Prof. Andrzej Bledzki

Nonmetallic materials seem to not only ever more frequently replace classic applications of metals, but also can be used to manufacture products and structures with unique properties. The key area of interest and activity for the Section will be to develop materials with performance characteristics better than the current ones, materials with lower density, produced with lower energy and from recycled sources. Polymer materials are researched by various scientific teams in academic Mechanical and Chemical Faculties as well as Polish Academy of Sciences and the Łukasiewicz Research Network. Since the research issues of polymer materials are to be found within the triangle of chemistry – physics – mechanics, the crucial thing would be their integration and cooperation.

The activities of the Section of Nonmetallic Materials will be divided into the following teams:

• Team of Composite Materials – new, light materials and composite structures with improved impact resistance and dynamic properties, the application of renewables. The aimed integration and patronage of already existing structures: Polish Society of Composite Materials (mainly scientists) and Polish Cluster of Composite Technologies (mainly entrepreneurs),

• Team of Polymer Materials – polymers and property modifiers based also on renewables (biomass), processing of polymer materials to obtain better properties, to save energy, utilize products and applications of polymer materials in medicine, packaging, automotive and electronic industries,

• Team of Ceramic Materials – light, ceramic materials with improved impact resistance, novel manufacturing processes, production and application of energy-efficient ceramic products.  

Forms of activity

• to develop guidelines in the area of nonmetallic materials for projects and programs organized by the National Center for Research and Development, ministries and governors of provinces, academic courses and activities of research institutes,

• rotational working meetings in different scientific centers or large production plants,

• a presentation introducing the host of the center on a topic adequate for the center,

• presentations delivered by other members of the team, or by invited (foreign) speakers,

• presentations delivered by invited speakers from important industrial centers,

• visits to laboratories or industrial plants (if the meeting is organized in a factory).

Prior to presentations delivered by invited speakers, the current matters of the Section / Team are to be discussed. In the long run, we plan to host / co-host a Central European conference on e.g. a large EU project coordinated by a Section member. As part of the conference, competitions for the best doctoral dissertation and a poster are also planned.

The current activities include participation in The International Trade Fair of Composite Materials in Cracow. This year the fair is planned to take place remotely on 17th and 18th November. The program prepared by COMPOSITE-EXPO and Polish Cluster of Composite Technologies includes six presentation sessions, an introduction delivered by a professor (with participation of German scientists) and several presentations delivered by companies that participate in the fair.