BrainMap

Mr. Robert Catalin Ciocoiu

- UNIVERSITATEA NAȚIONALĂ DE ȘTIINȚĂ ȘI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREȘTI

Researcher | Teaching staff

Expertise & keywords

Novel technology for implants manufacturing from 3D printable reinforced composite filaments for guided bone regeneration Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-1650 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.florinmiculescu.ro/bonegapfill/

Abstract:

Compared to the limited market of products destined for bone reconstructive surgery and the high-patient-risks of current approaches, this project is a necessity to solve the absence of 3D products with optimal geometry, internal architecture and mechanical properties for customized compatibility with natural bone and a rapid repair of defects with variable dimensions. The overall goal of the project is to develop and promote a new reproducible and sustainable manufacturing technology for the products fabrication by 3D printing, using as platform the previously implemented technology for the synthesis of hydroxyapatite derived from bovine bone biogenic resources and the project team`s experience in the field. Composite filaments with printable features will be obtained based on natural hydroxyapatite and two polymers, one of which will be of natural origin. Also, superior and adaptable mechanical characteristics will be ensured by reinforcing the ceramic matrix with multi-layer graphene-based materials. Further, the filaments will be used for 3D printing of products with regular and random internal architecture (based on a new STL file developed within the project). Afterwards, the products will be tested as to evaluate their performance as potential bone replacements. In this regard, a patent application will be filed. The proposed topic is new and challenging for the project team, but all the premises are fulfilled through the team`s synergy and previous research experience. The concept and experimental testing of the possibility of embedding naturally derived ceramic particles into a polymer matrix of natural origin were also demonstrated and reported by the team members as viable for achieving the project objectives.

Meta-structures made by composite coatings on biodegradable Mg-Ca implants for bone regeneration Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-2591 2021 - 2023

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.smmmf.pub.ro/magicbone/

Abstract:

Main objective of the project is the development of one composite coatings with polymer-based (cellulose acetate, collagen, polylactic acid or chitosan) reinforced with Mg and Mg-substituted hydroxyapatite particles, for biodegradable implants made by Mg-Ca alloy, followed by in vitro cell based tests for evaluating biocompatibility and osseointegration activity. Obtained coated implants will be characterized not just from structural and morphological point of view, but also for mechanical properties and surface properties. Several specific tests for evaluation of the osseointegration will be performed, like study of coating hydrolysis at physiological pH, degradation compounds, flows and proteins retention. After the chosen of best coating material for osseointegration, a commission constituted by independent experts will validate the proposed experimental model. The project objectives are totally feasible, due to the previous experience and results obtained by the project leader and his research team, as well as the equipment available for synthesis, characterization and testing. The project results will be innovative and relevant in relation to the national and international state of the art because the final composite coatings is a new solution from materials point of view, and new coated biodegradable implant will have a better osseointegration, controlled biodegradability and proper mechanical properties during degradation process, like a magic bone (MAGICBONE).

NEW CERAMIC LAYER COMPOSITE MATERIAL PROCESSED BY LASER TECHNIQUES FOR CORROSION AND HIGH TEMPERATURE APPLICATIONS Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-3953 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); UPS PILOT ARM S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://eramet.wixsite.com/eramet-ro/lascerhea

Abstract:

The scientific research project entitled "Composite material with new ceramic layer processed by laser techniques for corrosion and high temperature applications - LASCERHEA" is proposed by an interdisciplinary / complementary team from Romania: CO-Polytechnic University of Bucharest, Partner P1 - INFLPR and Partner P2-UPS Pilot, with highly experienced personnel and modern laboratories for obtaining and characterizing metallic materials (CO), unique laser processing facilities and equipment for microstructural characterization (P1) and experience in computer modeling and simulation (P2). The project is addressed to the field of Eco-Nano Technologies and Advanced Materials, for obtaining new ceramic composite materials processed by laser techniques for 5G industry. The main objective of the project is to offer on the industrial market new functional composite materials based on ceramic layers, to be used in high temperature and corrosion conditions. The metal substrate will be the AlCrFeMnMoNiTaW alloy, which will contain at least 5 different chemical elements, with equimolar atomic participation. For the generation, structuring, and homogenization of the ceramic layer, methods of laser coating and laser thermal treatments will be applied, using powder type additive material (alpha alumina and tungsten carbide) and chemical active solutions. The samples will be subjected to laboratory investigations (microstructure, micro-hardness, adhesion, resistance to corrosion, tension and bending, conductivity and thermal expansion). The alumina layer will also be deposited by the Pulsed Laser Deposition technique on different substrates, as a reference sample for high structural and morphological properties. The proposed method allows obtaining thin films of Al2O3 with different functional properties. To optimize the laser processing parameters, a simulation program will be developed to reduce the number of experiments.

Improving the management of bedsores by using efficient wound dressings with plant extracts Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-5236 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); HOFIGAL EXPORT IMPORT SA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.smmmf.pub.ro/research/projects/biocure

Abstract:

The project addresses a topic which is very modern and actual at national and international level in the field of biomaterials used as drug delivery systems, namely the bedsores type wound management. These wounds have a high and growing importance in the recent years, being one of the mortality main causes associated with immobility in case of paralyzed, comatose or restrained patients, very high costs being involved for treating bedsore complications and consequences. For this purpose, the project proposes the development of intelligent biopatches as concrete and convenient solution for the topical treatment of bedsores, avoiding in this way the affected area debridement or surgical interventions on larger areas. The BIOCURE wound dressing, object of this research, consists of a protective liner, baking layer, adhesive system and drug and essential oils encapsulated release support, the drug and essential oils being released in a controlled manner directly at cutaneous wound level in order to maintain all time a constant concentration on wound. As biodegradable polymers for loading antibiotic drugs and microcapsules of essential oils we will use some compositions of collagen, poloxamer, alginate, to offer an adequate support for drug release. The essential oils will be encapsulated within dendritic polymers like β-cyclodextrins. In the frame of this project, we will develop a classical acrylic adhesives and a new advanced adhesive from the categories of soft silicone adhesives which will be used in the development of the substrate-adhesive component of the biopatches. The biopatches prototypes obtained within this project will include both the component biopolymer support for and essential oils encapsulated, having optimal release characteristics in relation with the application site and therapeutical indication, and also the substrate-adhesive component biocompatible and adequate for application in cutaneous wounds like bedsores.

Advanced biodegradable materials based on MgB2 resistant to microbial colonization Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET - COFUND
COFUND-M-ERA.NET II-BIOMB 2017 - 2021

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); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://infim.ro/project/biomb/

Abstract:

The innovation of this project consists in the evaluation for the first time of the MgB2 potential for biomedical applications, although it is currently produced for superconductivity devices. Expectations are to generate new MgB2-based composite multifunctional biomaterials with antimicrobial/antifouling properties, and an increased biocompatibility at interfaces between the material and the biological media.

The MgB2 powders, coatings and bulks could be used in biodegradable implants or drug delivery systems, handles and surgical tools, catheters, wound dressings and so on. The mechanical and physico-chemical properties of the proposed materials will be investigated by a comprehensive approach, and bioevaluation will include in vitro and in vivo assays. The MgB2 materials are viewed as solutions for space and time- scale controlled variation of the functional properties required for different bio-applications.

OBTAINING AND EXPERTISE OF NEW BIOCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0239 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICĂ "GHEORGHE ASACHI" IAŞI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "GRIGORE T. POPA" DIN IAŞI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA PENTRU STIINŢELE VIEŢII "ION IONESCU DE LA BRAD" DIN IAŞI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "DUNAREA DE JOS" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA, FARMACIE, STIINTE SI TEHNOLOGIE ”GEORGE EMIL PALADE” DIN TARGU MURES (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA TEHNICA-IFT IASI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU INGINERIE ELECTRICA ICPE - CA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.medicalmetmat.tuiasi.ro/

Abstract:

The Complex Project "OBTAINING AND EXPERTISE OF NEW BIOCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS" - MedicalMetMat, is proposed by a consortium of 10 partners, coordinated by Technical Univ."Gh. Asachi" of Iasi. It is a complementary and interdisciplinary scientific consortium of specialists from 2 technical universities (TUIASI and UPBucharest), 2 medicine universities (UMF Iasi, UMF Tg Mures), a veterinary medicine university (USAMV Iaşi), UAIC Iasi and UDJG Galati universities and as well 3 R&D institutes with possibilities for economic recovery (IFT Iasi, INOE Magurele and ICPE-CA). The consortium proposes the realization of 5 research projects, 4 focusing on the production and expertise of metallic biomaterials for various medical applications (biodegradable materials for orthopedics-Pr1-ORTOMAG, biomaterials for medical prosthesis-Pr2-BioTIT, biomaterials for dental applications-Pr3-BIODENTRUT and biocompatible alloys with high entropy for medical applications-Pr4-HEAMED). These projects provided production stages, structural/physico-chemical/mechanical analyses performed by specialists from technical universities and research institutes; In vitro cell viability tests, conducted by specialists from the medicine universities and in vivo determinations (veterinary specialists) by osseointegration study and the resorption rate by animal experimental model, which will conduct to the expertise and approval of these metallic materials for the manufacturing of medical applications. Project Pr5-SOLION presents methods for increasing biocompatibility for the obtained biomaterials in the previous 4 projects, through specific coatings and aerosols systems.

Results dissemination of the Complex Project is aimed to patenting and recommending for the approval of optimal compositions, for implementation in the economic/medical environment and preparation of technology transfer to producers and beneficiaries in the field of production and distribution of medical devices.

INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE PROTECTION SYSTEMS FOR THE MILITARY FIELD BASED ON HIGH ENTROPY ALLOYS Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0875 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU METALE NEFEROASE SI RARE - IMNR

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU METALE NEFEROASE SI RARE - IMNR (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); Academia Tehnica Militara (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "DUNAREA DE JOS" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DIN CRAIOVA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.imnr.ro/heaprotect/

Abstract:

The HEAPROTECT project aims to increase the research and technology transfer performance of R & D organisations in the field of obtaining of performing equipment from new and advanced materials, for the protection of military systems. The project addresses a key national security issue: modern and performing infrastructure. The consortium of the project consists of 4 universities (UPB, ATM, UDJG and UCV) and a research institute (IMNR) with high rebound potential. The agenda comprises four sub-projects. Project 1 aims to develop high explosion-proof protection systems for fuel tanks, based on light high entropy alloys. Project 2 aims to develop collective protection systems based on high entropy alloys from the AlCrFeMnNi system, microalloyed with Ti, Zr, Hf, Y. Project 3 aims to develop modern technologies for non-demountable assembly of components of individual or collective protection systems based on high entropy alloys. Project 4 aims to achieve high kinetic energy penetrators based on high entropy alloys, from high density chemical elements.

Each project involves complex and multidisciplinary research activities and benefits from the significant contribution of human expertise and infrastructure on specific areas: the elaboration and processing of high entropy alloys (IMNR, UPB), material weldability (UPB, UDJG), military systems ) And complex systems construction (UCV).

The main results of the project are: a. Innovative technologies for obtaining fuel tank protection systems, collective protection structures, non-removable assemblies and high energy penetrators; B. Special and unique tests. C. Patent applications d. Articles in ISI rated journals, conferences, workshops. New jobs in R & D sector

Biogenic Inks combining marine collagen and ionic-doped calcium phosphates for bone tissue engineering Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET - COFUND
COFUND-M-ERA.NET II-BiogenInk 2017 - 2020

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://www.biogenink.eu

Abstract:

BiogenInk aims the development of bioinspired and bioresorbable inks for additive manufacturing, composed of marine collagen and ionic-doped calcium phosphates, as building blocks for the production of advanced scaffolds towards bone regeneration, promoting innovation in health sector, mainly on orthopaedic therapies. It is pretended to establish a sustainable and eco-friendly raw materials pipeline, including the production of a novel biological collagen crosslinker from a combined bioremediation strategy, which specific formulations mimics bone tissue composition. These printing materials will be further used to develop functional scaffolds, based in real clinical cases, recapitulating the complexity of bone structures obtained through a reverse engineering approach. A simple and standardized procedure from acquisition of imaging data to the production of patient case-specific biomaterials by 3D printing will be established, with potential to be successfully translated into clinics.

Composite scaffolds with biological functions for bone tissue engineering Call name: P 3 - SP 3.1 - Proiecte de mobilități, România-China (bilaterale)
PN-III-P3-3.1-PM-RO-CN-2018-0201 2018 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials (CN)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.biobone.srb.ro

Abstract:

BIOBONE aims the development of bioinspired and bioresorbable scaffolds, composed by biodegradable magnesium alloys as substrate combined with bioceramic coating granted biological functions, as building blocks for the production of advanced scaffolds towards bone regeneration, promoting innovation in health sector, mainly on orthopaedic therapies. It is pretended to establish a sustainable and eco-friendly raw materials pipeline, including the production of a novel biological scaffolds, which specific formulations mimics bone tissue composition. Advanced biomaterials and technologies will be further used to develop functional scaffolds, based in real clinical cases, recapitulating the complexity of bone structures obtained through a reverse engineering approach. A simple and standardized procedure from acquisition of imaging data to the production of patient case-specific biomaterials by 3D printing will be established, with potential to be successfully translated into clinics.

HIGH PURITY BIO-COMPATIBLE LIGHT ALLOYS OBTAINING EQUIPMENT BY LEVITATION IN INERT ATMOSPHERE Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2016-0115 2016 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: AAGES S.A.

Project partners: AAGES S.A. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA, FARMACIE, STIINTE SI TEHNOLOGIE DIN TARGU MURES (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://biolev.aages.ro/

Abstract:

The research project entitled „INSTALLATION FOR OBTAINING BY LEVITATING OF LIGHT AND HIGH PURITY BIOCOMPATIBLE ALLOYS - BIOLEV is proposed by an inter-disciplinary team composed of Coordinator - SC AAGES SRL Tg. Mures, P1 - Politehnica University of Bucharest and P2 - University of Medicine and Pharmacy Tg. Mures, which aims to achieve a flexible equipment for melting and soaking in the field of inductive energy, light and high purity bio-compatible alloys.

Modern technology proposed by the project, which provides the conditions for obtaining metal alloys listed above, contains levitation melting furnace in an enclosure with controlled atmosphere (gas pressure, vacuum) and inert medium (argon). Thus, the levitation melting furnace which is the subject of the current project can melt approx. 2 cm3 of alloy (density below 5 g / cm3), with the average power of maximum frequency of 15 kW, with no limit for high temperature, with the possibility of melting in argon and casting directly in moulds, in the same environment as the melted alloy.

Demonstration of the functionality and transfer of the results to the applicant will be achieved in the final stage of the project, with the participation of all partners. Distribution of ownership results will determine and agree into the collaboration agreement between partners at the begining of the project. Will be published at least 3 scientific research papers on obtaining new materials, characterization and testing under specific conditions (average biological and chemical), in national and international journals ISI quoted with impact factor above 0.5, will be present a paper at the 24th Foundry National Conference, sponsored by the professional organization ATTR, and the coordinator will organize a workshop with invited partners and external customers.

Corrosion resistant X10 NiCrAlTi 32 20 refractory alloy Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2016-0150 2016 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INTREPRINDEREA METALURGICA PENTRU AERONAUTICA METAV SA

Project partners: INTREPRINDEREA METALURGICA PENTRU AERONAUTICA METAV SA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.ima-metav.ro/noncoro.php

Abstract:

The "Corrosion resistant X10 NiCrAlTi 32 20 refractory alloy" project, proposed by an inter-disciplinary team composed of Coordinator IMA SC METAV (SMEs) and P1 - UPB (CD), aims to achieve a new steel brand of refractory austenitic alloys grade, X10NiCrAlTi 32-20, with high corrosion resistance and high temperatures resistance, similar with high alloyed nickel alloys (INCOLOY 800).

The new alloy is intended for semi-products, components or spare parts execution with high resistance at high temperatures and corrosion in areas such as chemical, gas and petrochemical, aeronautics, food and pharmaceutical industries.

The development of the elaboration-casting technology for this high alloyed alloy with 32% Cr and 20% Ni stabilised with titanium, will bring economic benefits and prestige for the applicant (IMA METAV), one of the few special alloy casting parts producer in Romania, with a necessary production infrastructure (VIM + VAR).

Since the alloy machining main problem is the microstructural stability loss by hot-cracking, the project foresees original elements for the microstructural consolidation, respectively Ti, Al and lanthanides (Ce) microalloying for granulation finishing and chromium carbides precipitation constraint, which determine the alloy brittleness at elevated temperatures.To avoid additional hardening and to keep the metal matrix stiffness, the cumulated microalloying elements will be up to 0.8% (Al+Ti+Ce).

The ownership right distribution on the results will be established and agree between partners in the collaboration agreement, at the project start-up. The obtained scientific and technical results through the project deployment will be disseminated on a large scale by participating at scientific and technical manifestations, publications and web page.

ADVANCED METALLIC MATERIALS FOR 4R NEW GENERATION NUCLEAR POWER PLANT Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0220 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); OPTOELECTRONICA - 2001 S.A. (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); UPS PILOT ARM S.R.L. (RO); METAV - CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.nuclearmat2014.webnode.ro

Abstract:

The scientific research project ADVANCED METALLIC MATERIALS FOR 4R NEW GENERATION NUCLEAR POWER PLANT – NUCLEARMAT is proposed by a complementary and interdisciplinary scientific consortium consisting in specialists from UNIVERSITY POLITEHNICA of BUCHAREST, S.C. OPTOLELECTRONICA 2001 SRL, IFIN – HH, SC UPS PILOT ARM SRL and SC METAV – CD Bucharest. The project proposes the obtainment of a wide range of FeCrAl class alloys with corrosion and erosion resistance in oxidizing liquid metal environment, at high-temperature and high field penetrating and ionizing gamma radiation. These metallic materials have to be suitable for use in 4R generation nuclear reactors cooled with liquid metals (lead, or mixtures of liquid metal, lead-bismuth). Metallic alloys for 4R generation nuclear power plants must meet the following basic requirements: to be resistant to oxidation at high temperatures; to provide corrosion resistance and erosion in liquid metal environments; to be able to form a self-generated continuous protective oxide layer, with high adhesion, on alloy surface.

Research consortium proposes a wide class of FeCrAl alloys micro-alloyed with yttrium and/or zirconium and/or titanium, which will be obtained in a vacuum arc remelting (VAR) installation or in a vacuum induction furnace (VIF). The chemical composition of alloys will be:

Al = 4-10%, Cr = 12-18%, (Y, Zr, Ti) = 1-3% and Fe - balance. To homogenize and refine the oxide layer formed on the surface of metal alloys shall be designed and applied laser surface treatments. To test these FeCrAl alloys will be designed and produced an original experimental stand (experimental model), allowing temperature variation between 400 ... 600 OC. The obtained samples will be immersed in liquid metal environments and intense gamma radiation field (high energy gamma rays (mean energy 1.125 MeV) radiated by Co-60 sealed radioactive sources) at CNCAN authorized laboratories for work with radioactive sources. FeCrAl alloys samples will be irradiated under high temperature both immersed in liquid metal (molten lead) and in air to study the effect of high doses of gamma radiation on the microstructure of the samples. Before and after testing, samples will be subject to laboratory investigations to analyze the behavior of the oxide layer after operation in such environments.

The main objectives and outcomes of the project are:

• Obtaining, testing and laser surface treatment of new alloys for 4R generation nuclear power plants;

• Preparation of technical specifications for new nuclear plants dedicated materials (limits on the use of new materials, application areas, mechanical properties, physical and chemical properties of materials) in order to patent the original solutions;

• Establishing the opportunities to participate in international projects based on the experience gained through the project;

• Mathematical modeling of laser-metal energy transfer and simulation of laser irradiation;

• Development of new technologies for laser irradiation with auto-generation of layers;

• Design and implementation of an experimental model (experimental stand) for tests in liquid metal corrosive and erosive environments at high temperatures;

• Behavior testing (changes of surface structural properties) of FeCrAl alloys in liquid metal environments and in the presence of intense gamma radiation field (generated by radioactive sources of high activity Co-60);

• Protection of Intellectual Property Rights project results (patents);

• Widespread dissemination of scientific research results developed within the project (articles, conferences, round tables etc.).

Complex systems with deformable structure for ballistic protection of armored vehicles involved in asymmetric conflicts Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1296 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); R & D SPECIAL ALLOYS SRL (RO); Academia Tehnica Militara (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.upb-armprot.webs.com

Abstract:

The recrudescence of terrorist attacks typical of asymmetrical war during the past years has compelled the accelerated development of protection structures and systems destined for both light vehicles and individual equipments. The aim of the project is the accomplishment of multifunctional complex materials with deformable structure and controlled characteristics for special applications, by using advanced techniques allowing structural molding and projecting the properties of the material (in concordance with the theme areas 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 of FP 7) as well as the integration of the classical processing technologies with the non-classical ones which led to the occurrence of integrated and flexible technological processes for industrial applications – sectorial and intersectorial – thus favoritizing the development of new technologies, processing techniques and production processes in the field of the defense industry.

The main objective of the research project consists of establishing the optimal technology for attaining a complex system with deformable structure type „sandwich”: Ti72Si28 alloy-Maraging steel foam-Ti82Si18 alloy,destined for ballistic protection.The ARMPROT project is carried on by means of highly complex research and technological development activities including industrial and technological development research as well technology transfer activities and certification of investigated products which are carried on by collaboration within a consortium that is representative at a national level for the specific field of top technologies. As far as the technical measurable objectives go the aim is to establish the processing conditions and to elaborate the optimal technology for the achievement of a complex system with deformable structure type ”sandwich”: Ti72Si28 alloy-Maraging steel foam-Ti82Si18 alloy, for ballistic protection with small or medium caliber weaponry, with the following framing of the values of the properties:-Maraging steel foam with a high elastic limit (1800MPa, hardness of around 320 HB, density of 3.9-4.4g/cm3, porosity higher than 50%,low tendency of hardening when deformed N≈ 0,02 and a high capacity of absorbing kinetic energy able to ensure its dissipation in a high volume of material;extra-hard plates made out of Ti72Si28 alloy and Ti82Si18 alloy respectively (density of the TiSi system:4.2-5.3g/cm3,hardness 1300-1700 HV30, depending of the majoritary intermetallic compound which forms:Ti5Si3 or Ti3Si respectively) which are formed directly on the sides of the foam strip from precipitation hardening of Maraging stainless made by SHS.

The application of innovative technologies–SHS and Horizontal Continuous Casting of metal foams in the form of a steel strips of Maraging precipitation hardening steels-which will allow the accomplishment of the stratified material with deformable structure type Ti72Si28 alloy-Maraging steel foam-Ti82Si18 alloy, represents a nationally premiere.The estimated results of the project shall consist of:-the realization of the multilayered complex system with deformable structure destined for ballistic protection, in which the exterior extrahard layers shall be attained by means of the SHS technique applied to powdery Ti72Si28 and Ti82Si18 alloys, and the interior layer(deformable layer)shall be realized with Maraging steel foam (with modified composition–for the increase of stability at warmth) by an innovative procedure of „foamy continuous casting”. The project shall be completed with:-realization of experimental model of hybrid material with deformable structure for ballistic protection;-realization of prototype batch of the complex system with„sandwich” type structure:Ti72Si28 alloy-Maraging steel foam-Ti82Si18 alloy;-elaboration of technical-economical documentation for the prototype batch;-optimized technologyof the prototype batch;-elaboration of final technical documentation;-patenting of technology/experimental model;-dissemination.

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