ICE-LINK brings together 7 institutes of academic and non-academic sectors from 4 EU and 2 extra-EU countries aiming to create a unique collaborative network on advance porous materials and ice-templating techniques.

The project investigates the cooling process through experimental establishing systematic data of ice-templated porous materials and predictive modelling supported by machine learning for analysing structures-properties relationship. The data and advanced modelling approach developed is used to produce porous systems with tunable porosities for advanced applications (carbon-based materials, piezoceramics, Solid Oxide Cells, membrane for hydrogen separation, etc.).

The network will serve as a pivoting platform for future data sharing, research and innovation, speeding up material or product development cycle through interdisciplinary research.

The cooperation among outstanding universities, research institutes and industries trans-national exchanges and the most innovative research trainings with modern research facilities, innovation skills and critical thinking capacity through integrated data system, facilities, dynamic collaboration with everlasting impact.

ICE-LINK Goals

• Develop a feature-based modelling framework, data system and statistical functions for analysing the structures and properties (mechanical, physical properties, surface properties, etc.) of regular and random 3D porous structures.
• Investigate the structures and properties of a range of porous materials/systems with a particular focus on porosity data and the porosity-property relationships.
• Investigation of the cooling process and ice-structure growth/evolution combining experimental, CFD, phase field modelling, molecular simulation, new mould materials and process control considering solvent recrystallization (or solvent annealing).
• Use of the data and program to jointly develop advanced porous systems with tunable patterns and porosities for advanced applications.
• To establish academic-industry research and innovation focused data system and modelling guidelines, recommendations and specifications for the porous structures in advanced applications.