BrainMap

Mr. Mihai Eftimie

PhD

Associate Professor - UNIVERSITATEA NAȚIONALĂ DE ȘTIINȚĂ ȘI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREȘTI

Researcher | Teaching staff | Scientific reviewer

Web of Science ResearcherID: D-9524-2016

Curriculum Vitae (16/06/2025)

Expertise & keywords

Innovative multifunctional composites for the protection of cultural heritage objects Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-0627 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie - ICECHIM Bucuresti (RO); UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://icechim.ro/project/inheritage_ro/

Abstract:

In the last decades, new perspectives have emerged among both specialists, and the general public, regarding the preservation and enhancement of the cultural heritage. Conservation-restoration contribute to the safeguarding and understanding of the cultural property that benefits present and future generations, in its historical and aesthetic sense, in its physical integrity, its context and its uses. In the last years, the specialists in the field of materials science proposed a series of innovative materials and methodologies, applied in different areas, including the diagnosis and conservation state monitoring or preventive measures, implemented in order to reduce the need for interventions. However, as the degradation processes of cultural heritage objects remain inevitable, the continuous development of advanced materials able to counteract specific degradation processes is also necessary. Thus, are needed thorough scientific studies in order to develop tailored formulation, in order to protect, preserve, and restore cultural heritage objects, and this represents a continuous challenge for the scientists, aiming to replace the current rather serendipitous approaches in restoration. In this context, the project “Innovative multifunctional composites for the protection of cultural heritage objects” (INHERITAGE) aims to develop novel multi-layer composite materials with multiple functions (consolidation, self-cleaning and anti-microbial) applicable for the conservation of different inorganic substrates.

From electroconductive smart ink to electronic self-disinfecting surfaces Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-2541 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.newmaterials.ro

Abstract:

The presence of septic surfaces in hospitals, buses and other public spaces can lead to infections with antibiotic resistant bacteria and is an ongoing public health problem. Therefore, this project aims to obtain and validate self-adhesive, elastic and complex membranes with variable self-disinfecting properties.

An important objective of this project is to retain in the country the researchers from the Diaspora and the engagement of the PhD students with a young dynamic team. The application proposed through this project continues the previous studies carried out over seven years that led to the development of electroconductive inks based on functionalized silver nanowires, prepared today for the technological transfer stage.

The inks developed by the “Electroconductive Smart Ink” team within the “Innovation Labs” program allowed the fabrication during this year of several demonstrators with unique applications in the paint, electronics and sensor industries as well as the publication of the scientific results in prestigious journals.

Controlling the electronic properties in heterostructures based on ferroelectric perovskites: from theory to applications Call name: P 4 - Proiecte Complexe de Cercetare de Frontieră
PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0047 2018 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://infim.ro/en/project/control-of-electronic-properties-in-ferroelectric-perovskite-heterostructures-from-theory-to-applications/

Abstract:

The main objective of the project is to obtain ferroelectric materials with controlled electronic properties at the same level as this properties are controlled in Si. This will be realized by hetero-valent doping, correlated with stress engineering and band gap engineering without affecting, as much as possible, the ferroelectric properties. The main objective is complex and ambitious because, up to date, there was no experimental demonstration that it possible to obtain n or/and p type conduction in epitaxial ferroelectrics. The successful achievement of this objective will open a new domain, that of ferroelectric electronics or ferrotronics, by producing electronic devices of p-n homo-junction type or junction transistors with ferroelectric materials. Two types of materials are envisaged, namely lead titanate-zirconate (PZT with tetragonal structure and a mixed bismuth ferrite (BFO) with bismuth chromit (BCO). In the first case the heterovalent doping will be studied on Pb or Zr/Ti sites with the aim to obtain n and p type conduction. The final goal is to produce a p-n homo-junction based on epitaxial PZT films. In the second case band gap engineering will be tested by varying the Fe/Cr content, and the dominant conduction mechanism will be identified, the goal being to use the material in photovoltaic applications. The activities will contain: theoretical studies regarding the relation between dopants, electronic properties and the ferroelectricity, including self-doping effects or electrostatic doping; target preparation for deposition of thin films; epitaxial growth of the film; characterization activities of the structure and physical properties. Not only classic doping in the target is envisaged but also doping during the epitaxial growth. The consortium is composed of 4 teams from three different institutions, including a number of 14 young researchers full time equivalent.

Sustainable use of waste glass in Portland cement field Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-2112 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); CEPROCIM S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://www.micronanotech.ro/utilizarea-durabila-a-deseurilor-de-sticla-in-domeniul-cimentului-portland/

Abstract:

This project mainly aims to solve a stringent environmental issue, i.e. the recovery of the glass waste that cannot be recycled in glass production facilities. Two main research directions can be identified to further use of these wastes: 1. as raw material in cement clinker fabrication; 2. as an admixture in cement grinding.

Starting from fundamental research results (TRL2), experimental models for Portland cement preparation will be developed and tested (TRL3 step); the next step is to elaborate, test and validate product and the technology in laboratory (TRL4) for: • Portland cement clinkers obtained by using waste glass along with conventional raw materials; • cements that are made by using waste glass or a combination of waste glass and slag/limestone/fly ash as an admixture to clinker grinding.

Glass waste recovery in cement industry will help diminish the negative impact of this industry on the environment, by both reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions (by reducing the amount of clinker) and by a sustainable management of the natural and artificial resources which constitute also a priority issue at an international level.

The research team is a multidisciplinary one that has experience and provides expertise in binder and vitreous materials, mathematical modeling and simulation. Complimentary experience, qualifications, and skills of each member will contribute to the success of the project. Another dimension of the project is the transdisciplinarity, which works by integrating this research into the larger system of a durable development in which wastes become raw materials. A new relationship of a mutual advantage and support will arise between researchers, industry and direct beneficiaries of the products.

Results will be disseminated at a national and international level by oral or poster presentations in scientific conferences, scientific papers published in ISI indexed journals, web page, presentations in university aula, a patent proposal.

Development of nanosized coatings for steel strips with high resistance to corrosion and abrasion Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3409 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARI METALURGICE S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://nanocora.chimie.upb.ro/

Abstract:

The proposed project aims to develop and test experimental demonstrative models for an ecological technology for obtaining by chemical deposition on the steel surface of micrometric and nanometric protective layers of composite and nano-composite alloys in nickel matrix, with high resistance to chemical corrosion and abrasion. We started from the results regarding the protection technology of the steel strips covered by the chemical reduction with a nickel - phosphorus (Ni-P) (TLR2) protective layer, which have been the subject of our research in recent years, to generate a test / solution. Laboratory validated (TLR4) for nano - ceramic composite coatings in nickel matrix chemically deposited on the surface of thin steel strips for superior protection against corrosion and abrasion.The chemical deposition, which is the object of the proposed project, presents several technological stages similar to the processes of metallic coating in continuous flow, respectively: preparation of the support material for the coating, obtaining the coating on the support material and, in some cases, applying a final treatment for improvement of its physico-mechanical characteristics. All the researchers nominated in the project have a rich experience in previous research projects in the field of superior corrosion protection, in particular of the nickel matrix composite alloys deposited on the surface of the thin steel strips working on numerous complex projects at national level with large consortia, which which is a valuable and favorable premise for the success of the new research project. It should also be emphasized that the initiator of the project - the POLITEHNICA University of Bucharest - qualifies with an advanced infrastructure, which covers the experimental research needs of the project.

Nanostructured carbon based materials for advanced industrial applications Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0619 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ELECTROCHIMIE SI MATERIE CONDENSATA - INCEMC TIMISOARA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.imt.ro/nanocarbon+/

Abstract:

Our proposal (NANOCARBON+) is focused on a highly technologically relevant unifying topic: the exploitation of the recently demonstrated extreme properties of a specific class of carbon nanomaterials - nanostructured graphene, used in specific morphologies and compositional categories - towards the development of innovative technologies for essential eco-industrial areas (failure monitoring, pollutant detection/decontamination in air/water, green energy). The proposal is split in four composing projects, all of them aiming at exploring the use of these unique nanomaterials for the development of innovative and/or improved sensing devices in a range of applications with strong industrial impact.

The consortium behind this proposal has a good regional coverage and suitable research and development resources, both in terms of researchers and appropriate equipment. The consortium comprises of four National R&D Institutes and two Universities, distributed in three adminstrative regions.

The central objective of this complex proposal is an efficient integration of the scientific expertise and experimental capabilities, complementarities and synergies of the six consortium member organizations, towards augmenting their overall organizational performance.

The objectives of the proposal go well beyond the academic research; from the very begining of the execution, we aim at achieving a very good connection with SMEs and other industrial partners in order to understand market requirements and to be able to transfer suitable innovatibe technologies and further support the development of new products. Developing new technologies and services is one part of the expected output, contributing to the development of the partner's capabilities by opening new research areas; in addition, a special attention is devoted to the increase and development of the human resources involved in research. In this respect, the consortium does commit to creating 11 new research positions.

Controlled functionalities in multiscale BaTiO3-based systems by combining microstructural design and doping strategy Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2016-0072 2017 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://batifer.hpc.pub.ro/

Abstract:

The aim of this project is to propose a new approach for investigating the influence of the extrinsic versus intrinsic contributions on the electrical behaviour in the compositionally modified-BaTiO3-based systems. Therefore, aliovalently and homovalently doped-BaTiO3 ceramics, with certain fixed dopant/solute concentrations and with a wide range of grain sizes, from microscale downward to nanoscale, will be prepared from powders synthesized by various variants of the sol-gel method and consolidated by using alternative sintering techniques (conventional and spark plasma sintering). In this way, it is envisaged to adjust the semiconducting-insulating behaviour in multiscale Ce3+ doped-BaTiO3 and to tailor ferroelectric-relaxor crossover in multiscale BaTiO3 ceramics with Hf4+ additions. Another goal consists in enhancing ferroelectricity in dense Ce3+ doped-BaTiO3 (BCT) thin films and 1D nanostructures. The investigation of Ce3+ doped-BaTiO3 products with similar composition, but corresponding to dissimilar dimensionalities (1D, 2D and 3D), will allow elucidate and to understand the role of the restrictive geometries on the dielectric/ferroelectric/piezoelectric response. For this reason, multilayer thin films will be prepared by chemical solution deposition, while infiltration of negative templates will be used to elaborate 1D nanostructured wires/tubes. All these objectives involve a complex physico-chemical and functional characterization by using modern and complementary techniques.

Optimized pyroelectric materials through the polarization gradient concept and experimental model for a pyroelectric detector with potential for applications in monitoring high power/energy lasers. Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0470 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INTERNET S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.infim.ro/projects/optimized-pyroelectric-materials-through-polarization-gradient-concept-and-experimental

Abstract:

The project aims to develop materials with optimized pyroelectric properties using the polarization gradient concept and develop integral pyroelectric detectors for the near infrared (700 nm) to THz (≤100 µm) wavelengths range. These detectors have potential application also in the detection of high power or high energy laser beams (e.g. the lasers of ELI-NP project). The materials to be used in this project are ferroelectrics with a perovskite structure such as Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) or (Ba,Sr)TiO3 (BST) due to the fact that the transition temperatures can be modified by changing the Zr or Sr content. These materials will be combined in structures of multilayers with gradient in concentration and polarization in order to increase the figure of merit M given by the ratio between the pyroelectric coefficient p and the dielectric constant ε (M=p/ε).

The present project proposes a novel way of increasing the merit figure M by increasing the pyroelectric coefficient. This can be achieved by developing materials that exhibit a concentration gradient in the direction of the polarization, which introduces a succession of phase transitions at different temperatures, leading to a more abrupt variation of the polarization with the temperature and thus to a larger pyroelectric coefficient.

Another effect to turn to account is the temperature variation of the dielectric constant which can contribute to further increase the total pyroelectric coefficient. The temperature variation of ε can contribute to the pyroelectric signal if an electric field is applied to the ferroelectric material in order to maintain a stable polarization state, thus averting possible signal variations caused by the ambient temperature conditions.

The materials with gradient in concentration and polarization will be realized in bulk form, as ceramic wafers (25 mm minimum diameter and 6 mm thickness) by using the spark plasma sintering (SPS). Alternately, the ceramic technology coupled with classical sintering, or hot press, can be used. The sintering conditions will be optimized in order to obtain the best p/ε ratio. The selected material will then be used to build the active elements for the pyroelectric detection. In this respect, metallic electrodes will be deposited and one of them will be blackened in order to ensure a better absorbtion of the incident electromagnetic radiation. A novel approach is that carbon nanotubes are to be used for the blackening. This way the absorbtion coeficient can be increased close to 1. The active element will then be used to create pyroelectric detectors, including the electronics for signal processing and the sofware needed for PC display. Beside the mentioned ceramic materials, epitaxial multilayered structures with gradient in concentration and polarization will be realized and their pyroelectric detection properties will be investigated as well during the project.

The consortium is formed by 3 partners: coordinator of the project –CO is a national institute with experience in ceramic materials and pyroelectric detection; one university –P1 with experience in preparation of ceramic powders; one company –P2 specialized in signal procesing and different types of electrical measurements. CO and P1 will develop the active element for the pyroelectric detection and P2 will develop and test the experimental model of the system for pyroelectric detection including all the electronics and the sofware needed for the different types of applications for which the pyroelectric detector is developed by CO and P2: automatizations, non-contact measurements of temperature or monitoring of the high power/energy laser beams. The ultimate goals are to obtain: a technological process for obtaining the active element of pyroelectric detection, as well as two experimental models, one for the Pyroelectric Detector and one for a Pyroelectric Detection System used to detect high intensity laser beams.

MODULAR COMPOSITE STRUCTURES FOR PROTECTION AGAINST COMPLEX EFFECTS OF IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1351 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Ministerul Apararii Nationale prin Centrul de Cercetare Stiintifica pentru Aparare CBRN si Ecologie

Project partners: Ministerul Apararii Nationale prin Centrul de Cercetare Stiintifica pentru Aparare CBRN si Ecologie (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); Academia Tehnica Militara (RO); STIMPEX S.A. (RO); EUROPLASTIC S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://nbce.ro/iedprotect.html

Abstract:

Analysis of the types of incidents and terrorist acts reveals that over 70% have been using Improvised Explosive Devices. IED terrorist related incidents are unexpected events, presenting a high risk dangerous in terms of further development. The theme of the project is more relevant in the context of loss of life due to improvised explosive devices in the operational theaters and not only, became more frequent. Explosion effects which will be countered are: the shock wave, the blast (dynamic wind), primary splinters from explosive device, secondary splinters from the action on objects near the explosion, and fire. The level of performance parameters reached for the achievement of composite materials is extremely high, at the European level, NATO respectively. For the development of defense systems in compliance with the EU and NATO concept standards, the need to increase the protection level provided by the armor of light armored vehicles and buildings on the basis of ceramic and polymer cellular structure composites are essential, thus, successfully answering to the multiple threats in the field of defense.

This project aims to achieve modular composite structures for ballistic protection that could be used to mitigate the destructive effects of improvised explosive devices. The proposed innovative approach involves design, manufacturing and testing of new cellular materials (ceramic and polymeric) able to reduce the amplitude of shock waves in the armor structure, in order to increase the protection level provided by the armor of light armored vehicles and buildings. The technical-scientific objectives of the project are in close relationship with those of the military beneficiary. Thus, the Army must transform for operations different from those it have been traditionally structured to face with. In order to defeat new threats such as the largely transnational terrorist organizations with worldwide infrastructure, resources, is required a “capabilities-based modular, flexible and rapidly employable Joint-Army team” capable of controlling the battlefield and dominating the enemy.

The main project objectives consist in obtaining modular composite structures for protection against complex effects of improvised explosive devices (IED) such as: shock waves, primary and secondary splinter/fragments, local fire.

The tackled performance characteristics for the end-product (modular panels) are:

- mitigation of explosion overpressure, about min. 70 %,

- total protection against splinters/fragments, having velocity v50 (according to STANAG 2920) about 750 m/s.

- protection against fire, class A1 (according to EN 13501-1:2007)

The combination of ceramic and polymer foams is new maybe to the point of breakthrough for composite technologies, for ballistic protection application in Romania. Also, main challenges of the project will be to prove the feasibility of wastes utilization by using the binding properties (through geo polymerization) of the coal fly ash generated at energy plant from Turceni and applying and validating the process parameters of the innovative production of ceramic elements for ballistic protection structure with shapes that allow combining the curved surfaces that follow the target surface which are protected;

Expected results

Through the project will be achieved:

- New modular protective structures for armored cars – experimental model;

- Flexible protective structures to protect architectural critical elements- experimental model;

- Advanced materials formulation for a polymeric foams based on polyurea and polyurethane, as well as new green ceramic foams obtained by industrial waste (coal fly ash) These scientific approach demonstrates the novelty of the project and lead to green technologies with low energy consumption. Two industries SMEs involvement (STIMPEX SA and EUROPLASTIC SA) as full network partners besides one research and two academy institutes with extensively equipped laboratories for

Advanced optimisation process of cement manufacturing in condition of waste recovery Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1808 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: CEPROCIM S.A.

Project partners: CEPROCIM S.A. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); HEIDELBERGCEMENT ROMÂNIA S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.ceprocim.ro/activitati/proiecte/aware/

Abstract:

The AWARE project topic is to establish an advanced conducting technique of controlling a clinker kiln operation in condition of waste recovery. The project topic lies within the 7.2 research area – advanced technologies to conduct industrial processes in the framework of the 7th domain – materials, processes and innovative products.

Due to a large number of variables which has an effect on both kiln operation and the quality of the clinker, is difficult to optimise the kiln operation, particularly due to variations in the feed material, fuel quality, burning conditions and other variables. Optimization is thus simply difficult to achieve manually or partially automated. The difficulty in manual or partially automated control is partly due to the difficulty in ascertaining what is going on inside the kiln, from both a process and a metallurgical point of view. This is practically a general problem, which is especially accentuated in high temperature systems where direct continuous industrial temperature measurement does not exist. Since, remnant features present in the clinker microstructure depend on the kiln feed variations and the burning conditions is understandable the strength of descriptive methods for particle shape and morphology quantification in optimization the clinkering process.

In order to overcome the above-mentioned issues CEPROCIM, UPB, ICF and CARPAT decided to join their efforts and skills in order to develop a solution to the problem of optimisation a process with a large number of variables which affect the operation of the kiln and the quality of the clinker. The practical purpose of the AWARE project is to implement the developed solution in a cement plant, which is the 3rd partner in the consortium.

In the AWARE project the research effort will be focused in the development of two end-products: a clinker microstructure model for high level control and an empirical relationship for prediction of 28-days compressive strength derived from experimental results of the first mentioned end-product.

The AWARE team decided to split the control of the clinker kiln in a multi-layered control levels where various control objectives are evaluated, the high level control consisting of clinker microstructure analysis using shape and morphology descriptors.

By cooperation between project partners, using the technique developed in this project, industrial partner CARPAT will be able to optimise the clinker burning process and in this way expand the environmental and economic benefits alongside the growth of the company. The estimated economic benefits measures in energy savings that could vary between 2.5% and 10% or in reducing CO2 emissions for environmental benefits.

The Work Plan is structured to lead all participants in a period of 24 months to carry out their activities with the best profitable resources management so to achieve the common objectives. The methodology followed during the project will be to put in close collaboration the industrial participant with the research performers, in order to develop the two end-products of the project.

New vitreous magneto-optical materials applied in optoelectronics Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0348 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR BUCURESTI RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); PRO OPTICA SA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://movitopt.inoe.ro/

Abstract:

The project intends to develop the research into materials with a high magneto-optical effect used as magnetic field sensors and optical isolators. Glass materials are of interest for these applications because they are transparent in the visible and near infrared spectral region and can be readily formed into complex shapes. One of the magneto-optical effects, the Faraday effect in glass will be investigated. The primary trend of the study is to develop glass compositions having a large specific Faraday rotation and low absorption in the visible and near infrared regions.

In the frame of the project, new vitreous materials containing transition, post transition and rare-earth ions will be investigated as good Faraday rotators that should satisfy certain requirements as: low absorption at the laser wavelength, low birefringence and high homogeneity.

An other direction of research will be focused on diamagnetic glasses as magnetic field sensors (via magneto-optical effect) with small size, immunity to noise and a high speed response. Both of these applications require temperature insensitivity over a broad temperature range. From this point of view, diamagnetic glasses are chosen for the sensing element with high stability and their temperature dependence which is much less than that of paramagnetic materials. The magnetic field sensors will be obtained as thin films by sol-gel and PLD methods.

The vitreous magneto-optical materials as bulk and thin films will be optical, structural and magnetic characterized (UV-Vis-NIR, FTIR, Raman, fluorescence spectroscopy, elipsometry, testing of magneto-optical parameters and magnetic characteristics, thermo-mechanical parameters, scanning electron microscopy).

Oxide nanomaterials with photocatalytic properties applied in the advanced degradation of the xenobiotic compounds in the water Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 1
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.1-0031 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CHIMIE FIZICA - ILIE MURGULESCU (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE -DEZVOLTARE PENTRU ECOLOGIE INDUSTRIALA - ECOIND (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.icf.ro/pr_2011/MC/MC.html

Abstract:

Most of the research in the field of nanoscience is dedicated to the development of synthesis routes to nanoparticles and nanostructures. There are many novel properties and applications of nanoparticles demonstrated: from catalysis, environmental remediation, biomedical to information displays, and electronics.

Among the various photocatalysts, titania occupies a very important place. Recently, titanium dioxide has been extensively used for the decomposition of environmental pollutants as a possible alternative to conventional water treatment technologies.

The concept of the present project is to use sol-gel un-doped and doped-TiO2 (with transitional metals) nanopowders photocatalysts as friendly materials for the environment in the advanced degradation of xenobiotic compounds from waste water resulted from industrial activities.

The novelty and the importance of this project consist in the art to build the TiO2-based nanomaterials and to establish their photocatalytic performances in a proper equipment with solar energy for the water depollution.

The project has a distinct complexity degree through its modality of tackling which refer to the synthesis of the doped-photocatalysts, photocatalytic processes and fluctuating context regarding the wastewaters with different proveniences.

Considering the competence of the partners which form the consortium in different but complementary research fields (such as: the synthesis and characterization of nanopowders, the depollution of the water, and the kinetic evaluation of the degradation procedures) as well as the special results obtained in the previous projects together with the target of the central and local environment authorities regarding the diminution of the pollution with toxic, xenobiotic compounds, it can be appreciated that the present project proposal is viable and successfully conceived.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects