Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnologia de Materiales
Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata- Facultad de Ingeniería (UNMdP)
Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)
Address:
Av. Juan B. Justo 4302
B7608FDQ Mar del Plata, Argentina
Te: 54-223-4816600
Fax: 54-223-4810046
E-Mail:
Current Authorities (2001)
Director:Dr. Julio Borrajo Fernández
Vicedirector:Dra. Teresita Cuadrado
Creation:
march 1982 - Joined CONICET on december 1982.
The work at INTEMA is devoted to:
a)Carry out fundamental research and development projects in materials science and technology, with emphasis on their structural and functional applications.
b)Interact with related industries through jointly supported projects and consulting work.
c)Contribute actively to the formation of highly qualified human resources, by participating in teaching activities at the pregraduate and graduate Engineering programs.
d)Communicate the results of the research activities through publications in refereed indexed journals, conferences, scientific meetings and collaboration projects with other national and foreing institutions.
Organization
INTEMA has about 123 members, including researchers, graduate students and research associates. The research activities are organized under six divisions, which carry out research, teaching and technology transfer activities. There is also an interdisciplinary group and supporting facilities.
Catalysts and Surfaces
Ceramics
Corrosion
Metallurgy
Polymers
Welding and Fracture Mechanics
Main Sources of Funding
NationalUniversity of Mar del Plata
National Research Council for Science and Technology (CONICET)
Research Council of Buenos Aires (CIC)
Antorchas Foundation
National Agency of Promotion for Science and Technology
British Council
European Community, International Cooperation Program
Organization of American States (OEA)
The Third WorldAcademy of Sciences (TWAS)
International Foundation for Sciences (IFS)
Alfa Project
CATALYSTS AND SURFACES DIVISION
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Members
1 Professor
1 Associate Professor
3 Assistant Professors
4 Graduate students
3 Professionals
1 Technician
Objetives
To carry on basic and applied research in the field of surface science and heterogeneous catalysis with special interest in projects related to surfaces and interfaces morphology and properties, and environmental pollution control.
Research Subjects
1- Development of catalyst.
2- Formation and structure of surfaces and interfaces.
3- Estimation of kinetic parameters in heterogeneous catalysis by means of dynamic techniques.
4- Steady state and periodic operation of three phase reactors for the oxidation of phenol.
Research Projects in Cooperation
1- Instituto de Investigaciones en Catálisis y Petroquímica, UNL-CONICET
*Fluid catalytic cracking
2 – Ceramics Division, INTEMA
*Ceramic gas sensors
3 – Dept. of Physics, UNMdP
*Surface growth and diffusion
4 – Dep. of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois
*Semiconductors etching
Facilities
* Gas Chromatography: GC/MS Hewlett Packard 5890 II / Perkin Elmer, GC/FID Perkin Elmer, CC/FID/TCD Konik
* TPR/TPD Equipment (-30 to 1000C)
* STM Nanoscope II
* BET area micromeritics flowsorb II 2300
* Reactor autoclave engineers (High Pressure)
* Electrobalance Cahn 2000
For more information about Catalysts and SurfacesDivision contact:
Prof. Celso M. Aldao (Head of Catalysts and Surfaces Division)
E-mail:
Phone: 54-223-4816600 Int. 225
Fax: 54-223-4810046
CERAMICS DIVISION
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Members
3 Professors
3Associate Researchers
1 Professional
2 Undergraduate students
4 Graduate students
1 Technician
Research Subjects
1 - Electronic Ceramics
- Preparation and characterization of tin oxide sensors
Objectives: Study of the influence of processing variables on the sensor characteristics. Determination of conduction mechanisms.
- BaTiO3 composites: preparation and characterization
Objectives: Optimization of BaTiO3 particles addition in a epoxy matrix. Development of composites with high dielectric constant.
- Tin oxide varistors: preparation and determination of properties
Objectives: Preparation of dense SnO2 varistors. Study of sintering, conduction and degradation mechanisms.
2 - Bioceramics
- Calcium phosphate bone cement
Objectives: Development of calcium phosphate bone cement including functionalized hybrid microparticules.
- Apatite crystalline ceramics for implants: synthesis and determination of properties
Objectives: Preparation and optimization of dense hydroxyapatite ceramics. Measurement of bioactivity, and its control through structural modifications. Preparation of porous hydroxyapatite ceramics for osteoconductive devices and controlled drug release devices.
- Bioglasses modified with baron for biomedical applications
Objectives: synthesis, characterization and in-vivo evaluation of the bone-forming process using bioactive glasses modified with B.
- Preparation, characterization and structural analysis ofbioactive vitreous coatings on surgical metals
Objectives: Development of low cost bioactive materials by coating of surgical metals (316L steel) with sol-gel bioactive glasses; characterization and structural analysis of coatings.
3 - Structural Ceramics
- Refractories
Objectives: Study of monolithic refractories: material design microstructures and thermomechanical behaviour and shaped.
- Mechanical and thermal behaviour of ceramics at high temperatures
Objectives: Study of the mechanical response of advanced ceramic materials with controlled microstructures.
4 – Design and development of ceramic materials.
- Synthesis and characterization of ceramic materials from mechanochemically activated systems
Objectives: Study of magnetic spinels, titanates, ZrO2 - based materials.
5 - Sol-gel organic-inorganic protective coatings
- Bioactive and protective coatings on Co-base alloys for prosthetic devices
- Protective coatings on mild steels in agressive atmosphere and high temperature
- Hybrid coatings for mechanical protection of glass containers
Objectives: development and evaluation of hybrid organic-inorganic functional and protective silica based coatings on different commercial substrates (mild steel, Co-based surgical alloys and container glass)
Fields in which the members of the group are specialized:
* Ceramic matrix composites
* Bioceramics
* Electronic ceramics
* Structural ceramics
* Refractories
* Thermal and mechanical behaviour of ceramics
* Solid state reactions. Control of reactivity by mechanochemical activation
* X-ray diffraction analysis
* Numerical Simulation
* Glasses, glass-ceramics, sol-gel coatings, refractory materials
Research Projects in Cooperation
Instituto de Cerámica y Vidrio (CSIC), España
*Mechanical properties of ceramics; bioactive coatings.
Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales Madrid, (CSIC), España
*Structural studies of ceramics.
Centro de Tecnología de Recursos Minerales y Cerámica (CETMIC) / Grupo de Materiales de la FAMAF (UNC)
* Synthesis and characterization of soft magnetic materials
CETMIC
* Design of cordierite and mullite based refractories
* Indentation studies of ZrO2mullite composites
Red CYTED en Materiales Electrocerámicos. Countries: Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, España, Mejico, Panamá, Portugal, Venezuela
Instituto de Química (Araraquara, Brasil), Universidad de Cauca (Colombia)
* Development of SnO2 - based varistors
Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, UNSA – Unidad de Actividades de Radiología (CAC – CNEA)
*Bioactive glasses modified with boron
Welding and Fractomechanics Division (INTEMA), Argentina
*Numerical modelling of thermal shock and mechanical damage in ceramics.
Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Argentina
* Residual stresses in ceramics
Catalysts and Surfaces Division (INTEMA), Argentina
*Ceramic gas sensors.
Corrosion Division (INTEMA), Argentina
* Development and electrochemical evaluation of vitreous coatings on surgical metal
Programa CYTED, proyecto VIII-9.
* Development of functional vitreous coatings
Facilities:
* Furnaces up to 1700ºC in air and controlled atmosphere
* X ray diffractometer
*TG/DTA analyzers
*Mechanical testing machine up to 1600ºC
*Microharduess Tester
For more information about CeramicsDivision contact:
Prof. José M. Porto López (Head of Ceramics Division)
E-mail:
Phone: 54-223-4816600 Int.239
Fax: 54-223-4810046
CORROSION DIVISION
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Members
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INTEMA 20031
1 Professor
3 Associate Professors
4 Associate Researchers
2 Graduate Students
2 Undergraduate Students
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INTEMA 20031
Main interests
*Basic and applied research in the field of electrochemistry and materials degradation
*Technical training
*Technical assistance to industries
Research Subjects
1 – Surperficial films on corrodible metals. Media interaction
Composition and properties of passive films related to corrosion processes are investigated. The effect of alloying elements, in copper and copper alloys, on the properties of films will be studied. Aggressive ions, such as chloride, will be investigated in several concentrations.
All the above mentioned factors are related to the film effect on oxygen reduction rate.
The effect to the presence of pseudomona-fluoressens in tap water on the properties of the passive film formed on copper and brass is also under investigation
2 - Microbiologycally influenced corrosion (MIC)
The activity of bacteria at metal-electrolyte interfaces is being studied, aiming to thedetermination of variables influencing bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation and biocides action agains bacteria on metal surfaces.
Electrochemical interaction belwees metals and bacteria are also under investigation.
* Bacterial Adhesion mechanisms
* Biofilms on metals – growth and structure – influence on corrosion
* Biocides
3 - Construction Materials
Reinforcing steel corrosion is one of the main causes of building deterioration in coastal regions of Argentina. As part of an ongoing investigation based on field and laboratory studies it has been demonstrated that most of the problems are usually associated with constructive defects and improper use of materials and mix designs.
The corrosion behaviour of reinforcing steel bars (rebars) in different concrete and mortars mix designs commonly used at coastal cities in Argentina is being studied. The basic objectives are: 1) to evaluate the influence of certain local practices that affect the rebar corrosion process, 2) to establish a corrosion evaluation criterion based on measurements of concrete resistivity, 3) to evaluate the effect to latex and epoxi in repairing mortars
4 – CO2 Corrosion. The influence of Microstructure
The general objetive of this project is to improve the knowledge concerning the mechanism of corrosion inhibition and its relationship with experimental variables such as steel microstructure, concentration of inhibitor and temperature. It is considered of great interest the characterization of the way in which inhibitors adsorb on the metallic surface and how they interact with corrosion products using and adapting electrochemical, spectroscopic and surface analysis techniques.
5 – Vitreous coatings on surgery metals. Evaluation in vivo e in vitro.
Vitreous coatings on surgery metals are studied with the aim of improving metal adhesion to bone and improve its corrosion resistance. Characterization of surface films formed on the surface alloys are also studied
Research Projects in Cooperation
1-ChemistryDepartmentUniversity of Liverpool (UK)
2- Institute for Biochemical Research (FCEyN – UNMdP)
3- Ceramics División, INTEMA, (Argentina) “Development and electrochemical evaluation of vitreous coating on surgical metals”
4 – Glass and Ceramic Institute (ICV – Madrid, España)
Facilities
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INTEMA 20031
*Various electrochemical research equipments
*Metallography laboratory
*Microbiology laboratory
*Photoelectrochemical Laboratory
For more information about Corrosion Division contact:
Dr. Susana Rosso de Sánchez (Head of Corrosion Division)
E-mail:
Phone: 54 223 481 6600 Int. 244
Fax: 54 223 4810046
METALLURGY DIVISION
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Members
3 Professors
4Associate Professors
3Associate Researchers
3 Graduate Students
2 Technicians
Objetives
* To carry out basic and applied research in the field of metallurgy.
* To form Human Resources.
Graduate level (Doctoral and Master´s Degree).
Undergraduate level (Mechanical and Materials Engineering).
Special courses.
* To offer Technical Assistance to industries.
Research Subjects
The principal research subject is the Metallurgy of Cast Iron. The aim is to improve properties and processes of ductile cast iron, promoting the replacement of other materials, and transfering the know-how to the industry.
1- Solidification and microsegregation of Ductile Iron (D.I).
2- Heat Treatment of cast iron.
3- Fracture of cast iron.
4- Computer applications to casting processes
5- Tribology
* Wear of metals under different conditions
*Wear of cast iron.
6- ADI (Austempered Ductile Iron)
* Influence of heat treatment, composition and piece size, on processing and properties.
* Structure stability
* Machinability
* Dimensional changes
* Behaviour of parts in service
7- Thin wall ductile iron castings
Other research interests include:
- Metallurgy and Prpoperties of metallic alloys for orthopedic devices.
Research Projects in Cooperation
University of La Serena (Chile)
* Fracture of cast iron
University of Alabama (USA)
* Thin wall D.I. castings
Facilities
* Chemical Analysis Lab.
* Metallography Lab.
* Mechanical Testing Lab.
* Workshop.
* Heat treatment Lab.
* Foundry Pilot Plant.
For more information about Metallurgy Division contact:
Prof. Jorge Sikora (Head Metallurgy Division)
E-mail:
Phone: 54-223-4816600 Int.245
Fax: 54-223-4810046
WELDING & FRACTURE MECHANIS DIVISION
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Members
3 Professors
5 Associate Professors
2 Professionals
5 Graduate students
2 Technicians
Research areas
1.Fracture mechanisms of materials damage
This area is involves experimental, and numerical activities dedicated to the development of theoretical models for the prediction and characterization of damage mechanisms induced by cracks or crack-like defects. Undergoing research activities include topics related with stress corrosion cracking and multiple crack propagation in steels, decohesion models in polymers, fiber-matrix debonding composites, and cracking of microheterogenous materials.
- Fatigue damage in metals
Work in this area aims to the development of technological tools for the prediction of fatigue damage. Variables under analysis range from microstructural to macroscopic, including the effects of notches and other geometrical discontinuities, residual stresses, load history and welding process.
- Tribology
Research activities inthis area are dedicated to the design and construction of a scaled Mannesmann rotary piercing mill. The scaled prototype is used to analyze tribological mechanisms acting in theperforation mandrel during theseamless pipe forming.The experimental work iscomplemented with numerical simulations.
- Numerical modeling
Numerical modeling constitutes a key tool for most of the research activities of the group. Within this framework, both commercial and in-house developed FEM and BEM codes are used. At the same research activities are carried out in the theoretical aspects of the BEM and mesh less methods and structural shape optimization.
Research Projects in Cooperation
The group participates of the following international projects:
- Project CAPES/SECYT 48/03 “Numerical modeling of damage micromechanisms in composite materials”, with the Universities Federal de Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil)
- Project ALFA II-0235-A “ELBENet – EuropeLatin America Boundary Element Network”
- Project PICT 12-12528 “Modelado y diseño computacional de materials microheterogéneos”
and has signed research cooperation agreements or works in close collaboration with:
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Nagoya, Japan
- Faculty of Engineering, QueenMaryCollege, University of London, UK
- Wessex Institute of Technology, UK
- Department of Continuum Mechanics,University of Seville, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Department of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Lima, Perú
- Faculty of Engineering, Universidad de Trujillo, Perú
- Faculty of Engineering, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
- Departamento de Ciencia de los Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica, Universidad Politécnica de Catalunya, España.
The group has an important expertise in offering the following services to the local and national industry:
- Structural integrity analysis
- Failure analysis
- Numerical stress analysis
- Fracture mechanical tests
- Design and qualification of welding procedures
- Mechanical design
For more information about Welding & Fracture Mechanics Division contact:
Prof. Adrián Pablo Cisilino (Head of Welding & Fracture Mechanics Division)
E-mail:
Phone: 54-223-4816600 -247
Fax: 54-223-4810046
POLYMER DIVISION
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Members:
4 Professors
13 Associate Professors
7 Research Associates
19 Graduate Students
3 Technicians
1 Undergraduate Students
Research Subjects:
1- Advanced Materials from Thermosetting Polymers
Objectives: The development of advanced materials based on thermosetting
polymers, obtained by polymerization induced phase separation or by dispersion
of nano-reinforcements or a combination of particles and fibers. Different
materials currently studied are: thermal-reversible light scattering films,
amphiphilic networks, thermosetting polymers toughened by a dispersion of
thermoplastic polymers, nano-reinforcements or a combination of natural fibers
and particles.
Current Projects:
1.- Thermal reversible light scattering films based on dispersions of organiccrystals, liquid crystals, or their solutions in polystyrene, in an epoxymatrix.
2.- Amphiphilic networks.
3.- Poly(isobutylene) as a modifier of acrylic networks.
4.- Vinylester resins modified by dispersion of a thermoplastic polymer: effect
of the composition and curing conditions on the morphology and properties of the
material.
5.- Polymeric precursors from tannin and vegetable oils renewable resources.
6.- Unsaturated polyester resins modified with functionalized silica particles
or dispersions of natural fibers and particles.
7.-Fluorinated Polymer Networks.
2- Thermoplastic Polymers
Objective: The development of new characterization methods and the modelling of molecular structures and morphologies present in thermoplastic blends and alloys. Experimental measurements and termodynamic, kinetics and difussion models are used to determine and predict molecular morphologies in reactive and non reactive blends.
Current Projects :
1.- Characterization of semicrystalline copolymer blends.
2.- Mechanical properties of polymer blends and alloys.
3-Composite Polymeric Materials
Objectives: To determine the relationship between structure, processing conditions and final properties of the composite materials. The effect of the interface/interphase modification of the incorporated particles or fibers on the final properties is also studied using mechanical (short beam tests, bending tests, compression) and dynamic-mechanical tests.
Current Projects:
1.- Nanocomposites based on phenolic resins characterization and adhesion to metals.
2.- Structural composites based on thermoset and gloss fibers (water absorption, dielectric and mechanical properties, and processing).
3.- Composites based on biodegradable polymers (crystalization, thermal and biodegradation, mechanical properties)
4.- Composites made from polymeric matrices (synthetic and natural)and vegetable fibers or particles(wood flour, sisal, jute, bagasse)
5.- Heterogeneous phase separation: Effect of the addition of fibers into a matrixthermoplastic/thermoset).
6.-Study of composite processing: Pultrusion and RTM.
7.- Dynamical mechanical analysis of composite materials.
8.- Micro and Nano composites based on polyurethanes and cellulose.
4-Polymer Engineering: Deformation and Fracture of Polymeric Materials:
Objectives: The determination of thermoviscoelastic and ultimate mechanical properties of polymers and composites.
Current Projects:
1.- Structural characterization of polymeric materials to be used in the manufacture and lining of pipes and containers to contain and distribute gas, petroleum and its derivatives. Short and long term performance.
2.- Fracture toughness. Ductile-brittle transition-weldability. Deformation.
3.- Deformation, fracture, yield and michromechanisms of failure in novel polymeric blends (HDPE/PET,
PP/Engage), and nanoclay based nanocomposites of HDPE and Nylon.Simulation and experimental work.
4.- Polymer processing: moulding design.
5-Biomedical Polymers
Objetives : Reprocessing study of polymeric biomedical devices. Identification of specific device material parameters affected by the selected sterilization protocol. Formulation of surgical cements with improved long term performance. Synthesis of polymeric systems required for hard tissue engineering products. Development of polymeric membranes for therapeutic applications.