Maris KNITE

Professor Maris KNITE Director of Institute of Technical Physics, Professor in Solid State Physics Faculty of Material Science and Applied Chemistry Riga Technical University Azenes iela 14/24 Riga, LV 1048 Latvia Phone: +371 67089181, +371 67089380 Fax : +371  67089074 E-mail: knite@latnet.lv

Born: April 2, 1955, Dobele, Latvia

• Phase Transitions in Ferroelectrics and Ferroelastics
• Electrooptical Properties of Ferroelectrics in the Infrared
• Laser Induced Phase Transitions and Structure Modifications in Thin Films of Ferroelectrics and Silicides
• Electroconductive Carbon Black - Polymer Nanocomposites as Sensormaterials and their Electrical and Mechanical Properties
• Physics of Materials, Emerging Engineering Materials
• Physics of New Materials
• Emerging Engineering Materials

Languages: Latvian, Russian, German, and English

• Physicist, Faculty of Physics and Mathematics, University of Latvia, 1978
• Postgraduate, Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, 1988

Qualification

• Professor in Physics of Materials, Riga Technical University, 2005
• Professor in Solid State Physics, Riga Technical University, 1999
• Dr. habil. phys., Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, 1999, diploma C-Dh Nr000208
• Associate Professor, Riga Technical University, 1999
• Docent, Riga Technical University, 1993
• Dr.phys. (Ph.D. in Western countries), Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, 1989

Riga Technical University (RTU), Chair of Physics until 1994, Institute of Technical Physics  since 1994

• Professor in Physics of Materials, RTU, 2005
• Director, Institute of Technical Physics , RTU, 1999 -
• Professor in Solid State Physics, 1999 – 2005
• Chairman of RTU Senate,  2003 – 2006
• Associate Professor, RTU, 1999
• Docent, RTU, 1993 - 1999
• Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, RTU, 1978 - 1993

• Visiting Scientist, University of Vienna, Institute of Experimental Physics, Austria 1991-1992
• Workshop “The regional train-the-trainers course on nuclear materials for Customs trainers of Eastern and Central Europe” Seibersdorf Research Center, Austria, June,1997
• European Graduate School Germany/Polen/Latvia Workshop “Materials and design aspects of surfaces and interfaces”, Institut fuer Werkstofftechnik Kunststof- und Recyclingtechnik, Kassel Universitaet, Germany , December, 2002
• Bilateral agreement for the academic year 2004/2005 Socrates programme: Higher Education (ERASMUS), topic taught " Physics of Materials" , University of Vienna, Institute of Experimental Physics, Austria, September, 2004.

Lectures abroad:

• Electric conductive polymer-carbon black nanocomposites as sensor materials. -University of Kassel (Germany), December 13, 2002
• Alternating-curent electrical properties of elastomer-carbon nanocomposites. - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne,  September1, 2003
• Polymer electroconductive nanoparticle composites as functional materials for strain sensors. - University of Vienna (Austria), July 17, 2004.

• Scientist of the Year 2007 of Riga Technical University, 2007  
• Corresponding Member, Latvian Academy of Sciences, 2004, diploma Nr K-248
• Professor of Riga Technical University, 2000, diploma Nr 16.
• Full Member, Latvian Academy of Sciences, 2012, diploma Nr A-185

• Head of Promotion Council 'RTU P-18' in Materials Science, speciality - Engineering of Materials (Dr.sc.ing.) and Physics of Materials (Dr.phys.), 2004 -
• COST (European Cooperation in the Field of Scientific and Technical Research) expert In DC: Materials, Physical and Nanosciences, 2006 -
• Member, Latvian Physics Society, 1999 -
• Member, Latvian Union of Scientists, 2000 -
• Member, Latvian Universities Professors Association, 2000 -
• Member of the Senate of Riga Technical University, 2001 -
• Member of European Materials Research Society, 2003 -
• Member, Editorial Board of Scientific Proceedings of Riga Technical University “Material Science and Applied Chemistry” , 2001 -
• Member of Scientific Advisory Committee of Fourth and Fifth Int. Workshop on New Approaches to High-Tech: Nondestructive Testing and Computer Simulations in Science and Engineering, (NDTCS-2000, NDTCS-2001), St.-Petersburg, 2000, 2001

• Physics (for undergraduate)
• Structure and Properties of Materials (for undergraduate)
• Physics of New Materials (for undergraduate)
• Materials Science (for postgraduate)
• Physics of Nanostructured Materials (for postgraduate)
• Physics of Sensormaterials and Smart Materials (for postgraduate)

• M.Knite, G.Sakale, V.Teteris, Diffusion,swelling and electrical properties of polyisoprene/multiwall carbon nanotube composites in organic solvent vapours , Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 2012 V12, N10, 8123-8128 (doi:10.1166/jnn.2011.4519) http://www.aspbs.com/jnn/
• G.Sakale, M.Knite, V.Teteris, Polyisoprene-nanostructured carbon composite (PNCC) organic solvent vapour sensitivity and repeatability,Sensors and Actuators. A: Physical, 2011, V171, p19-25.
• J.Zavickis,M.Knite, G.Podins, A.Linarts, R.Orlovs Polyisoprene – nanostructured carbon composite – a soft alternative for pressure sensor application, Sensors and Actuators. A: Physical, 2011, V171, p38-42
• J.Zavickis,M.Knite, K.Ozols, G.Malefan, Development of percolative electroconductive structure in piezoresistive polyisoprene-nanostructured carbon composite during vulcanisation Materials Science & Engineering C2011, V31, p 472-476
• A.Fuith, M.Reinecker, A.Sanchez-Ferrer, R.Mezzenga, A.Mrzel, M.Knite, I.Aulika, M.Dunce and W.Schranz, Dynamic- and Thermo- mechanical Analysis of Inorganic Nanotubes/Elastomer Composites, Sensors & Transducers Journal(ISSN 1726-5479), Vol.12, Special Issue, no. 10, October 2011, pp.71-79
• G.Sakale,  M.Knite, V.Teteris, V.Tupureina, .Stepina, E.Liepa, The investigation of sensing mechanism of ethanol vapour in polymer-nanostructured carbon composite, Central European Journal of Physics,2011 V9 N2, 307-312
• M.Knite, K. Ozols, J. Zavickis, V. Tupureina, I. Klemenoks, R. Orlovs. Elastomer – Carbon Nanotube Composites as Prospective Multifunctional Sensing Materials, Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 2009 V9, N6, pp. 3587-3592
• M.Knite, G.Podins, S.Zike, J.Zavickis,V.Tupureina, PROSPECTIVE ROBOTIC TACTILE SENSORS: Elastomer –carbon nanostructure composites as prospective materials for flexible robotic tactile sensors, Proc. of 5^th International Conference on informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics, Robotics and Automation – Vol. 1., May 11-15, 2008, Funchal, Madeira – Portugal, pp. 234-238
• M.Knite, K.Ozols, G.Shakale, V.Teteris. Polyisoprene and high structure carbon nanoparticle composite for sensing organic solvent vapours. - Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 2007, V126, pp. 209-213.
• M.Knite, G.Shakale, I.Klemenoks, K.Ozols, V.Teteris. Investigation of mechanism of organic solvent vapours sensing effect in polyisoprene-highstructure carbon black composite. - Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2007, V 93, 012031, 7 pages.
• M.Knite, V.Tupureina, A.Fuith, J.Zavickis, V.Teteris. Polyisoprene - multi-wall carbon nanotube composites for sensing strain. - Materials Science & Engineering C , 2007, V 27, pp.1125-1128.
• M.Knite, I.Klemenoks, G.Shakale, V.Teteris,J.Zicans.Polyisoprene-carbon nanocomposites for application in multifunctional sensors. - Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2007, V 434/435, pp. 850-853.
• M.Knite, A.Hill, V.Bovtun, V.Teteris, A.Solovjovs, G.Shakale, et al. Polymer-nanostructured carbon composites as multifunctional sensor materials; design, processing, and properties. - Latvian J. Physics & Technical Sci., 2006, N 2 (1), pp. 15-29.
• M.Knite, A.J.Hill, S.J. Pas, V.Teteris, J.Zavickis. Effects of plasticizer and strain on the percolation threshold in polyisoprene-carbon nanocomposites: positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and electric resistance measurements. - Materials Science & Engineering C , 2006, V 26, , pp.771-775.
• M.Knite,V.Tupureina, A.Dzene, V.Teteris, A.Kiploka, J.Zavickis. Influence of plasticizer on the improvement of strain sensing effect in polymer- carbon nanocomposites. – Chemical Technology, 2005, No 2(36), pp. 5-10.
• M.Knite,V.Teteris, I.Aulika, H.Kabelka, A.Fuith. Alternating-current properties of elastomer-carbon nanocomposites. - Advanced Engineering Materials, 2004, V 6, N 9, p. 746-749.
• M.Knite,V.Teteris, A.Kiploka, I.Klemenoks. Reversible tenso-resistance and piezo-resistance effects in conductive polymer-carbon nanocomposites. - Advanced Engineering Materials, 2004, V 6, N 9, p. 742-746.
• M.Knite,V.Teteris, A.Kiploka, J.Kaupuzs. Polyisoprene-carbon black nanocomposites as strain and pressure sensor materials. - Sensors and Actuators. A: Physical,2004, V 110/1-3,  pp.143-150.
• M.Knite, V.Teteris, A.Kiploka. The effect of plasticizing agent on strain-induced change of electric resistivity of carbon-polyisoprene nano-composites. - Materials Science & Engineering C , 2003, V 23/6-8, , pp.787-790.
• M.Knite, G.Mezinskis, L.Shebanovs, I.Pedaja, A.Sternbergs. CO₂ laser-induced structure changes in lead zirconate titanate Pb(Zr0.58Ti0.42))3 sol-gel films. -  Applied Surface Science, 2003, V208-209C,  pp.378-381.
• M.Knite,V.Teteris, B.Polyakov, D.Erts. Electric and elastic properties of conductive polymeric nanocomposites on macro- and nanoscales. - Materials Science & Engineering C, 2002, V19, Iss.1-2,  pp.15-19.
• M.Knite, L.Shebanovs, V.Snitka. Laser induced chemical reactions and surface patterning in Co-Si and Co-Ti-Si films: investigations by X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. - Proc. SPIE , 2001, vol.4157, pp.208-211.
• M.Knite, V.Teteris, B.Polyakov, I.Klemenok and D.Erts. Effect of mechanical deformation on the electrical properties of nanostructure carbon black – superelastic polymer composite. - Baltic Polymer Symposium 2001, Tallinn, Estonia, 2001, pp.187-193
• M.Knite, A.Krumins, D.Millers. Laser – calorimetric study of fundamental absorption edge in Pb,La(ZrTi)O₃ (PLZT) perovskite ceramics. – In: "Defects and Surface-Induced Effects in Advanced Perovskites”, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2000, vol.77, pp. 405-410.Textbooks:
• I.Klemenoks, M.Jansone, I.Klincare, J.Blums, A.Bluma, M.Knite. Physics III, Wawe Optics, 2007, Riga:RTU, 174 pp. (in Latvian)
• I.Klemenoks, M.Jansone, I.Klincare, J.Blums, A.Bluma, M.Knite. Physics I, Fundamentals of Mechanics. Fundamentals of Molecularphysics and Thermodynamics, 2006, Riga: RTU, 201 pp. (in Latvian)
• J.Blums, M.Jansone, A.Kalnaca, A.Kiploka, I.Klemenoks, M.Knite, A.Krivics, V.Novikovs, A.Medvids, A.Ozols. . Collected Problems of General Physics, 2006, Riga: RTU , 274 pp. (in Latvian)
• I.Klincare, M.Jansone, A.Kiploka, I.Klemenoks, M.Knite, V.Novikovs. Laboratory Works in Physics for Students of Technical University, 2003, Riga: RTU,172 pp. (in Latvian)  
• M.Jansone, A.Kalnaca, J.Blums, A.Kiploka, I.Klemenoks, A.Medvids, M.Knite. Collected Problems of General Physics, 2000, Riga: RTU , 247 pp. (in Latvian)

Recent Research Projects

• M.Knite (Head of Subcomponent; head of Joint Project " Innovative Structurally Integrated Composite Materials: Design, Technology of production and Processing, Longevity" - acad. M.Kalnins). Multifunctional Electroactive Composite Materials Including Nanocomposites. Latvian Council of Science (2006 --).
• M.Knite (Head of Subcomponent; Programme Director - acad. A.Sternbergs). State Research Programme" Modern Functional Materials for Microelectronics, Nanoelectronics,Photonics and Biomedicine and Constructive Composites and Technology Development". Subcomponents: "Design, Development of Thermodynamically Active Functional Nanocomposites and Its Properties", "Functional Micro- and Nanocomposites as Sensors and Acustors: Design, Production and research of Physical Properties" (2005 -- ).
• M.Knite (Head of Subcomponent; head of Joint Project " Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies" - acad.A.Sternbergs).  Chemical Technology of Nanocomposites and Their Physical Properties ( 2005 -- ).
• M.Knite (Head of the Project). Functional mikro- and nano-composites as sensormaterials: design, development and examination of physical effects. Latvian Council of Science (2004 –2006).
• M.Knite (Responsible Executor from Riga Technical University; Head of Joint Project - prof. A.Zeilinger /Austria/). Zuerkennung von budgetären Mitteln für eine Kooperation des gründung befindlichen Aksademieinstitutes für Quantenoptik und Quanteninformation in Wien und Insbruck mit der Universität von Lettland in Riga und der Technischen Universität Riga. - Academy of Science of Austria (2003-2006). 
• M.Knite (Responsible Executor; Programme Director -  prof. M.Kalnins). Materials for National Economy: Development of technology, Testing of Characteristics, Designing, Development of Reasonable Utilization Principles. Latvian Council of Science (2002 – 2005)
• M.Knite (Head of the Project). Active Polymer Composites and Multilayer Structures: Elaboration, Properties and Iinduced Effects. Latvian Council of Science (2001 – 2003)
• M.Knite (Responsible Executor; Head of the Project -  prof. G. Mezinskis). Multicomponent Micro- and Nanocomposites. Latvian Council of Science (2001 - )
• M.Knite (Head of the Project) Investigation of Mechanism of Laser Induced Phase Transitions in Silicides Multilayer Structures. Latvian Council of Science (1997 – 2000).

Last update 14.06.2013