In the last years of the twentieth century technical development has reached a new phase. The progress in material science has established the conditions for the production of macroscopic systems possessing highly ordered substructures in the nanometer size (1 nm = 10^-9 m). Because of the highly ordered structure the physical and chemical properties of matter differ profoundly from those systems processed by using traditional technologies, allowing the application of these materials for high-tech purposes, like data storage, optical applications, space technology, surface protection, etc. In order to support the ever increasing possibilities in application, the funds spent by the most developed countries (European Union, Japan, USA) for research in nanotechnology is substantial and is continuously increasing at the beginning of the third century. The aim of our project is to establish the technology of environmentally-friendly, nanostructured coatings, which could be effectively applied to protect metal surfaces against the impact of various influences, and which may be applied in many practical fields. Special care will be devoted to develop new, efficient, environmentally friendly, high quality products, which may contribute to the competitiveness of Hungarian industry. Use of the professional capacity of the consortium will make possible that Hungary becomes an attractive place of investment.

Project co-oordinator: Prof. Dr. Erika Kálmán