INSTM

The aim of NEWTEAM project is to develop ad assess alloys by Powder Bed Additive Manufacturing (PB-AM) processes to be applied on next generation of low pressure turbine (LPT) blades production. - NEWTEAM will develop a modification in terms of chemical composition for the Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy tailored on the needs of Electron Beam Melting (EBM) process and contemporary NEWTEAM will develop an optimization of the post processing heat treatments of this alloy both in terms of Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) and Heat Treatment (HT) customized to exploit the feature microstructure and phase composition of as-EBM material in order to increase the mechanical performances. - NEWTEAM will increase the Topic Manager portfolio in terms of Nickel-base superalloys processed by Laser Beam Melting (LBM) for high temperature applications to be employed for LPT blades, performing an extensive optimization of the LBM process parameters for 2 Ni-base alloys. Contemporary NEWTEAM will develop an optimization of the post processing heat treatments of these alloys both in terms of HIP, HT and part surface finishing. - NEWTEAM will test and validate the 3 materials developed during the project (1 Ti-48-2-2 based + 2 Ni-base alloys) with an extensive mechanical characterization with at least a NADCAP certification. - NEWTEAM will fabricate representative LPT blades via PB-AM together with non conventional hollow ones. The final goal is to achieve at least a TRL 3. - NEWTEAM will develop an enhanced process simulation tool for EBM process, tailored on Titanium Aluminides alloys capable to give information about the properties of the material in terms of final chemistry and microstructure. - NEWTEAM will develop a surface finishing post processing for complex shapes (like hollow blades) produced by LBM in Ni-base alloys in order to avoid the needs of machining of the parts since machining means to limit the freedom of shape complexity, that is in principle enabled by AM design.

While mature solar technologies (i.e. photovoltaics, photo-electrochemical cells) cannot simultaneously address the multi-faceted future energy challenge, PLANKT-ON aims to develop a disruptive net-zero emissions technology to both address the global energy demand and reoxygenation of our planet. Inspired by Nature, we propose to assemble the first synthetic plankton-like protocells that autonomously utilise light, water, and CO2 to produce O2 and formate, as a green H2 vector. To this aim, the plankton-like protocells will be shaped as containers of two synergic subdomains mimicking the natural plastids and the CO2-enzyme organelles. The artificial plastid (1st type proto-organelle) will utilise light to oxidise H2O to O2 and reduce a methyl viologen (MV) cofactor, this latter will feed the CO2-rich proto-organelle to selectively produce formate by a cascade enzymatic reaction. We are expecting that this original bio-inspired strategy will open a route to sustainable solar hydrogen. The long term impact is envisaged for scientific innovation in groundbreaking solar-technology, going beyond the conventional photoelectrochemical cabled asset, and readily exploitable for empowering the EU vision for “Smart Buildings as Micro-Energy Hubs” in the world. Fundamental Research advances will be monitored by PLANKT-ON innovation radar activities, protected by our IP policy and disseminated to reach the expected stakeholders and the general public. Multidisciplinary collaboration among the 6 partners, from 4 EU countries, 5 research centres, and 1 technology-based company, underpins the project activities that will target the EU mission. PLANKT-ON counts on the valuable experience of its Scientific Advisory Committee where international renowned scientists from Princeton (USA), Berkeley (USA), Tokyo (Japan) and EPFL-Lausanne (Switzerland) will contribute to the results evaluation and benchmarking in the field of light management, photo-catalysis and green H2 transport.