Nano - technology

In the last years all mediums, means of communication are focused to the nano-science and nano-technology, material science that becomes more important in all fields. In the field of science and material engineering, Institute activities are firstly in the area of physics and material technology (various composites and coatings), and then with the help of basic programs they are directed to synthesis of new materials and nano-technology processing. A series of fundamental engineering disciplines are base for the development of a wide class of new materials at nano and micro level. Different methods, so as different polymerization processes and methods for producing inorganic and organic nano-composites and hybrid materials can be found there. The development of nano-particles is one of the most famous research fields of materials in science and engineering.

The carbon nano-tubes (CNTs) and other nano-particles have a potential for a significant improvement of the composite characteristics when combined with the traditional reinforcements , like carbon, glass, aramide and other fibers. The usage of nano-tubes in structural composites gives a potential for improvement of the resin characteristics, and at the same time improves the composites quality, including interlaminated force, stiffness, thermic characteristics and etc.

In order to successfully produce this kind of composite (with nano-particles), we have to overcome several problems in the production process. First we need to have a good dispersion and exfoliation of nano-particles and that brings great concern because of the challenges that occur with forming the AGGLOMERATES, during the process of mixing of the nano-particles in the resin like a matrix. Second, by adding nano-particles in the resin we’ll have a dramatic increase of resin viscosity .This is a problem in the composites production process that leads to a hard fibers soaking, because of the very high resin viscosity. And as third, the nano-particles effects have to improve the resin characteristics and the final composite characteristics.

At this moment, there's a huge debate for the future of nano-technology. It has a ability to provide a huge potential for creating new materials and appliances with a wide spectrum of applications in medicine, electronics and production of energy. On the other side, nano-technology raises a great number of questions, usually with introducing a new technology. One of those questions that raise great concern, is the toxicity of each nano-particle and its influence on people’s health.

The nano-technology as an engineering discipline, refers to products and techniques that include structures with nano-metrical dimensions, in rank of 1-100nm, especially those that transform the material, energy and information, using nano-metrical components with a precisely defined molecule character.