NANOTRIBOLOGY: STUDIES OF FRICTION AND OSTEOINTEGRATION AT THE NANOSCALE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH INTERFACES

ongoing

NANOTRIOSTEO is a scientific cooperation project based on experimental and theoretical research of the surface iteractions on solid materials at nanoscale for improving materials for engineering applications. NANOTRIOSTEO will provide theoretical support for better understanding of process at the nanotribo interface developing models based on experimental information that provide feed-back to materials design. NANOTRIOSTEO will develop capacities for the study at the level of the Density Functional Theory and Molecular Dynamics of molecular aspects of nanotribology and oesteointegration phenomena in materials used for surgical replacement of hip and knee with an endoprosthesis. Modern materials science and in particular surface science is all about the molecular level knowledge of physical, chemical, and biological processes occurring in the nanometer scale vicinity of surfaces or interfaces. NANOTRIOSTEO will apply computer simulations methods that allow complementing experimental studies and interpreting at atomic scale the lubrication properties of different carbon nanostructures, SiCx/Steel and Ti oxides interfaces. Nanotribology is a key in understanding the first events of friction, wear and adhesion behaviours at solid/solid and solid/liquid interfaces of materials in relative motion. An exceptional expertise in theoretical physics and chemistry and simulations is an added value for understanding process at molecular level. NANOTRIOSTEO activities are linked to research as well as to education. Both of them will empower the cooperation among the partners involved. This project will allow the start of networking among the four participants; this cooperation will be strengthened due to the secondments that will be carried out during NANOTRIOSTEO. Furthermore, this project will be the foundation for future cooperation among the partners due to their interdisciplinary expertise and the synergetic approach to be used within this project.