed and distributed. - Action flyer and logo remain available to be downloaded from the Action web page. - Article about COINAPO for publication on Wikipedia was prepared. - Short information about COINAPO was pasted to some social networks (Twitter and Facebook). - 14 regular scientific publications resulting from collaborative research activities within COST networking were published in the period August 2011-July 2012 (see annex) - 30 conference contributions publications resulting from collaborative research activities within COST networking were published in the period August 2011-July 2012 (see annex) - 6 Ph.D. /M.Sc./B.Sc. works were accomplished (in the period August 2011-July 2012) in relation to the COST networking through the Action (see annex)
Activities and projects with COST network colleagues. Many new research collaborations between COST network colleagues were established in the period August 2011-July 2012. Various new collaborative research investigations were started. (the list of all new collaborative initiatives is given in the annex). Active link with the COST Actions MP0901 was further strengthened by organizing/participating to a joint meeting in Slovenia (Slonano 2011, October 2011, Ljubljana).
The capacity of the Action members to raise research funds. As can be seen from the lists of granted/applied national and EC RTD projects given above, the capacity of the Action members to raise research funds is further increasing, especially on national level. The
collaborations established within the Action will also serve as a foundation for two project applications within the recently launched FP7-NMP-2013 call.
Report for period from 31/08/2010 to 31/07/2011
II.A. Innovative networking
Innovative knowledge resulting from COST networking through the Action. (Specific examples of Results vs. Objectives)
The key innovation of the COST Action MP0902 (COINAPO) is development and exploration of new composite materials merging the specific properties of 1D inorganic nanotubes and nanowires with the widely recognised versatility and suitability of polymer media. In the future this innovative line will be to some part extended also to the recently discovered 2D inorganic platelet materials and their composites/mixtures with nanotubes and with various polymers.
During the period August 2010 – July 2011 the following results vs. objective were achieved:
Example 1: Objective A: Understand the structure of the produced nanotubes and their characteristics – Result 1: Silver (Ag) nanowires with high ratio of length/diameter were fabricated. It was shown that such nanowires strongly attract different types of nanoparticles, for example SiO2 nanospheres; Result 2: MoSI nanowires were used as template for synthesis of other type of Mo-based nanowires, for instance MoS2, MOx, MoN, etc. It was shown that such wires retain the shape of the template.
Example 2: Objective B: Develop methodologies for dispersing nanotubes/nanowires within polymers - Result 1: Plasma treatment for nanoparticle surface modification was tested, Result 2: Fuctionalization of WS2 nanotubes with reactions using as functionalization reagent acyl chloride (bromoundecanoyl chloride), carboxylic acid (bromoundecanoic acid) and dichlorodimethylsilane were tested. It was found that surface modification selectively altered nanoparticles dispersion stability in different organic and inorganic solvents.
Example 3: Objective C: Study the structural, opto-electronic and mechanical properties of nanocomposites - Result 1: x-ray scattering and optical measurements showed that unidirectional alignment of the nanowires can be achieved via their self-organization in the block-polymers (SEBS, SIS), Result 2: The fracture mechanics and reinforcement effect of the composites of WS2 nanotubes in epoxy matrix were studied, Result 3: Percolation threshold of the PCL polymer – MoSI nanowire composites was studied by using broadband AC conductivity measurements, Result 4: Dynamic and thermo-mechanical analysis of polyurea elastomer nanocomposites with MoS2 and MoSI nanotubes was performed.
Example 4: Objective D: Determine the effect of processing on the final properties of the composite materials - Result 1: Procedure to obtain fibers of composite material by electrospinning method was developed, Result 2: The new method to obtain fibers with aligned nanowires by evaporating composite on anodize alumina membrane was demonstrated, Result 3: Thin films of composite material fabricated via method of evaporation of the common solvent were investigated.
Example 5: Objective E: Model the response of the material as means to deeper understanding and optimisation of the composite - Result 1: AC conductivity and dielectric spectra of conductor-dielectric composites were modelled from DC up to IR frequency range using Bruggeman and Hashin-Shtrickman models, Result 2: Influence of nanotube polydispersity and nanotube alignment on electrical percolation of the nanocomposites was theoretically investigated, Result 3: The so called EHM model (Eisenberg, Hird & Moore) was used to explain the effect of hard nanoparticle domains on glass transition of the composite.
Significant scientific breakthroughs as part of the COST Action. (Specific examples)
Example 1: One of the partner groups successfully developed large-scale synthesis of WS2 nanotubes, which are easily dispersible in various polymers and are now available for incorporation in composites. This will lead to numerous further studies and eventually to many applications.
Example 2: Demonstration that incorporation of inorganic nanowires of MoSI-, MoS2-, MoO3-x- type into thermoplastic engineering polymers (such as polyamide 6) reduces the coefficient of friction by about 30% and reduces the wear rate by about 50%. Currently composites based on PET are under investigation showing very similar effects.
Example 3: Demonstration of alignment of inorganic nanotubes in commercial block-copolymers. Alignment in a flow field occurs when the morphology of the matrix is cylindrical, but not when the matrix has a phase morphology of dispersed spheres. This observation demonstrates the importance of the anisotropy of the matrix in order to achieve alignment of nanowires / nanotubes in a polymeric matrix in a flow field.
Example 4: Chips for frequency filtering were prototyped in a 130 nm RFCMOS technology. The system included analog control signals for frequency and bandwidth tuning. The chips have passed tests and are appropriate for the signal reading from semiconducive and dielectric nanomaterials. The next step will be the integration of nanotubes on the designed microelectronic chip for the examination as a possible electronical element or sensor.
Example 5: The effective and convenient tools for nondestructive characterization of nanocomposite material properties needed to define performance, reliability and safety requirements for composite products have been developed and validated. Such devices are prerequisite for transfer of the IN-P composite materials from research laboratories to the industrial production.
Tangible medium term socio-economic impacts achieved or expected. (Specific examples)
Example 1: Very promising preliminary results achieved by polymer nanocomposites based on WS2 and MoS2 nanotubes and fullerene-like nanoparticles are expected to provide numerous applications to the automotive industry, home appliances and several other daily life products. Example 2: The process of chemically manipulating nanomaterials in the liquid-phase, which was recently developed by Action partners, is important because it provides a promising approach for the fabrication of industrial scale composite films with well-controlled electric properties for microelectronics (transistors, thin conductive films for electrical displays, etc.) and high temperature applications such as supercapacitors for energy storage. This will improve the problem of energy storage, which is one of the vital challenges of modern technologies.
Example 3: The set up of WG4 has already resulted in formed ideas for industrial collaborations, some of which were kicked off during the Action topical meeting in Sestriere in March 2011; directly benefiting from the participation of industrial researchers in the meeting. Those collaborations will serve as a basic
platform on the way towards more extensive applications oriented research within the Action.
Spin off of new EC RTD Framework Programme proposals/projects. (List)
3) During the meeting of the Core group of the Action taking place in Florence it was decided that an application for one or maybe two collaborative research projects within the Seventh Framework Programme call FP7-NMP-2012 (published on July 19, 2011) will be prepared. The application will involve mainly partner research groups of the Action and Industrial partners to which the contacts has already been established. At the moment activities of defining main project goals and forming suitable project consortia are taking place.
4) Prof. Jesús Santamaría (MC member from Spain) proposed project: Microwave-assisted microreactors: “Development of a highly efficient gas phase contactor with direct catalyst heating” (HECTOR) within the Seventh Framework Programme, IDEAS - European Research Council. The project has been approved (financed) with 1,851,178.80 € for 5 years.
5) MC members Jonathan Coleman from Ireland and Valeria Nicolosi from UK, separately, were awarded two European Research Council ERC Starting Grants of 1.2 and 1.6 million Euro respectively. Inorganic nanoplatelet exfoliation method developed within the research groups of J. Coleman and V. Nicolosi is at present in the process of being scaled up through the formation of a start-up company leading to larger, industrial scale production.
Spin off of new National Programme proposals/projects. (List)
1) The research group of J.G. Meier (Spain) submited the proposal: Nanotubos Inorgánicos como Refuerzo en Nanocomposites de Matriz Polimérica” to Spanish funding agency.
2) Latvian National Program in Materials Science V7632 “Elaboration of Advanced Multifunctional Materials as well as Signal Processing Technologies and Information Technologies” was launched. Action member Prof. Maris Knite is head of subproject “Physically active nanostructured polymer composites and technology for manufacturing the same” in programV7632.
3) Valeria Nicolosi, Oxford, UK, was awarded two grants from the UK National Programme for a total of 700,000.00 GBP.
4) MC member, J. Petzelt from Prague submitted proposal to the Czech Science Foundation
(2012-2014): Dielectric and phonon spectroscopy of nanocomposite dielectrics and conductors. 5) I. Drevensek Olenik was granted a SI-CN bilateral project 2011-13 on: “Photonic structures
based on polymer-nanoparticle composites” for total of about 25 k Euro.
II.B. Inter-disciplinary networking
Additional knowledge obtained from working with other disciplines within the COST framework. (Specific examples)
Example 1: The Action meeting taking place in Sestriere, Italy, was organized as a joint meeting with international conference on piezoelectrics: Piezo-2011. Discussions of Action partners with researchers from the field of piezoelectricity resulted in new ideas to use piezoelectric nanoparticles, such as ZnO nanowires, and their composites for fabrication of nanogenerators and similar electromechanical devices.
Example 2: Establishment of links with the COST Action MP0901, taking place within two joint meetings, provided contacts with different researchers involved in TiO2 nanotube fabrication and characterization. In cooperation with the MP0901 this type of nanotubes is now planned to be incorporated into composite materials investigated within our Action.
Example 3: Establishment of collaborative links between Aragon institute of technology in Spain, which has widespread experience with development and testing of new tribological materials, and J. Stefan Institute from Slovenia and Weizmann Institute from Israel, who are two main producers of the nanotube particles within the Action, resulted in fabrication of new polyamide and PET composites with highly improved tribological properties. This work is one of the very important examples of joining partners with complementary expertise.
Evaluation of whether the level of inter-disciplinarity is sufficient to potentially provide scientific impacts. (Specific examples)
Inter-disciplinary collaboration within the scope of the Action, which was further extended during the period August 2010-July 2011 seems to be sufficient to potentially provide full insight into the fundamental as well as applicative properties of IN-P nanocomposite materials and consequently provide important scientific impacts.
Example 1: Very lively cooperation between the partners of the WG1-“Fabrication of Materials” and the partners of the WG2-“Characterization” is continuing. This cooperation serves as a base to foster transfer of knowledge and experience between chemists and physicists/material scientists.
Example 2: Establishment of WG4 - “Engineering” will stimulate research focused on applications of new composite materials in various devices. This cooperation will base on the links between researchers from academia and from industrial laboratories established during the last two topical meetings organized within the Action.
Evaluation of whether the level of inter-disciplinarity is sufficient to potentially provide socio-economic impacts. (Specific examples)
Inter-disciplinary collaboration within the scope of the Action, which was further extended during the period August 2010-July 2011 seems to be sufficient to potentially provide full insight into the properties of IN-P nanocomposite materials and consequently provide important socio-economic impacts.
Example 1: The participating industrial partner from Israel has invested 20 years of research efforts to synthesize inorganic nanotubes. This is far beyond the means or timeframe of any specific project. However, now that the nanotubes are available in large amounts and exhibit excellent mechanical properties, collaborations with different research groups from the Action that study nanocomposites is of great value for the Israel group. Only versatile and extensive interdisciplinary investigations, as available in the framework of the Action, can provide rapid transfer of these new materials from the laboratory-scale samples to industrial products.
Example 2: One of the fascinating applications to be exploited with the new composites is the production of thermoelectric films. In fact, a large range of 1D and 2D nanomaterials, when fabricated into devices, can produce electricity form waste heat. This is an amazing property to be exploited, for example, in a gas-fired power plant, approximately 50% of the energy produce is lost as waste heat, while for coal and oil plants the figure raises up to 70%. The development of efficient thermoelectric devices would allow some of this waste heat to be recycled cheaply and easily. These investigations definitely require concerted activities of researchers from various disciplines.
II.C. New networking
Additional new members joining the Action during its life.
In the period August 2010-July 2011 the following new members have joined the Action: Cyprus, Czech Republic and South Korea (non-COST). Intention to participate: Bulgaria.
Total number of individual participants involved in the Action work. (Number of participants. Give % of female and of Early Stage Researcher participants)
In July 2011 the Action was composed of 90 individual participants. From these 22% are female and about 15% are Early Stage Researcher (ESR) participants.
Involvement of Early Stage Researchers in the Action, in particular with respect to STSMs, networking activities, and Training Schools. In addition, justification should be provided if less than 4 STSMs were carried out during the year. In the period August 2010-July 2011 3 STSM exchange visit were realized. For the period August-
December 2011 4 STSM applications are already approved, while 3 are still in the application process. The goal is to realize 8-10 STSM visits within 2011, which means 14-16 STSM visits altogether during the first two years of the Action running.
The training school for ESRs was organized in Oxford, GB, in July 2011. The participants of the school were predominantly Ph.D. students, which obtained an extensive training on different methods/techniques for nanomaterials characterization. The training combined lectures and practical work in the laboratory. By working with modern experimental equipment available at the host institution using samples of inorganic nanotube-polymer (IN-P) composites, the trainees became directly involved in the scientific and research activities of the Action.
The ESRs involved in the past STSM visits were invited to the Action meeting in Italy (Sestriere, March 2011) and were asked to present their research work performed during the STSM visit in the oral presentation. This provided promotion of their work as well as improvement of their skills in relation with giving presentations on their research results.
Involvement of researchers from outside of COST Countries. (Number of participants from non-COST Countries approved by the CSO. Give % of such participants from countries with reciprocal agreements. Specify their contribution)
Ukraine (1 participating research group to the WG3-“Theory”) - approved by the CSO in spring meeting 2010, South Korea (1 participating research group to the WG1- “Fabrication of Materials”) – approved by CSO in spring meeting 2011. China – intention to join – the application process is delayed and will presumably be realised in 2012. At the moment the Action involves 0% of participants from countries with reciprocal agreements.
Advancement and promotion of scientific knowledge through publications and other outreach activities. (Number of publications and other outreach activities that resulted from COST networking through the Action. Complete list should be given in an annex)
- Extensions of the Action web site www.coinapo.eu (password protected area for Action members). - Action logo and Action flyer remain to be available for download on Action web page. - 9 scientific publications resulting from collaborative research activities within COST networking will be published in October 2011 in the special issue of the international scientific magazine “Sensors & Transducers Journal” (see annex) - 6 regular scientific publications resulting from collaborative research activities within COST networking were published in the period August 2010-July 2011 - 19 conference contributions publications resulting from collaborative research activities within COST networking were published in the period August 2010-July 2011 - 4 Ph.D. /M.Sc./B.Sc. works were accomplished (in the period August 2010-July 2011) in relation to the COST networking through the Action (see annex)
Activities and projects with COST network colleagues. Several new research collaborations between COST network colleagues were established in the period August 2010-July 2011. Various new collaborative research investigations were started. (the list of all new collaborative initiatives is given in the annex). An active link with the COST Actions MP0901 and MP0701 was established by organizing/participating to joint meetings (Ljubljana, October 2010; Paris, June 2011).
The capacity of the Action members to raise research funds. As can be seen from the lists of granted/applied national and EC RTD projects given above, the capacity of the Action members to raise research funds is increasing. The collaboartions established within the Action will also serve as a foundation for two project applications within the recently launched FP7-NMP-2012 call.
Innovative knowledge resulting from COST networking through the Action. (Specific examples of Results vs. Objectives)
The key innovation of the COST Action MP0902 (COINAPO) is development and explo-ration of new composite materials merging the specific properties of inorganic nanotubes and nanowires with the widely recognised versatility and suitability of polymer media.
During the first 9 months of the Action the following results vs. objective were achieved:
Example 1: Objective: Understand the structure of the produced nanotubes and their solid state characteristics – Result 1: Bonding properties of MoSI nanotubes with gold nanopraticles were resolved; Result 2: A new synthetic strategy for growth of 1D and 2D crystals inside the WS2 nanotubes was developed, Result 3: Optical spectroscopic investigations of thin layers of MoSI nanotubes revealed a profound structural similarity of materials with different stoichometric composition.
Example 2: Objective: Develop methodologies for dispersing these materials within polymers – Result 1: Different types of nanotube materials were synthesised and advantages/difficulties in preparation of nanowire/polymer composites with these nanotubes were elucidated for the first time; Result 2: Au and Ag nanotube particles were synthesised and investigations of functionalisation of the metal surface of these nanomaterials are in progress.
Example 3: Objective: Study the structural, opto-electronic and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, Result 1: Electrical conductivity of MoS2 nanotubes - PMMA composite materials was investigated as a function of nanotube concentration; Result 2: Mechanical, thermal and adhesion properties of WS2 nanotubes in epoxy matrix were investigated, Result 3: Investigation of dynamical mechanical properties of elastomers doped with MoSI and MoS2 nanotubes is in progress.
Example 4: Objective: Testing of composite materials in collaboration with partners from industry, – Result1: MoSI nanotubes in the composite materials are investigated for possible application in pressure sensors (to be used in cars and other vehicles).
Significant scientific breakthroughs as part of the COST Action. (Specific examples)
Example 1: Several important advance steps in fabrication of nanotube materials were realized: (a) successful functionalisation of MoSI nanotubes with Mercury ions in common organic solvents is now providing conductive nanowire networks; (b) successful exfoliation of MoS2 and WS2 bulk materials, down to mono-atomic sheets, opens new perspectives for fabrication of composite materials; (c) high nanotube yield achieved in common organic solvents provides materials in macroscopic quantities available to network partners; (d) functionalisation of MoSI nanotubes with phthalocyanines to modify optical properties was successfully achieved and will be exploited to fabricate new composite materials. Example 2: The partner from Weizmann Institute, IL, (R. Tenne) has successfully characterized the structure of the multiwall WS2 nanotubes, which are synthesized now in large amounts by the company “NanoMaterials”. This provides WS2 nanotube samples to all network partners. Example 3: The bonding mechanism of MoSI nanotubes with gold nanoparticles was successfuly resolved. This opens up new pathways towards sophisticated data processing systems that can be incorporated into various polymer materials. Example 4: Practically first ever made composite materials of MoSI and MoS2 nanotubes with polymers and elastomers were fabricated as a result of networking through the Action. First characterisation experiments on these composite materials were also performed (electrical conductivity, optical spectroscopy, elastomechanic properties, adhesive properties, etc.).
Example 5: Optimization of hydrothermal synthesis of TiO2 nanotubes was performed. The main parameters of the synthesis are temperature, time and gel composition. After characterization by XRD, FTIR, SEM and TEM, the best synthesis parameters were chosen. These nanotubes can no be provided to network partners for further investigations.
Tangible medium term socio-economic impacts achieved or expected. (Specific examples) Example 1: There is an extensive industrial interest in inorganic nanotubes mostly for nanocomposites with superior properties. Some of the Action partners have during the recent years established a large network of industrial collaborations based on these nanotubes. Those collaborations can be extended also to other Action participants and hence pave the way towards well-defined applications oriented research within the Action. Example 2: Development of new plastic materials (for high-tech and every day applications) with
improved performances is very important for raising the qulity of life of European citizens as well as for improving Europe’s socio-economic development.
Spin off of new EC RTD Framework Programme proposals/projects. (List)
- During January-June 2010 only calls on Joint Technology Initiatives (JTI) and MC fellowships were published. Our Action is in too early stage for the JTI application. This should be a central goal of WG4 for the last year of Action running. On the other hand MC applications between the partners (IEF-MC fellowships) will be actively promoted and stimulated in the following years.
- 51 new FP7 calls were published by the EC on July 20, 2010, just before submission of the report to the COST office. These calls will be thoroughly studied/considered by the core group of the Action and the MC members. Submitted project proposals will be presented in the 2011 report.
Spin off of new National Programme proposals/projects. (List - see annex) 2 national-level research projects that are focused on: (a) dispersion of nanoparticles in biopolymer matrices for applications in biotechnology and (b) investigation of interactions between inorganic nanotubes and organic peroxides in polymer matrix, were started/initiated on the basis of COST networking established through the Action (for details see annex).
II.B. Inter-disciplinary networking
Additional knowledge obtained from working with other disciplines within the COST framework. (Specific examples)
Example 1: The group of J. Lagerwall, University of Halle-Wittenberg, DE, provides expertise in incorporation of nanotubes in lyotropic liquid crystals, the partner from J. Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, SI, provides expertise in synthesis of inorganic nanotubes. If current experiments are successful, the result will be an interdisciplinary study with good chance of high impact.
Example 2: Within the COST framework Ilze Aulika from IIT, Torino, IT, developed new efficient collaborations with the researchers from Institute of Physics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (J. Petzelt, A. Dejneka). Significant new knowledge about dielectric spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry was acquired.
Example 3: The student of Giuseppe Compagnini, University of Catania, IT, will visit the University of Oxford (V.Nicolosi) to learn dispersion techniques and liquid phase processing of MoSI nanowires. Another student will visit the J.Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, SI (D.Mihailovic, A. Mrzel) to learn about synthesis of MoSI nanowires.
Evaluation of whether the level of inter-disciplinarity is sufficient to potentially provide scientific impacts. (Specific examples)
Inter-disciplinary collaboration established within the scope of the Action during the first 9 months seems to be sufficient to potentially provide full insight into the properties of IN-P nanocomposite materials and consequently provide important scientific impacts.
Example: Very lively cooperation has been established between the partners of the WG1-“Fabrication of Materials” and the partners of the WG2-“Characterization”. This cooperation will serve as a base to foster transfer of knowledge and experience between chemists and physicists/material scientists.
Evaluation of whether the level of inter-disciplinarity is sufficient to potentially provide socio-economic impacts. (Specific examples)
The Action is at the moment still in too early stage to predict possible socio-economic impacts.
II.C. New networking
Additional new members joining the Action during its life. Netherlands (NL), Ukraine (non-COST)
Total number of individual participants involved in the Action work. (Number of participants. Give % of female and of Early Stage Researcher participants)
In July 2010 the Action was composed of 79 individual participants. From these 23% are female and
15% are Early Stage Researcher participants.
Involvement of Early Stage Researchers in the Action, in particular with respect to STSMs, networking activities, and Training Schools. In addition, justification should be provided if less than 4 STSMs were carried out during the year.
Four STSM visits are already approved. One was already realized, while the other three will be realized in autumn 2010. All four STSMs involve ESRs. By these four STSM grants the entire STSM-budget planed for 2010 will be spent.
For the starting year of the Action (2010) no Training Schools were planed. The first training school will be organized in July 2011 in Oxford, GB. The responsible person is Dr. Valeria Nicolosi. The first activities related to organization of this event are already in progress.
Involvement of researchers from outside of COST Countries. (Number of participants from non-COST Countries approved by the CSO. Give % of such participants from countries with reciprocal agreements. Specify their contribution) Ukraine (1 participating research group to the WG3-“Theory”) - approved by the CSO in spring meeting 2010, USA – application in preparation, China – intension to join in 2011. At the moment the Action involves 0% of participants from countries with reciprocal agreements.
Advancement and promotion of scientific knowledge through publications and other outreach activities. (Number of publications and other outreach activities that resulted from COST networking through the Action. Complete list should be given in an annex)
- Design and creation of the Action web site: www.coinapo.eu - Design and creation of the Action logo and Action flyer, which is used for distribution of basic information on the Action at international meetings, conferences, etc. (available for download on Action web page). - 8 scientific publications resulting from collaborative research activities within COST networking were published in international scientific magazines (see annex) - 7 Ph.D. /M.Sc./B.Sc. works were accomplished in relation to the COST networking through the Action (see annex)
Activities and projects with COST network colleagues. More than 30 new research collaborations between COST network colleagues were established in the first 9 months of the Action. Various new collaborative research investigations were started. (the list of all new collaborative initiatives is given in the annex). A starting link with the COST Action MP0701 was established by inviting the coordinator of the Action MP0701 (Dr. Erich Kny) to the Kick-off meeting of the working groups (Greifswald, Germany, March 2010).
The capacity of the Action members to raise research funds. Up till now no raising of new research funds was attained as a result of networking activities.
ANNEX
List of scientific papers resulted from COST networking through the Action:
For period from 06/11/2009 to 31/08/2010
1. “Bonding States in Molecular-Scale MoSI Nanowire-Gold Nanoparticle Networks”, Compagnini G, Patane G, Sinatra M, Puglisi O, Nicolosi V, Mihailovic D, Vengust D, Strle J , JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS, 1, 1, 393-397, 2010. 2. “Atom-by-atom structural and chemical analysis by annular dark-field electron microscopy” , Krivanek OL, Chisholm MF, Nicolosi V., Pennycook TJ, Corbin GJ, Dellby N, Murfitt MF, Own CS, Szilagyi ZS, Oxley MP, Pantelides ST, Pennycook SJ, NATURE, 464, 7288, 571-574, 2010.
3. “Processing and characterisation of Mo6S2I8 nanowires”, Schnabel M, Nicholls RJ, Salzmann CG, Vengust D, Mihailovic D, Nellist PD, Nicolosi V., PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS, 12, 2, 433-441, 2010. 4. “Universal approach to produce two-dimensional platelets by liquid exfoliation of layered materials”, Jonathan N Coleman, Mustafa Lotya, Shane D Bergin, Arlene O’Neill, Umar Khan, Karen Young, Alex Gaucher, Sukanta De, George Stanton, Hye-Young Kim, Kangho Lee, Georg S Duesberg, Toby Hallam, John J Boland, Jing Jing Wang, John F Donegan, Aleksey Shmeliov, Rebecca J Nicholls, James M Perkins, Eleanor Grieveson, Koenraad Theuwissen, David W. McComb, Peter Nellist and Valeria Nicolosi, Submitted to SCIENCE, July 2010. 5. “Optical Spectra and Direct Optical Transitions in Amorphous and Crystalline ZnO Thin Films and Powders”, Dejneka, I. Aulika, M. V. Makarova, Z. Hubicka, A. Churpita, D. Chvostova, L. Jastrabik, and V. A. Trepakov, Journal of Electrochemical Society 157 (2010) G67. 6. “Thermo-optical investigations of NaNbO3 thin films by spectral ellipsometry”, I. Aulika, A. Dejneka, A. Lynnyk, V. Zauls, M. Kundzins, Physica Status Solidi (c), Volume 6 (2009) 2765. 7. “The influence of processing parameters on the formation of optical gradients in chemical solution-derived PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 thin films”, I. Aulika, S. Corkovic, A. Bencan, S. D’Astorg, A. Dejneka, Q. Zhang, M. Kosec and V. Zauls, Journal of Electrochemical Society 156 (2009) G217. 8. “Spectroscopic ellipsometry applied to phase transitions in solids: possibilities and limitations”, A. Dejneka, I. Aulika, V. Trepakov, J. Krepelka, L. Jastrabik, Z.Hubicka, A.Lynnyk, Optics Express 3 (2009) 14322.
For period from 31/08/2010 – 31/07/2011
Papers that will be published in the special issue of Sensors&Transducers Journal:
1. Distributed array of polymeric piezo-nanowires through hard-templating method into porous alumina: Valentina CAUDA, Davide DAPRA, Ilze AULIKA, Danilo DEMARCHI, Pierluigi CIVERA, Marco PIZZI
2. Charge transfer properties of surface-treated WS2 nanotubes and Fullerene-like nanoparticles: Tiziana DI LUCCIO, Carmela BORRIELLO, Sumeet KUMAR, Giuseppe NENNA 3. Effect of Mo6SxI10-x nanotubes addition on electrooptical properties of polymer-dispersed liquid
crystals: Jerneja MILAVEC, Aleš MRZEL, Irena DREVENŠEK-OLENIK, Mykhailo PEVNYI, Victor RESHETNYAK 4. Nanomaterials characterization using nuclear methods at IFIN-HH: Ion Burducea, Liviu Stefan Craciun, Cristina Ionescu, Mihai Straticiuc, Alin Titus Serban, Petru Mihai Racolta
5. Ultrasonic Characterization of Dynamic Elastic Properties of Polymer Composites with Inorganic Nanotubes : V. SAMULIONIS, J. BANYS, A. SANCHES-FERRER and R. MEZZENGA
6. Dynamic- and thermo- mechanical analysis of inorganic nanotubes / elastomer composites: Armin FUITH, Marius REINECKER, Antoni SÁNCHEZ-FERRER, Raffaele MEZZENGA, Aleš MRZEL, Maris KNITE, Ilze AULIKA, Marija DUNCE and Wilfried SCHRANZ
7. Transient grating experiments on inorganic–elastomer nanocomposites: Andrea TASCHIN1,2, Paolo BARTOLINI, Antoni SÁNCHEZ-FERRER, Raffaele MEZZENGA, Aleš MRZEL and Renato TORRE
8. The mechanical and tribological properties of epoxy nanocomposites with WS2 nanotubes: Elad ZOHAR, Sharon BARUCH, Mark SHNEIDER, Hanna DODIUK,Samuel KENIG, H. Daniel WAGNER, Alla ZAK, Alex MOSHKOVITH , Lev RAPOPORT, Reshef TENNE
9. Large-scale synthesis of WS2 multiwall nanotubes and their dispersion, an update: Alla ZAK, Liat SALLACAN ECKER, Roni EFRATI, Larissa DRANGAI, Niles FLEISCHER and Reshef TENNE
1. V. Domenici, M. Conradi, M. Remskar, M. Virsek, B. Zupancic, A. Mrzel, M. Chambers, B. Zalar, “New composite fulms based on MoO(3-x) nanowires aligned in a liquid single crystal elastomer matrix, Journal of Material Science 46, 3639-3645 (2011). 2. V Nicolosi, Z. Aslam, K. Sader, G. M. Hughes, D. Vengust, N. P. Young, R. Doole, D. Mihailovic, A. L. Bleloch, A. I. Kirkland,N. Grobert and P. D. Nellist, “A Facile Route to Self-assembled Hg/MoSI Nanowire Networks”, New Journal of Chemistry, 34, 2241 - 2246 (2010) 3. J.N. Coleman, M. Lotya, A. O’Neill, S. D. Bergin, P. J. King, U. Khan, K. Young, A. Gaucher, S. De, R. J. Smith, I. V. Shvets, S. K. Arora, G. Stanton, H. Kim, K. Lee, G. T. Kim, G. S. Duesberg, T. Hallam, J. J. Boland, J. J. Wang, J. F. Donegan, J. C. Grunlan, G. Moriarty, A. Shmeliov, R. J. Nicholls, J. M. Perkins, E. M. Grieveson, K. Theuwissen, D. W. McComb, P. D. Nellist, and V. Nicolosi, “Universal approach to create functional two-dimensional atomic layers from layered compounds via liquid phase exfoliation”, Science, 331, 6017, 568-571 (2011) 4. Chaganti Srinivasa Reddy, Alla Zak, Eyal Zussman “WS2 nanotubes embedded in PMMA nanofibers as energy absorptive material”l Journal of Materials Chemistry (submitted) 5. “Polydispersity and Connectivity Percolation of Anisometric Nanofillers”, R. Otten, P. van der Schoot, J. Chem. Phys. 134 (2011), 094902, 1-15.
6. “Supramolecular balance: using cooperativity to amplify weak interactions”, M. Roman, C. Cannizzo, T. Pinault, B. Isare, B. Andrioletti, P. van der Schoot, and L. Bouteiller, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 132 (2010), 16818–16824.
Conference contributions
1. M. Knite, I. Aulika, M. Dunce, A. Fuith, A. Sánchez-Ferrer, “Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Organic and Inorganic Nanotubes – Elastomer composites”, Abstract book of COINAPO Conference, Sestriere (Italy), March 2-3 (2011) 2. G. Sakale, M. Knite, V. Teteris, J. Zavickis, I. Aulika, P. Civera, D. Demarchi, “Complex method for describing polyisoprene/conductive nanotube composite gas sensing properties”, Abstract book of COINAPO Conference, Sestriere (Italy), March 2-3 (2011) 3. J. G. Meier, C. Crespo, P. Gonzalvo, et al. The nanostructure and mechanics of MWCNT reinforced TPEs for application as large strain-mechanical gauges. in SLONANO 2010. 2010. Ljubljana, Slovenia. 4. J. G. Meier and P. Gonzalvo. Tribological measurements on polyamide composites with MoSI molecular wires. in 1st COINAPO Topical Meeting - Polymer composites with inorganic tubular nanomaterials: Fabrication, Properties and Technical Applications. 2010. Zaragoza, Spain: Instituto Tecnologico de Aragon. 5. M.Knite, I.Aulika, A. Mrzel, A.Fuith, J.Zavickis, G.Sakale, A.Linarts, M.Dunce, Polyisoprene composites with conductive tubular nanostructures for multifunctional sensing: fabrication and properties, Abstracts of 1st COINAPO Topical Meeting “Polymer composites with inorganic tubular nanomaterials Fabrication. Properties and Technical Applications, Zaragoza, Spain, , 25th -26th of October, 2010, 27 6. M.Knite, I.Aulika, M.Dunce, A.Fuith, A. Sanchez-Ferrer, W.Schranz, Dynamic mechanical analysis of organic and inorganic nanotubes – elastomer composites, Abstracts of 3rd Composites of Inorganic Nanotubes & Polymers Topical Meeting, Sestriere, Italy, 2nd – 3rd of March 2011, 17 7. J.Zavickis, M.Knite, A.Mrzel, K.Ozols, V.Teteris, V.Tupureina, A.Solovjovs, A.Linarts, G.Malefan, Conductivity percolation investigation of polymer/nanostructured conductive filler composites with sensing properties, Abstracts of 3rd Composites of Inorganic Nanotubes & Polymers Topical Meeting, Sestriere, Italy, 2nd – 3rd of March 2011, 35
8. G.Sakale, M.Knite, V.Teteris, J.Zavickis, I.Aulika, P.Civera, D.Demarchi, Complex method for describing polyisoprene/conductive nanotube composite gas sensing properties, Abstracts of 3rd Composites of Inorganic Nanotubes & Polymers Topical Meeting, Sestriere, Italy, 2nd – 3rd of March 2011, 65 9. I. Gregora, J. Petzelt, V. Nicolosi, I. Drevensek-Olenik, J. Strle: Polarized Raman Scattering in MoSI nanowires, Presented at COST-MEETING-MP0902-251010-002728 in Zaragoza 2010.
10. “Connectivity Percolation of Carbon Nanotubes in an External field” 9th Dutch Soft Matter Meeting, Leiden, 26 November 2010 11. W. Schranz: Dynamic mechanical analysis of organic and inorganic nanotubes – elastomer nanocomposites, 3rd Composites of Inorganic Nanotubes & Polymers Topical Meeting- 2nd-3rd March 2011, Sestrierre, Italy 12. Glass transitions of confined molecular liquids and nanoparticle–elastomer composites: Johannes Koppensteiner, Marius Reinecker, Armin Fuith, A. Sánchez-Ferrer, R. Mezzenga and Wilfried Schranz, Accepted for poster presentation at the 8th Liquid Matter Conference LMC, Sept. 6-10, 2011, Vienna, Austria 13. Broadband ac conductivity and dielectric spectroscopy of conducting nanowires, nanotubes and their composites (by J. Petzelt and D. Nuzhnyy), Topical meeting, Zaragoza, Spain
14. THz and microwave dielectric spectroscopy of MoSI nanowire pellets and polymer composites – preliminary results (by D. Nuzhnyy, J. Petzelt, V. Bovtun, J. Strle, P. Topolovsek, T. McNally, J. Hlinka), Topical meeting, Sestriere 2011. 15. Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy of Ceramic and Polymer Composites with Nanofibres and Nanotubes (V. Bovtun1, J. Petzelt, D. Nuzhnyy, M. Kempa, M. Savinov, J.L. Menendez, T. McNally). Topical meeting, Sestriere 2011. 16. “Ultrasonic Characterization of Dynamic Elastic Properties of Polymer Composites with Inorganic Nanotubes”, V. Samulionis, J. Banys, A. Sanches-Ferrer and R. Mezzenga, presentation at Zaragoza and Sestriere meetings 17. COINAPO Topical Meeting, 25th – 26th of October 2010, Zaragoza, Spain, Time-resolved Non-linear Spectroscopy for elastic and thermal characterization of polymer composites with inorganic tubular nanomaterials. A.Taschin, P.Bartolini and R.Torre AND A. Sánchez-Ferrer and R.Mezzenga. 18. COINAPO Topical Meeting, 2nd -3rd March, 2011 Sestriere, Italy, Investigation of elastic, thermal and viscoelastic dynamics of composites by transient grating experiments., A.Taschin, P. Bartolini and R. Torre AND A. Sánchez-Ferrer and R. Mezzenga, 19. Multiphase Polymers and Polymer Composites, June, 2011 Paris, France., Investigation of elastic, thermal and viscoelastic dynamics of nanocomposite by transient grating experiments., A. Taschin, P. Bartolini, A. Sánchez-Ferrer, R. Mezzenga, A. Mrzel and R. Torre.
For period from 31/07/2011 to 31/07/2012
Papers:
1. C. S. Reddy, A. Zak and E. Zussman, WS2 nanotubes embedded in PMMA nanofibers as energy absorptive material, J. Mater. Chem. (2011)21, 16086-16093.
2. M. Krause, A. Mucklich, A. Zak, G. Seifert and S. Gemming, High resolution TEM study of WS2 nanotubes, Phys. Status Solidi B 248, (2011)2716-2719.
3. R. Kreizman, O. Schwartz, Z. Deutsch, A. Zak, R. Popovitz-Biro, R. Tenne and D. Oron, Semiconductor Quantum Dot - Inorganic Nanotube Hybrids and Their Optical Properties, Phys.Chem.Chem.Phys, Phys.Chem.Chem.Phys., (2012) 14, 4271–4275.
4. A. Taschin, P. Bartolini, A. Sánchez-Ferrer, R. Mezzenga, A. Mrzel, R. Torre “Investigation of Relaxation Processes in Nanocomposites by Transient Grating Experiments”, Mater. Sci. Forum 2012, 714, 79-83
5. B. Paci , G.D. Spyropoulos , A.Generosi , D. Bailo ,V. Rossi Albertini , E.Stratakis , and E.Kymakis “Enhanced Structural Stability and Performance Durability of Bulk Heterojunction Photovoltaic Devices Incorporating Metallic Nanoparticles”, Adv. Funct. Mater. 2011, 21, 3573–3582.
6. J. Petzelt, I. Rychetsky, D. Nuzhnyy: Dynamic Ferroelectric–Like Softening Due to the Conduction in Disordered and Inhomogeneous Systems: Giant Permittivity Phenomena, Ferroelectrics 426, 171–193 (2012)
7. Kunzo, P., Lobotka, P., Micusik, M., & Kovacova, E. (2012). Palladium-free hydrogen sensor based on oxygen-plasma-treated polyaniline thin film. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, In Press, doi: 10.1016/j.snb.2012.05.080
8. S. Kumar, C. Borriello, G. Nenna, R. Rosentsveig, T. Di Luccio, Dispersion of WS2 nanotubes and nanoparticles into conducting polymer matrices for application as LED materials European Physical Journal B-Condensed Matter and Complex Systems, 2012, 85(5), 160.
9. M. Castrillón, A. Mayoral, C. Magén, J. G. Meier, C. Marquina, S. Irusta, and J. Santamaría, Synthesis and characterization of ultra-small magnetic FeNi/G and NiCo/G nanoparticles. Nanotechnology, 2012. 23(8): p. 085601
10. E. Fazio, S.Patanè, L.D'Urso, G.Compagnini, F.Neri “Enhanced nonlinear optical response of linear carbon chain colloid mixed with silver nanoparticles” Optics Communications vol.285 pp.2942–2946 (2012).
11. R. Otten and P. van der Schoot: “Connectedness percolation of elongated hard particles in an external field”, Phys. Rev. Lett. 108 (2012), 088301.
12. L. Bouteiller, P. van der Schoot “Probing weak intermolecular interactions in selfassembled nanotubes”, , J. Am. Chem. Soc. 134 (2012), 1363–1366.
13. R. Otten, P. van der Schoot, “Polydispersity and Connectivity Percolation of Anisometric Nanofillers”, J. Chem. Phys. 134 (2011), 094902, 1-15.
14. M.Knite, J.Zavickis*, V.Teteris, A.Linarts, Polyisoprene – multi wall carbon nanotube composite structure for flexible pressure sensor application, Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 2011 V11, 8677-8681 doi:101166/jnn.2011.3473
15. J.Zavickis, M.Knite, K.Ozols, G.Malefan, Development of percolative electroconductive structure in piezoresistive polyisoprene-nanostructured carbon composite during vulcanisation, Materials Science & Engineering C, 2011, V31, p 472-476
17. J.Zavickis, M.Knite, G.Podins, A.Linarts, R.Orlovs Polyisoprene – nanostructured carbon composite – a soft alternative for pressure sensor application, Sensors and Actuators. A: Physical, 2011, V171, p38-42
18. A.Sternberg, I.Muzikante, R.Dobulans, D.Millers, L.Grigorjeva, K.Smits, M.Knite, G.Sakale, Nanocomposites for novel sensing systems, NATO Science for Peace and Security Series B: Physics and Biophysics, 2012, p 133-142.
Conference contributions:
Authors: R. Tenne, A. Zak: 1. February 2011:, “The Effect of Inorganic WS2/MoS2 Fullerene-like Nanoparticles & Nanotubes on
Polymer properties”, Invited talk for the 6th International Conference - “Nanotechnology for the Plastics & Rubber Industries”, Shenkar college, Israel.
2. March 2011, “The Effect of WS2 Nanoparticles on Polymers Properties”, talk for the COINAPO consortium (Composites of Inorganic Nanotubes and Polymers, Cost Action MP0902), Sestriere, Itali.
3. June 2011:, “Applications of the Inorganic Fullerene-like Nanoparticles (IF) & Nanotubes (INT)”, talk in Nanotechnology conference, Israel.
4. September 2011:, “Industrial Synthesis of Inorganic WS2 Fullerene-like (IF) Nanoparticles and Inorganic WS2 Nanotubes (INT), and their Applications”, talk for Peking University and Nankai University, China
5. September 2011:, “Large-Scale Synthesis of WS2 Multiwall Nanotubes”, “The Effect of Fullerene-like Tungsten Disulfide and Carbone Nanotubes on the Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Adhesives”, “The Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Epoxy Nanocomposites with WS2 Nanotubes”, posters: for “China Nano 2011” conference, China.
6. December 2011:, “WS2 Nanotubes Embedded in PMMA Nanofibers as Energy Absorptive Material and other Studies with INT-WS2. New nanotubes, the update”, talk for COINAPO consortium (Composites of Inorganic Nanotubes and Polymers, Cost Action MP0902), Ljubljana, Slovenia.
7. March 2012:, “Influence of inorganic WS2 nanoparticles on the tribological properties of epoxy resin”, poster for NanoIsrael 2012 conference, Israel.
8. April 2012, “Tribological Properties of Epoxy Resin Composite with Inorganic WS2 Nanoparticles”, talk for COINAPO consortium (Composites of Inorganic Nanotubes and Polymers, Cost Action MP0902), Prague, Czech Republic.
9. April 2012: Barkanov E., Akishin P., McNally T. and Smyth R. (2012): Nondestructive Testing of the Mechanical Properties of Nanocomposites. Book of Abstracts of the Workshop of All Working groups (WG1-WG4), COST Action MP0902: Composites of Inorganic Nanotubes and Polymers, Prague, Czech Republic, 17-19 April 2012, 12.
10. May 2012: Akishin P., Barkanov E., Smyth R. and McNally T. (2012): Elastic and Dissipative Material Properties of Aluminium Alloys with Carbon Nanotubes. Book of Abstracts of the XVII International Conference on Mechanics of Composite Materials, Riga, Latvia, 28 May – 1 June 2012, 32.
11. July 2012, TMCN-12, Invited speaker (R.T.) & participant in Nanotoxicity workshop sponsored by COINAPO (Prof. M. Remskar, chair), Mainz, Germany.
12. October 2012, NanoCon, India, Invited speaker; 13. November 2012, COINAPO, Israel, Co-chairperson (with R.T.); 14. April, 1-5, 2013, Materials Research Society (MRS) Spring meeting, Invited speaker in symposium
entitled "Beyond Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes: 2D Systems from Atomic Layered Materials", which will be held in San Francisco (USA).
15. Ivan Brnardić, Majda Žigon, Miroslav Huskić, Polona Umek, Tamara Holjevac Grgurić:Preparation and characterization of amine functionalized TiO2 nanoribbons-epoxy nanocomposites. PolyChar20, Dubrovnik.
16. Ivan Moreno, Nuria Navascues, Silvia Irusta, Jesus Santamaria: Silver Nanowires/Polycarbonate Composites for Conductive Films, , Nanostruc 2012, International Conference on Structural Nano Composites, Crandfield University, UK,
17. Barbara Paci*,“In-situ X-ray/AFM setup for time-resolved structural/morphological studies: the case of polymer-based films for organic photovoltaics “, ECOST-MEETING-MP0902 topical meeting: Polymer composites with inorganic nanomaterials: Fabrication, Propertiesand Technical Applications (25.10.- 26.10.2010, Zaragoza, Spain)
18. Barbara Paci*, Amanda Generosi, Daniele Bailo, Valerio Rossi Albertini, George D. Spyropoulos, Minas M. Stylianakis, Emmanuel Stratakis and Emmanuel Kymakis “IN-SITU STUDIES OF POLYMER-BASED NANOCOMPOSITES FOR PLASMONIC ORGANIC PHOTOVOLTAICS”, INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE Multiphase Polymers and Polymer Composites From Nanoscale to Macro Composites, Universite Paris-Est Creteil, France U-PEC, 8-10 June 2011.
19. D. Nuzhnyy, J. Petzelt, V. Bovtun, M. Savinov, I. Rychetský, J. L. Menendez, T. McNally, Wide‐Range
AC Conductivity and Dielectric Spectra of Dielectric ‐ Conductor Composites around Their Percolation Threshold, ISPMA Praha, September 2011, oral
20. D. Nuzhnyy, J. Petzelt, V. Bovtun, M. Savinov, I. Rychetský, J. L. Menendez, T. McNally, Wide-Range AC Conductivity and Dielectric Spectra of Some Dielectric - Conductor Composites around Their Percolation Threshold DYPROSO 33 Aussois, September 2011, oral
21. J. Petzelt, I. Rychetský, D. Nuzhnyy, Giant Permittivity Phenomena due to Conduction and Dynamic Slowing-Down near Electrical Percolation Threshold in Composites, Polish-Czech seminar Ustron, May 2012, invited talk
22. J. Petzelt, I. Rychetský, D. Nuzhnyy, Giant dielectric constant and effective dielectric spectra of dielectric - conductor composites, Electroceramics 13, Enschede June 2012, oral
23. V. Bovtun, J. Petzelt, D. Nuzhnyy, M. Kempa, M. Savinov, J.L. Menendez , T. McNally, Broadband AC Conductivity and Dielectric Spectra of Ceramic and Polymer Composites with Carbon Nanofibres and Nanotubes around Their Percolation Threshold, 15 European Conference on Composite Materials, Venice, June 2012, oral
24. M. Savinov, D. Nuzhnyy, J. Petzelt, V. Bovtun, M. Kempa, T. McNally, E. Konyushenko-Tomsik, J. Stejskal, Broad-band dielectric spectroscopy of dielectric – nanocarbon composites around the percolation threshold and conducting polyaniline, ECAPD Aveiro July 2012, poster
25. J.H. Park, M. Labardi, G. Scalia, “Investigation of the molecular wire formation of discotic liquid crystals,” communication to the Spring meeting of the Korean Physical Society (2012).
26. Pavol Kunzo, Peter Lobotka, Kiriaki Chrissopoulou, and Spiros H. Anastasiadis ECNP Conference; April 24. – 27. 2012, Prague, Czech Republic
27. G. Sakale, D. Jakovlevs, I. Aulika, M. Knite, “Effect of Nanotube Aspect Ratio on Chemicals Vapour Sensing Properties of Polymer/MWCNT Composites”, Abstract book of International Conference on Diffusion in Solids and Liquids (DSL-2012), Istanbul (Turkey), June 25-29th 2012
28. V. Cauda, S. Stassi, G. Canavese, I. Aulika “Confined polymeric nanowires into porous alumina matrix as composite piezoelectric membrane for sensing applications”, Proceedings of the 15th European Conference on Composite Materials (15th ECCM), Venice (Italy), June 24-28th 2012
29. V.Samulionis, J.Banys, Š.Svirskas A.Sanchez-Ferrer and R. Mezzenga, Ultrasonic Characterization of Polyurea Elastomers. Proceedings of the 19th International Congress on Sound and Vibration (Recent developments in acoustics , noise and vibration). Ed. by. D. Čiplys. Vilnius, Lithuania, July 08-12, 2012.
30. Connectivity Percolation of Carbon Nanotubes in an External Field, Paul van der Schoot, ChemOnTubes 2012, Arcachon, France, 1-5 April 2012.
31. Gita Sakale, Maris Knite, Marika Novada, Elina Liepa, Santa Stepiņa, Velta Tupureina, Atmosphere control by chemoresistive polymer composites, Proceedings of 8th International Conference on informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics (ICINCO 2011), July 28-31, 2011, Noordwijkerthout, The Netherlands, p 370-375
32. J. Zavickis, M. Knite, A. Linarts and R. Orlovs, Hyper-elastic Pressure Sensors: Temperature Dependence of Piezoresistivity of Polyisoprene – Nanostructured Carbon Composite, Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics (ICINCO 2012), 28 - 31 July, 2012, Roma, Italy, p 494-498
33. M. Knite, L. Matzui, J.Zavickis, G.Sakale, A.Linarts, K.Ozols, Sensing Effects in Polymer/Thermoexfoliated Graphite and Polymer/Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Composites, Abstracts of International Conference “Functional materials and nanotechnologies 2012”, Riga, Latvia, April 17-20, 2012, 266
34. G.Sakale, M.Knite, I.Aulika, D.Jakovlevs, Percolation phenomena and chemoresistivity study of polyisoprene-MWCNT composite, Abstracts of 9th International Conference on Nanosciences & Nanotechnologies (NN12), , July 3-6, 2012, Thessaloniki, Greece, p 154
35. J.Zavickis, M.Knite, A.Linarts, L.Matzui, R.Orlovs, Elastomer nanographite composites for large scale pressure and impact sensing, Abstracts of 9th International Conference on Nanosciences & Nanotechnologies (NN12), , July 3-6, 2012, Thessaloniki, Greece, p 246
2. N. Moussaif, I. Viejo, J. M. Bielsa, C. Crespo, S. Irusta, C. Yagüe and J. G. Meier. “Preparation, characterization and FE-simulation of the reinforcement of polycaprolactone with PEGylated silica nanoparticles”, Materials Science and Engineering 40, (2012) 012026.
3. Iván Moreno, Nuria Navascués, Silvia Irusta, Jesús Santamaría. “Facile preparation of transparent and conductive polymer films based on silver nanowire/polycarbonate nanocomposites”, Nanotechnology 24, (2013) 275603.
4. M. Shneider et al., “Tribological performance of the epoxy-based composite reinforced by WS2 fullerene-like nanoparticles and nanotubes“, Phys. Stat. Solidi A, 2013 DOI 10.1002/pssa.201329162
5. Miroslav Huskić, Tamara Holjevac Grgurić, Polona Umek, Ivan Brnardić, ’Functionalization of Sodium Titanate Nanoribbons with Silanes and their use in the Reinforcement of Epoxy Nanocomposites" Polymer Composites, (accepted) 2013.
6. Ivan Brnardić, Miroslav Huskić, Polona Umek, Tamara Holjevac Grgurić Journal: Sol-gel functionalization of sodium TiO2 nanotubes and nanoribbons with aminosilane molecules, Ceramics International, article in press http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272884213005786
7. G.Forte, L.D'Urso, E.Fazio, S.Patanè, F.Neri, O.Puglisi, G.Compagnini, “The effects of liquid environments on the optical properties of linear carbon chains prepared by laser ablation generated plasmas” Applied Surface Science, vol.272, pp. 76–81 (2013).
8. G.C. Messina, P.Wagener, R.Streubel, A.De Giacomo, A.Santagata, G.Compagnini, S.Barcikowski “Pulsed laser ablation of a continuously-fed wire in liquid flow for high-yield production of silver nanoparticles” Phys.Chem.Chem.Phys. vol.15, pp. 3093-3098 (2013).
9. A. De Giacomo, M.Dell’Aglio, A.Santagata, R.Gaudiuso, O.De Pascale, P.Wagener, G.C. Messina, G. Compagnini and S. Barcikowski “Cavitation dynamics of laser ablation of bulk and wire-shaped metals in water during nanoparticles production” Phys.Chem.Chem.Phys. vol.15, pp.3083-3092 (2013).
10. S.Barcikowski, G.Compagnini “Advanced Nanoparticle Generation and Excitation by Lasers in Liquids” Phys.Chem.Chem.Phys vol.15, pp. 3022-3026 (2013).
11. A.M. Mihut, A. Sánchez-Ferrer, J.J. Crassous, L.A. Hirschi, R. Mezzenga, H. Dietsch “Enhanced Properties of Polyurea Elastomeric Nanocomposites with Anisotropic Functionalized nanofillers” Polymer, 2013
12. A. Taschin, P. Bartolini, A. Sanchez-Ferrer, R. Mezzenga, A. Mrzel, R. Torre, Investigation of Relaxation Processes in Nanocomposites by Transient Grating Experiments, Materials Science Forum Vol 714, 79 (2012).
13. Ionescu, C.; Craciun, L. S.; Manea, M. M.; Racolta, P. M.; et al., JOURNAL OF OPTOELECTRONICS AND ADVANCED MATERIALS Volume: 14 Issue: 11-12 Pages: 971-975 Published: NOV-DEC 2012
14. Straticiuc, M.; Pana, I.; Burducea, I.; Racolta, P. M.; et al., OPTOELECTRONICS AND ADVANCED MATERIALS-RAPID COMMUNICATIONS Volume: 6 Issue: 9-10 Pages: 836-839 Published: SEP-OCT 2012
15. Burducea, I.; Straticiuc, M.; Racolta, P. M.; et al.Source: OPTOELECTRONICS AND ADVANCED MATERIALS-RAPID COMMUNICATIONS Volume: 6 Issue: 9-10 Pages: 832-835 Published: SEP-OCT 2012
16. I. BURDUCEA, C. IONESCU, M. STRATICIUC, L. S. CRACIUN, P. M. RACOLTA, AL. JIPA, CHARACTERIZATION OF INDIUM NITRIDE AND ZINC OXIDE THIN FILMS BY AFM AND RBS, Rom J Phys, vol 58, 3-4, 2013
17. E. Tkalya, M. Ghislandi, W. Thielemans, P. van der Schoot, G. de With, C. Koning, "Cellulose nanowhiskers templating in conductive polymer nanocomposites reduces electrical percolation threshold five-fold", ACS Macro Lett. 2 (2013), 157–163.
18. B. Nigro, C. Grimaldi, P. Ryser, A. P. Chatterjee, P. van der Schoot, “Quasiuniversal Connectedness Percolation of Polydisperse Rod Systems”, Phys. Rev. Lett. 110 (2013), 015701, 1-5.
19. G. Cunningham , M. Lotya , N. McEvoy , G. S. Duesberg , P. van der Schoot and J. N. Coleman, “Percolation scaling in composites of exfoliated MoS2 filled with nanotubes and graphene”, Nanoscale 4 (2012), 6260-6264.
20. V.Grehov, J.Kalnacs, L.Matzui, M.Knite, A. Murashov, A.Vilken. Nitrogen Adsorption by Thermoexfoliated Graphite, Latvian Journal of Physics and Technical Sciences, 2013, N1, 58-65
21. A Baumerte, G Sakale, J Zavickis, I Putna, M Balode, A Mrzel and M Knite, Comparison of effects on crustaceans: carbon nanoparticles and molybdenum compounds nanowires,Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2013, Volume 429, Issue 1, Article number 012041
22. Linarts, A., Zavickis, J., Matzui, L., Knite, M. Entirely hyperelastic pressure sensor system based on polyisoprene/nanographite composites, Energetika, 2013, accepted.
23. A.N. Enyashin, G. Seifert, “Density-functional study of LixMoS2 intercalates (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1)”, RSC Advances (2012) vol. 2 (26), page: 9839-9845.
24. T. Lorenz, M. Ghorbani-Asl, J. O. Joswig, T. Heine, G. Seifert, “Is MoS2 a roboust material for 2D electronics?”, submitted to Sci. Reports., 2013.
25. Linarts, A., Zavickis, J., Matzui, L., Knite, M. Entirely hyperelastic pressure sensor system based on polyisoprene/nanographite composites, Energetika, 2013, accepted.
26. H. Nemec, V. Zajac, I. Rychetsky, D. Fattakhova-Rohlfing, B. Mandlmeier, T. Bein, Z. Mics, P. Kužel, “Charge transport in films with complex percolation pathways investigated by time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy”, IEEE Transaction in
27. S. A. Jensen, K.J. Tielrooij, E. handry, M. Bonn, i. Rychetsky, H. Nemec, Terahertz response of depolarization fields in TiO2 films reveals particle morphology”, submitted, 2013.
Conference contributions:
1. S. Svirskas, V. Samulionis, , J.Banys; A. Sanchez-Ferrer, R. Mezzenga, “Dielectric and Ultrasonic Investigation of Polyurea Elastomers with Imbedded Inorganic Nanotubes”,presentation at International conference of functional materials and nanotechnologies, April 21-24, 2013, Tartu, Estonia.
2. S. Svirskas, V. Samulionis, J.Banys, A. Mekys, A. Sanchez-Ferrer, R. Mezzenga, “Dielectric and Ultrasonic Investigation of Polyurea Elastomers with Inclusions of Inorganic Nanotubes”, Presentation in E-MRS 2013 Spring Meeting May 27-31, Strasbourg, France.
3. V. Samulionis, J. Banys, S. Svirskas, A. Sanches-Ferrer, R. Mezzenga, T. Mc.Nally, “Ultrasonic studies of polymer composites with inorganic nanotubes”, by and will be published in symposium proceedings, Presentation in IEEE-International Ultrasonic Symposium (UFTC2013) 21-25 July 2013, Prague, Czech Republic.
4. V. Samulionis, J. Banys, S. Svirskas, A. Sanches-Ferrer, R. Mezzenga, “Ultrasonic behavior near phase transitions in polyurea elastomers with inorganic nanoparticles”, Presentation in International Meeting of Ferroelectricity (IMF-13) 2-7 September, 2013, Krakow, Poland.
5. Authors: STRATICIUC, Mihai; PANA, Iulian; BURDUCEA, Ion; RACOLTA, Petru Mihai, Slow positron source prototype for interdisciplinary applications, 2nd European Nuclear Physics Conference – EuNPC, September 17-21, Bucharest, 2012, Romania, poster presentation
6. M. Labardi, D. Prevosto, H.K. Nguyen, M. Lucchesi, E. Fanizza, N. Depalo, M. Striccoli, “Space resolved relaxation dynamics of poly(vinyl acetate) close to interfaces with SiOx nanoinclusions,” AIP Conf. Proc. 1459, 217 (2012), doi: 10.1063/1.4738448.
7. J.H. Park, M. Labardi, D. Prevosto, H.K. Nguyen, S. Capaccioli, M. Lucchesi, P. Rolla, A. Mrzel, C. Seong, G. Scalia, “Nanoscale electrical properties investigation of PVP/Mo6S2I3-4 nanocomposite electrospun single fibers,” Spring meeting of the Korean Physical Society (April 2012).
8. M. Labardi, D. Prevosto, H.K. Nguyen, M. Lucchesi, E. Fanizza, N. Depalo, M. Striccoli, “Space resolved relaxation dynamics of poly(vinyl acetate) close to interfaces with SiOx nanoinclusions,” 6th International Conference on Times of Polymers (TOP) and Composites, Ischia (Italy), June 10th/14th, 2012.
9. Paul van der Schoot, “Connectedness percolation of polydisperse nanofillers”, 20 January 2012, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, France.
10. Paul van der Schoot, “Connectedness percolation of high anisometric nanofillers”, 11 June 2012, Instituut AMOLF, Amsterdam.
11. Paul van der Schoot, “Continuum percolation of highly anisometric filler particles”, 4 Sept 2012, Department of Physics, University of Durham, UK.
12. P. van der Schoot, “Connectedness percolation in complex colloid mixtures”, Physics of Complex Colloids, May 14-18 2013, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
13. V. Samulionis, J. Banys, S. Svirskas, A. Sánchez-Ferrer, R. Mezzenga, T. McNally, B. Mayoral, . “Ultrasonic Studies of Polymer Composites with Inorganic Nanotubes”, IEEE-International Ultrasonic Symposium 2013 (IUS13), Prague, Czech Republic (July, 2013).
14. S. Svirskas, V. Samulionis, J. Banys, A. Sánchez-Ferrer, R. Mezzenga, “Dielectric and Ultrasonic Investigations on Polyurea Elastomers with Embedded Inorganic Nanotubes”, Functional Materials & Nanotechnologies 2013 (FM&NT-2013), Tartu, Estonia (April, 2013).
15. V. Samulionis, J. Banys, Š.Svirskas, A. Sánchez-Ferrer, R. Mezzenga, “Ultrasonic Characterization of Polyurea Elastomers”, 19th International Congress on Sound and Vibration (ICSV19), Vilnius, Lithuania (July, 2012).
16. Tommy Lorenz, Jan-Ole Joswig, Gotthard Seifert: "Nanoindentation of a circular sheet of monolayer MoS2" (poster, Nanobrücken Dresden, March 2013)
17. Tommy Lorenz, Jan-Ole Joswig, Gotthard Seifert: "Simulated nanoindentation of an MoS2 monolayer” (poster, Graphene Week, Chemnitz, Juni 2013)
18. Tommy Lorenz, Jan-Ole Joswig, Gotthard Seifert: "Simulated nanoindentation of an MoS2 monolayer" (poster, Flatlands beyond graphene, Bremen, June 2013
19. Gotthard Seifert: „Defects and edges in metal chalcogenide layers“ (talk, Flatlands beyond grapheme, Bremen June 2013)
20. Gotthard Seifert: „Layered metal chalcogenides electronic and mechanical properties “ (talk, NanoMA Symposium, Chemnitz January 2013)
21. Gotthard Seifert: „Layered nanostructures - electronic and mechanical properties“ (talk, MRS Spring Meeting, San Francisco April 2013).
22. I. Rychetsky, A. Klič, Dielectric properties of grainy composites studied by finite element method, European conference on the applications of ferroelectrics, July 2012, Aveiro.
List of Ph.D., M.Sc. and B.Sc. works resulted from COST networking through the Action:
For period from 06/11/2009 to 31/08/2010
1. Manuel Schnabel, “Liquid phase processing of Mo6S2S8 nanowires”, M.Sc. Thesis - University of
Oxford 2. Shaolong Cheng, “Functionalisation of MoSI nanowires with phthalocyanines”, M.Sc. Thesis -
University of Oxford
3. Ilze Aulika, “Optical depth profile and phase transitions investigation of NaNbO3 and Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 thin films”, PhD Thesis, Riga Technical University
4. M. Eržen, “Electrical conductivity of nanowire-polymer composites”, Diploma Thesis, University of
Ljubljana, 2010 5. J. Milavec, “Electrooptic properties of holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystals”. M. Sc. Thesis,
Jozef Stefan Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, 2010
6. Andrea Arcifa: “MoS2 nanostructures produced laser ablation in liquid environments“ Diploma Work, University of Catainia, June 2010
7. Atis Linarts, “The change of percolation parameters of polyisoprene/nanostructured carbon composites depending upon dispersing methods of carbon”, Diploma work, Riga Technical University, Riga, 2010.
For period from 31/08/2010 – 31/07/2011
1) Joris Stegen , Master thesis: . “Kinetics of Nanotube scission under Sonication”, TU/e, Eindhoven,
April 2011.
2) P. Akishin, Master thesis: Characterisation of Nanocomposite Material Properties by Nondestructive Technique, RTU, Riga, 2011. 3) Auste Kupreviciute , Bachelor thesis:, Dielectric investigation of polycaprolctone composites with molybdenium sulphur iodine nanowires, Vilnius University, 2011 4) Laura Bukonte , Bachelor thesis: „Luminescence properties of polymer/oxide nanopowder
1) Juris Zavickis , PhD thesis: “the FEATURES of percolation and piezoresistive effect in polyisoprene – nanostructured carbon composites”. (Defended on 09.09.2011).
2) Artis Linarts, Diploma work (master level): “ELABORATION AND INVESTIGATION OF HYPER-ELASTIC POLYISOPRENE NANOSTRUCTURED CARBON BLACK PRESSURE SENSOR SYSTEMS. (Defended on 21.06.2012).
3) D. Bailo , Ph.D. thesis in “Scienza dei Materiali”- Rome la Sapienza Univesity of entitled “In-situ
Structural/Morphological study of polymer-based active materials for Organic Photovoltaic devices:bulk, surface and interface properties and aging effects”. Supervised by B. Paci
4) R. Otten, PhD thesis’s: Self-organisation of anisometric particles: statistical theory of shape,
confinement and external-field effects, Ronald Otten (Eindhoven University of Technology).
5) M. Gomes Ghislandi, PhD Thesis, Nano-scaled carbon fillers and their functional polymer composites, (Eindhoven University of Technology).
6) J. Stegen, Master thesis: Kinetics of nanotube scission under sonication, Joris Stegen (Eindhoven
University of Technology).
For period from 31/07/2012 to 31/07/2013
1) Cristina Ionescu- PhD thesis entitled: “Nanotribologycal and nanomechanical characterization of
surfaces using atomic force microscope”, Romania
2) Ion Burducea- PhD thesis entitled: Depth profiling of thin films and interfaces by nuclear techniques,
Romania
3) Mihai Straticiuc- PhD thesis entitled: An experimental positron accelerator for interdisciplinary studies,
Romania
4) Gita Sakale „ELABORATION AND INVESTIGATION OF POLYMER-NANOSTRUCTURED CARBON
COMPOSITE FOR APPLICATION AS CHEMICAL SENSOR, Dr.sc.ing. in Materials Science, Latvia.
5) Patrick Gotze, „Molecular-dynamics simulation of nanostructure-polymer composites”, BSc thesis, TU
Dresden, 2013.
6) PhD thesis: M. Reinecker, “Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Composites of inorganic nanotubes and
polyurea”, University of Vienna, in progress, 2013.
7) Diploma work: J. Schabasser, “Messung des elastischen Verhaltens hygroskopischer Polymere”,
University of Vienna, June 2013.
List of new collaborations resulted from COST networking through the Action:
Collaborations established in the period from 06/11/2009 to 31/08/2010 1. Ilze Aulika, IIT Torino, IT: Within the COST COINAPO framework new collaboration with Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Dr. A. Mrzel) was established. The MoS6, Mo6S2I8, and Mo6S4I6 nanotubes and nanowires were analysed for transversal and lateral cross sections. These nanotubes and nanowires in the composite materials are investigated for possible application as the pressure sensor. 2. Germano Montemezzani, LMOPS, Metz, FR
Investigation of nanowires from Univ. Ljubljana (A. Merzl), Slovenia.
Discussions about integration in polymer composites with Institute Jean Lamour of Nancy, FR.
3) Giuseppe Compagnini: University of Catania, IT is involved in collaborations with
University of Oxford (Oxford Materials – Leader: V.Nicolosi), GB
Department of Complex Matter (J.Stefan Institute – Leader: D.Mihailovic), SI In the frame of these collaborations we are investigating MoSI nanowires. Fundamental aspects involve the evaluation of the crystalline structure and bonding in connection with the synthesis method. 4) Irena Drevenšek Olenik: University of Ljubljana, SI
Cooperation with group of Christine Boeffel, Fraunhofer IAP, DE - conductivity of polymer films doped with MoSI and MoS2 nanowires/nanotubes.
Cooperation with group of Antoni Sanchez Ferrer, ETH Zuerich, CH - elasomechanic and optical
properties of elastomer films doped with MoSI and MoS2 nanotubes.
Cooperation with group of Jan Petzelt and Jirka Hlinka, Institute of Physics, Academy of Science of Czech Republic, CZ, investigation of structure and properties of thin films of MoSI nanowires deposited on sapphire substrates.
Cooperation with group of Volker Brueser, INP Greifswald, DE, Investigations of plasma treatment of MoSI nanowires.
Cooperation with group of Wilfried Schranz, Martin Fally, University of Vienna, AT, investigation of mechanical and optical properties of polymer/nanoparticle composites. Neutron diffraction on composites. 5) Valeria Nicolosi: Oxford Materials, GB, collaborations with
Giuseppe Compagnini, University of Catania, IT, XPS characterisation of MoSI nanowires
Dragan Mihailovic, J. Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, SI, dispersion, functionalisation, processing and characterisation of MoSI nanowires
Peter Nellist, University of Oxford, GB, High resotution electron microscopy characterisation of inorganic nanostructures
Jonathan Coleman – University of Dublin, IE, processing and liquid phase processing of inorganic one- and two-dimensional nanostructures
Jan Petzelt and Jirka Hlinka - Academy of Science of Czech Republic, CZ, investigation of structure and properties of thin films of MoSI nanowires deposited on sapphire substrates
Reshef Tenne, Weizmann Institute of Science, IL, characterization of WS2 and MoS2 nanotubes 6) Volker Bruser: INP Greifswald, DE The influence of oxygen plasma treatments on structural changes of Molybdenum sulphide has been investigated. Further we are planning to incorporate plasma treated nanotubes into polymers and to check their properties. In this activity the INP collaborates with the
University of Ljubljana and J. Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, SI,
Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, CZ,
Fraunhofer IAP, Golm, DE. 7) Wilfried Schranz: University of Vienna, AT Measurements of the thermal expansion and dynamic elastic response of Elastomer-Carbon Nanotube composites with various carbon nanotube-concentrations is joint cooperation of the Vienna group (A. Fuith, W. Schranz, et al.) and the COST network colleagues
M. Dunce, M. Knite from Riga Technical University/Institute of Technical Physics, LV,
I. Aulika from Smart Material Platform - Center for Space Human Robotics, Italian Institute of Technology, Torino, IT,
To compare with the results from Elastomer-CNT composites we are now performing similar measurements on composites of Elastomer with inorganic Nanowires Mo6S2I8 and MoS2, which we received very recently. They were fabricated by our COST partners at ETH-Zürich, CH (A. Sanchez-Ferrer). 8) Mojca Jazbinsek: Rainbow Photonics, Zurich, CH Discussions have started considering the exchange of composite materials for characterization with o Food & Soft Materials Science Group at ETH Zurich, CH (Dr. Antoni Sánchez-Ferrer), and o Complex Matter Group at Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, SI (Dr. Ales Mrzel). 9) Renato Torre: LENS, Florence, IT Started a couple of collaborations with two groups that are preparing composites of inorganic nanotubes and polymers in order to select samples adapt for time-resolved laser experiments.
Dr. Christine Boeffel (Functional Materials & Devices OLED Technology Development, Geiselbergstr. 69, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany, DE) – PMMA/MoSI nanowires. Unfortunately, these samples turned out to be not adapt for optical spectroscopy.
Dr. Antoni Sanchez-Ferrer (ETH Zurich, CH, Inst. Of Food Science & Nutrition) – elastomers/MoS2 nantotubes and Mo6S2I8 nanowires. They seem OK for optical spectroscopy and we are planning to start the experiments soon. 10) Muriel Sales, AIT Austrian Institute for Technology GmbH, AT is focused mainly on determination of the tribological properties of nanotube materials - newly started cooperation with the group of R. Tenne, IL - newly started cooperation with the group of A. Mrzel, SI
11) Emmanuel Kymakis, Technological Education Institute of Crete, GR established collaboration with Dept. of Materials of the Imperial College of London, GB, regarding graphene
for photovoltaic and field emission applications.
12) Christine Boeffel, Fraunhofer IAP, Golm, DE is involved in fabrication of nanotube composites with PMMA and has in this purpose established successful cooperation with J. Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, SI 13) Maris Knite, Riga Technical University, LV established collaboration in the field of nanotube/polymer composites with University of Vienna, AT 14) Ewa Gorecka, Warshav University, PL started collaborative investigations of WS2 nanotube materials in cooperation with Weizmann Institute of Science, IL. 15) Jan Lagerwall, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, DE is involved in investigation of liquid crystal – nanotube composite materials and has extended his activities in this field to a new collaboration with
J. Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, SI
LCVN, Montepellier, FR 16) Emanuela Pawliczek, The Institute of Heavy Organic Synthesis “Blachownia”, PL also started collaborative investigations of WS2 nanotube materials in cooperation with Weizmann Institute of Science, IL. 17) Reshef Tenne, Weizmann Institute of Science, IL provided nanotube materials (MoS2, WS2) for new collaborative investigations to the following partners:
Laurent Alvarez, LCVN, FR
Muriel Sales, Austrian institute of technology, AT
Giuseppe Compagnini, University of Catania, IT
Johan G. Meier, Aragon Institute of Technology, Zaragoza, ES
Christine Boeffel, Fraunhoffer IAP, Golm, DE
Victor Yu. Reshetnyak, University of Kyiv, Ukraine
Giusy Scalia, ENEA, Portici, IT
Ewa Gorecka, University of Warshaw, PL 18) Gotthard Seifert, Technical University of Dresden, GE is involved in molecular dynamics simulation of nanosize systems. His research group established new collaboration with Reshef Tenne from Weizmann Institute of Science, IL 19) Paul van der Schoot, Technical University Eindhoven, NL is concentrated on theoretical modeling of polymer materials and has in the framework of the COST Action started collaborative research work with the group of J. G. Meier, Instituto Technologico di Aragon, Zaragoza, ES
20) J. G. Meier, Instituto Technologico dea Aragon, Zaragoza, ES
New established contact with theoretician Paul van der Schoot, University of Eindhoven, NL
new cooperation with Josef-Stefan-Institute, Ljubljana, SI
new cooperation with Weizmann-Institute (preparation of polymer nanocomposites by melt-mixing: mainly exchange of nanomaterials), IL
new cooperation with the Laboratory of dielectrics and magnetics, University, of Warsaw, PL, focused on SAXS on polymer nanocomposites
21) Ales Mrzel, J. Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, SI the group from Ljubljana is one of the central sources of nanotube materials, which are provided for further investigation to several partner groups:
Christine Boeffel, Fraunhoffer IAP, Golm, DE
Antoni Sanchez-Ferrer, ETH Zurich, CH
Wim Wenseleers, University of Antwerpen, BE
Volker Brueser, INP Greifswald, DE
Maris Knite, Riga Technical University, LV
Jan Lagerwall, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, DE
Ilze Aulika, IIT Torino, IT
Germano Montemezzani, LMOPS, Metz, FR
Muriel Sales, AIT Austrian Institute for Technology GmbH, AT
J. G. Meier (M), Instituto Technologico de Aragon, Zaragoza, ES
Collaborations established in the period from 31/08/2010 to 31/07/2011 1. Alla ZAK, NanoMaterials Ltd., Israel: establishes several new collaborations via providing WS2 nanotube material to the Action partners:
Reshef Tenne, Weizmann institute, Israel
Ioannis Zuburtikudis, T.E.I. of Western Macedonia, Greece
Marco Pizzi, ELTEK, Torino, Italy
Tiziana di Luccio, ENEA, Portici, Italy
Johann G. Meier, ITA, Zaragoza, Spain
Ilze Aulika, IIT, Torino, Italy
Hans Sawade, INP Greifswald, Germany
Vladka Novotna, Institute of Physics, Prague, Czech Republic
2. Mikael Hedenqvist, KTH Stockholm, Sweden: is involved in fabrication of biodegradable polymers and polymer composites. He has recently established cooperation with
A. Mrzel, J. Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
I. Drevensek-Olenik, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tiziana di Luccio, ENEA, Portici, Italy
3. Giusy Scalia, Seoul National University, South Korea: This is a new non-COST partner of our Action which will participate in the field of composite materials fabrication. She has already established collaborations with the following Action partners:
Ewa Gorecka, Warshaa University, Poland Ewa Enz, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
Irena Drevensek-Olenik, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
4. Ioannis Alexandrou, The Netherlands: is involved in HRSTEM imaging of nanotubes and established new collaborations with the following Action partners:
Valeria Nicolosi, University of Oxford, UK A. Mrzel, J. Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
5. Juras Banys, Vilnius University, Lithuania: is involved in investigations of dielectric and conductive properties of composites. He has recently strated new collaboration with:
Tony Mc.Nally, Queen's University Belfast, UK
6. Renato Torre, LENS, Florence, Italy: during the last year established interesting scientific connections with:
Antony Sanchez-Ferrer, ETH, Zuerich, Switzerland
Ales Mrzel, J. Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Irena Drevensek-Olenik, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Wilfried Schranz, University of Vienna, Austria
7. Vytautas Samulionis, Vilnius University, Lithuania: started with ultrasound investigations of the composite materials. His investigations take place in cooperation with:
Antony Sanchez-Ferrer, ETH, Zuerich, Switzerland
8. Giuseppe Compagnini, University od Catania, Italy: The group at the University of Catania, Italy has used STSM to exchange young researcher visits
with the J.Stefan Institute in Ljubljana"
Collaborations established in the period from 31/07/2011 to 31/07/2012
1. Weizmann-Institute from Israel, group of R. Tenne, collaborated with groups of:
Ioannis Zuburtikudis, Greece. Dispersion on INT-WS2 nanoparticles in thermoplastic matrices by melt extrusion/compounding or melt mixing and mechanical/thermal properties;
Hans Sawade, Germany. Plasma treatment of the INT&IF-WS2 surface to improve adhesion to polymer matrix;
Tiziana Luccio, Italy. Electronic devices based on IF- and INT-WS2;
Johann G. Meier, Spain. Tribological measurements for polymer composites;
Marco Pizzi, Italy. Composites for automotive & household appliance components (sensors, packaging, life time);
Petru M. Racolta, Romania. PAS – positron annihilation spectroscopy for defects, substituted (doped) atoms, etc. in WS2 nanotubes investigations.
Jan Petzelt, Czech Republic. c of polymer electro spun fibres incorporated with INT-WS2;
Tony McNally, Unite Kingdom. Polymer composites with INT-WS2 and their mechanical and thermal properties;
Wilfried Schranz, Austria. Polymer composites with INT-WS2 and their mechanical and thermal properties;
Emmanuel Stratakis, Greece. Inorganic nanotubes of WS2 on Si microcones for field emission experiment.
2. Collaboration of University of Zagreb (Holjevac Grgurić, Croatioa) with CO PoliMaT in Ljubljana
(Slovenia) in the preparation of polymer nanocomposites with sodium titanate nanotubes and nanoribbons.
3. Miro Huskič, Collaboration of CO PoliMaTin Ljubljana (Slovenia) with Queens University Belfast in the preparation of polymer nanocomposites with WS2 nanotubes.
4. Collaboration between Silvia Irusta (Spain) and Irena Drevensek (Slovenia) on the composites containing silver nanowires.
5. Group of Antoni Sanchez-Ferrer (Switzerland) started collaboration related to elastomers with Vytautas Samulionis’ group, Wilfried Schranz’s group and Renato Torre’s group.
6. Group of Spiros H. Anastasiadis (Greece) started collaboration with the group of Prof. P. Rolla from University of Pisa, Italy and with the group of Prof. P. Lobotka, Institute of Electrical Engineering, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia
7. Group of Ewa Gorecka (Warsaw, Poland) started collaboration with group of Viera Hamplova from Institute of Sciences (Czech Rebublic), collaboration focused on LC polymeric composites.
8. ENEA UTTP NANO: Tiziana Di Luccio, Italy :
STSM of Dr. Sumeet Kumar in the period (01/09/2011-30/09/2011) established a link between ENEA and Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm (Prof. Mikael Hedenqvist). The project consisted of the preparation and characterization of MoSI nanowires and poymer fibers (Polystyrene and Polyethylene Oxide) nanocomposites.
The main activity of the last year of the project was based on nanocomposites of conducting polymers of interest for light emitting devices and solar cells and WS2 nanotubes. WS2 nanotubes were purchased by NanoMaterials (contacted through the network).
Purification of the purchased WS2 nanotubes was one of the main issues addressed thanks to information exchanged with the network colleagues (I. Drevenšek-Olenik and A. Mrzel’s groups from Slovenia, A. Zak from Istrael)
9. New collaborations will be established based on contacts established during the workshop of all
Working Groups held in Prague in April 2012
Barbara Paci (ISM CNR, Italy): Interface studies of polymer-nanomaterial nanocomposites for organic electronic devices
Wilfried Schranz (University of Vienna, Austria): mechanical investigation of P3HT layers reinforced by WS2 nanotubes.
Maja Remškar (Josef Stefan Institute, Slovenia): study of P3HT and Mo- and W–sulfide nanocomposites to be employed in OLEDs and solar cells. A STSM application will be submitted.
10. Riga Technical University, Institute of Materials and Structures: Group of Evgeny Barkanov:
cooperation with Tony McNally, School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 5AH, UK, Non-destructive technique for the dissipative material properties characterisation have been improved and adapted for the testing of nanocomposite material samples with small dimensions.
11. Queen's University Belfast, GB: Group of Tony McNally: Cooperation with Alla Zak (Weizmann-
Institute) and Miroslav Huskić (Slovenia) on Composites of PCL with WS2
12. TU Eindnhoven, The Netherlands, Paul van der Schoot: started collaboration with C. Grimaldi (Switzerland) and J. Coleman (Ireland).
13. Group of G. Seifert, Germany, collaborates with Weizmann Institute (Israel), J. Stefan Institute (Slovenia).
Collaborations established in the period from 31/07/2012 to 31/07/2013
1. Weizmann institute (Israel), A. Zak and R. Tenne, started collaborations with - V. Brueser from INP Greifswald (Germany) on plasma treatment of WS2, NbS2 and similar
kinds of nanotubes. - J. Korzekwa from University of Silesia (Poland) on alignment methods for nanotubes - M. Naffakh from Politechnical University of Madrid (Spain) on mechanical, thermal and
tribological properties of WS2 nanotubes in biocompatible polymers. -
2. T. Di Luccio from ENEA (Italy) started active collaboration (STSM exchange visits) with M. Remškar from J. Stefan Institute in Ljubljana (Slovenia) on the field of solar cells.
3. E. Gorecka from Poland started new collaborative activities with V. Hamplova from Czech Republic on the problem of doping soft liquid crystalline polymers with ZnO nanorods.
4. M. Labardi from Pisa (Italy) started collaboration with J. H. Park from Seoul National university
(Korea) and A. Mrzel from J. Stefan Institute (Slovenia).
5. P. Lobotka from Bratislava (Slovakia) started cooperation with partners from IP ASCR in Prague (Czech Republic) in the field of ionic liquids.
6. R. Torre from LENS Florence (Italy) started cooperation with V. Reshetnyak and I. Pinkevych from
university of Kyiv (Ukraine) in the field of theoretical modelling of nanocomposite dynamics.
7. I. Brnardić from University of Zagreb (Croatia) started research activities with Politechnico di Torino (Italy) and CO Polimat from Ljubljana (Slovenia) on preparation of polymer nanocomposites with sodium titanate nanotubes and their characterization.
8. Group of G. Seifert from TU Dresden (Germany) started collaboration with M. Remškar from J.
Stefan Institute in Ljubljana (Slovenia) on oxidation process of MoS2 nanotubes/MoO structures.
9. V. Reshetnyak from University of Kyiv (Ukraine) - started collaboration in the field of ionic liquids and their use in composite materials with P.
Lobotka from Bratislava (Slovakia) and I. Drevenšek-Olenik from Ljubljana (Slovenia). - Started collaboration with W. Schranz from University of Vienna (Austria) on mechanical
properties of nanotube-polyurea composites
Fig. 1. Thin film of elastomer material doped with MoSI nanotubes
(Fabricated by A. Sanchez-Ferrer, ETH, Zurich, CH)
