Projects
Ultrasonic and spectroscopic parameters must be combined avoiding interferences, and the whole system must be under thermodynamic and mechanical control. KU Leuven
Development and systemactic application of non-invasive spectroscopic imaging tools for technical art history and conservation of painted artworks (MACRO-IMAGING). University of Antwerp
Keeping the best of weak bonds by tethering: a multi-scale, multitechnique approach to polymeric materials with controlled and predictable mechanical properties. KU Leuven
For many years, polymers were built exclusively from strong bonds. Nowadays, inspired by Nature, scientists have realized the importance of weak bonds, which are reversible and introduce dynamic behaviors into otherwise static systems. Incorporating such bonds into polymeric materials give them appealing properties such as self-healing, stimuli responsiveness, ability to resist fracture, or facilitated recycling. However, it also introduces ...
Improving our understanding of respiratory muscle training to facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation in the ICU. KU Leuven
A majority of mechanically ventilated patients develop respiratory muscle weakness during critical illness. Rehabilitation efforts in the intensive care unit (ICU) have so far largely focused on peripheral muscle dysfunction, whereas respiratory muscle rehabilitation has received relatively less attention. The potential value of respiratory muscle conditioning interventions are supported by observations showing that respiratory muscle ...
Mechanical assessment of metals after gaseous hydrogenation. Ghent University
Hydrogen gas is currently considered as the best potential replacement for fossil fuels, during the ongoing energy transition. However, the interaction between hydrogen and metals results in unpredictable material failure. Via the requested technologically advanced equipment, the specific characteristics of this interaction can be analysed, both on a microstructural, as on a macroscopic level to evaluate the material’s mechanical ...
Single-Sided Ultrasonic Characterization of (Damaged) Composites having Mechanical and/or Geometrical Anisotropy Ghent University
This research investigates the use of ultrasound waves for single-sided non-destructive testing and characterization of composites. The method of interest is the so-called Ultrasonic Polar Scan (UPS), which insonifies the composite from a multitude of oblique incidence angles. The resulting set of data is a representation of the mechanical state of the insonified composite. By coupling experiment to dedicated numerical models, a complete ...
Ultrasonic Non-destructive Characterization of (Damaged) Fiber Reinforced Plastics during Mechanical Loading Ghent University
Fiber reinforced polymers are frequently used in high-tech applications. Though, their complex structure makes it far from straightforward to characterize the mechanical properties. This project aims at non-destructive characterization through the use of ultrasound waves. The characterization will be performed under different stress states in order to get insight in nonlinear stress/strain response, which may be invoked by damage features.
Optimization of surface imprinted polymer sensing platforms by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy KU Leuven
Surface imprinting involves the synthesis of thin polymer layer in the presence of a template species to make artificial receptors. The implementation of such synthetic receptors into various biomimetic sensors is promising and allows for fast, specific, and low-cost target detection. However, their fundamental detection mechanisms are not fully understood yet. In this study, cell recognition mechanisms of surface imprinted polymers (SIP) ...
Developing Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for advanced nanoelectronics KU Leuven
Metrology and materials characterization are critical components in the development of advanced nanoelectronics structures for both CMOS and more exotic applications. Within the family of characterization techniques, Raman spectroscopy is of particular interest due to its non-destructive character and exceptionally fast time-to-result. The technique is uniquely sensitive to mechanical stress, chemical composition, doping and crystallographic ...