Projects

Project: 'Reductive Water Treatment with Nanopowder Iron'

Project objective:
The primary objective is to introduce a new recovery technology.
Sub-objectives:
a/ Verifying the recovery technology efficiency through the use of reductive effects of nanopowder iron in a pore aquifer with a high yield.
b/ Verifying the efficiency of the technology using nanopowder iron reductive effects in surface water treatment

Implementation method:
The first step includes commissioning a study into the reductive efficiency of Fe-nanoparticles against selected pollutants. The study will compare efficiencies of nanopowder iron prepared by using different technologies. An analysis will be conducted to examine the economy of producing nanopowder iron from mine wastewaters. A study will be commissioned to verify the efficiency of the reductive recovery technology in two different locations with a different level of contamination. A study will be prepared, monitoring the long-term impact of nanopowder iron reductive effects on a selected group of pollutants in the chosen locations. Project division into phases.

Project outputs:
Verifying the applicability of the recovery technology using nanopowder iron reductive effects against selected pollutants. Verifying the efficiency and economy of producing nanopowder iron in the Czech Republic. Regular seminars and workshops covering these issues. Presenting the technology and its applicability at the international level (trade fair).

Project: 'Technical Study to Verify the Benefits of Nanotechnology-Based Additives'

Project objectives:
The project aims to demonstrate the contribution nanotechnology-based additives are declared to have towards decreasing fuel consumption and emissions of Diesel engines, reducing costs and improving the environment.

Implementation method:
The project is scheduled to last 2 years. During the first year, project preparation will take place including the selection of a suitable contractor to conduct the study verifying the defined effects of the additive that is successfully used abroad. Input analyses and data collection will be performed. The first part of the study will be conducted, initial outputs and results published and the first statistical measurements taken. This will be followed by the second study phase covering year two of the project duration. One part of the tests will be conducted as a follow-up of the first study part to verify the long-term efficiency and effects. A final statistical evaluation will also be made and a presentation of the project outputs will be held. Technical workshops and seminars on the issue and project results will take place during both the project years to form a broader basis for the application of the outputs by the cluster members as well as non-members from the whole of the Czech Republic.

Project outputs:
Verification for the study sponsor that the nanotechnology-based additives do have the currently declared positive effect on fuel (lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions) and the commencement of regular purchases of the product. A reference marketing study to expand the sale of the additive to other businesses in the Czech Republic. Workshops and seminars on the application of nanotechnologies in various fields and activities to attract publicity.

Project: 'Multi-Purpose Surfaces Using Nanotechnologies'

Project objectives:
The project aims to identify an innovative approach to processes used on a global scale in protecting surfaces and apply them in the Czech Republic.

Implementation method:
An extensive search will be conducted to identify processes and methods applied in advanced surface protection operations abroad, be it the inclusion of auxiliary materials in surface substances or their secondary treatment by the process of spraying or painting. This will be aimed at acquiring new qualities such as water repellence, UV resistance, abrasive resistance, antibacterial resistance etc. Gathering up-to-date information on the situation in companies and testing the above advanced nanotechnology methods in our geographical conditions and technological processes. Innovating current technologies, introducing new processes, conducting an economic evaluation and publishing the results.

Project outputs:
A summary of current developments in nanotechnology applications used in the manufacture of multi-purpose surfaces and surface treating operations. A reference marketing study to popularise the use of nanotechnology surface treatment operations by entities in the Czech Republic. Workshops and seminars on the application of nanotechnologies in various fields and activities to attract publicity.

'Anti-Bacterial Treatment of Textiles during Washing' Project

Project objectives:
The project aims to establish whether textiles acquire anti-bacterial properties when washed using nanotechnologies, test the stability of the properties and verify whether environmental impact can be alleviated.

Implementation method:
All possibilities of the antibacterial treatment of textiles during the washing process will be examined over a period of two years. The energy consumption of current processes will be analysed and a technical study will be prepared concerning the utilisation of the potential offered by nanoparticle-based technologies for the acquisition of anti-bacterial properties. Their efficiency will be tested and a study will be commissioned to compare all technological possibilities of washing processes with added nanocomposites. The anti-bacterial properties of textiles achieved by using nanotechnologies in various washing techniques will be compared in terms of stability. A comparison will be made between the energy consumption and environmental impact of the current process and a solution that will appear to be optimal on the basis of the studies.

Project outputs:
Two seminars will be held on applying nanotechnologies to give textiles antibacterial properties in the washing process in laundries and on testing the stability of declared antibacterial properties of textiles in various washing techniques. Four studies will be prepared on the antibacterial properties of textiles acquired in the washing process using nanotechnologies and on verifying their stability and effects on laundry operating expenses and environmental impact.

Project: 'Bacteriostatic and Multifunctional Nanotechnology Treatments of Surfaces'

Project objectives:
The project is aimed at giving cluster members an enhanced understanding of the market in textile material treatments by preparing marketing and survey studies. The cluster members should acquire a better position in the market as a result of the support given to the application of their products by a technical feasibility study and a technical study verifying, in a suitable manner, the functionality of the treatments. Products with new added value will be launched and supported in the market.

Implementation method:
In phase one of the project, a marketing study will be commissioned, examining how the market and textile manufacturers respond to new textile surface treatments. The subsequent survey study will provide aggregate information about existing commercial textile treatments and economic aspects of their use. Concurrently, another study will be underway, focusing on the current technical regulations on testing the efficiency of surface treatments. This will allow for the selection of suitable standards for laboratory tests of treatment functionality. The relevant regulations will later, in a comparison study assessing the efficiency of (nano)treatments, serve for the comparison of the individual treatments in terms of functionality. The mass applicability of the selected treatments on both large-scale and sold-by-the-metre textiles processed by the cluster members will subsequently be tested within several concurrent technical feasibility studies. Each of the feasibility studies will deal with aspects of a different treatment technology. Following the thorough research and tests of the entire production chain from the supplier, processor, testing institutes to the final producer and seller (see all the above studies), the marketing of the new products will be supported by advertising and presentation activities.

Project outputs:
Giving textiles brand new properties and verifying that the new properties of textiles with nanotechnology-based treatments meet the requirements for long-term durability and enhanced resistance. Formulating new measurable standards to assess the properties acquired through the application of nano-treatments. Encouraging production and logistics chains to focus on new high-added value technologies. Promoting and presenting outputs and opportunities.

Project: 'Nanotechnology Seminars, Training Courses and Workshops'

Project objective:
The project aims to improve the knowledge of nanotechnologies among the 'Czech Nanotechnology Cluster' members, from a technical, economic and legal point of view.

Implementation method:
Seminars will be held over a period of two years, striving to identify nanotechnology applications suitable for the cluster members and encouraging the members to innovate their production programmes. Cooperation with Palacký University, Nanomaterial Research Centre and other research and university institutes. Presenters: Czech and foreign experts. A one-day seminar will deal with the issue of industrial and legal protection in the sphere of nanotechnologies. Cooperation with the Industrial Property Office. One seminar will focus on the impact of nanotechnologies on economic development. Cooperation with the Olomouc-based Moravian College.