Who We Are

About MiNaS

The MINAS Center brings together top expertise in nano-mechanical characterization, nanotribology and MEMS/NEMS microsystems, offering unique infrastructure and an interdisciplinary high-performance team.

Mission

Mission & History

The MINAS Research Center was established at UTCN with the goal of advancing micro and nano systems research through interdisciplinary collaboration and world-class infrastructure.

Founded

Mission Statement

MINAS brings together academics and researchers with long-standing experience across complementary fields — nanomechanics, nanotribology, reliable microsystem design and micro/nano-scale materials characterization. The team covers the full research cycle, from numerical modelling and simulation to advanced experimental fabrication and testing via atomic force microscopy and precision tribometry.

Affiliation

UTCN & Faculty

Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Robotics and Production Management, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering. Located at Bd. Muncii 103-105, Cluj-Napoca.

Vision

Research Vision

Active collaborations with universities and research institutes in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Poland, France and Spain give the team strong international visibility — reflected in 150+ ISI publications and participation in projects funded through national (UEFISCDI, CNCS), European (FP7, ERA-NET, Erasmus Mundus, COST) and space research (Romanian Space Agency – STAR) programs.

Structure

Center Structure

MINAS is organized around three specialized laboratories, each with dedicated infrastructure, equipment and scientific leadership.

AFM Laboratory

Atomic Force Microscopy Lab

Cleanroom class 1:1000 (~46 m²), 2nd floor, Research Institute for Innovative Technologies (room 24). Head: Prof. Marius PUSTAN, PhD, Eng. Focus: MEMS/NEMS, nanomechanics, AFM and Bio-AFM characterization.

Standard Tribology Lab

Standard Tribology Laboratory

~50 m², room E06, Bd. Muncii 103-105. Head: Prof. Corina BIRLEANU, PhD, Eng. Focus: macro-scale friction, wear and lubrication — four classical tribometers.

Micro Tribology Lab

Micro Tribology Laboratory

~35 m², room E11d, Bd. Muncii 103-105. Head: Prof. Corina BIRLEANU, PhD, Eng. Focus: precision micro-scale tribology — pin-on-disc tribometry, profilometry, thermovision.

Domains

Key Research Domains

MEMS/NEMS · Nanomechanics · Nanotribology · Thin Films · Green Tribology · AI & Triboinformatics — see the Research page for details on each domain.

Roadmap

Medium-Term Research Objectives

Strategic directions guiding the center's research agenda over the coming years.

MEMS Reliability

Multi-layer structures for long-life MEMS

Development of multi-layer structures for reliable MEMS systems with extended operational lifetime.

Flexible Structures

Complex flexible structures for RF switches & sensors

Design of complex flexible structures for RF switches, sensors, antennas and filters.

Materials

Tribological & mechanical characterization for microsystems

Tribological and mechanical characterization of materials dedicated to microsystems.

Telecom

Reducing energy dissipation in mobile MEMS structures

Diminishing energy dissipation in MEMS structures used in mobile telecommunications.

MEMS Switches

Improved contact in MEMS switches

Reducing adhesion and wear in MEMS switch contacts.

Optimization

FEM & evolutionary algorithm optimization

Optimization of MEMS systems using finite element modelling and evolutionary algorithms.

Green Tribology

Expanding green & sustainable tribology

Expanding research in green and sustainable tribology through the GSTrib Erasmus Mundus project.

Triboinformatics & AI for wear prediction

Developing triboinformatics and AI-based solutions for wear prediction.