PhD. position (4 years) : Development of a new type of biomedical bioabsorbable zinc-based metal matrix composites.

The aim of the doctoral thesis is the development of a new generation of biomedical zinc (Zn)-based bulk metal matrix composites (MMC) fabricated by powder metallurgy (PM) approach with ultrafine-grained (UFG) structures in-situ stabilized by nanometric zincite (ZnO) dispersoids with the mechanical, corrosion and biological properties optimized for implantology, namely for an application of stents and orthopedic internal fixation devices, and which address the shortcomings of contemporary bioabsorbable materials. During the interdisciplinary work the doctoral student will be responsible for: i) fabrication and optimization of MMC by various PM technologies, ii) microstructural characterisation and mechanical testing, iii) study of expected stabilizing effect induced by in-situ ZnO dispersoids into highly strained UFG Zn grain structure, iv) study on corrosion behavior in simulated body fluids and v) in-vitro biological cell culture response of MMC extracts. The doctoral student will be required for both experimental and analytical type of research. The doctoral student will have to handle various technologies of PM, will use the methods of thermal analysis (TGA, DSC) and electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), spectrometric methods (EBSD, EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), mechanical (tensile tests, DMA, creep, fatigue, hardness) and corrosion tests, at collaborative bases he/she will participate on in-vitro cell culture biological response (MTT, ROS, comet, bactericidal study) assays. The doctoral thesis will be supported by a relevant research project and the student will work closely with the Biomedical centre SAS and other foreign institutions. A previous experience related to a materials research, fluent and active knowledge of the English language, the ability to work in a dynamic team and independence are required.