CHALLENGES OF NANOMATERIALS AND NANOTECHNOLOGIES IN JOINT EDUCATION AND RESEARCH PROJECT

The study describes collaborative research in technology of metal matrix composites based on aluminium or Al-Si alloys strengthened by TiC/SiC micro and nano particles. Research is integrated with education of students and young specialists in joint project frame of the University Research Center for complex investigations. The results concern modeling and experiments, understanding to predict microstructure and properties over a range of scales, characterisation of new materials by different methods and facilities like SEM, X-ray, nanoscan and differential thermal analyses, optimisation of mechanical properties and application in automobile industry. New courses about unique properties and problems of nanotechnologies are included in the new curriculum for Master students. Research students work for developing of new small projects which are evaluated in final work for graduation in Master’s Degree.