On the 26th of November an outstanding event took place in the National Research Nuclear University “MEPhI” (NRNU MePhI): the applied research laboratory of Rosatom (Russian Federal Atomic Energy Agency) at MEPhI “Ultradisperse (nano) materials” celebrated its double anniversary — 30th anniversary as from the date of its establishment and 70th jubilee of the Head of Laboratory Vadim Fedorovich Petrunin.
This festive event was visited by the representatives of the State Corporation "Rosatom", Russian Scientific Center "Kurchatov Institute", Nanotechnological Society of Russia.
In his report named «30-year way of the applied research laboratory of Rosatom “Ultradisperse (nano) materials” the Head of Laboratory, Academician of Russian Academy of Economics and Academy of Medical and Technical Sciences, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences V. F. Petrunin described the history of laboratory incorporation, its successes in the sphere of nanotechnologies and current projects. Laboratory for ultradisperse materials was incorporated upon the collective Decree of the Ministry of Medium Machine Building of the USSR and Ministry of Higher and Secondary Special Education of the USSR in December of 1979. According to V. F. Petrunin, the whole history of the Laboratory may be divided into two stages. At the first stage from 1979 to 1992, when no information of the influence of size on structure and properties of substance was available, Laboratory workers were carrying out pioneer fundamental studies in this direction; at the stage from 1992 to 2009 applied works gained priority — whatever had been developed should be implemented, and indeed such fundamental studies were not enough financed in the new for our country economic terms. Using nanopowders, specialists of the Laboratory developed materials of fuel pellets and neutron-absorbing materials for Nuclear Generating Stations, radiation-protective materials for storage and transportation of spent nuclear fuel, magnetic inks for protection against forgery of securities and works, additives for engine oil allowing extension of engine operation resources, thin electromagnetic wave absorbing coatings for protection of users of mobile phones and household appliances, and also coating which masking and reducing visibility of special devices. Much work has been done and is currently doing for military-industrial complex of the state. «We make two types of nanopowders. In the context of open report just one of them may be mentioned» — V.F. Petrunin said. During 30 years the workers of Laboratory published more than 300 scientific articles and reports at Russian and international conferences, obtained 25 author's certificates and patents for inventions, defended 2 Doctoral and 8 Candidate’s thesis, more than 30 diplomas. The Laboratory has recently taken active participation in the Federal Special Programs in the sphere of nanotechnologies, international cooperation and implementation of special educational programs on nanomaterials and nanotechnologies.
