Projects
From lignin fractions to polymerizable lignin-derived synthons and biobased, recyclable thermosetting polymers Ghent University
The present projects aims at the development of recyclable lignin-based thermosetting polymers as a sustainable alternative for petroleum-based unsaturated polyester resins which are normally not recyclable. While lignin has already been identified as an attractive bio-source, this project will take up a new challenge by using (monomeric) and oligomeric mixtures as novel feedstock for the development of bio-based and recyclable thermosets ...
On-surface two-dimensional polymers reaching the next level of complexity KU Leuven
Polymers have permeated almost every sphere of modern life, from packaging to drug delivery, from 3D printing to airplanes. So, after being around for more than a century, what is the next big thing for polymers? The answer lies in the arrival of two-dimensional (2D) materials which have dominated headlines in recent years. The field of 2D materials is getting crowded though and synthetic 2D polymers made by stitching small organic molecules ...
ICON Project Photo-AUP - Photo Crosslinkable Urethane-based Biodegradable Polymers for Light-based 3DPrinting and Coating Applications Vrije Universiteit Brussel
biodegradable following crosslinking. The polymers will be exploited in several light-based 3D-printing
techniques including digital light processing (DLP), stereolithography (SLA), volumetric additive
manufacturing (VAM) and two-photon polymerization (2PP). DLP and SLA will enable to create
demonstrators for ...
Exploiting the network architecture of bioactive thiol-ene photo-crosslinkable polymers for nasal cartilage tissue engineering. Ghent University
With over 355,000 surgeries each year, rhinoplasties are amongst the most performed facial reconstructive surgeries worldwide. Nasal cartilage defects can be caused by congenital defects, trauma or cancer. Generally, nasal cartilage reconstruction is required to avoid concomitant impairment of breathing. However, current gold standards (autografts and permanent synthetic implants) remain suboptimal. In my PhD, I will exploit tissue ...
Interfacial bond formation of thermoplastic polymers with deformation histories in additive manufacturing KU Leuven
Polymer-polymer interface is everywhere in 3D printed parts due to the additive manner of manufacturing. Weak interfacial performance often limits functional applications of fused filament fabrication (FFF) printed parts. Although physical processes in FFF are well-known, it has never been noticed that the polymer strands can often be greatly stretched during the deposition to lay down the material. The elongational strain of the stretch can ...
Novel Polymers for siRNA transfection Ghent University
RNA interference (RNAi) is an important biological mechanism to silence certain genes, thereby suppressing the related protein expression. From a therapeutic perspective, small interfering RNA (siRNA) has an enourmous therapeutic potential as it could be used to downregulate expression of proteins that cause disease symptoms. Moreover, it has been reported that such siRNA therapeutics could remain active for several months rather than hours ...
Innovative Ag-incorporated superabsorbent polymers (SAP) as admixture for durable concrete structures Ghent University
Within this project we will benchmark performance of our patented Ag-SAP technology, as a multi-functional admixture for concrete to increase its durability in terms of resistance against chloride ingress, reduced early age shrinkage and fostering self-healing capacity. Improved durability performance is key for high-quality concrete applications. The novel admixture will be further developed and validated in concrete, so to provide a solid ...
Designing circular high-performance condensation polymers from reuitilization of plastic waste and novel biobased building blocks (HiPerCoRe) Hasselt University
Enhancing the potential of polymers' mechanical recycling through blend and composites design. Ghent University
The aim of this project is to enhance the efficiency of the mechanical recycling of polymeric materials with the focus on the polymers which are challenging to recycle.
The research will be executed in three stages: (1) establishing a link between molecular-, morphological, processing and material properties of the synthetic polymer blends; (2) application of the waste feedstock polymers for the production of light-weight composites ...