Wear and friction are among degradation processes, which occur most frequently. They may cause accidents and other technical issues, which lead up to 2% losses in Gross Domestic Product. Active chemical processes take place in a friction zone and their course is affected by surface types, lubricant properties, interfacial velocities, loads and other factors. Hence, key methods to reduce friction and wear are based on chemical principles. Proposed graduate research involves studies of chemical and tribological transformations on surfaces of steel, aluminum and titanium with a focus on biobased materials as well as nanostructures and compounds, which can perform adequately in outer space. Established relationships will be used in developing nanostructured coatings, methods of surface texturing, lubricating materials and other innovative products. Understanding of inorganic or organic chemistry, material science, nanotechnology or bioengineering might be useful for this research area.
Doctoral research will be carried out in FTMC Tribology Laboratory using CSM and Ducom MicroPoD tribometers, humidity cabinet Memmert HCP-108 for oxidation and hydrolysis, proposed rheometer and various supplemental equipment (profilometers, microscopes, etc.) as well as over a thousand compounds. Advisor S. Asadauskas performs degradation studies since 1994 and currently participates actively in Horizon 2020 projects COSMOS and TERMINUS developing new products with researchers from Arkema, Bayer, Tetrapak and other partners. Some preliminary studies have already been carried out with partners, related to European Space Agency. As of March 2019 no candidates were available for this topic of graduate research. A graduate student, who successfully learns research methods, will be offered additional employment in a H2020 project and internships abroad.
For more information, please contact the theme supervisor
S. Asadauskas.