Nanocoating

The main aim in this area is to create expertise and infrastructure with the purpose of selectively designing nanometre-range functional surfaces on structural components and functional elements. Initial talks are currently underway with regard to the possibility of setting up a nanocoating centre in Leoben/Niklasdorf.

The overall aim is to help Styria achieve a leading international position in the field of selective surface design and commercial implementation.

The network pursues the following scientific and technological objectives:

• Chemical surface design and thin coatings in the nanometre range
• Microstructure design in the nanometre range
• Design of morphology and topography in the nanometre range

Ansprechpersonen

Nanopowder

The specific focus here is on developing new, enhanced materials based on nanopowders and establishing an expertise base regarding analysis and production / processing / quality control of nanopowders.

The main objective is to develop nanopowders for application in refractories, hard metals, electronic components, process engineering, nanocomposites (fillers in polymeric materials) and to design nanostructured metallic materials.

Ansprechpersonen

Organic opto-electronics and sensor technology

This area deals with new organic semiconductors and their application in opto-electronic components and sensors. Planning is currently underway on setting up a nanotechnology centre for organic/inorganic opto-electronic and functionalised materials in Weiz (NanoTecCenter Weiz).

Focal research areas include:

• Characterisation of organic/inorganic materials, combinations of materials and components (ìmetrology”)
• Pre-evaluation and development of new materials, combinations of materials and innovative methods with regard to their use in industrial applications (ìcomplex materials and methods”)
• Intelligent organic sensors including the elaboration of an innovative range of products with a high level of added value (ìorganic sensor technology”)
• Creation of a pilot line for the production of opto-electronic components and sensors with the emphasis on organic materials (ìproduction”)
  

Ansprechpersonen

Bionanotechnology

This area is covered by the BioNanoNet (http://www.bionanonet.at), a ìsub-network” of NANONET-Styria. Interdisciplinary research is conducted in the field of drug development, elaborating new agents and application strategies within the network by using and developing advanced nanotechnologies. The BioNanoNet uses nanotechnology as a promising possibility for the application and characterisation of new active substances, with nanostructured materials playing a key role in drug delivery. The aim of these efforts in the medium term is to create new active substances and new treatment strategies for chronic-degenerative and infectious diseases.

Ansprechpersonen

Nanoanalysis

In order to understand the special structural and functional relations of nanomaterials, methods of structural analysis (with integral and with spatially resolved information) are of crucial importance, as are studies of the interaction between minute particles. The specific focus of nanoanalysis is therefore on consolidating, coordinating and advancing analytical methods in the field of nanotechnology. This is accomplished in the form of a network of nanoanalytical methods in Styria, including information dissemination, contact for inquiries from industry (nanoanalysis network), method development - introduction and further development of special nanoanalytical methods, development of equipment in cooperation with primarily Styrian companies, but also with national and international enterprises. The aim is that the new devices developed are subsequently manufactured and marketed by industrial partners.

Ansprechpersonen

Nanocomposites

Styria boasts a high level of scientific expertise and a sound industrial base in the field of polymeric structural and functional materials. The aim is to extend this expertise to include the field of polymer nanocomposites in order to establish a strong international competitive position. The area of nanocomposites deals with new kinds of composite materials in which nano-fillers are embedded in a plastic matrix in order to achieve specific and special properties. The nano-fillers may be inorganic (mineral/metallic) or organic; suitable plastic matrixes may be thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, elastomers or liquid-crystal polymers. The following scientific and technological objectives are pursued in this field:

• Development of compounding and processing technologies for polymer nanocomposites.
• Identification of structure-property relations for polymer nanocomposites.
• Optimisation of special properties and property profiles of nanocomposites.

Ansprechpersonen

Health-related and social implications of nanoscience and nanotechnology

The focus is on the discussion, survey and assessment of potential health hazards for lab-working employees of nanotechnology working groups. Defining, safeguarding and adhering to labour safety regulations play a special role in this context.

Another focus will be on assessing possible impacts of nanotechnology on our environment (soil, air and water).

Another key activity consists in providing information and raising awareness about possible disadvantages of nanotechnology in order to counteract a negative public attitude towards the new technology from the outset.

Ansprechpersonen

Internationalisation activities

The internationalisation efforts are backed up by the increasing emphasis on a European Research Area, which allows for a better coordination of the various national research policies and utilisation of complementary skills and expertise.

In addition to the ìclassical” partner countries for research cooperations, special attention is also given to the countries of central and eastern Europe. Technology and innovation are seen as positive-action multipliers in the catching-up process. The aim is to intensify relations and contacts that already exist with some of these countries. Building bridges between the current EU member states and the accession countries is a special challenge and a process from which both ìsides” will profit. Efforts in regions such as Styria and its immediate neighbours towards creating a ìfuture region” are part of endeavours to create Europe-wide understanding.

Ansprechpersonen

Awareness / dissemination / public relations

Various high-publicity measures are organised to increase the general awareness of the subject of ìnanotechnology” and to entrench it in the general public.

This step also involves providing objective information about possibilities, but also obstacles, to companies that are not yet involved in nanotechnology. A crucial prerequisite for using nanotechnology knowledge in SMEs is fundamental awareness raising about the subject as well as disseminating research findings and technology expertise.

A key aspect is to showcase Styrian expertise beyond the regionís borders and thus improve opportunities. All of these measures serve to promote the field both in terms of content and with regard to business applications in order to enhance the economic possibilities.

Ansprechpersonen