The studies will be carried out sequentially in 6 work packages, described briefly below:
Description of the project’s outline and work break down structure
WP1. Synthesis of DIOPSIDE-based ceramic pigments doped with d-transition elements and use of traditional raw materials:
– Synthesis of pigments by solid-phase sintering method by introducing various chromophore d-transition metals: V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Co, Fe;
– Conduct experiments on the synthesis of diopside-based ceramic pigments using low-temperature sol-gel method. Comparison of the results obtained from the two methods;
– Determination of optimal parameters for pigment synthesis – firing and holding temperature at the maximum temperature, type and amount of mineralizer.
WP2. Synthesis of diopside-based ceramic pigments doped with f- transition elements and use of traditional raw materials:
– Synthesis of pigments by solid-state sintering method by introducing different chromophores f – transition elements: La, Pr, Nd, Er;
– Conduct experiments on the synthesis of diopside-based ceramic pigments using low-temperature sol-gel method. Comparison of the results obtained from the two methods;
– Determination of optimal parameters for pigment synthesis – firing and holding temperature at the maximum temperature, type and amount of mineralizer.
WP 3. Investigation of the structural characteristics, properties and mechanism of color formation of the synthesized diopside-based pigments:
– Characterization of the pigments obtained by XRD powder diffraction analysis, IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (HR TEM), optical spectroscopy, colour measurement, electron para-magnetic resonance, etc .
– Investigation of the mechanisms of isomorphic substitution in the crystalline structure of the basic phase and the mechanisms of colour formation. Perform crystal-chemical analysis of the synthesized pigments.
– Correlation dependences between composition-structure-properties for new diopside- based ceramic pigments.
WP4. Synthesis of AUGITE-based ceramic pigments doped with d – transition elements and use of traditional raw materials:
– Synthesis of pigments by solid-phase method by introducing different chromophore d – transition elements: V, Cr, Mn, Co, Fe;
– Determination of optimal parameters for synthesis – firing and holding temperature at the maximum temperature, type and amount of mineralizer.
– Characterization of the pigments by XRD powder diffraction analysis, IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (HR TEM), optical spectroscopy, colour measurement, electron para-magnetic resonance, etc.
WP5. Synthesis of DIOPSIDE and AUGITE based ceramic pigments using waste materials:
– Characterization of waste products: catalysts from Lukoil-Neftochim, Burgas and spent vanadium catalyst used for the production of sulfuric acidfrom Aurubis Bulgaria – determination of their phase and chemical composition, morphology, structural, thermal and spectral characteristics.
– Calculation of pigment composition depending on the content of different oxides and the chemical composition of the waste materials;
– Synthesis of pigments by solid-state sintering method using waste materials. Determination of optimal parameters for pigment synthesis – firing and holding temperature at the maximum temperature, type and amount of mineralizer.
– Characterization of the pigments by XRD powder diffraction analysis, IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (HR TEM), optical spectroscopy, colour measurement, electron para-magnetic resonance, etc.
WP6. Project management and dissemination of results:
– Scientific project management and reporting of results.
– Administrative and financial management of the project.
– Dissemination of the obtained results among the scientific community, students from the University of Ruse and the public.
– In order to ensure maximum visibility of the activities and results obtained, it is envisaged to prepare a project website.
– Control over the quality of research and compliance with the deadlines.
– Reporting on the activities carried out at national and international conferences. summarizing the results obtained in scientific publications.
– An interim and final activity and results reports.
Schedule
Include Gantt diagram
Project management plan
The project management plan defines the organization, sequence, management and responsibilities of the partner organizations – University of Ruse and IMC – BAS.
Scientific management
The project manager Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tsvetan Dimitrov from the University of Ruse already has behind him a successfully managed project at the National Science Found in 2010, which received an excellent evaluation. This indicates that the scientific and administrative manager of the current project has experience in project management.
Project Manager Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tsvetan Dimitrov:
- Coordinates all activities with the NSF;
- Ensures that NSF recommendations are implemented in a timely manner;
- Monitor the implementation of the Project and provide guidance to ensure timely implementation;
- Coordinate decisions, changes and implementation of the Project with the NSF;
- Prepares and submits interim and final scientific and financial reports to the NSF.
Project Manager -Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tsvetan Dimitrov from the University of Ruse and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rositsa Titorenkova a leader from the partner organization IMC-BAS will coordinate the sequence of tasks and their realization. Together with the team, they will distribute brief working visits to project participants and participation in scientific forums. It is expected that the active collaboration between the two organizations, joint experiments, discussions and analyzes will create a stimulating atmosphere that will enhance the skills of all participants in the team and support the students for their independent scientific work.
The specific responsibilities of the two team leaders include:
- Lead the teams of the organization;
- Manage delegated budgets according to work packages and financial plan;
- Coordinate the activities of the groups of the two organizations;
- Control tasks as scheduled.
The group has already established cooperation and has experience in collaboration and in publishing. The group will gather to discuss the reports in forthcoming scientific forums, which will allow young colleagues to gain experience and expression.
Administrative management
The administrative side of the project, unlike the scientific one, will be organized by dividing responsibilities between the different members of the consortium.
Assoc. Prof. Tsvetan Dimitrov, Ph.D., will be the administrative project manager for the whole consortium.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tsvetan Dimitrov will oversee and coordinate all activities, including financial management within the consortium. Regular meetings will be held between the members of the teams in each scientific organization and between the two members of the consortium.
Financial management
The financial management of the project will be carried out by the project manager Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tsvetan Dimitrov, with the assistance of the Chief Accountant of the University of Ruse. Separately, the accounting department of the Institute of Mineralogy and Crystallography “Acad. Ivan Kostov” will monitor the expenses of the group.