Projects
Viscoelastic Properties of Polymer Melts and Solutions under Uniaxial Extension KU Leuven
Predicting the linear viscoelastic (LVE) properties of monodisperse polymers has reached a quantitative level, based on the Doi-Edwards tube-model theory combined with established relaxation mechanisms such as reptation, contour length fluctuations and constraint release (CR). This approach has been confirmed by demonstrating the universality of linear viscoelastic response of polymers with different chemical structures and concentrations as ...
Fluorescence microscopy, a versatile tool to unravel polymer properties KU Leuven
Optical microscopy has revolutionized the way we understand our world and has become a crucial tool in a range of disciplines such as biology, physics, chemistry, and material sciences. The development of new microscopy techniques has been capital to its success and wide applicability. A prominent example is the recent development of methods that allow imaging in three dimensions. This has been a breakthrough in biology as scientists realized ...
On the physiochemical properties of the interface between nanometer thin polymer films and nano-controlled oxide layers Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Linking properties of biomimetic polymer matrices to stem cell fate: a microscopy study KU Leuven
Living tissues are more than packed cells. In fact, much of a tissue's volume is made up of extracellular space, filled with a complex meshwork of sugars, water, minerals and proteins called the extracellular matrix (ECM). Besides providing a structure support to the cells, the ECM plays a crucial role in several cellular processes, such as cell survival, development, adhesion and differentiation of stem cells. When a stem cell divide, it ...
New strategies for creating cell wall polymer based functional properties in fruits and vegetable based matrices. KU Leuven
Tailor-made conjugated polymers with unique magnetic and nonlinear optical properties. KU Leuven
Self-healing and microstructural properties of cementitious materials with microfibres and coated superabsorbent polymers Ghent University
As concrete cracks due to its low tensile strength, the durability of concrete is endangered. Superabsorbent polymers are therefore used to seal and to heal cracks. The fundamental interactions between water, superabsorbent polymers and microstructure of cementitious materials will be investigated in detail and a smart self-healing material will be designed.
Cementitious materials with selfhealing properties by using bacteria, polymers or pozzolans Ghent University
The aim of the project is to obtain selfhealing of concrete constructions by use of calcium carbonate precipitating bacteria, by introduction of polymers or resins, or by activation of the pozzolanic reaction in high volume fly ash concrete.