Research Projects
Chemistry of Polymer Materials in the Stratosphere. Supported by NASA (2008 – )
Role: Chief Investigator
First time uncured epoxy compositions were exposed in stratosphere (40 km) above ozone layer and investigated. The stratospheric flight experiment was realised in March – May 2010. First time it was shown, that some selected compositions are curable after stratosphere. First time polyethylene films were exposed in stratosphere and the effect of cosmic rays on polyethylene structure was observed. Report has been published in arXiv:1008.5236v1 [physics.chem-ph]. Significance of my projects is highlighted by worldwide news agencies: Wired Science, USA; Ajion Journal, USA; Florida SpaceReport, USA, The SunHerald, Australia.
Modelling of structure formation process of a polymeric material. Supported by RFBR (2005 – )
Role: Co-investigator
The fundamental thermodynamic equations for calculation of non-linear viscoelastic and elastic-plastic multicomponent compounds which are transforming from liquid to solid state were developed. The theoretical approach was applied to model of experimental conditions to exclude bubbling in epoxy matrix cured under high vacuum of free space environment for creation of large size space constructions. Published in Nanomechanics Science and Technology: An international journal, 2011(2/2)167; Journal on Composite Mechanics and Design, 2010(16/4)597 and 2009(15/4)512.
Plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) of polymer materials and attachment of proteins. Supported by Australian Research Council (2005 – )
Role: Co-investigator
The attachment of different protein on PIII treated polymers were shown and proved with different experimental methods. It was proved, that the attachment is provided by covalent bond between protein and free radicals of PIII treated polymer. First time it was shown, that the conformation of covalently attached protein remains active. We found, that the plasma polymerisation of carbon rich precursor gives free radical active surface for protein attachment like PIII treatment. The blocker of covalent attachment were found and explained. First time the explanation of surface energy of polymer treated by plasma and ion beam was done based on free radicals presence and the decay of free radicals was connected with decay of the surface energy (wettability). First time the covalent attachment of DNA of PIII treated polymer surface was observed and explained. Patented. Published in Proceedings of National Academy of Science, 2011(108/35)14405; Nature Biotechnology, 2010(28/10)1123; J. Mater. Chem.2011(21)17832; Langmuir 2007(23)2741; + some others.
Polymerisation of composite structures in free space environment Supported by European Space Agency (2004-2005)
Role: Author, researcher and coordinator
Joint European project of 12 participants from 6 countries, including industry partners such as HTS GmbH, Space Alcatel, EADS, HTS AG, Astrocourier Ltd. A number of projects on polymerisation of composite materials for inflatable space constructions under ESA support were prepared: HTS GmbH, EADS SPACE Transportation, Alenia Spazio, Inasmet, Aero Sekur “Polymerisation of Composite Structures in Free-Space Conditions”; HTS GmbH, HTS AG, MCB Consultants, IPF, Fraunhofer IZFP, “Ultra-light structures”; Inasmet, HTS GmbH. “Alternative rigidisation method for inflatable structures”.
Space Environmental Effects on the Polymerisation of Composite Structures. Supported by European Space Agency, ESTEC (2003 – 2004)
Role: Chief Investigator
The experiments on influence of space factors on curing process were proceeded. The critical space factors were found and shown, that the compositions of ESA can be used for the curing in space. Published in ESA report, Contract Nr.17083/03/NL/Sfe.
Polymerisation of epoxy composite material in free space. Supported by Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (2001 – 2003)
Role: Chief Investigator
Various European commercial epoxy compositions certified for space constructions was cured in high vacuum, plasma and ion beam and investigated. First time the effect of bulk modification in liquid resin under glow discharge plasma was observed and explained. First time the compositions, curable in space, were selected and proved suitable for space constructions. First time the specific geometry and composition was found to exclude foaming at curing in vacuum. First time the large scale construction was calculated and it was found, that with using of modern space carrier the space building can be 10,000 m3 volume, that can be delivered to Earth orbit at one launch and cured there. Published, for example, in Cosmonautics and rockets, 2009(3(56))182; Journal of spacecraft and rockets, 2011(48(2))378; Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Materials in a Space Environment, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, 16-20 June, 2003, ESA SP-540, pp.75-80; Advances in Space Research, 2004 (34/7)1585; European Polymer Journal. 2004 (40/8)1915; Advances in space research, 2006(37)109; Kondyurin, Curing of composite materials for an inflatable construction on the Moon, in book “Moon”, Springer, 2012; +other publications.
Ion Implantation of ePTFE vascular grafts for Increased wettability and improved cell adherence. Supported by industry (2003 – 2004)
Role: Co-investigator
We found that the plasma Immersion Ion Implantation (PIII) of ePTFE improves cell adhesion. The cells adhere directly on PIII treated PTFE and ePTFE. Cell metabolism is sufficient for cells attached on PIII treated PTFE. The reason of improved cell adherence is absorbance of bioactive molecules from cells on PIII treated surface due to reaction with active groups including free radicals. First time it was shown, that the proteins after cells are attached strongly on PIII treated surface. First time the sulphur peak S2p in XPS spectra was proposed for protein detection, when O1s and N1s peaks of protein are overlapped with substrate peaks. The investigation was directed to improve endotealisation of the vascular grafts produced by Boston Scientific. Patented.
Improved expandable balloons for vascular stents. Supported by industry (2003 – 2005)
Role: Chief Investigator
Pebax (polyamide) balloons are used for inserting of vascular stents into blood vessel. Low mechanical strength of thin wall of the balloon can be a reason of balloon breakage and death of patient. The ion beam implantation of the balloon was invented to improve mechanical strength against scratches during inserting into blood vessel. Patented. Published in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, 2006(B251)407. 21.
Hydroxyapatite deposition on solid substrates as in-vivo model. Supported by Marie Curie Foundation, DFG and Bulgarian Academy of Science (2002 – 2005)
Role: Co-investigator
Kinetics of Hydroxyapatite coating on metal and polymer substrates in simulating body fluid was investigated. The ion beam implantation of the substrate surface improved the growing. Published in Annals of Transplantation, 2004(9(1a))58-60; Proc. SPIE 5449,41,2004; Applied Surface Science,2004(235(1-2))76; Vacuum, 2004(76)339.
Nanolayer of polymer on black carbon – rubber mechanics. Supported by DFG and RFBR (2005 – 2008)
Role: Co-investigator
The unique mechanical properties of rubber materials (car wheels, thermoprotecting coatings) are explained by specific “glassy layer” of rubber on black carbon filler. However, no one could measure the “glassy layer” in experiment. I proposed experiment when the “glassy layer” can be simulated. First time the mechanical properties of nanosize rubber layer on carbon was measured with AFM. We have shown, that the thin adsorbed rubber has extremely high stiffness. This is first direct observation of the “glassy layer” of the rubber Published in Mechanics of composite materials and constructions, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 3-15, 2008.
Nanostructured carbonized thin films produced by PIII of block-copolymer assemblies Supported by EU, SPP, DFG and CNRS (2005 – 2011)
Role: Chief Investigator
First time the nano-structured block-co-polymer was transformed by ion beam implantation to fully carbonised film with regular holes of 15 nm diameter. First time the Moire patterns was observed in nano-size. Published in Nano letters, 2007 (7/12) 3628 (highlighted in Nature Materials, vol.6, December 2007, p.919.); Nanotechnology, 2011 (22/30) 305603.
Dewetting of thin polymer film on rough substrate. Supported by DFG (2004 – 2005)
Role: Co-investigator
First time the theory of deweting of thin film on rough surface was developed and proved with experiment. Published in J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 2008, 41,065307 and 065306.
HADES (High Acceptance Di-Electron Spectrometer). Supported by EU (2004)
Role: Co-investigator
The High Acceptance Di-Electron Spectrometer (HADES) at the heavy ion synchrotron SIS of GSI, Darmstadt, is a high-resolution second generation detector system for lepton pair spectroscopy. The malfunction of the chamber the operating high voltage indicated a shortcut to ground involving the first anode and first cathode layer. I was responsible for analysis of the material and found a reason of malfunction. Published in IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, 2004(51/3)939.
Synthesis of Polyurethane coating on urine catheters. Supported by industry (2004)
Role: Co-investigator
Direct synthesis of polyurethane coating on complex shape urine catheter was developed for UROKINK Frommelius GmbH. First time the ion beam treatment of polyurethane was used to attach slippering agent to decrease friction in human body.
Adhesion of rubber sealing to acrylic adhesive in car processing. Supported by industry (2002)
Role: Co-investigator
German car production company had problem with adhesion of new improve rubber sealing. We have investigated adhesion and interface phenomena in adhesion joint of rubber and acrylic adhesive. Our recommendations were used to improve adhesion of new rubber sealing for car’s door in industry.
Deposition of polymer layer including tantalum particles on vascular stents. Supported by BMBF, Germany (2001 – 2003)
Role: Chief Investigator
First time the vascular stents with polyurethane coating and with embedded tantalum particles providing high X-ray contrast was invented. The stents with improved X-ray contrast become easy visible during installation in human body. Published in J. Bioactive and Compatible Polymers, 2005 (20) 77.
Production of a Polymer with Drug Release as a Coating for Stents. Supported by BMBF, Germany (2001 – 2003)
Role: Chief Investigator
First time method of direct synthesis of crosslinked polyurethane coating with drug on vascular stent was invented. First time plasma Immersion Ion Implantation was invented for flattering of drug release kinetics. The modified coating provided toxic drug release longer, than usual (from 8 to 200 hours). The results have been patented and published in J. Biomater. Sci. Polymer Edn. 2004 (15) 145. The results were commercialised.
Polymerisation of composite material in stratosphere. Supported by industry (1999)
Role: Chief Investigator
First time the curing of composite materials directly in stratosphere (35-40 km altitude) was proposed. Ground experiments of curing in environment simulating stratosphere conditions were done. The flight experiment was prepared. The flight experiment “Plastic” was planned during RE/MAX Global Balloon Expedition (USA) with NASA participation. The results of ground experiments are published in Acta Astronautica, 2001 (48) 109; Acta Astronautica, 2001 (48) 169. The mission was announced and overviewed in local and national news agencies.
Polymerisation of epoxy composite material in free space. Initiative study (1995 – 1999)
Role: Chief Investigator
First time I invented curing of composite materials directly in space for creation of large space constructions on Earth orbit. First experiments on curing of epoxy composite materials were done in high vacuum, plasma and ion beam, and at low temperature simulating free space environment. I found main principles for compositions curable in space environment. Published in Int. Polymer Sci. and Technol., 1998 (25/4) 78-80; J. of the Japan Soc. of Microgravity Appl., 1998 (15, Suppl.II) 61-65.
Calix[4]resorcinarene as artificial ion channels. Supported by DFG (1999 – 2001)
Role: Co-investigator
An aim of the project was to make artificial ion channel in lipid membrane (2 nm) with using of calix[4]resorcinarene. The synthesis of calix[4]resorcinarene is complicate and some steric isomers are synthesised. I found specific lines in FTIR spectra of calix[4]resorcinarene to recognise isomers, what can be used for ion channels. Published in Journal of Molecular Structure, 2001(563- 564)503.
Synthesis of metal granules by ion beam implantation into liquid polymer matrix. Supported by RFBR (1999 – 2001)
Role: Co-investigator
The metal magnetic nanoparticles were synthesised with ion implantation into silicon polymer during curing. The implantation was started, when the film was liquid, and finished, when the film was cured. We showed, how the viscosity of the film influences on size and magnetisation of metal particles. Published in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physical research. Section B: Beam interactions with Materials and Atoms, v.206, 2003, pp. 1115.
Dosage system of liquid components in biotechnological processes of acrylamide synthesis. Supported by industry (1997 – 1999)
Role: Co-investigator
I have developed miniature UV spectrometer and applied it for acrylamide monitoring in-situ. The results were commercialised in biochemical processing.
Utilisation of polyurethanes by thermoglycolis Supported by industry (1995 – 1999)
Role: Co-investigator
Thermoglycolysis of polyurethane was developed for utilisation of polyurethane waster in polyurethane production processing. Published in International Polymer Science and Technology, 1999, Vol. 26, number 4, T/53.
Study of polymers after ion beam treatment. Supported by US Department of Energy (1994 – 1996)
Role: Chief Investigator
The structure changes in ion beam irradiated polymers were investigated: crosslinking (gel-fraction), carbonisation (XPS spectra), free radicals and oxidation, morphology of the surface, hardness (scratch test), tensile test of irradiated polymers, ion beam assisted deposition of metal coating on polymer.
Study of polymers after ion beam treatment. Supported by US Department of Energy, and Sandia National Laboratories, USA (1994 – 1996)
Role: Chief Investigator
First time the ion beam treatment (implantation, modification) with using of high aperture ion beam sources (100 mm diameter of beam) was applied to polymer materials. High aperture of the beam increased significantly effectiveness of the polymer processing and made this treatment profitable for industry. The improvement of adhesion, wettability, hardness, environment stabilisation of polymers was invented. Industrial size equipment and processing of polymers have been demonstrated. First time multilayer structure of surface modified layer is discovered. Free radical reactions in irradiated polymers were proved as a reason of structure changes, improvement of adhesion, wettability and hardness. The results were commercialised in US industry. Results are published in Vacuum 1996 (47) 1085; J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 1998 (69) 1071; in book A. Kondyurin, M. Bilek, Ion Beam Treatment of Polymers. Application aspects from medicine to space, Elsevier, Oxford, 2008.
Adhesion of rubber materials to highly filled plasticised elastomers. A number of projects supported by industry (1988 – 1992)
Role: Chief Investigator; Group Leader
Interface and adhesion of rubber materials (EPDM, EPM, SKF, Nitryl, Polyisoprene, polybutadiene rubbers) to epoxy, quinine and isocyanate elastic highly filled plasticised adhesives was investigated. The influence of chemical reactions; diffusion of plasticiser and active components; filler particles packing; adhesive flow; roughness, degradation and oxidation of the surface; and wettability on adhesion were analysed. The general theory of “ideal” adhesion joint was developed based on multilevel structure of polymer materials. The methods of chemical modification, UV irradiation, plasma and ion beam were developed to get “ideal” adhesion joint. In particular, oxygen containing groups and free radicals are proposed as a reason of adhesion strength. The difference in adhesion of EPM and EPDM rubbers to epoxy adhesive was shown and explained. Most results were published in customer reports. Some results were published in J. Adhes. Sci. Technol. 1992 (6(10)) 1137; J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 1993 (48) 1417; J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 1996 (62) 1; J. Adhesion 2002 (78) 431. The results were commercialised in industry.
Raman and infrared spectroscopy of intermolecular interactions. Supported by Ministry of Education (1984 – 1988)
Role: Chief Investigator
I recorded and analysed Raman and Infrared spectra of solid, liquids and gases in one cell in -196C to 350C temperature range. Changes of spectra of substances in different media and normal coordinate analysis of molecular vibrations (calculation of force constants from frequencies and v.s.) were used for calculation of intermolecular force constants. We showed, that the calculation of intermolecular force constants is available from difference of experimental spectra of molecule in free state (gas or inert matrix) and in condensed state. Antimony trihalogenide, crystallohydrates, carboxyl acids, polyurethane and others substances have been investigated. Published in a number of articles and abstracts, for example, Vibr. Spectrosc. 1991 (2) 183; J. Raman Spectrosc. 1991 (22) 249; J. Phys. Chem. 1992 (96) 11038; book: Kozulin, Klyachkin, Kondyurin, Vibrational spectra and intermolecular interactions. Phenomenological method of intermolecular force constant calculation, Ekaterinburg, Russian Academy of Science, 1999, 202.