What do we specialise in?


The NOMATEN Centre of Excellence is a scientific department that was established within NCBJ, thanks to cooperation between NCBJ, CEA (France), VTT (Finland), and with the support of EU funds. Its goal is to conduct research and, as a result, obtain new materials resistant to high temperatures, corrosion and radiation, which can be used in industry and in new radiopharmaceutical solutions.

NOMATEN is a centre that brings together the research community, industry and public institutions. It provides an environment where a multinational, multidisciplinary and versatile team of scientists can conduct advanced research, innovative work and enjoy academic freedom. Scientific work is conducted in five research groups focused on different aspects of research.

Functional Properties Group

The group specializes in multiscale methods for measuring mechanical properties and their relationship to microstructure. They study materials like stainless steels, ODS and/or HEAs, and protective coatings based on Al2O3, zirconium, and nickel alloys. These materials are intended for use in next-generation nuclear power plants. Studies of austenitic steels and alumina coatings aim to understand the processes occurring in construction materials under exposure to radiation and high temperatures. Scientists employ ion sputtering as a substitute for neutron radiation. They use SEM microscopy with EDS and EBSD detectors, nanoindentation techniques, and XRD and Raman tests at temperatures up to 1000 °C, which are important for the operating conditions of new-generation nuclear reactors.

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Complexity in Functional Materials Group

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Scientists in this group focus on modeling materials for harsh environments. They study the physics of plasticity in complex alloys, including phenomena like the Portevin-Le Chatelier effect. Their research involves mechanical properties and the application of machine learning and data science to experimental and simulation-based data sets.

Materials Characterization Group

Researchers of this group conduct advanced characterization of novel multifunctional materials at the atomic level using state-of-the-art equipment. Their focus is on studying the impact of high temperature, oxidizing atmospheres, and radiation on the structural properties of materials. They employ various techniques, such as SEM/FIB/EBSD/EDX tools, TEM analysis, and advanced and in-situ X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy.

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Materials Informatics, Structure, and Function Group

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The group pursues four major research avenues: modeling nanoindentation using advanced strategies and machine learning, developing machine learning interatomic potentials (MLIP) for multiscale modeling applications, materials design using machine learning methods (especially for alloying applications), and web app and software development for materials informatics purposes, targeted at materials science experimentalists.

Novel Radiopharmaceuticals for Medical Purposes Group

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This group investigates methods of manufacturing radioisotopes and their integration into new medicines for use in diagnostics and therapy. The team works closely with the NCBJ Radioisotope Centre POLATOM.