MEERJARENPLAN VOOR EEN IOP-PROGRAMMA OP HET GEBIED VAN ZELF-HERSTELLENDE MATERIALEN

MEERJARENPLAN VOOR EEN IOP-PROGRAMMA OP HET GEBIED VAN ZELF-HERSTELLENDE MATERIALEN

PROPOSAL FOR A NATIONAL (DUTCH) INNOVATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAMME (IOP) ON SELF HEALING MATERIALS

SAMENVATTING

Samenvatting Dit rapport beschrijft de doelstellingen, orga-

innovatieve, technologische en commerciële

nisatie en begroting van een nieuw Innovatief

potentie en zullen leiden tot een belangrijke

Onderzoeksprogramma (IOP) op het gebied van

verbetering van de duurzaamheid en betrouw-

‘Zelf-Herstellende Materialen’.

baarheid van de daaruit vervaardigde producten en installaties (zie bijvoorbeeld ons artikel in

Na presentatie op 16 maart 2005 voor de IOP

Intermediair [1], appendix 1). Het IOP onderzoek

stuurgroep, ontvingen de initiatiefnemers tot

naar ‘zelf-herstellende materialen’, is ingericht

het IOP ‘Zelf-Herstellende Materialen’ het

langs bestaande materiaalklassen polymeren,

formele verzoek om een compleet onderzoeks-

metalen, beton en andere materialen voor

en organisatieplan voor een meerjarig IOP uit te

civiele toepassingen, en composieten en

werken en in te dienen. Het onderhavige rap-

laminaten. Door het onderzoek op deze wijze te

port is het resultaat van diverse gesprekken

groeperen wordt optimaal gebruik gemaakt van

tussen de initiatiefnemers tot dit IOP en de

de bestaande academische en industriële

vertegenwoordigers van de Nederlandse mate-

netwerken. Anderzijds is het thema van Zelf-

riaal-producerende en materiaal-verwerkende

Herstellende Materialen dermate innovatief dat

industrie en beoogt de contouren van een IOP

het ruime mogelijkheden biedt nieuwe indus-

‘Zelf-Herstellende Materialen’ te schetsen.

triële activiteit te scheppen. Het initiatief wordt ondersteund door een groot aantal Nederlandse

In het rapport wordt ingegaan op de strate-

bedrijven en organisaties.

gische relevantie van dit nieuwe vakgebied binnen het aandachtsgebied "Hightech

Het IOP Zelf-Herstellende Materialen past

systemen en materialen". Aangetoond wordt

geheel binnen het Nederlandse regeringsbeleid

dat Nederland uitermate goed gepositioneerd is

voor wat betreft technologische en industriële

om een belangrijke rol te gaan spelen op dit

innovatie. De beoogde innovatie op materiaal-

nieuwe gebied, mits een coherent onderzoek

gebied wordt ook versterkt door enige nieuwe

van voldoende omvang opgezet kan worden.

aspecten in projectselectie, projectuitvoering en

Bij de uitvoering van dit onderzoek kan gebruik

organisatiestructuur.

gemaakt worden van eerdere grote nationale investeringen op het gebied van de materiaal-

Bij de uitwerking van dit programma werden de

technologie via de TTI’s NIMR en DPI alsmede

initiatiefnemers geconfronteerd met dusdanig

van de stimuleringsgelden die de TU Delft

grote buitenlandse belangstelling dat het eigen-

beschikbaar gesteld heeft voor de ontwikkeling

lijke rapport, met toestemming van

van zelf-herstellende materialen.

SenterNovem, in de Engelse taal geschreven is, teneinde internationale samenwerking te

Zelf-herstellende materialen (gedefinieerd als materialen voor structurele doeleinden die in staat zijn de tijdens gebruik opgelopen schade geheel zelfstandig, dan wel met een lichte externe stimulus, in-situ te repareren) vormen een recentelijk geïdentificeerde uitbreiding van bestaande technische materialen, die in hun vermogen schade ongedaan te maken, een zeer waardevolle nieuwe eigenschap verkregen hebben. Deze materialen hebben een grote

2

faciliteren en te versnellen.

IOP SELF HEALING MATERIALS

Table of contents 1

2

Introduction

4

1.1 Sketch of the field Self Healing Materials

4

1.2 Ambition of the IOP Self Healing Materials

6

Self Healing Materials and the Dutch industry

8

2.1 Industrial Support for an IOP Self Healing Materials

9

2.2. Application areas and utilisation of Self Healing Materials

9

2.3 Absorption of the IOP generated knowledge in the Dutch industry 3

4

5

6

7

8

10

Knowledge Infrastructure

12

3.1 Participating Partners

12

3.2 International Scope

13

The Self Healing Research Programme

14

4.1 Selection of research themes

16

4.2 Project selection procedure and selection criteria

17

Knowledge transfer, network formation, embedding and concentration

20

5.1 Knowledge transfer

21

5.2 Network formation

21

5.3 Embedding

22

5.4 Concentration

22

The organisation of the IOP

24

6.1 The Programme Committee

25

6.2 The Programme Office

26

6.3 Advisory Committees

27

6.4 Knowledge Transfer Committee

27

6.5 Scenario Committee

27

6.6 Project leaders and researchers

28

Finance

30

7.1 Knowledge development

31

7.2 Stimulating other activities

31

7.3 Management expenses

31

7.4 Relation to other funding sources

32

Summary and Conclusions

34

Appendix 1

38

3

1

INTRODUCTION

In October 2004, the Dutch government defined ‘High Tech Systems and Materials" as one of the focal points for innovation and active stimulation [2]. "High Tech Systems and Materials" covers an area with a yearly added-value of about 18 billion Euro, generating over 200.000 jobs. Materials development as a precursor to new industrial activity was named explicitly as an important aspect. The relevance of material development as a key ingredient for high tech systems and integrated and multifunctional products was confirmed again in a governmental policy document in 2005 [3]. The strategic relevance of materials technology has been recognised by former governments too, and has led to the creation of successful Leading Technological Institutes in the field of metals (NIMR) and polymers (DPI) as well as a number of successful Innovative Research Programmes (IOP’s) in materials sciences.

4

IOP SELF HEALING MATERIALS

CHAPTER 1

The IOP Programme on Self Healing Materials

will fail due to crack accumulation.

presented here extends this line of national research policy and aims at opening a totally

A radically different concept in materials opti-

new field of materials science for the Dutch

misation can be found in biological materials:

industry.

rather than avoiding them, micro cracks are allowed to form but the material has the ability

1.1 Sketch of the field Self Healing Materials

to detect and repair these defects. The material

Structural materials play a dominant role in

has become ‘Self Healing’. This IOP proposal

modern life. Wherever a structure or an object

aims at defining a national research programme

has to carry a mechanical load, to keep a con-

to impart this self healing ability to man-made

stant shape or to guide away forces, structural

structural materials.

materials come into play. Due to their load bearing function these materials are required to be

Self healing ability comes in different grades

very reliable in performing their task. Therefore

(see table 1). A minimal self healing material

a classical structural material has always been

can repair the damage only partially, repairs the

optimised for strength and toughness, and even

damage only once and needs an external trig-

then ‘man-made’ engineering structures are

ger to perform the action. Furthermore, the

over-dimensioned for added safety. Besides reli-

standard properties of minimal Self Healing

ability, durability is a key design issue for struc-

Materials might be inferior to those of existing

tural materials; they are usually applied in struc-

materials.

tures (bridges, satellites, etc) that have to perform their task over a longer period of time in a

On the other hand an ideal self healing material

reliable manner. Usually the durability of a

will repair damage fully, totally autonomous

structure requires regular maintenance.

and an infinite number of times. Ideally the

Although over time the properties of ‘man-made’

properties of the self healing material are the

structural materials have improved enormously,

same or better than those of existing materials.

they are still susceptible to damage. Even long

In developing man-made Self Healing Materials

before fatal damage – e.g. fracture – occurs, the

early results are expected to be of the minimal

material will acquire a lot of ‘invisible’ damage

self healing grade. However, in time qualities

on a microscopic scale: micro-cracks. These

will shift towards those of ideal Self Healing

micro-cracks might accumulate into a major

Materials.

catastrophic crack. The ‘classical’ approach to material improvement is by making the material

The ability of self healing is not yet present in

stronger and hence slowing down the process of

existing man-made materials, as knowledge of

micro and macro crack formation. However,

the basic mechanisms was not available.

sooner or later even the best optimised material

However, based on extensive discussions and

Minimal Self Healing Material

Ideal Self Healing Material

-

Repairs damage partially

-

Repairs damage completely

-

Repairs damage only once

-

Repairs damage an infinite number of times

-

Repairs damage by external triggers

-

Repairs damage autonomously

-

The self healing material has properties

-

The material has comparable or better properties

Table 1

than existing material

Definition area of

-

Is expensive

-

Is cheap

Self Healing

inferior to existing materials

Materials

5

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

studies by the applicants, it is believed that self

and Twente, possess the full range of expertise

healing behaviour can be realised in all princi-

and facilities required to make a dedicated

pal material classes: polymers [5], metals [6],

investment into the area of Self Healing

concrete and civil engineering materials [7], and

Materials over all major material classes suc-

composites and laminates [8]. The possibility to

cessfully. In addition, the Dutch materials indus-

develop self healing mechanisms for all these

try linked to this IOP project is capable of

material classes simultaneously opens up the

absorbing the new knowledge and converting it

possibility of cross-fertilisation between various

into new industrial activities.

specialist areas: mechanisms well known in one material could be transferred to another mater-

The proposed multi-material approach and the

ial class.

collaboration of both fundamental and application oriented groups have drawn a lot of atten-

A rapid realisation of Self Healing Materials

tion and recognition and are unique on the

requires a broad and multidisciplinary

international scene.

approach: specialists in materials synthesis, material characterisation, material testing,

1.2 Ambition of the IOP Self Healing Materials

material modelling, product development and product testing are to be brought together from

The central ambition of the IOP programme on

the beginning of the research. Hence the topic

Self Healing Materials can be defined as fol-

of Self Healing Materials can only be addressed

lows:

successfully in a multidisciplinary research environment of sufficient size.

To make The Netherlands a leading player in the field, to develop new Self Healing Materials

This field of Self Healing Materials research is

and to create new industrial activity.

now rapidly becoming a completely new branch of materials research. The official birth of the

To this aim the research should initially focus on

field can be traced back to 2001 when Professor

three principal research questions:

Scott White from the University of Illinois first published his results on self healing in polymer

1.

How to introduce a self healing mechanism in structural materials?

based systems by microencapsulated repair agents [4]. Since then, this area of research is developing rapidly as is demonstrated by the

2.

How to quantify the effect of self healing in product performance?

number of patents and publications on Self Healing Materials and related topics. 3. The Netherlands are ideally positioned to

How to utilise the potential of such a new material in new products?

become a major academic and industrial player in this field due to an excellent research infra-

The research should ultimately lead to the con-

structure, leading material manufacturing com-

ception of a completely new family of reliable,

panies and strong academic-industrial networks

durable and hence sustainable materials. The

in existing material classes.

embedding of this research in the framework of an IOP will guarantee that the newly acquired

The applicants of this IOP proposal, led by the

knowledge will be transferred to industry and

Delft Centre for Materials (DCMat), and with

utilised for new processes and products.

strong academic partners from the other (Technical) Universities Eindhoven, Groningen

6

IOP SELF HEALING MATERIALS

CHAPTER 1

7

2

SELF HEALING MATERIALS AND THE DUTCH INDUSTRY

8

IOP SELF HEALING MATERIALS

2.1 Industrial Support for an IOP Self Healing Materials In 2004 ‘Self Healing Materials’ was chosen as

CHAPTER 2

Nederland, X-Links, STW annual report, DPI annual report, Chemisch Weekblad and the Dutch national radio.

the new central research theme for the Delft Centre for Materials. Soon it was realised that

As a result of the start of Self Healing Materials

the scope of the field was such that expansion

research in The Netherlands, several internation-

into a national research programme was neces-

al companies and institutes showed a keen inter-

sary. In the preparation of this (national) IOP

est and solicited for modes of co-operation.

programme the applicants approached the

Currently we have contacts in Australia (CSIRO),

major players in the material producing and

France (ONERA, Shell), the United Kingdom

processing industry (DSM, Corus, AkzoNobel,

(Corus, Rolls Royce, Forgemasters), Germany

Teijin, Shell, Stork Fokker, BAM, ENCI, ABT) as

(MPI, Tenax, Ticona) and Japan (Nippon Steel),

well as the Dutch institutions responsible for the

discussing directions in Self Healing Materials

technological and fundamental research in the

research and possibilities for future co-operation.

principal material classes, polymers (DPI), metals (NIMR), concrete (CUR), technology in

2.2 Application areas and utilisation of Self Healing Materials

general (STW) and TNO. All parties reacted very positively to the initiative, as they recognised

Clearly, the future application areas of Self

the strategic value of Self Healing Materials and

Healing Materials are yet to be established and

the need for a consorted national approach to

are likely to develop in the near future.

this new field. The parties contacted all offered

However, it is most likely that Self Healing

help and support to establish this IOP and have

Materials will find at least their application in:

been generous in making time available of key personnel. Of particular value has been the

-

products and installations, which once in operation are difficult to reach, such as

strong support from DSM and Corus.

high-rise buildings, marine applications, underground piping and wind turbines;

It was decided not to concentrate on involving small and medium sized enterprises in research

-

products where a pristine surface appear-

activities during the start-up phase of this

ance under all conditions is important

programme, but to focus the effort initially on

(such as painted surfaces, corrosion protective coatings, thermal barrier coatings);

major companies. Smaller companies will be involved at later stages of the programme once

-

products, such as aircraft and spacecraft,

the principal concepts have been developed and

where reliable use, even in the case of

the research shifts to more application oriented

overload or unforeseen modes of loading

domains. However, in anticipation of the

is of crucial importance; this also applies to

approval of an IOP and to inform smaller Dutch

completely different application areas such as the long-term storage of nuclear waste;

companies and organisations of the potential of Self Healing Materials, a first national confer-

-

products with extremely long life-cycles,

ence on Self Healing Materials will be held on

such as in major infrastructural applica-

Wednesday 26th October 2005 in Delft. The

tions, e.g. flood barriers, tunnels, piping

programme for this conference is currently

networks, storage facilities for harmful species etc.;

being compiled (www.selfhealingmaterials.nl). In addition, interviews on the national plans for

-

high-tech equipment for the production of

self healing material research in the

high-quality products, machines that are

Netherlands have been given to periodicals

usually operated the clock around, and

such as Intermediair (Appendix 1), Onderzoek

where down-time due to repair should be

9

CHAPTER 2

SELF HEALING MATERIALS AND THE DUTCH INDUSTRY

-

kept to the minimum;

The Scenario Committee is a newly developed

products where major repair actions cause

tool within this IOP and it will help to introduce

a lot of disturbance to the public, such as

newly developed knowledge faster to industrial

road surfaces and energy supply systems.

parties and the market.

All such applications are in principle covered in

2.3 Absorption of the IOP generated

this IOP. While Self Healing Materials could also

knowledge in the Dutch industry

find application in the medical field, no dedicat-

The IOP instrument, which celebrates its 25th

ed action in this direction is foreseen within the

anniversary this year, has been successful in the

context of this IOP as the medical field requires

dissemination of knowledge to the Dutch indus-

different expertises and networks. However, self

try and SenterNovem has developed a range of

healing processes that occur in biological sys-

tools for this purpose. These IOP tools will also

tems will be used as a source of inspiration in

be used in an IOP Self Healing Materials.

the development of man-made Self Healing Materials.

In addition to these tools we also use the industrial network of the knowledge partners (univer-

To guide the field of Self Healing Materials, in

sities, DPI, NIMR, CUR and TNO) as well as the

this IOP a special Scenario Committee will be

network of experts provided by a.o. the Bond

established. This Scenario Committee will

voor Materialenkennis and the Vereniging voor

initiate and conduct studies about which role

Productietechnologie and related branch organi-

Self Healing Materials might play in society.

sations. Other networks may be enlisted as the

Apart from designating new application areas

programme develops.

that could profit from the research outcome of this IOP, they will also identify which new tools

A series of national conferences and workshops

should be developed for a successful introduc-

will be organised during the course of the IOP

tion of these new materials. Here one could

Self Healing Materials, the national conference

think of intrinsically new approaches to design-

on Self Healing Materials of October 26th 2005

ing structures with Self Healing Materials, new

being the first of them.

philosophies towards risk assessment etc. It is foreseen that the Scenario Committee will pro-

To share newly developed knowledge and

duce a number of vision documents for specific

expertise effectively to smaller sized companies,

areas. Special funds will be set aside for such

SME’s, a new tool will be developed: IOP-SME

studies. In this Scenario Committee we will

workshops. At these yearly one-day workshops,

invite leading (industrial) designers, architects,

SME’s are invited to consult the specialists

technology watchers etc. It should be men-

working within the framework of the IOP pro-

tioned that TNO Environment and Geosciences

gramme on all aspects of Self Healing

(TNO Bouw), in consultation with the Delft

Materials. Together they can assess the possi-

Centre for Materials, has already launched such

bilities of applying the new knowledge to the

a study into the future application of Self

benefit of the SME’s products and processes.

Healing Materials in buildings. Discussions with

As we will primarily employ experienced

ESA are ongoing to initiate a similar study for

researchers (post-docs) during the first years of

the field of space technology.

the IOP programme, we have the expertise and experience to provide such a service. To facilitate the communication at these workshops between SME representatives and researchers within the IOP, every postdoc will follow a

10

IOP SELF HEALING MATERIALS

CHAPTER 2

dedicated communication training (arranged by SenterNovem). Furthermore, the Delft Centre for Materials in collaboration with the TU Delft Library and the ENF Foundation is developing a tool for Advanced Networking. Within the Delft Centre for Materials a pilot project is being started up to streamline the Advanced Networking concept for Self Healing Materials. In a later stage this Advanced Network will be made available to the IOP Self Healing Materials community as well as to interested industries. Once the Advanced Networking is operational it will lead to a sharing of knowledge between research institutes and industry on an unprecedented scale. Finally, based on the existing industrialacademic collaborations in the field of metals, polymers, cement based materials, composites and laminates, we are convinced that the Dutch materials industry is capable in absorbing the new concepts to be developed and to translate them into new products, thus strengthening their competitive edge on the international markets.

11

3

KNOWLEDGE INFRASTRUCTURE

3.1 Participating Partners

2004 the DCMat chose Self Healing Materials as

The academic partnership was established star-

its focal research theme. This topic was chosen

ting with the Delft Centre for Materials (DCMat).

unanimously after a wide search of suitable

The DCMat represents one of the 13 key uni-

materials science topics relevant to a consor-

versity research themes selected by the Board

tium of this size and magnitude and with a high

(CvB) of the TU Delft, because of its proven

academic as well as industrial relevance. The

quality and strategic relevance. The DCMat

TU Delft supports this new research line with an

brings together the expertise of 22 academic

annual contribution of approximately 800 k€, for

chairs in the field of structural materials, their

a period of up to 6 years. The actual research

production, their technology and their appli-

within this framework is to start in the autumn

cations. The chairs belong to different faculties

of 2005. Meanwhile, projects on self healing

such as Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical

polymers, self healing metallic coatings, self

Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture,

healing concrete and self healing asphalt are

Industrial Design Engineering, Applied Physics

already ongoing at the TU Delft.

and Chemical Engineering. In the summer of

12

IOP SELF HEALING MATERIALS

CHAPTER 3

In the preparation of this national IOP proposal

‘Flagship programme’ in this field. Currently

the network of academic partners was widened

about 20 researchers are already active in the

to include TU/e, RUG and UT to expand our col-

field, focusing primarily on polymers and metals.

lective expertise of polymer synthesis, polymer coatings and surface treatment in general. The

The DCMat, in preparation of the launch of its

contacts were established in consultation with

Self Healing Materials initiative, has organised

representatives from the existing materials net-

an exclusive international workshop in which

works DPI, NIMR and PTN. During the course of

the international key researchers in this field

the programme, partners from other univer-

shared their views and expertise (Noordwijk, 4-5

sities are expected to join the programme

April 2005). In the workshop the contours of the

depending on the research proposals granted.

IOP programme as proposed here were presented and the international experts expressed

3.2 International Scope

their admiration for the scope and internal

As indicated before, with this initiative and its

cohesion of the programme as proposed and

timing, the Netherlands have an excellent

also expressed a strong interest to become

opportunity to establish a leading position in

involved.

this emerging field. The research on Self Healing Materials was started in 1996 as a result

Even before its launch the DCMat-IOP initiative

of an initiative of NASA’s which contacted a

has attracted a lot of international attention

number of high ranking universities (Princeton,

already, with invitations to present the contours

Virginia Tech, Harvard) in the USA to explore

of the programme in France, Germany, USA,

the possibilities of creating a self healing

Norway and the UK.

functionality in man-made materials. The first publications on Self Healing Materials in the academic and technical literature date from 2001. The field is emerging rapidly in the USA amongst the top universities. In Europe the field has not yet been widely explored and no initiatives on the scale as proposed in this IOP are known. In Germany a big academic-industrial consortium on Self Healing Materials, but dedicated to coatings only, has been formed under the supervision of the Max Planck Institute, Düsseldorf. In this surface coatings project major industrial players such as Bosch, Siemens, Corus, Airbus, Hydro and Bayer participate. We are in good contact with the principal players in the German consortium. In Australia, the topic of Self Healing Materials has been introduced during a visit in 2004 by a DCMat-TNO delegation to CSIRO, the national Australian research organisation. CSIRO has been quick to realise the strategic value of Self Healing Materials and has launched a so-called

13

4

THE SELF HEALING RESEARCH PROGRAMME

After several consultation sessions with indus-

concrete and related civil engineering materials,

trial and academic parties involved, and final

and composites and laminates. The latter group

input from the members of the proposed

of materials was chosen as a separate line as

Programme Committee, the following matrix

composites and laminates offer additional

approach to the research is being proposed. In

degrees of freedom to develop self healing

this table also the fractional effort per material

behaviour not offered by monolithic materials.

class and per type of activity is indicated.

Further more multi-material composites and laminates have a special position in the high

Given the nature of the rapidly developing field

tech systems industry.

and the wish to be able to respond adequately to successful developments, rather than speci-

The distribution of the fractional effort in each of

fying the planned research effort in each cell of

the material classes is the weighted balance

the matrix, only the planned cumulative frac-

between the (relatively intrinsic) potential of a

tional effort in each column and row is indica-

material class to introduce self healing behav-

ted. The actual effort in each cell will depend on

iour, the industrial and economical relevance and

the quality of the proposals, the coherency of

the perceived potential to initiate new business.

the pertinent research lines and the degree of

In addition, the availability of local technical and

success and industrial applicability. It was per-

industrial expertise at an internationally recog-

ceived as undesirable to quantify the effort in

nized high level has been taken into account.

each cell ‘a priori’. Per material class the research activities are

14

As can be seen the research is organised along

grouped in: material development and property

the natural material lines of polymers, metals,

appraisal, theory and application. It should be

IOP SELF HEALING MATERIALS

CHAPTER 4

pointed out that all research in this IOP is to be

ly during the first four years of its existence, on

conducted with a broader field of application in

the design and realisation of such new materi-

mind and is therefore ultimately application ori-

als as well as the underlying new theory.

ented. The research in the application column

Application related research should be kept at a

aims at more dedicated research up to the level

minimum level at this stage. The industrial

of simple ‘demonstrator products showing the

advice and recommendation is implemented in

potential of Self Healing Materials. While coat-

the proposed distribution of cumulative

ings offer extra degrees of freedom in realising

research effort.

self healing behaviour due to the presence of a free surface, research on coatings will receive

The organigram of the Self Healing Materials,

special attention. Notwithstanding this, coating

shown in chapter 6 of this report, provides addi-

or surface related research will not be set apart

tional information on how the research in the

formally but is to be included in the appropriate

various fields is monitored.

material class to maximise coherency. The materials class that serves as substrate for the

It should be pointed out that notwithstanding

coating is the natural choice for positioning

the restriction of the research to structural

coating related research in the research matrix

materials in this IOP programme, the total

presented in table 2. By organising the cross

amount of research required to build a strong

material interactions in only three domains,

position is very large, requiring an appropriate

high levels of synergy and cohesion can be

budget. As indicated in chapter 7, adequate

arranged and safeguarded during the course of

funding of the research via an IOP programme

the IOP.

is crucial for the rapid launch of this research. Additional lines of research funding via univer-

In consultation with industry about focal points

sities (1st money stream), research organisa-

in the research programme it was made very

tions such as DPI, NIMR, CUR, STW and TNO

clear that the consortium should focus, especial-

and ultimately industry will be required and are

Research focus Material class

Material development and property appraisal

Theoretical framework

Application

Fractional effort

Polymers

40%

Metals

20%

Concrete and related materials

25%

Composites and hybrid materials

15%

Table 2 Organisation of

Fractional effort

the research 60%

20%

20%

100%

programme Self Healing Materials

15

CHAPTER 4

THE SELF HEALING RESEARCH PROGRAMME

likely to be forthcoming quickly once the IOP

proposals meet the set quality standards.

programme has started.

Industrial partners to be involved in this research are the polymer industry in general,

4.1 Selection of research themes

with major players such as DSM, DOW, Teijin

During this IOP all research fields listed in the

and AKZO. Also the coatings industry, AKZO

table above will be addressed to the degree

Coatings, DSM and others will be heavily

indicated. However, the order of filling the total

involved in this sub-programme.

research portfolio will be chosen in such a way

The research in the metals branch is centred

that we can maximise the creativity and break-

along two major lines: the introduction of self

through potential of the research.

healing in protective surfaces (wet corrosion, oxidation and wear protection) and the intro-

As indicated in table 2 the research in the IOP

duction of damage management in structural

programme is to be divided into clearly defined

materials. Special attention will be given to the

entities. In the following paragraphs the objec-

realisation of self healing behaviour in alumi-

tives for each of the entities will be formulated

nium alloys to improve fatigue life and in steels

and the industrial context and consequences

and other metallic systems to improve strength

will be indicated. Following this inventory the

and reliability in non-standard conditions such

concepts behind the allocation of projects will

as fires, earthquakes and impact. The theoretical

be presented.

research in this field is likely to focus on thermodynamic modelling of self healing in metals

The aim of the polymer research branch is to

via controlled precipitation and phase transfor-

provide a fully developed research line from

mations as well as the micromechanical ana-

polymer synthesis, via model supported evalua-

lysis of the effect of self healing on overall prop-

tion of the properties, to one or more polymer

erties. At later stages of the first period of the

based demonstrator applications where the

IOP programme some demonstrator project will

added value of self healing behaviour is

be encouraged to demonstrate the increased

capitalised. Special focus will be given to

reliability of self healing metals under chemical

polymer design, both at a molecular and supra-

or mechanical loading. Industrial partners to be

molecular level. The research at the molecular

involved in the research activities are the metals

level will focus on the intrinsic self healing

industry (CORUS, Nedal, Boal etc) and indus-

potential of novel polymers based on hydrogen

tries that apply metals in critical installations

bond networks, ionomers and self assembly.

(Stork, Shell, DAF, ASML etc).

The research at the larger length scale will focus

16

on the encapsulation of reactive substances

The research in concrete and related civil engin-

capable of repairing damage. In this programme

eering materials such as asphalt and bituminous

approximately equal attention will be paid to

materials, as well as inorganic materials in gen-

self healing in engineering polymers and to self

eral, will focus on the development of crack

healing in organic coatings. The research in the

stopping and or crack filling mechanisms during

field of theory will focus both on network for-

early and later stages of material usage. To this

mation mechanisms, molecular mobility and on

aim routes of adding reactive encapsulation and

micromechanical studies of intrinsically self

routes of changing the chemical composition of

healing polymers and polymers employing par-

the cement to enable controlled matrix disso-

ticle encapsulation. Research on improving the

lution and re-precipitation, will be explored. The

durability of natural materials such as wood by

theoretical work will focus on the crack forma-

controlled release of reactive agents may also

tion and crack healing in intrinsically brittle

be included in this research line provided the

materials. In the field of self healing asphalt

IOP SELF HEALING MATERIALS

CHAPTER 4

modification of the binder and fillers to enhance

Stand-alone projects are to be avoided, unless it

crack recovery is to be explored. There will be a

is clear that these projects explore potential

natural link to the research on self healing engin-

successful routes and can be integrated into

eering plastics. Again, the potential of self heal-

other research programmes.

ing behaviour is to be demonstrated in a small demonstrator project. Industrial partners in this

It should be stressed that the external and

research programme are major companies in

industrial input obtained during the programme

the building industry (BAM, ENCI, ATB) as well

definition phase indicated that the potential of

as companies and organisations involved in

the IOP programme is to be used in the best

road maintenance and road pavement.

possible manner by favouring breakthrough projects with radically new concepts and

The research in the field of composites and

approaches over projects building in an

laminates is to focus on the development of self

incremental way on existing knowledge.

healing structures making use of the freedom to arrange long distance material transport through the modular structure of these

4.2 Project selection procedure and selection criteria

materials. The theoretical research in this

Project proposals within the framework of the

domain is likely to focus on the structure

IOP Self Healing Materials will be collected

optimisation taking the self healing potential as

through an open call for proposals that will be

one of the optimisation parameters. The key

advertised in the appropriate media as well on

industrial partners in this research are the fibre

the IOP website. The IOP secretariat will be

producing companies (Teijin, Dyneema), the

responsible for the administrative processing of

producers of composite prepregs (Ten Cate) and

the applications.

the aerospace industry working on fibre metal laminates (Stork).

To create a coherent research program and to reduce the time spent on formulating research

While all topics indicated above are bound to

proposal with a lower likelihood of being

appear in the final research programme, a frac-

approved recent IOPs have introduced the

tion of the research can not be foreseen right

instrument of project pre-selection on the basis

now as it is the intention of this IOP to stimulate

of pre-proposals. In the pre-proposal stage a

the participating research groups to propose

number of pre-proposals were selected for fur-

radically new, but physically justifiable new

ther detailing. The number of pre-proposals

approaches. A certain fraction of unpredictable

approved for further detailing being larger than

research is intrinsic to the nature of an IOP in a

the number of positions to grant. In the final

new developing field.

evaluation the best extended proposals were selected and the search for suitable candidates

The allocation of projects will be based on

could start. In certain cases it took a long time

whether they fit within the overall ambition of

to find the desired researcher and valuable

the IOP programme on Self Healing Materials as

research time was lost or researchers possibly

well as within in the programme per material

with lower qualifications were appointed.

class. Duplication of comparable research is to be avoided, but proposals with radically diffe-

While in the IOP Self Healing Program such a

rent approaches to the same goals may be

procedure could be used, we prefer to follow a

granted. In granting the proposals the PC will

modification of the current pre-proposal proce-

make sure that ultimately the proposals

dure, in which the quality of the researcher and

together will constitute a coherent programme.

his/her availability plays a substantial role in

17

CHAPTER 4

THE SELF HEALING RESEARCH PROGRAMME

granting the projects too. By making the project

Definition and search phase

selection not only on the basis of the project

In the ‘definition and search’ phase the project

proposal itself but on the qualifications of the

applicants start simultaneously with the detailed

researcher short listed for the project as well,

formulation of the project proposal (max. 10

a major step forwards in the quality of the

pages) as well as the search for a suitable

programme can be obtained. This is also sub-

researcher. The costs for finding a suitable

stantiated in the successful NWO VENI-VIDI-VICI

candidate (travel expenses, hotel, paperwork

program. Furthermore, using the new proto-

etc.) are financed from the Research Budget of

col, the likelihood of projects staying idle for a

the IOP Self Healing Materials. By advertising

long time after being granted, is minimised.

the vacant positions collectively the impact of

This new procedure is detailed below.

the IOP program on the international research community will be enhanced. The final research

Decision 1 phase

proposal together with the CV and relevant

Up to a publicly announced final submission

details of the candidate researcher for the

date project pre-proposals of maximum three

project are sent to the IOP secretariat. On a

A4 pages long (and of a predefined format) can

monthly basis the combined proposals and CV’s

be submitted to the IOP secretariat. Out of the

are sent to appropriate Advisory Committee for

pre-proposals received the Programme

final review.

Committee will select those project proposals for further detailing which individually and col-

Decision phase

lectively best meet the selection criteria detailed

The Advisory Committee advises the chairman

below and fit within the research matrix given

of the Programme Committee within four weeks

in table 2. Projects with a positive decision will

after receiving the final proposal and CV of the

go to the next step in the procedure. Projects

proposed researcher on granting the project

with a negative decision will not be handled in

using the criteria described below. The PC

later stages of the procedure. The number of

informs the IOP secretariat about its decisions

selected pre-proposals will not exceed the final

and projects approved can start immediately.

number of positions to be granted in that

The IOP secretariat informs the applicants of

element of the research matrix by a factor 1.5.

approved projects and the applicants of pending

Each approved pre-proposal is allocated to one

project proposals on the number of project

of the Advisory Committees. The validity of a

positions still available.

positive decision is limited to a period of 12 months, or until the total number of projects

The procedure proposed here combines the

to be granted in the pertinent element in the

benefits of a rigid time-structured procedure as

matrix is reached, whichever comes first.

well as an opportunity driven procedure.

Finally, all applicants and the AC’s are informed

Projects will ultimately be filled within a known

about the decision by the PC.

context, but at the same time competition

Pre screening phase Figure 1 The tender proce-

Programme Pre-proposal

Start search for

yes candidates and write extended

Committee

Materials

18

Advisory

yes

no

Project can start

Committee

immediately

proposal

dure within the IOP Self Healing

Project approval

no

IOP SELF HEALING MATERIALS

CHAPTER 4

between the applicants to search for ideal can-

should be consistent in the approach and

didates to strengthen the proposal is stimulated.

based on a sound analysis of the current knowledge and a defendable hypothesis

The criteria for assessment of pre-proposals are

for it innovative component. The projects

to be refined in further discussions within the

should be realistic in the progress to be

PC but should contain the following elements:

reached. The track record of the applicant in innovative research will be taken into

a.

Quality and innovativeness of the proposal

account as well. The projects proposals

in relation to its ‘self healing content’. In

should also indicate which type of ad-

judging the self healing content of the

ditional research to be performed by other

proposed research, a derivative of the scale

parties would be desirable to make the rate

minimal – ideal self healing, indicated in

of progress higher. Collaboration with

table 1 is to be used. Initially, proposals

foreign institutes already working on self

with a break-through approach will be

healing materials is stimulated, but a major

favoured over projects which increase our

part of the work is to be done in the

knowledge in an incremental way. In the

Netherlands

second call for proposals more attention

b.

b.

perspectives on application of the results in

realisation.

the future. Secured commitment of an

Contribution of the proposal to the for-

industrial partner is an advantage, but not

mation of a coherent research line on Self Healing Materials, within the context of the

c.

Relevance for Dutch industry and the

will be given to chances of technical

a prerequisite. c.

Professional expertise and qualifications of

IOP, given the constraints imposed by the

the proposed researcher in terms of skills,

planned fractional effort per material class

competences and productivity manifested

and per activity group.

by the number and level of publications or

Relevance for Dutch industry and the

similar works, and other signs of quality,

perspectives on application of the results

relevant to the research proposed.

in the near future. Secured commitment of

Candidates with a demonstrable expertise

an industrial partner is an advantage at this

in creating radically new research lines

stage, but not a prerequisite.

should receive priority.

As Self Healing Materials are intrinsically aimed

Finally, it should be mentioned that we propose

at improving both durability and reliability,

to nominate some of the leading Dutch scientist

these criteria are not named explicitly here, as

in the field as well as representatives of indus-

they will play a major role in all and every Self

trial parties with major interest in the deve-

Healing Material proposal.

lopment of these materials in the PC and the various AC’s. This will enable us to make the

The criteria for assessment of the combination

best possible strategic decisions in this rapidly

of a final project proposal and the CV of the

emerging field in which many important

proposed researcher are to be refined in further

decisions are to be made at the right time.

discussions within the PC and the AC’s, but

The conflicts of interests which may occur in

should contain the following elements:

voting on project selection will be solved by carefully detailing the voting procedures in

a.

Scientific and technological quality and

separate documents.

innovativeness of the proposal in relation to its ‘self healing content’. The projects

19

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER, NETWORK FORMATION, EMBEDDING AND CONCENTRATION

5

Launching an IOP on Self Healing Materials will lead to the rapid establishment of the field of Self Healing Materials as an important area within the Dutch research community. In order to maximise the start-up rate of the programme, and to have increased flexibility in readjusting the programme, to terminate unsuccessful project routes in a natural way and to explore as many different approaches as possible, we intend to start the programme by hiring post-doctoral researchers on 2 year contracts. At later stages of the IOP programme (in particular during the second 4 year period) a shift towards 4-year PhD projects is foreseen. The knowledge transfer and embedding of the topic will not only be achieved by reports etc. but also by making a new generation of well-trained researchers and students available to the industry.

20

IOP SELF HEALING MATERIALS

CHAPTER 5

For the ultimate success of the programme the

ledge dissemination. Progress meetings will

dissemination, absorption and utilisation of the

generally be held on a 6 monthly basis under

newly established expertise by the Dutch indus-

conditions specified in chapter 6. The cross-fer-

try is of major importance. In this way the

tilisation between the knowledge gained within

impact of the IOP Self Healing Materials will

the separate materials classes will take place

outlive the time span of an 8-year IOP pro-

through the organisation of open national and

gramme and will find solid anchors in the Dutch

international conferences / workshops that will

technology cluster. In this chapter we sketch

address the topic of Self Healing Materials in its

how this objective will be met within the IOP

full width. Moreover, Advanced Networking

Self Healing Materials. The table at the end of

(section 2.3) will play a major role in the

this chapter summarises the activities that will

dissemination and accessibility of newly

lead to realisation of these objectives.

acquired knowledge.

5.1 Knowledge transfer

Generally, the process of knowledge transfer

The field of Self Healing Materials is a truly

will be guided and managed by a Knowledge

interdisciplinary area in its essence. Therefore,

Transfer Committee (see chapter 6). This com-

an ambitious strategy to transfer knowledge

mittee will also identify existing and emerging

between researchers within the programme and

stakeholders in the field and formulate strate-

between researchers and industrial parties is of

gies towards them. The committee will comply

major importance.

with existing and emerging IOP guidelines.

The dissemination of expertise and new con-

5.2 Network formation

cepts to industry will be stimulated by an active

An essential ingredient in the knowledge chain

IP policy: the target within this IOP is set to at

is the creation of sets of interpenetrating net-

least five patent applications yearly. These

works. The IOP network is to grow into a strong

patents will be transferred to existing industrial

network by itself but to have good interaction

partners or start-up companies depending on

with existing national materials and technolo-

the nature of the development and invention.

gical networks.

The SME sector will be engaged by organising a

Further development of the IOP network is

yearly workshop during which not only informa-

achieved by reserving budget for guest

tion about the ongoing research will be presen-

researchers from abroad, the invitation of exter-

ted, but during which the IOP researchers will

nal researchers to the yearly IOP Self Healing

also provide advice to parties interested in the

Materials meeting and by establishing a dual

potential impact of Self Healing Materials for

leadership in the various Advisory Committees

their own products and/or organisation. The

(see chapter 6).

exact format of this part of the workshop is yet to be arranged in consultation with

Finally, this IOP programme can function as a

SenterNovem.

bridge between the existing materials related TTI’s DPI and NIMR as well as to the GTI’s

The exchange of new knowledge between the

TNO/ECN. In this way the success of these TTI’s

researchers in the IOP programme and

can be carried forward into broader application

researchers in industry will generally be

areas. In contrast to the existing TTI’s, within

arranged per materials class, with researchers

this IOP research and innovation are conducted

in the field of theoretical developments playing

within a truly multi-material context. A success-

an important role in the inter-material know-

ful IOP programme on Self Healing Materials

21

CHAPTER 5

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER, NETWORK FORMATION, EMBEDDING AND CONCENTRATION

will most likely foster the co-operation between

5.4 Concentration

the two materials oriented TTI’s, and will open

The ultimate objective of the IOP instrument is

up yet unexplored fields.

the stimulation of strategic research at Dutch universities and research institutes in such a

5.3 Embedding

way that it meets the need for innovation of

The IOP instrument aims at creating networks

Dutch industry. The research field of Self

and systems for co-operation that have a more

Healing Materials is potentially very wide. To

permanent character than the life-span of the

restrict the scope of the field and to build a pro-

IOP programme itself.

gramme of sufficient momentum within the IOP Self Healing Materials we focus on structural

Within this IOP this is established by:

materials, i.e. materials which are load bearing and coatings on such materials. By this demar-

-

Stimulate young researchers to continue

cation of the field the programme is likely to

their work after their IOP project within

develop enough innovative power to lead to

other funding environments. The submis-

valuable innovations within the time frame of

sion of VENI and VIDI proposals by high-

the IOP programme.

potential IOP researchers at the end of

-

their contracts will be actively stimulated.

The chosen concentrated approach of the field

In this way the Dutch universities may be

favours an active co-operation with relatively

offered a new generation of researchers

big industrial partners. The dissemination of

with a common background in an emer-

knowledge to smaller parties is more likely in

ging and promising field of materials

the case of well established and successful

science and engineering.

co-operation with bigger partners. Given the

The creation of scenarios for future appli-

field it is expected that a lot of smaller innova-

cations and design strategies with Self

tions and unexpected niche applications will

Healing Materials will lead to a long term

result from the mainstream research effort

focus. In this IOP a Scenario Committee

which will be offered to SME-companies.

(chapter 6) will guide the development of scenarios for the future use of Self Healing Materials. -

By a fast tender procedure for IOP project proposals, international talented researchers can be offered a position swiftly. The scouting of talent and a fast application procedure will stimulate the fast development of the field, and its embedding in the Dutch technology environment.

-

Provide active support for the creation of start-up companies in niche applications that emerge from the IOP programme. Existing programmes like TechnoPartner will be used to achieve this objective.

22

IOP SELF HEALING MATERIALS

Objective Knowledge transfer

CHAPTER 5

Activity - organise scientific conferences - yearly consultancy workshops for SME’s - publishing in scientific journals, journals for the general public etc - starting with post docs - IP policy (at least five applications yearly). Patents to be transferred to industry. - 2 publications yearly/post doc - website Self Healing Materials - share knowledge among researchers and between researchers and industry through Advanced Networking

Network formation

- dual management (by academia and industry) of the Advisory Committees - annual meetings of the people involved in the IOP Self Healing Materials - invite scientists from neighbouring research fields/funding sources to present their results at IOP events - invite experts from abroad for visits and co-operation - broadening DCMat/BTUD Advanced Networking initiative to the IOP Self Healing Materials - co-operation with international partners (CSIRO, ONERA, UIUC etc) - build on existing networks available within DCMat and those of other partners - foster close collaboration on Self Healing Materials between the 3 TU’s and the RUG - actively involve other players in the materials field (BvM, FOM etc)

Embedding

- stimulate young researchers to continue their IOP research within the NWO VENI/VIDI framework - create scenarios for future application/design with Self Healing Materials - use experience of the Leading Technological Institutes DPI and NIMR and catalyse joint projects between them - attract (international) scientific talent by fast application procedures, where an application for a project includes a proposed candidate. - stimulate start-ups in niche areas related to the field

Concentration

- start with relatively big industrial partners - fine tune the focus of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd money streams involved with Self Healing Materials - optimal use existing research infrastructure and expertise: investment in people rather than in equipment - emphasize talent identifying, finding and retaining - actively collaborate with neighbouring IOP programme such as Oppervlaktetechnologie

Table 3 Overview of activities and approaches for knowledge transfer, network formation, embedding and concentration in the IOP Self Healing Materials

23

6

THE ORGANISATION OF THE IOP

24

IOP SELF HEALING MATERIALS

CHAPTER 6

Steering Committee IOP

Secretary of the Steering Committee IOP (Min. of E.A.) Programme Committee IOP Self Healing Materials

Programme Office (SenterNovem)

Knowledge Transfer Committee

Scenario Committee

Figure 2 Advisory Committee Polymers

Advisory Committee Metals

Advisory Committee Concrete and related materials

Advisory Committee Hybrid materials and composites

Organigram IOP Self Healing Materials

6.1 The Programme Committee The IOP Self Healing Materials will be managed

generating research project proposals. -

by the Programme Committee (PC). This PC will take the strategic decisions concerning the research areas, the clustering of research, the

Select projects for funding, using the criteria that have been formulated in chapter 4 of this report.

-

Monitor and stimulate the progress of the

research projects and the development of a

total research programme and the activi-

knowledge transfer strategy. The PC is also

ties and recommendations of its Advisory

responsible for effectively incorporating the industrial research questions within the pro-

Committees. -

Initiate activities outside the scope of the

gramme and for encouraging researchers to

projects, with the aim of knowledge trans-

base their research proposals on these ques-

fer, network formation and creation of a

tions. The Programme Committee will consist of

higher critical mass in successful areas

a chairman, industrial members, representatives

(concentration) and anchoring of the

of universities and TNO and an IOP Programme Officer (SenterNovem). The activities which the

results obtained. -

PC initiates are aimed at the implementation of the long-term planning (Meerjarenprogramma) and are formulated in the annual plans

Write the annual report and, if necessary, adjust the objectives within the long-term planning or the annual plans.

-

Make recommendations to the Steering

(Jaarplannen) which are presented for approval

Committee IOP with regards to stimulating

to the Steering Committee IOP.

additional research as well as the application of results from the IOP Self Healing

More specific, the Programme Committee has the following tasks and responsibilities: -

Materials research programme. -

Build, expand and maintain a network with

Stipulate the research programme of the

research organisations, researchers, com-

IOP Self Healing Materials.

panies and other intermediate agencies in

Publish calls for proposals with the aim of

relevant areas.

25

CHAPTER 6

THE ORGANISATION OF THE IOP

Based on the scope and ambitions of the total

tation of the IOP. The Programme Office will

research programme defined here and after

take care of the organisational, financial and

extensive discussions with key players in the

administrative side of the implementation of the

field, we have the pleasure of proposing the fol-

IOP regulations. The Programme Officer of

lowing candidates for the PC (see table 4).

SenterNovem is the main contact of the Programme Office. The tasks and responsibili-

The candidates were selected on the basis of

ties of the Programme Office and the

their personal expertise in key domains of the

Programme Officer are:

research, their position in their own organisation and their public reputation for managing

-

complex research programmes involving multi-

-

ple partners effectively and fairly.

The daily functioning of the IOP. Writing the annual plans and annual reports.

-

The organisation of meetings of

Per sub domain a representative from the

Programme Committee, Advisory

knowledge centres and the industry, with com-

Committees and Knowledge Transfer

plementary personal expertises, have been

Committee.

selected. At this stage we are not in a position

-

to name an industrial PC member with a strong

-

background in (molecular) modelling. The search for such a candidate is still ongoing.

The organisation of the calls for proposals. The financial and administrative control of the research projects.

-

The organisation of activities which are not project-related.

6.2 The Programme Office

-

The Programme Office (located at SenterNovem) will support the Programme Committee and ensure the correct implemen-

particular. -

Academia/ Research organisations Chairman Polymers

Table 4

Committee

26

Organise and maintain a network with

Industry

Prof. dr.ir. Sybrand van der Zwaag Prof. dr. Cor E. Koning (Polymer Synthesis) Prof. dr. Stephen J. Picken (Polymer Physics)

Ir. Richard van den Hof (DSM/DPI)

Metals

Prof. dr. ir. Ad H.M. Verkooijen (Metallurgy and Characterisation)

Ir. Jan Bottema (CORUS)

Concrete etc.

Prof. dr. ir. Klaas van Breugel (Concrete Microstructures)

Ir. Jan P.G. Mijnsbergen (CUR)

Composites etc. Prof. dr. ir. Rinze Benedictus (Metals and Hybrids)

Dr. ir. Henk Maatman (Teijin Twaron)

Theory

Prof. dr. Zafer Gurdal (Structures Optimisation)

Candidate NN

Coatings

Prof. dr. ir. Jeff Th. M. De Hosson (Metals and Ceramics)

Dr. Pieter J.A. Geurink (AKZO Nobel)

General

Drs. Dick T.P.M. Koster (TNO)

Candidates for the Programme

Contribute to the reputation of the IOP and the field of Self Healing Materials, in

IOP SELF HEALING MATERIALS

CHAPTER 6

research organisations, researchers, indus-

input or information concerning the indus-

try and other intermediate agencies in the field of Self Healing Materials.

trial feasibility and relevance. -

Monitor the objectives of the projects, and the allocation of time and (financial)

Moreover, the IOP Programme Officer safe-

resources. Attention is paid to the progress

guards a correct implementation of the IOP

of the project and the need for readjust-

regulations, by the standards which are set by SenterNovem and the Ministry of Economic

ment of the project plan. -

Affairs. The Programme Officer keeps contact with the Steering Committee IOP on a regular

-

basis.

Help spread the results under a broader public.

-

6.3 Advisory Committees

Assess if aspects of the project are patentable.

-

Stimulate follow-up studies. Safeguard the success of a project and

The Advisory Committees (AC’s) will be com-

contribute to the success of the IOP Self

posed of experts in the key research field. The

Healing Materials.

AC’s will consist of representatives from industry and universities. The Advisory Committees

6.4 Knowledge Transfer Committee

are to be led by the appropriate PC member for

The Knowledge Transfer Committee (KTC) will

the domain. The Programme Officer is a mem-

outline the market for the new knowledge and

ber of the AC too. The AC’s will meet twice a

develop knowledge transfer tools (e.g. confer-

year with the project leaders and researchers.

ences, workshops, written documentation etc).

Programme members are to be informed at an

Also, activities concerning network formation

early stage about crucial results of the research.

can be initiated by the KTC. The KTC consists of

Publications (posters, papers, etc.) must be pre-

persons with an affinity for the topic, one or

sented to the AC prior to publication, so that an

more representatives from the Programme

assessment can be made as to whether or not

Committee and the IOP Programme Officer. A

the results are patentable. It is the IOP policy to

PC-member will chair the KTC. Furthermore, the

offer the institution hosting the researcher

knowledge coordinator of the IOP can be con-

involved in the patent application first right to

sulted about new knowledge transfer instru-

the patent. These institutions can grant licenses

ments developed at IOP or SenterNovem.

to AC members and/or companies outside the AC. This must be communicated through the

6.5 Scenario Committee

Programme Officer at SenterNovem. In order to

A novel feature of the IOP Self Healing Materials

sell a patent, authorisation by the Minister of

is the Scenario Committee. The Scenario

Economic Affairs (requested by means of the

Committee will consist of ‘visionaries’ with a

Programme Officer) is necessary. More informa-

broad view on the materials industry in general

tion on IP rights is laid down in the Ministerial

and the field of Self Healing Materials in particu-

Regulation IOP and relevant Steering

lar, and the IOP Programme Officer. The

Committee IOP documents.

Scenario Committee will be chaired by a repre-

The Advisory Committees have the following

sentative of the Programme Committee. The

tasks and responsibilities:

Scenario Committee can initiate studies that are aimed at showing the opportunities of Self

-

Provide active guidance and appraisal of

Healing Materials within specific domains and

projects. For example, it will do sugges-

its impact on our society. The funds for these

tions for further research and help with the

studies will come from the budget for stimulat-

making of choices. It can give scientific

ing activities. In this way, new developments

27

CHAPTER 6

THE ORGANISATION OF THE IOP

within the field of Self Healing Materials, and their importance for society, can be identified at an early stage and new opportunities can be exploited. The Scenario Committee can furthermore advise the Programme Committee on themes for special tenders. It is to be foreseen that the membership of the Scenario Committee will change during the course of the IOP programme. The PC is responsible for identifying and approaching potential members for this committee.

6.6 Project leaders and researchers The project leaders and researchers are responsible for carrying out the research projects. They report to the Programme Committee, which also receives advice from the Advisory Committee. Every half year a written report will be submitted and a presentation given during the meetings of the Advisory Committee. Besides doing research, the project leaders and researchers are jointly responsible for the knowledge transfer. In order to enhance the knowledge transfer, several activities will be organised and the available funds will be used for this purpose. Project leaders and researchers will be encouraged to participate in these activities.

28

IOP SELF HEALING MATERIALS

CHAPTER 6

29

7

FINANCE

The financial planning for the IOP Self Healing Materials covers a period of four years, from the second half of 2005 until that of 2009. To mobilise the necessary research capacity to become internationally leading in the field, the Steering Committee IOP is requested to allocate a budget of at least 10.0 M€ for the first phase, with the intention for a similar financial stimulus for a foreseeable second phase. This size of investment, together with neighbouring funding activities, will ensure that the ambitions that are formulated within this IOP can be realised.

30

IOP SELF HEALING MATERIALS

CHAPTER 7

When the programme is well on its way, a new

first 4 year of the IOP Selfhealing Material (i.e.

long-term financial planning will be proposed

100 man-years of research). The exact number

including the foreseeable budgetary develop-

will depend on other project costs.

ments in the second four year phase of the IOP Self Healing Materials. Whether this IOP will be

To maximise the rate of scientific progress for

continued – and in which way – for a second

appointed researchers the yearly bench fee is

four year period will depend on the outcome of

set at a relatively higher level of 20 k€ per

a mid-term evaluation of this IOP.

researcher. In the discussions leading up to this proposal for an IOP programme, there was a

An initial budget of 10 M€ is a major investment

broad consensus amongst academic partners to

indeed, but a budget of this magnitude is appro-

increase the bench fee in exchange of severe

priate given the scope of the field to be covered,

restrictions on granting major investments in

the matching money streams from other

new hardware.

sources and most-of-all the potential to capitalise economically and industrially on the inter-

7.2 Stimulating other activities

nationally strong position we currently have

To stimulate other activities, i.e. activities that

with this proposal.

are not actual research projects, such as knowledge transfer, network forming, concentration

7.1 Knowledge development

and embedding, an amount of 1.5 M€ (15%) has

Assuming the requested budget of 10.0 M€ will

been reserved in the budget.

be granted, 8.2 M€ will be allocated directly to research projects. This budget will be divided

This budget will cover the costs for symposia,

over two tenders, one in 2005/2006, and a sec-

meetings of the Steering Committees, courses

ond tender in 2008 (table 5).

(e.g. consultancy workshop, workshop "how to create your own business"), newsletters, yearly

For the first tender the Programme Committee

reports etc. These expenses will be more or less

aims at funding mainly post-doc positions. For

equally divided over the period of 4 years.

the final tender the Programme Committee will decide whether the creation of PhD-positions

7.3 Management expenses

has to be started. This will depend on the ongo-

A budget of 300 k€ is reserved for the manage-

ing developments in the research field of Self

ment of the IOP Self Healing Materials This

Healing Materials.

budget covers the costs of the Programme Committee, compensation for the chairman and

With a requested budget of 8.2 M€ the anticipat-

other organisational costs, hiring of meeting

ed research effort generated will add up to

rooms, etc. The level of this budget component

about 50 2-year post-doc positions during the

is based on experiences during other IOP’s.

Budget component

2005/2006 (k€)

2007 (k€)

2008 (k€)

2009 (k€)

Total (k€)

- Research activities - Stimulation activities - Management expenses

4.100

-

4.100

-

8.200

300

400

425

375

1.500

80

75

75

70

300

Total (k€)

4.480

Table 5 Finances of the IOP

475

4.600

445

10.000

Self Healing Materials

31

CHAPTER 7

Figure 3 The projected funding situation for research on Self Healing Materials in the Netherlands during the period 2005-2020

32

FINANANCE

7.4 Relation to other funding sources

In this survey of funding schemes we have left

In addition to funding within the framework of

out European money streams through KP6 and

an IOP Self Healing Materials, other funding

KP7 programmes, as predictions about its mag-

resources will be activated to play a role in

nitude and timing can not be made now. An

financing the research in this field. The total

efficient and effective IOP programme will cer-

funding structure for Self Healing Materials

tainly increase our ability to attract major

envisaged is shown schematically in figure 3.

European funding in due course.

The figure shows qualitatively the projected

Irrespective of the decision on the application

funding for research in the field of Self Healing

for an IOP programme, the TU Delft will in the

Materials. Initially funds will come from the

next four years invest at least 3.2 M€ in the field

DCMat and IOP budgets together with adjacent

of Self Healing Materials via the research pro-

funding from the TTI’s and STW. It is foreseen

gramme of the Delft Centre for Materials.

that in the near future the developments will be

Meanwhile, DPI has already granted a number

carried further by industry, which has shown a

of research positions in the field of self healing

strong interest in the topic already.

polymers (coatings as well as engineering plas-

Notwithstanding the role of other partners, the

tics). The NIMR currently has under evaluation

contribution of an IOP Self Healing Materials

proposals for self healing metals and has

will be of crucial value and significance for the

expressed a strong interest in this field.

field. Towards the end of the IOP Self Healing

Representatives of STW have indicated that the

Materials programme the research will have

topic might be eligible for programmatic fund-

gained enough momentum to be carried out

ing, provided that a coherent programme is pro-

mainly by the industry itself.

posed. The first financial support from the

IOP SELF HEALING MATERIALS

CHAPTER 7

industry for the research on self healing asphalt has already been received. By building a portfolio of different funding programmes, research at various risk levels, scientific levels and at different levels of valorisation and commercialisation can be conducted. To conclude, it should be emphasised that developments in materials technology have always lead to abrupt improvements to technology as a whole and the closely related improvement of living standards. The impact of materials technology is such that it appears in the naming of important areas in human history: the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, the Steel Age, the Concrete Age, the Plastic Age and the Silicon Age. With the ongoing development of society there is, and will always be, a need for new materials with a wider range of properties and applications. The property of Self Healing might lead to yet another abrupt jump in technological development.

33

8

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Man-made Self Healing Materials are a new class of materials with a large potential for increasing the durability and reliability of the products made thereof. Self healing materials differ from existing man-made materials in their ability to repair acquired structural damage in-situ and online. The repair can be either autonomously or with minimal help of an external stimulus. This new ability is the result of tailoring the composition and structure of polymers, metals, concrete and related civil materials, and laminates and composites, in a radically novel way.

34

IOP SELF HEALING MATERIALS

This report described the ambitions and set-up

CHAPTER 8

References

of an IOP programme Self Healing Materials in the Netherlands, aimed at creating a strong aca-

[1]

‘Sesam sluit u!’, Kees Versluis, Intermediair 18, 5 mei 2005, p. 46-47

demic-industrial network to develop and apply such materials. The proposal is unique in its scope and breadth, covering all major material

[2]

‘Ambitie, excellentie en actie. Van dijkgraaf

classes and material development as well as

tot art director: voorstellen tot actie van het

applications. The IOP Self Healing Materials

Innovatieplatform’, Rens van Tilburg en

utilises earlier major governmental investments

Florian Bekkers, Innovatieplatform, Den

in materials science and materials technology

Haag, oktober 2004

and the strong position of the Dutch industry in this field.

[3]

‘Onderscheidend vermogen. Sleutelgebiedenaanpak: samen werken aan

A dedicated effort in the form of an IOP Self

innovatie op kansrijke gebieden’, Ministerie

Healing Materials is widely supported by the

van Economische Zaken, publicatie 050I13,

Dutch industry and has the potential of stimulat-

april 2005

ing new economic development over a wide range of materials and industries.

[4]

‘Autonomic Healing of Polymer Composites’, White et al., 2001, Nature, 409, p. 794-817

[5]

‘A Thermally Remendable Cross-Linked Polymeric Material’, Chen et al., 2002, Science, 295, p. 1698-1702

[6]

‘Enhanced Fatigue Resistance by Underageing an Al-Cu-Mg-Ag Alloy’, R.N. Lumley, R.G. O’Donnell, I.J. Polmear, J.R. Griffiths, ICAMP3 Conference, 2004, Melbourne, Australia, p. 256-261.

[7]

’Permeability and Self-healing of Cracked Concrete as a Function of Temperature and Crack Width ‘,H-W Reinhardt and M. Jooss, Cement and Concrete Research, Volume 33, Issue 7, July 2003, p. 981-985

[8]

‘Self-healing Structural Composite Materials’, Kessler et al., 2003, Composites, 34, p. 743-753

35

CHAPTER 8

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

List of abbreviations AC

Advisory Committee

CSIRO

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation

CUR

Civieltechnisch Centrum Uitvoering Research en Regelgeving

CvB

College van Bestuur

DCMat

Delft Centre for Materials

DPI

Dutch Polymer Institute

ECN

Energieonderzoek Centrum Nederland

ESA

European Space Agency

FOM

Stichting Fundamenteel Onderzoek der Materie

GTI

Grote Technologische Instituten

IOP

Innovatief onderzoeksprogramma

IP

Intellectual Property

KTC

Knowledge Transfer Committee

MPI

Max Planck Institute

NASA

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NIMR

Netherlands Institute for Metals Research

NOVEM

Nederlandse Onderneming voor Energie en Milieu

NWO

Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

ONERA

Office National d'Études et de Recherches Aérospatiales

PC

Programme Committee

PTN

Polymeertechnology Nederland

RUG

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

SME

Small and Medium sized Enterprise

STW

Stichting voor de Technische Wetenschappen

TNO

Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek

TTI

Technologisch topinstituut

TUD

Technische Universiteit Delft

TU/e

Technische Universiteit Eindhoven

UIUC

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

UTwente

Universiteit Twente

VENI/VIDI

Grants from NWO for young doctorates (VENI) to develop their ideas, and for more experienced researchers (VIDI) to establish their own research line.

36

IOP SELF HEALING MATERIALS

CHAPTER 8

37

APPENDIX 1 INTERMEDIAIR

ZELFHERSTELLEND MATERIAAL HEEFT REVOLUTIONAIR NIEUWE MOGELIJKHEDEN

SESAM SLUIT U! Kogelgaten die vanzelf dichtgaan, beton dat zijn eigen betonrot geneest, krassen op autolak die spontaan verdwijnen: self healing materials veroorzaken een revolutie in de materiaalwetenschap. De TU Delft heeft het onderzoeksroer er radicaal voor omgegooid.

Door Kees Versluis

een grapje, de publicatie door de Amerikaan Scott White in het prestigieuze blad Nature in 2001,

Stel, je schiet een kogel door een (vliegtuig-)

herinnert Van der Zwaag zich. White beschreef

wand, en binnen een seconde is het gat weer

hoe hij een plastic voorwerp had volgestopt met

dicht. Vanzelf. Net als het tunneltje dat achterblijft

piepkleine bolletjes gevuld met vloeibare lijm.

wanneer een suikerklontje wegzinkt in het schuim

Vervolgens belastte hij het plastic, waardoor na

van een kop cappuccino: na een paar tellen ver-

verloop van tijd kleine scheurtjes ontstonden. De

dwenen. Kan dat? Ja, dat kan, schrijft de

scheurtjes bereikten ook de lijmbolletjes, die

Amerikaanse hoogleraar scheikunde Richard Wool

openknapten en met hun kleverige goedje de

op Internet. Hij heeft het zelf gezien, een proef met

scheur volledig opvulden. In gang gezet door een

een nieuw soort polymeer (plastic) van de

ander stofje dat White aan het plastic had

Amerikaanse ruimtevaartorganisatie Nasa. De in

toegevoegd – een keramische katalysator –

het polymeer ingebouwde metaalionen werden zo

hardde de lijm uit. Het beschadigde plastic

warm rond het kogelgat dat ze mobiel werden,

behield daardoor 75 procent van zijn oorspronke-

naar het gat stroomden en vervolgens weer stol-

lijke sterkte, terwijl de scheurtjes waren verdwe-

den: weg gat. Reuze handig als een vliegtuig op

nen. Aanvankelijk had Van der Zwaag het idee

tien kilometer hoogte kogelgaten oploopt door

van White ook niet zo serieus genomen, geeft hij

schietende kapers of terroristen. ‘Klopt, van die

toe. Geen wonder, want een eeuw lang had de

proef’, zegt ook Sybrand van der Zwaag, hoog-

wetenschap feitelijk alleen gewerkt aan sterkere

leraar-directeur van het Delft Centre for Materials.

en stijvere materialen. Zelfherstellend vermogen:

‘Het kogelgat van zeven millimeter doorsnede was

nooit aan gedacht. Maar de spottende glimlach

in eentiende van een seconde weer dicht. Helaas

van de allereerste critici heeft inmiddels plaats-

zegt Nasa er weinig over: geheim.’ Niet geheim is

gemaakt voor diep ontzag. Want in de afgelopen

dat het hier gaat om een radicaal nieuwe ontwik-

vier jaar is langzaam duidelijk geworden dat

keling in de materiaalwetenschap. Self Healing

White’s idee wel eens tot een revolutie in de

Materials oftewel zelfherstellende materialen: rond

materiaalwetenschappen kan leiden. De TU Delft

de millenniumwisseling had geen wetenschapper

heeft al haar materiaalonderzoek (22 leerstoelen)

er ooit van gehoord, inmiddels lijkt het fenomeen

inmiddels die kant op gebogen. Self healing

uit te groeien tot een hype.

materials vormen een van de dertien ‘speerpunten’ van de universiteit. Het ministerie van

38

Sterker en stijver

Economische Zaken maakt binnenkort waar-

Sommige materiaalwetenschappers zagen het als

schijnlijk bekend dat het miljoenen euro’s sub-

5 MEI 2005 INTERMEDIAIR 18

sidie in het totaal nieuwe onderzoek gaat steken

reageren ze met elkaar tot een klein plaatje, een

(via een zogenaamd IOP-programma voor inno-

‘precipitaat’. Dat vormt een lokale versteviging.

vatiegericht onderzoek). Ook aan andere univer-

Een soort gewapend aluminium, zou je kunnen

siteiten in de wereld heeft White’s concept inmid-

zeggen. Maar wordt het aluminium niet zwakker

dels wortel geschoten. Begin april waren de hot-

door die vrij bewegende atomen? ‘Bij metalen

shots uit het gloednieuwe vakgebied voor het

gebeurt dat misschien een klein beetje’, zegt Van

eerst bijeen, in Noordwijk. ‘Een heel bijzondere

der Zwaag. ‘Maar de voordelen zijn groter.

sfeer’, zegt organisator Van der Zwaag. ‘Want we

Metaalonderzoekers zullen straks niet meer uit-

zijn allemaal aan het pionieren, er is geen enkel

sluitend moeten zoeken naar nog sterkere materi-

handboekdat je kunt opslaan.’

alen, maar een balans moeten vinden tussen sterkte en zelfreparerend vermogen.’

Deeltjes op trektocht Dat pionieren zal nog wel even doorgaan, al was

Trucs uit biologieboeken

het maar omdat de inmiddels uitgedachte – en

Zelfherstellende plástics hebben overigens niet

soms totaal verschillende – zelfreparerende tech-

per definitie last van sterkteverlies, vervolgt de

nieken momenteel over elkaar heen buitelen. Zo

Delftse prof. Want de bestaande plasticsoorten

hebben wetenschappers van de vermaarde

zitten al volgepropt met losse elementjes. Kleine

Princeton Universiteit in de VS de lijmbolletjes-

bolletjes die voor brandvertraging zorgen bijvoor-

methode van White verbeterd. Wachten de bollet-

beeld, of voor de kleur, voor elasticiteit… Daar

jes bij White bewegingloos op het moment dat

kunnen die zelfreparerende bolletjes straffeloos

een scheur hen toevallig splijt, de Princeton-

bij worden gestopt. Van der Zwaag: ‘Onze botten

lijmpakketjes ‘zwemmen’ vrij in het plastic rond.

zijn ook niet minder sterk doordat ze in staat zijn

Bovendien zijn ze elektrisch geladen. Wordt het

zelf breuken te repareren.’

materiaal periodiek onder spanning gezet, dan beginnen de deeltjes aan een trektocht en

Het menselijk lichaam (wonden die vanzelf dicht-

belanden ze vanzelf in de ontstane scheuren,

groeien) en de rest van de natuur (bomen die

waar ze versmelten tot een vaste substantie.

extra bast aanmaken als takken te zwaar worden) zijn sowieso razend interessant geworden voor

Dat is een slimme truc voor plastics, omdat daarin

materiaalwetenschappers. Want de natuur blijkt

genoeg ruimte is voor deeltjes om vrij heen en

vele trucs ontwikkeld te hebben om zichzelf te

weer te bewegen. Maar vanwege de harde kristal-

repareren. Van der Zwaag en veel collega’s zijn

structuur is zoiets in een metaal onmogelijk, was

dan ook in de biologie-boeken gedoken.

tot voor kort de gedachte. Maar ook dat ‘taboe’ is

‘Rechtstreeks kopiëren van methoden van de

onlangs doorbroken. Tot verbazing van velen

natuur is vaak niet mogelijk. Maar inspiratie geeft

hebben Australische wetenschappers een alumini-

het ons zeker.’

um ontwikkeld waarbij het wel werkt’, zegt Van der Zwaag. Mogelijk is dat een uitkomst voor de

Dat geldt ook voor ouderwetse bouwtechnieken.

vliegtuigindustrie. Want in aluminium ontstaan na

Zo ontdekte de Delftse bouwkundehoogleraar

verloop van tijd altijd haarscheurtjes; inspecties

Rob van Hees dat oude stadsbruggen in bijvoor-

daarop kosten veel tijd en geld.

beeld Amsterdam, Delft en Utrecht – onbedoeld – ook een zelfreparerend mechanisme blijken te

De Australische metallurg Roger Lumley wist via

bezitten. Hij verbaasde zich er altijd al over dat die

een simpel proces ‘vreemde atomen’ (zoals koper

bruggen zo ontzettend lang intact bleven, terwijl

en zilver) toch mobiel te krijgen in het alumini-

ze volgens de boekjes al lang aan betonrot

umkristalrooster. Belanden deze atomen in de

bezweken hadden moeten zijn.

buurt van ontluikende vermoeiingsscheurtjes, dan

39

5 MEI 2005 INTERMEDIAIR 18

APPENDIX 1 INTERMEDIAIR

Dat komt door de kalkachtige componenten in het

riaal dat van tijd tot tijd onder stroom wordt gezet

steen van de bruggen, zo is later uit onderzoek

of met uv-licht beschenen om zelfreparerende

gebleken. Ontstaat er een scheur in de brug, dan

mechanismen in gang te zetten.

trekt het vocht in de steen – bij modern beton het begin van het einde. Maar bij de klassiek

Repareren met uv-licht

Hollandse bruggetjes blijkt dat vocht juist die

Maar de allereerste toepassingen van zelfhelende

kalkachtige stoffen los te weken, die zich vervol-

materialen verwacht Van der Zwaag in de con-

gens laagje voor laagje afzetten in de scheur, net

sumentenmarkt. Op bouwmaterialen, of op verf.

zo lang tot deze dicht is. Zelfreparerend materiaal

Nu begint verf na een aantal jaren voorzichtig af

avant la lettre.

te bladderen, waardoor eronder rot of roest optreedt. Door speciale verf periodiek te bestralen

Romeins cement

(met uv-licht bijvoorbeeld) zou een zelfreparerend

Niet alleen de vroegere Hollandse bouwmeesters,

mechanisme in werking kunnen worden gezet.

ook de oude Romeinse gebruikten waarschijnlijk

Van der Zwaag: ‘In de toekomst krijg je misschien

een cementvorm met zelfreparerende eigen-

om de zoveel jaar een briefje in de bus dat van

schappen, zo is het vermoeden. En dat terwijl het

tien tot elf uur de verflaag van het gebouw wordt

Romeinse cement tot voor kort als minder-

gerepareerd. Dat zou prachtig zijn. En heel lang

waardig bekendstond, omdat het minder sterk

hoeft dat niet meer te duren, ik denk dat we op dit

was en veel langer moest uitharden dan de

gebied over tien jaar heel ver kunnen

moderne varianten. ‘Dat lange uitharden kwam

zijn.’Krassen op auto of zonnebril: het zelfde ver-

waarschijnlijk door de kalk’, zegt Van der Zwaag.

haal. ‘Akzo Coatings is bijzonder geïnteresseerd in

Ouderwets cement staat weer volop in de aan-

ons onderzoek.’

dacht van de Delftse wetenschappers. Want ook

40

beton (een mengsel van cement, zand, grind en

Ongetwijfeld peperduur, die toekomstige zelfrepar-

water) willen ze zelfreparerend gaan maken.

erende materialen? Vanwege de hoge ontwikkel-

Hetzij met een op White geïnspireerde lijmbollet-

ingskosten zullen ze inderdaad in eerste instantie

jestruc, hetzij door terug te grijpen op het oude

duurder zijn dan ‘ouderwetse’varianten, geeft de

recept met kalkachtige oplossingen. ‘Het moderne

Delftse materialenman toe. ‘Maar als het principe

beton bezit nauwelijks nog kalkachtige stoffen.

eenmaal op grote schaal wordt toegepast, zie ik

Die zijn eruit gehaald omdat het zo sterk mogelijk

niet in waarom het duurder zou zijn dan andere

moest zijn. Maar misschien moeten we er toch

materialen. Er zijn geen duurdere grondstoffen of

weer naar gaan kijken en het bewust inbouwen’,

veel ingewikkelder fabricageprocessen nodig dan

zegt Van der Zwaag.

bij conventionele materialen. ’

Toepassingen voor zelfherstellende materialen

Of die grootschalige toepassing er ooit komt, zal

zijn er te over, verwacht de materiaalwetenschap-

van materiaal tot materiaal verschillen. Wat te

per. Oliepijpleidingen bijvoorbeeld, die nu voort-

denken van het plastic automend, recent

durend op lekken moeten worden gecontroleerd

ontwikkeld aan de Los Angeles-vestiging van de

en die op sommige plaatsen – in Siberië bijvoor-

University of California? Bij kamertemperatuur is

beeld – kleine natuurrampen veroorzaken. Of

het doorzichtig en hard. Maar bij een graad of

rioolstelsels. Of elektronica: vaak kan een comput-

honderd wordt het week. Is dus je bord, kopje of

er worden weggegooid als een klein chipje het

schotel van automend in stukken gevallen, dan

begeeft. Het zou ideaal zijn als een chip zichzelf

geen paniek, zeggen de Californische weten-

zou kunnen repareren. Of vliegtuigen: worden ze

schappers. Scherven tegen elkaar, aansteker eron-

niet van het nieuwe Australische aluminium

der en na een tijdje zit de boel weer aan elkaar.

gemaakt, dan misschien van een composietmate-

www.intermediair.nl