Materials and tribology

group leader

assoc. prof. Nikša Čatipović, PhD

associates

Karla Kunac, MScEng
Petar Ljumović, MScEng
Karla Periša, MScEng

Research topics

  1. Material selection
  2. Heat treatment and surface protection
  3. Material non-destructive testing (NDT)
  4. Metallographic analysis
  5. Mechanical properties testing
  6. Tribology
  7. Development and research of new metallic and non-metallic materials
  8. Development and research of surface coatings

Description of laboratory and equipment

  • Laboratory for metallography (optical microscopes, microhardness tester, analyser of metallographic images, precision scales),
  • Laboratory for heat treatment (laboratory furnaces with and without the possibility of controlling the atmosphere in the chamber, austempering salt bath),
  • Laboratory for mechanical testing (devices for testing of basic mechanical properties: strength, hardness, toughness, elongation),
  • Laboratory for NDT (Ultrasound, Magnet, X-ray, Penetrants, Eddy currents)

Contacts with academic and other institutions

  • University of Split, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology (KTF), Croatia
  • University of Split, Faculty of Science (PMFST), Croatia
  • University of Rijeka, Faculty of Engineering (RiTeh), Croatia
  • University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FSB), Croatia
  • University of Zagreb, Faculty of Metallurgy in Sisak, Croatia
  • Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Mechanical Engineering Faculty in Slavonski Brod (SFSB), Croatia
  • Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland
  • Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Materials and Machine Mechanics, Bratislava, Slovakia
  • Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA), Switzerland
  • University of Montenegro, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Kotor, Montenegro
  • University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Slovenia
  • Studio d’Ingegneria Rogante, Civitanova Marche, Italy
  • Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
  • Archeological Museum, Split, Croatia
  • FEAL d.o.o., Široki Brijeg, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Development Innovation Center, ALUTECH – razvojno inovacijski centar, Šibenik, Croatia
project title

Research and development of new metallic and non-metallic materials and advanced coatings (IRMEP)

Description of research in a 5-year term

Research into the possibility of advanced heat treatment as a basis for evaluating the mechanical properties of Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI). Investigation of wear and corrosion resistance and dynamic durability of ADI alloys with and without advanced coatings. Development of advanced mathematical models and TTT diagrams of ADI alloys based on extensive dilatometric testing. Research on the extraction of aluminium-based foam from chip particles with a focus on the use of different production processes. Analysing the influence of different foaming agents to achieve optimum porosity and foam structure. Analysing the influence of subsequent heat treatment on the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of foams and developing advanced mathematical models. Acquisition of a laboratory extruder with associated winder for the production of filaments for 3D printing. Research will be based on the development of new bio-polymer composites consisting of polymer waste and various biological fillers. Development of appropriate mathematical models describing the influence of production parameters during extrusion and 3D printing parameters on the final mechanical properties of biopolymers. Research into the possibility of obtaining bio composites by combining different resins and biological fibres, with a focus on hemp fibres. Analysis of the influence of the number and orientation of the layers of different fibres on the flexural and compressive strength of bio composites. Based on the results obtained, advanced mathematical models are developed and an optimisation of all input parameters is carried out. Investigation of the influence of magnetic spraying parameters on the thickness and properties of modern metal coatings on different metal substrates. The preliminary investigations will be based on simple single-component coatings of platinum and titanium in order to better optimise the operation of the magnetron. The main research will be carried out on HEA (High Entropy Alloys) targets deposited on stainless steel metal substrates. The samples are prepared based on the test plan and the mechanical and tribological properties of the coatings as well as their corrosion resistance are tested. The aim of the research is to develop advanced mathematical models.

The dissemination of the results includes several scientific publications in international Q1 and Q2 journals and participation in several international conferences.