Organisation
Materials and Packaging Research &Services
Research Group
Materials and Packaging: Research & Services (MPR&S)
Expertise
The research spearhead 'packaging technology' is broadly defined with a focus on characterization and optimization of materials/packaging. From the services and research, we support the education within the program of engineering technology in chemistry - option food processing and packaging.
Detailed information about the activities of the MPR&S research group can be found on the MPR&S website as well as on the imo-imomec website.
Services
With modern characterization and testing techniques and a correct scientific interpretation of the measurement results, MPR&S supports the business world in the responsible choice or adaptation of packaging concepts.
These activities focus on 5 items:
- gas permeability testing of materials and packaging for oxygen, water vapor, carbon dioxide and non-corrosive and non-explosive gases
- Physical/mechanical materials characterization
- Seal performance - investigation in the frame of material and technique
- Conditioning - accelerated aging with impact investigation of temperature and light, whether or not in combination with moisture
- Transport simulation and performance research at box and pallet level (equipment for vibration, compression, falling, shock) shaking and/or falling research with extensive registration possibilities
- Packaging optimization and diagnostics
Fundamental research
2 research lines: 'Smart, safe and sustainable packaging' led by Prof. Buntinx; 'Optimization of material characteristics by nanotechnology' led by Prof. Peeters.
In addition to traditional plastics, fundamental research has recently turned to bioplastics as renewable materials. The objective is to 'improve' bioplastics into materials with properties that are comparable to or better than those of 'traditional' plastic packaging materials. This will give bioplastics a wider industrial application in various sectors. It is fundamental applied research with special attention to industrial application possibilities.
Applied project research
The MPR&S research group commits to various opportunities for project collaboration with universities, organizations, companies, etc. Examples are TETRA, CORNET, intercluster projects, ... Examples are the BIOFUN (compostable packaging), Multi2Recycle (recycling polypropylene packaging concepts), REPAC² (coated paper-based packaging).