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

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. 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.   Contact Nanopowder DI Dr. Klaus Reichmann, EPCOS OHG Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it DI Dr. Christian Kukla, University of Leoben, Außeninstitut Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 Nanocomposites

• Univ.-Prof. Dr. Reinhold W. Lang, Institut für Werkstoffkunde und Prüfung der Kunststoffe
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Organic- and Nanoelectronics, Nanophotonics

For more than 10 years, the activities of the Graz University of Technology, the JOANNEUM RESEARCH Forschungsgesellschaft mbH and the University of Graz constitute a regional nanotechnology focus in the research and technology area “Organic Electronic”. The achieved research results are amongst the best in basic and applied research and development. The performance of the thematic area “Organic Electronic” is documented by more the 100 fellow employees working in the area of “Organic Electronic” in the mentioned institutions, mainly financed by third-party funds.

Successfully finished and running large-scale project like the “Special-Research area Electro active materials” (finished), the Christian-Doppler-laboratory for advanced functional materials (Graz University of Technology, JOANNEUM RESEARCH, AT&S AG; finished), the ongoing project ISOTEC of the Austrian Nanoinitiative, the Christian-Doppler-Pilot-laboratory for Nanocomposites Solar cells  (Graz University of Technology, NanoTecCenter Weiz Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Isovolta AG) started in the summer of 2009 and a series of R&D projects funded by the FWF and FFG or industry partners prove the competence and realization potentials.

Focal research areas include:

• Characterization of organic/inorganic materials, combinations of materials and components („metrology”)
• Pre-evaluation and development of new materials, combinations of materials and innovative methods with regard to their use in industrial applications („complex materials and methods”)
• Smart organic sensors including the elaboration of an innovative range of products with a high level
• of added value („organic sensor technology”)
• Operation of a pilot line for the production of opto-electronic components and sensors with the emphasis on organic materials („production”)

The comptences in Styria carried by the partner include:

• material syntheses (Vicedean Univ.-Prof. DI Dr. Stelzer, Univ.-Prof. DI Dr. Slugovc, Univ.-Prof. DI Dr. Trimmel - Graz University of Technology),
• characterization (Univ.-Prof. DI Dr. Hofer, Univ.-Prof. DI Dr. Resel, Univ.-Prof. DI Dr. Winkler – Graz University of Technology; Univ.-Prof. Dr. Glatter, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ramsey, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Netzer – University of Graz),
• process development (JOANNEUM RESEARCH, Institute for Nanostructured Materials and Photonic, NanoTecCenter Weiz Forschungsgesellschaft mbH),
• simulation (Univ.-Prof. Dr. Karin Zojer, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Schürrer, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Egbert Zojer)
• manufacturing of devices (Univ.-Prof. DI Dr. Trimmel - Graz University of Technology; JOANNEUM RESEARCH, Institute for Nanostructured Materials and Photonic, NanoTecCenter Weiz Forschungsgesellschaft mbH).

Due its economic importance, the area of nanoelectronics (Univ.-Prof. DI Dr. Pribyl) will be set up in the framework of the network and shall complement the activities of it. The background lies in the typical structure size of semi-conducting devices. These devices were minimized by newly developed structuring methods, which led to a structure size of 45 nm that is implemented in field effect transistors (FET) in various state-of-the-art devices and chips. This development provided the name "Nanoelectronics". But not only the mentioned progress in structuring methods, also the development of new concepts allow new electronic functionalities with completely new devices like Single-Electron-Transistors based on quantum dots, Quantum-Wire -Transistors based on carbon nano- fibers or transistors based on single organic molecules. Furthermore, sensor systems based on nano-crystalline layers, can be realized by these approaches as well.

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.

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.

Nanomagnetism

Nanomagnetism is a technology related area (data storage) with great potential in the science of materials. The activity of the network shall, based on basic research, generate impulses towards possible commercial applications. Through enhanced applied research local companies of different areas (electronic devices, semiconductors, sensor devices) shall be motivated to diffuse research results into practical applications.

Main research activities include:

• Magnetic alloys with memory effects
• Nano-porous materials, which have electrical changeable magnetic properties induced through fillings of ion-conductive fluids
• Magnetostrictive materials, whose efficiency can be enhanced by nano-structuring
• Ferrofluides for the use in mechanical engineering (i.e. magnetic bearing)
• Magnetic nanoparticles in medical technology for applications in cancer therapy and in magnetic resonance tomography

Nanogrowth

Electronical, optical, magnetical and tribological properties in nanostructured functional layers are dominated by the layer surface. Therefore, the investigation of the surface morphology including the underlying atomic and molecular diffusion processes becomes a major task in nano-structural research. In the past, it showed that it was not sufficient any more to undergo a full-size analysis of the surface morphology on the nanometer scale after the layer deposition or modification with state-of-the-art microscopy and scattering methods. In order to optimize the structural property relations of functional layers the acurate knowledge of the processes during the layer growth is essential. These processes can be determined with in situ characterization methodes, meaning during the layer deposition itself.

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.

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.

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.