Projects
Managing complex assembly lines: simultaneously solving line balancing and materials supply problems Ghent University
We study the integration of line balancing and materials supply to assembly lines, two problems that traditionally have been dealt with separately. An integrated approach will lead to a better optimization of workload and material handling costs, especially for complex mixed-model assembly lines. We follow a stepwise methodology, first considering both sub-problems and then advancing towards a holistic model.
Supramolecular assembly of polymeric structures: a novel route to enhance soft materials properties. KU Leuven
Supramolecular polymeric assemblies represent an emerging, promising class of systems with superior versatility compared to their covalent polymeric counterparts. They offer exciting new opportunities for stimuli-responsive structures exhibiting reversible tunable properties, with applications in foodstuff, coatings , cost-efficient processes or biomedical areas. To explore their potential and define strategies for designing novel materials ...
Fundamental investigations into high-precision computed tomography of multi-material objects in view of dimensional quality control of assembled products or products with internal features. KU Leuven
Pore-scale modelling of the impact of water repellent agents on the hygric properties of building materials KU Leuven
Hierarchical nanostructured materials through nanoparticle self-assembly. KU Leuven
Nature builds very complex, multifunctional systems by assembling simple building blocks in a directed manner compared to which most manmade structures are relatively simple. In a biomimetic approach, we aim to create hierarchical multi-functional one-, two- and three-dimensional structures with controlled long-range order through self-assembly of multifunctional rodlike nanoparticles. To achieve this, we will modify the surface of rod-like ...
Structure and Kinetics of Self-Assembled Cellulose-Gold Nanoparticle Materials KU Leuven
In a biomimetic approach,we aim to create hierarchical multi-functionalone-, two- and three-dimensional structures with controlled long-range order through self-assembly of multifunctional rodlike nanoparticles. To achieve this, we will modify the surface of ribbon-like cellulose nanocrystals at their three distinct surface functionalities: primary and secondary hydroxyl groups on the lateral surfaces and aldehydes at the extremities. These ...
Diazonium-based covalent functionalization of graphitic materials KU Leuven
Molecular self-assembly has been widely used as tool for the modification and functionalization of surfaces, whereby in many cases pristine surfaces like highly-oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) were used as substrates to study supramolecular self-assembly from solution. Scanning probe techniques enable the study of these molecular layers with sub-molecular resolution. Similar to crystallization in bulk, supramolecular self-assembly is known ...
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) - nanobiotechnology based platform for achieving the dynamics of individual molecules to versatile materials and cell mechanics Ghent University
An AFM-nanobiotechnology platform that is composed of (1) a high-speed bio-AFM, and (2) an upgraded AFM with advanced sensors, is proposed. This platform will allow to study various nano(bio)technology topics at a very high state-of-the-art spatial and temporal resolution. The intended research domains include structural biology (microbial adhesins, fibril formation, protein crystallisation), nanomicrobiology (host pathogen interactions, ...