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H2020Doctoral network2014–2018

TheLink · European Training Network to Accelerate the Development Chain of Nanostructured Polymers

Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2014-11-01 → 2018-10-31
EU contribution
€3,794,899
Participants
15
Scheme
MSCA-ITN-ETN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

European Training Network to Accelerate the Development Chain of Nanostructured Polymers

TheLink provided interdisciplinary training to 15 ESRs covering the whole development chain for nanostructured polymers. The development of such materials for 3 case studies (phase separated polymers, separation membranes and conductive polymer composites) was advanced through interlinked PhD projects in the disciplines of simulation, production and characterization. This interdisciplinary approach is important as several steps, spanning various disciplines, are needed from the concept of a nanostructured material and the generation of a desired functionality through to the final product. Often, the specialized focus of university education does not provide the necessary space to examine adjacent disciplines. The development of functional nanostructured polymers paves the way towards new, competitive products. The faster the innovation cycles, the greater the competitiveness of EU industry. TheLink’s ESRs gained the interdisciplinary skills needed for effective innovation in this key development field.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

Research and training in TheLink spans the material development chain for nanostructured polymers. These materials, including phase separated polymers and composites, are attracting scientific and industrial interest due to the outstanding properties and functionalities that can be achieved. However, to exploit the potential of these materials an in-depth understanding of the relationship between nano/micro structures and macro-level properties is required.TheLink aims to generate this knowledge on an interdisciplinary basis combining simulation, characterisation and processing. The recruited fellows will take nanomaterial development beyond “trial and error” towards a knowledge-based and industrially feasible approach. Three case studies (phase separated polymers and composites, separation membranes and self-diagnosing polymers) will be used to guide the research and to demonstrate the project developments. Careful attention will also be paid to broader market requirements and standardisation.High-quality individualised training in scientific and transferable skills, and a structured network program of training units, will provide the fellows with unique interdisciplinary competence in simulation, characterisation and processing, and move them from theoretical investigations towards industrial application and entrepreneurship. The active involvement of industrial partners, secondments in applied research and industry and a strong research and training emphasis on market requirements will furthermore provide them with the intersectoral experience needed for a career in the development of nanostructured polymers.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV · MunchenCoordinatorGermany
  • AVANZARE INNOVACION TECNOLOGICA SL · NavarreteSpain
  • Accelrys · CambridgeUnited Kingdom
  • COVESTRO DEUTSCHLAND AG · LeverkusenGermany
  • GVS SPA · Zola PredosaItaly
  • IDRYMA TECHNOLOGIAS KAI EREVNAS · IRAKLEIOGreece
  • IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE · LondonUnited Kingdom
  • KARLSRUHER INSTITUT FUER TECHNOLOGIE · KarlsruheGermany
  • PROMOLDING BV · Den HaagNetherlands
  • Simula · FornebuNorway
  • TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE KOLN · KolnGermany
  • UNIVERSIDAD DE LA RIOJA · LOGRONOSpain
  • UNIVERSIDADE DO MINHO · BragaPortugal
  • UNIVERSITEIT TWENTE · EnschedeNetherlands
  • Witec · UlmGermany

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union