Environmental Protection through Nuclear Energy

The research shows a bioinspired approach to be adopted to design of systems based on Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs), a class of Smart Materials that has in common with muscles the capability to react to an impulse (thermal for SMAs) with a contraction. The biomechanically inspired machine that is discussed in the paper refers to the antagonistic muscles pairs, which belongs to the Skeletal Muscles and are normally arranged in opposition so that as one group of muscles contract another group relaxes or lengthens. The study proposes a model, a solution not only to design a specific application, but also to provide an approach to be used for a wide range of adaptive applications (switchable windows, smart shadow systems, parking and urban shelters, etc.), where the shape changes in response to different external stimuli. The use of antagonist pairs mechanism provides a solution for better optimized systems based on SMAs where the main and proven advantages are: Easier and faster change of shape, lower need of energy for system operation, lower cost for SMA training and no problem of overheating.

The development of new diamond based bio-mechanically active hybrid nano-structured scaffolds for cartilage cells tissue engineering are proposed in this study. Innovative tissue engineering biomimetic materials based on hydrogel have shown attractive physical, biological and mechanical properties in several biomedical applications. A highly biocompatible novel hybrid material based on nanodiamonds and hydrophilic poly-(hydroxyl-ethyl-methacrylate) (pHEMA) is proposed. The aim of this paper is to describe the chemical and analytical procedures for the preparation of nanofilled hybrid composites possessing biomimetic, osteoconductive and osteoinductivity properties that can be useful in the design of bio-mechanically active innovative bone scaffolding systems for stem cell differentiation and growth. A more rigid and rubber transparent hybrid nano-composites are predicted to posses improved mechanical strength overwhelming one of the major weaknesses of hydrogels, which is due their poor mechanical characteristics, for applications in biomedical structural application.

Process optimization strategies and intelligent control algorithms for an industrial centrifugal pipe production are presented. The chemo-rheological and thermo-kinetic features of the polymerization of unsaturated polyester based composites are analyzed by means of a mathematical model that uses the heat transfer and generation properties of polymerizable systems. The evolution of the system temperature, viscosity and degree of cure profiles in a composite centrifuged pipe wall have been identified and mathematically described. The temperature profiles were calculated according to an appropriate kinetic and heat transfer modeling and then the corresponding viscosity profiles were evaluated. The viscosity and kinetic parameters to use in the model were measured in calorimetric and rheological tests. A commercial polyester system, which is used for centrifugal forming, has been catalyzed with two different types of peroxide (Methyl-Ethyl-Ketone and Acetyl-Acetone peroxides) and characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and adiabatic peak temperature measurements (gel time tests). The problem of incomplete cure in sections of the pipe wall has been discussed with respect to the processing conditions and creep behavior. Experimentally verification of thermal theoretical modeling and creep tests have been carried out on a system catalyzed with AA peroxide and processed in two different ways. The thermo-kinetic process modeling and control adequately predicts the thermal behavior at the internal surface of pipes that has been used to optimize by simulation of two different centrifugal pipe processing thermal cycles.

An innovative, design-driven, sustainable approach in conceiving, developing, producing, using new materials can be effective in strengthening the competiveness and success of creative industries linked to manufacturing (e.g., biomedical, architecture, automotive, art, crafts, supports for cultural items, decoration, fashion, furniture, lighting, interior design materials and products, jewels, luxury, media supports, publishing, sport and toys), adding value to products and processes also by 'immaterial' factors (e.g., trend translation, enhanced sensations, values). The vision that the research and the advancement of scientific and technological knowledge can be driven by the needs of sustainable development of products and goods has been revived as a strategy for sustainable development. In the evolutionary Design process, creativity determines the mutation of an object shape (material or structure morphology) and this triggers an evolutionary design that repeatedly involves technological development of material, shape and structure. A Biomedical product evolutionary design case study based on these principles has been specifically addressed to the dissemination and spreading of innovative material and technology greener solutions. The use of the evolutionary design in the creative medical industry sectors, while adopting sustainable and socially responsible approach to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact conveys a holistic view of the industrial design process in the field of biomedical application.