The Ostrava researcher presented the project, which was specifically focused on the preparation of an adaptable half-mask with bactericidal and virucidal nanofilters with permanent regeneration by daylight, which would help in the fight against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and similar future challenges. "I chose this topic mainly to highlight the flexibility and expertise of our team and the extensive collaboration not only across the Czech Republic, but also across the world, thus demonstrating the possibility of collaboration with different scientific teams outside our field of expertise," said Svoboda, whose research focuses mainly on photocatalysis, synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials. He recalled that the team's results include not only a functional nanofilter with the required properties, and three publications in Q1 journals, but also the award of a patent "Method for permanent decontamination of air filter surface by photocatalytic deactivation of biological agents". The optimisation of the shape of the half-masks and their subsequent "production" using 3D printing was carried out in cooperation with the Protolab 3D Printing Centre at the Department of Machining, Assembly and Engineering Metrology of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at VSB-TUO.
Research cooperation was a frequently used phrase in Björn Beck's speech. He presented research results in the field of 3D Skeleton Winding (3DSW), which were also achieved within the framework of the international FIP research collaboration.
"3DSW allows us to produce structural components with local continuous fibre reinforcement for high-volume applications. Compared to other processes, this process allows the use of continuous fibres in a resource-efficient manner only in the component areas where they are needed according to the load of the specific case. Possible applications include structural components with punctual force applications, such as engine brackets, gear carriers, control arms, trailing arms and more," summarised the main advantages Beck, who is involved in two FIP collaborations, FIP-Composites@Western and FIP-Composites@UNIST.
The FIP Academy is an intellectual platform for connecting the scientific and research staff of all partner institutions involved, i.e. the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT, the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU and VSB - Technical University of Ostrava. At the online seminars, they can present their activities and research results, learn about the projects and scientific findings of their colleagues, which can contribute to work on common topics.
Text: Martina Šaradínová, PR specialist for R&D
Illustrative photo. Source: LS archive