What are the magnetic- and electric properties of the deformed (cut) edge of non-oriented iron-silicon electrical steel and its impact on “magnetic air gap” in electrical motors and generators

Electrical steel laminations are used in motors & generators after punching, laser cutting, EDM or water jet cutting to produce the slots and external dimensions at the yoke side and at the air gap side. These operations leave behind a deformed or damaged portion comparable to the lamination thickness with different magnetic properties. These are not well quantified (including as a function of frequency) and not usually included in electromagnetic models of the machine. As we go to higher efficiency machines, it would be interesting to model the lamination stack including the cut edge properties. Creating bulk microstructure corresponding to the processed edge in samples that can be measured in, for example an Epstein frame or similar equipment, would be an option. Ultimately, we would like to know how much will be the impact of cut edge modification on the overall machine losses.

What is the understanding for electrowear mechanism in dry sliding electrical contacts ( and how to test it)?

We are searching for knowledge and competence of electrowear in dry sliding electrical contacts. In addition, we would have insights in how to test is in a relevant way.

How to mitigate the effect of extreme transient/flash temperatures in polymer – polymer sliding surfaces?

We are interested in applications where a polymer are sliding towards another polymer. The question is how to mitigate the extreme transient/flash temperatures in those cases.

6423: How can Sweden create the best materials from industrial hemp and how can we create a market for hemp-based products?

6426: What are/could be the most promising material applications for industrial hemp in Europe/Sweden?

6423: Hemp Innovations Europe AB is a Stockholm-based company driving bioinnovation with industrial hemp to lead Europe toward a circular economy, pioneering sustainable solutions for environmental stewardship and economic sustainability. By engaging with stakeholders across the entire value chain – from seed producers and farmers to product developers and processers, retailers, and customers – we aim to leverage the innovative capabilities of industrial hemp to accelerate the implementation of sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. This could include the development of new bio-based materials, energy sources, or other products derived from industrial hemp to contribute to the goals of a circular economy.

6426: Hemp is probably the most versatile plant on the planet. Historically, hemp has provided over
50, 000 different bio products over thousands of years. Given that the plant also absorbs more than 15 tons of CO2 per hectare, hemp has the potential to play a significant role in addressing climate change.
Hemp Innovations Europe AB is a Stockholm-based company driving bioinnovation with industrial hemp to lead Europe toward a circular economy, pioneering sustainable solutions for environmental stewardship and economic sustainability. By engaging with stakeholders across the entire value chain – from seed producers and farmers to product developers and processers, retailers, and customers – we aim to leverage the innovative capabilities of industrial hemp to accelerate the implementation of sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. This could include the development of new bio-based materials, energy sources, or other products derived from industrial hemp to contribute to the goals of a circular economy.

In-depth characterization of the Zn/Al/O ratio of Zn/Al metallization?

Metallized polypropylene films are used as dielectric in capacitors. The thickness of the vapour-deposited metallization is in the order 10-20 nm, whereas the polypropylene is in the order of 10 micrometer. How do the ratio between Zn/Al vary throughout the thickness of the metallization – and how is the composition changed after ageing?

Methods to define in a quantitative way of thermal degradation of paper

The electrical insulation of power transformers consist of oil and oil impregnated paper.
The lifetime of the transformer is more than 30 years and ultimately limited by degradation of the electrical
insulation. In particular the solid insulation, i.e. impregnated paper, will change is properties during the
service of the transformer. The general assumption is that the aging of paper components
(cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) is driven by both temperature and
moisture. This picture, however, might be oversimplified, since the fiber structure is
not addressed.

What chemical reactions takes place on the powder particle surface during heating of an evacuated capsule?

During heating in the start of the HIP processes there is a segregation of oxygen taking place where there is a reduction in oxygen content in the central parts of the capsule and in increase at the exterior. It is believed that this is caused by desorption of water from the powder surface and consequential oxidation of the powder surface from this water vapor. Furthermore, in C-containing material there is oxide reduction when C reacts with Fe-oxides. The formed gaseous species from the reaction can then also oxidize the surface of the powder by forming oxides with elements that have higher affinity to oxygen e.g. Ti, Al and Cr. The segregation of oxygen is driven by the changing partial pressures of the gaseous species during the reduction/oxidation processes combined with the temperature gradient.
This theory needs to be confirmed and step one is identifying what chemical reactions there are inside the capsule during heating of the evacuated capsule.

Is there a positive effect on HISC resistance by lowering the austenite spacing in Duplex Stainless Steels well below 30µm?

That a finer austenite spacing is beneficial for the HISC resistance is well known. It is also well known that HIP DSS has a better HISC resistance than forged material due to this. In some cases, forged material can reach austenite spacing of 25-30µm while HIP always below 15µm. We would like to understand if there is a large difference in HISC resistance between 25 and 15µm as well as if there is a benefit of even lower austenite spacing e.g. 10µm.

What materials are biocompatible with human body to be included in menstrual products?

There is no standard or regulation of controlling chemicals in menstrual products nor is there any surveillance of the manufacturing process of menstrual products or regulations for companies that design/develop these. In 2018, the Swedish Chemicals Agency, made a one-time publication about a performed directed analysis of menstrual products with a new set up and method (not validated or tried before by the Agency) and identified at least 20+ potentially dangerous chemicals. Their conclusion was that menstrual products were still safe to use as those chemicals where of a small amount AND theoretically thought not to be absorbed by the body without taking into accout its actual re-occuring usage. Yet, the safe use, the accumulation of chemical use and the exposure to them throughout the life time of a menstruator is not known or cannot be guaranteed – both short term and long term.
Nonetheless, clinical data show that menstruators suffer more from pain, heavy bleedning, hromonal disturbances, reproductive health disorders, changed vaginal microbiome and high risk of premature births. Scientific data also show that chemical and polluted air have a toxicological effect on the reproductive system, hence no one can exclude the fact that it is not due to chemical products such as menstrual products.
The materials in its final finished design/product have never been tested for biocompatiblity, that is, being biologically safe to use by women, children and anyone who menstruates.
THe manufacturing method and the constituent materials have remained the same for decades and lack innovation due to the stigma arround women’s health and menstrual health, aslo menstrual products.

Can a cost-effective wearable be designed to continuously monitor reproductive hormones such as FSH, LH, Progesterone, DHEAS, S-HBG and Estrogen?

Numerous established technologies facilitate continuous monitoring of various biomarkers, but a significant gap exists in the market—specifically, the absence of a device capable of continuously measuring and tracking reproductive hormone levels. This gap is crucial for managing menstrual health, addressing reproductive conditions, and understanding perimenopause. Scientific literature and clinical data affirm that external factors like stress, medication, physical activities (especially among athletes), and chemical pollution can notably impact reproductive hormones. Given the ongoing discoveries in this field, there is a pressing need for a simple yet sophisticated solution to tackle these challenges.

While the most accurate way to test hormones is currently through blood withdrawal at sampling facilities, some at-home tests for certain hormones in urine are available. However, what is lacking is a wearable device capable of measuring these hormones directly in blood. While some sensors measure sweat and temperature for the indirect management of certain conditions, none currently utilize blood for this purpose.

Physical and chemical characterization of Cathode Active Material surface

Physical and chemical characterization of Cathode Active Material surface. Need to investigate at very high resolution, both lateral and vertical. Chemical, physical properties. To learn more about CAM synthesis and performance.

How can we reduce critical raw materials usage in electrochemical technologies?

The newly created Centre for Electrochemical Flow Systems (CELFS) hosting WIRA-Sustainable Electrochemical Technologies (WIRA-SET) funded by Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE) is a research arena on sustainable electrochemical technologies. CELFS/WIRA SET focuses on the development and implementation of electrochemical flow systems with an emphasis on addressing the challenges of not only scaling materials from laboratory proof of concept to pre-industrial demonstrations but also addressing the implications of regulations on per-polyfluorinated alkyl substances and critical raw materials, PFAS and CRM respectively, which are presently utilized in most flow electrochemical applications.
Electrochemical technologies, depending on the application, make use of any number of CRM, particularly PGM in electrodes, catalysts, electrolytes, vessels etc. CRMs have a high supply risk and are essential for nearly all electronic, and green technologies. The European Union has adopted the Critical raw material act in June 2023 (2) which lists CRM and strategic raw materials (SRM) and includes targets for domestic extraction and processing as well as recycling and circularity. Extraction of and processing of CRM is highly energy intensive and can have severe environmental and societal impact. To remain sustainable, and to legitimately carry the ‘green’ badge, electrochemical technologies, flow and otherwise, must reduce CRM consumption, identify, and develop circularization strategies, and seek lower impact alternatives. Targeting PGMs in electrochemical technologies is an excellent initial strategy and will be a perennial focus point of WIRA-SET throughout its themes.

Can we replace fluoropolymers in electrochemical technologies?

The newly created Centre for Electrochemical Flow Systems (CELFS) hosting WIRA-Sustainable Electrochemical Technologies (WIRA-SET) funded by Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE) is a research arena on sustainable electrochemical technologies. CELFS/WIRA SET focuses on the development and implementation of electrochemical flow systems with an emphasis on addressing the challenges of not only scaling materials from laboratory proof of concept to pre-industrial demonstrations but also addressing the implications of regulations on per-polyfluorinated alkyl substances and critical raw materials, PFAS and CRM respectively, which are presently utilized in most flow electrochemical applications.
Electrochemical technologies rely heavily on PFAS containing materials due to their superb chemical resistance, e.g., sealing materials and membranes, as well as fluid handling and vessels. However, it is likely that PFAS will be regulated in Europe and abroad (1), and companies are already phasing out production of PFAS containing products and precursors (3). PFAS, according to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is nearly exhaustive in its inclusion of fluorinated organic compounds, and includes not only waterborne substances, but also fluorinated polymers like (F)FKM and PTFE are ubiquitous in electrochemical flow technologies. The phasing out of fluoropolymers without viable replacements is a real concern. Currently, there are alternative materials for specific applications, but no drop-in replacements that match the performance of fluoropolymers and elastomers. Without validated sealing and membrane materials, many of the green electrochemical technologies like RFB, electrolysers and fuel cells will not be possible.

What alternative measures, including the use of better anti-slip materials, could Region Gotland implement to minimize the adverse effects of PM10 in the city?

Problem with PM10 (nanoparticles) spreading from traffic and road surfaces in Visby, Region Gotland:
Visby has the worst measured air quality in all of Sweden, believed to be due to the use of limestone gravel for sanding, unlike other places that usually use granite. In Gotland, there’s a tradition of not using road salt for environmental and water quality reasons. Region Gotland is now planning to test the use of granite, but other places that use granite also face PM10 issues. With stricter EU regulations, this issue has national and international significance.

The goal for Region Gotland is to prevent particles from becoming airborne, and possible measures for Region Gotland could include:
– Removal of particles (Vacuum)
– Use of methods such as vacuuming to eliminate particles.-
– Anticipate negative weather conditions and implement appropriate measures.
– Utilize substances like salt brine to bind and control the particles.

https://gotland.se/luftkvalitet

How can we optimize the potential of lignin-based resins for use in high-performance fiber-reinforced composites?

At RenFuel, we specialize in the valorization of lignin, a residue from the forest industry, by chemically modifying the lignin and developing biomaterials and biofuels. One of our material families consists of curable thermosetting resins, which can be combined with fibers to form composites. We aim at replacing existing composites that often require fossil-based/hazardous/CO2 intensive resins. We would like to systematically investigate and try to predict the resulting properties of composites stemming from various chemical modifications, various types of fibers used as reinforcement, or various production processes. Such investigations would include, among others, modelling, simulations, lab-scale processing prototypes and mechanical characterization techniques.

How can you calculate magnetic properties in materials/alloys in an automatic way?

To be completed