BrainMap

Ioan Cristian Morari

Researcher - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Researcher

Web of Science ResearcherID: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/426447

Expertise & keywords

Development of active thermal-wave methodologies for non-destructive evaluation and thermophotonic imaging of teeth Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-1507 2015 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/ru136/index.htm

Abstract:

The main objective of the project is to improve the performance in dental diagnosis and to show that using different types of modulation sources (lasers, LEDs), modulation schemes, and complex image processing algorithms, one can construct high resolution images of defective zones of teeth.

The main investigation technique will be infrared lock-in thermography, which is a non-contact and non-invasive tool.

In order to evaluate the adaptation between restorative materials and tooth, an automatic defect detection methodology will be implemented.The method will allow the assessment of both marginal and internal microgaps located at the interface between tooth and filling. The progression of demineralization of enamel with time, for specimens undergoing different treatment demineralization periods, will also be analyzed. 2D maps of the demineralized zones of dental tissue and of the interfaces will be obtained, highlighting the areas with defects .

The method will be validated by complementary techniques: SEM and X-ray diffraction.

The improvement of the manufacturing technology of lead-acid batteries to be used for start-and-stop automobiles Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1226 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); ROMBAT S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/rombss/

Abstract:

We propose a methodology for the improvement of fabrication technology for the positive electrodes used as components in the lead-acid batteries produced at sc rombat sa . The final goal of our consortium is to improve the current technology used by industrial partner for fabrication of the batteries to be used for start-and-stop automobiles (i.e . To satisfy the j240 – sae and en 50342-6 quality tests) . The proposed approach is designed for the optimization of the scientific and technological steps involved in the fabrication of positive electrodes . It integrates the fundamental knowledge obtained from ab initio calculations, synthesis of new chemical compounds, fabrication of new alloys and structural characterization of the materials used to fabricate the electrode, at both nanoscopic and mesoscopic scale . The key element for the integration of all these activities is the fabrication and characterization of functional prototypes by the industrial partner.

The main problem to be solved is to control the corrosion of the positive electrode during the charge-discharge cycles, imposed by the requests of the start-and-stop technology . The solutions proposed by our consortium are: (i) fabrication of new alloys to be used for the production of the metallic grid that support for the active mass of the electrode (ii) improving the fabrication technology of the metallic grid (iii) improving the electrochemical properties of the active mass by new fabrication technology and by the use of new additives to the active mass. We note here that for the negative electrode as well as for the electrolyte the standard products fabricated by sc rombat sa will be used . The project’s goal will be achieved by using a feed-back loop: the design of materials and the fabrication steps involved by each prototype will be refined by successive fabrication of the prototypes that will gradually incorporate the information produced by each partner . At each step of our methodology the full characterization of the electrochemical and structural properties of the materials and prototypes already fabricated will be used as starting point for further refinement of the fabrication technology . A continuous exchange of data between the research Institutes and the industrial partner is foreseen for the whole duration of the project . This will allow us to tune the results obtained in the laboratory with those produced in industrial conditions . At project’s term we will discuss the technological steps needed for the implementation of the results by using the infrastructure available at sc rombat sa.

STRUCTURAL CHANGES AND (SUB)PICOSECOND DYNAMICS IN DNA MOLECULES PROBED WITH ULTRASENSITIVE RAMAN SPECTROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES Call name: Exploratory Research Projects - PCE-2012 call
PN-II-ID-PCE-2012-4-0115 2013 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/idei54/index.htm

Abstract:

The general aim of this project refers to the study of polymorphic structures characterizing DNA molecules, and also to the elucidation of the rapid (sub)picosecond dynamics in nucleic acids, particularly, in conditions of physico-chemical parameters relevant for their biological function. Investigation of structural changes induced in a natural DNA recognition site (LacDNA), in the presence and absence of divalent metal ions, by changing the pH, will provide data about protonation dependent opening of AT base pairs, changes the protonation of GC base pairs and interactions of DNA with divalent metal ions. UV resonance Raman spectroscopy (UV RRS) will be used for this study. Besides, identification of the Raman FWHHs (full-widths at half height) and investigation of the molecular relaxation times of DNA structural subgroups, based on different Raman techniques, is considered. Also, structural markers for different types of plant nucleic acids will be established, using nobel metal nanoparticles and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), as an ultrasensitive method. Spectra-structure correlations in the wavenumber region describing nucleoside conformation, backbone geometry and PO2- interaction (600-1150 cm-1) of DNA molecules will be presented. Also, wavenumber range corresponding to the base electronic structures and base pairing (1200-1600 cm-1) is taken into account.

Ion sensing and separation through modified cyclic peptides, cyclodextrins and protein pores Call name: Complex Exploratory Research Projects - PCCE-2011 call
PN-II-ID-PCCE-2011-2-0027 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University

Project partners: “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University (RO); National Research and Development Institute of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies (RO); “Babes-Bolyai” University (RO); “Horia Hulubei” National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering (RO); “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy (RO)

Affiliation: National Research and Development Institute of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies (RO)

Project website: http://science.research.uaic.ro/biosens/

Abstract:

Development of nanostructures capable of detecting and separating individual molecules and ions has become an important field of research. Particularly, protein-based nanostructures are attractive due to their ability for tunable molecular recognition and ease of chemical modification, which are extremely important factors on various applications. In this project, self-assembly functionalization will be approached, aimed at providing an efficient design for molecular recognition, ion sensing and separation, through new host-guest chemical methodologies, bio-nanofabrication and physicochemical manipulations methods. New crown ether type macrocycles, functionalized cyclodextrins and cyclic peptides will be engineered to work as specific molecular adaptors for the -hemolysin protein, giving rise to hybrid molecular superstructures possessing ion sensing and selectivity properties. The size and functionality of the macrocycles are targeted to ensure the anchorage in the pores and the selectivity of specific host-guest complexation processes. A surface detector array device suitable for use with a biosensor is envisioned, through ink printing nanotechnologies. The device architecture will be formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. Custom designed nanoscale bilayers containing selected receptors through cyclodextrins derivatives and macrocyclic peptides, self-assembled on different micro-nano arrays surfaces (polymers, Au or Si) will be fabricated. Further engineering of such functionalized nanomaterials based on molecular recognition and host-guest methodologies, in conjunction with flexible and mechanically robust enough substrate platforms, have the great potential for applications such as separation of nanoparticles, sensors, drug delivery, removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions and chiral separation.

First-Principles Modeling of SrTiO3 based Oxides for Thermoelectric Applications Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2011 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2011-3-0085 2011 - 2014

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Institutul National de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Tehnologii Izotopice si Moleculare Cluj Napoca

Project partners: Institutul National de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Tehnologii Izotopice si Moleculare Cluj Napoca (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/ru87/index_files/home_en.htm

Abstract:

The identification of alternative and renewable sources of energy is one of the most important challenges that modern society faces, and has become more urgent and intense in the past few years. One of the most promising technologies is that of thermoelectric (TE) devices, which allow one to transform heat into electrical energy or vice-versa. Several technological problems still need to be solved before TEs become a competitive energy source. In particular, the efficiency of TE materials will have to be roughly doubled before large-scale applications can be envisaged. New perspectives on TEs have been opened recently by their structuring at the nanoscale. This has allowed experimentalists to obtain impressive efficiencies in thin film samples in the lab, but transfering these new ideas to a nanostructured bulk material suitable for mass production remains a challenge. Theoreticians have played a central role proposing new material and explaining how the intrinsic limits of bulk TE materials can be overcome or bypassed.

The present project aims to study and optimize the TE properties of promising SrTiO3 based oxides for high temperature TE applications by performing electronic and transport calculations. Engineering the electronic band structure of SrTiO3 alloys with Nb(V) and that of LaVO3(KNbO3) nanostructures embedded in a SrTiO3 matrix, the project aims to design new oxide materials with high TE efficiency and new ideas which can be used to achieve this high efficiency.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects