Projects
Valorisation of natural, SUStainable fibres from local residues for TEXtile applications HOGENT
Upcycling of natural fibres from plant-based by-products in Flanders: valorisation opportunities for a biobased economy with a focus on materials HOGENT
Reinforcing polyolefin postconsumer waste using with natural fibres. KU Leuven
A wide variety of plastics is collected in specific waste bags. To avoid direct burning of these valuable plastics (which demands a lot of energy and effort to develop), there is a need for a sustainable recycling method of these waste streams. Mixtures of polyolefins are available in large amounts, although their mechanical performance is rather low without the right treatment. Compatibilizers or natural fibres have the potential to serve as ...
Sustainable use of natural fibres of local origin as reinforcement for composite materials for low cost and thermal insulated housing in the Peruvian Andean region: implementing a research group on composite materials at National University of Central Per KU Leuven
This project aims to improve the material living conditions of the inhabitants of the central Peru region, in particular the construction of inexpensive housing in rural Andean areas via the development of low cost building materials made of composites reinforced with ichu fibres, which are locally available. These local fibres serve not only as the reinforcing phase of the composite material, but also add thermal insulation properties, ...
Automated tensile tester for the characterisation of the cross-section and tensile behaviour of synthetic and natural fibres KU Leuven
Plant for the preparation and spinning of natural and man-made staple fibres and their blends HOGENT
Processing innovation to valorize EU natural fibres HOGENT
Nanoscale Modelling of Natural Fibres KU Leuven
The main objective of this research plan is to investigate how the mechanical properties of the plant cell wall and its constituents are controlled at the atomistic levels through molecular dynamics simulations. In particular, different constituents such as crystalline cellulose, hemicellulose, dislocated cellulose, lignin and water are simulated and studied, through molecular dynamics methods, aiming at a better understanding of the ...
Sustainable structural and multifunctional biocomposites from hybrid natural fibres and bio-based polymers KU Leuven
The project SSUCHY falls within the framework of the development and optimization of innovative and eco-efficient processes and constituents for structural and multifunctional bio-based composites. It is fully integrated into the research program of the Bio-Based Industries (BBI) Joint Technology Initiative operating under Horizon 2020, and particularly focused on BBI Value Chains 1 which is dedicated partly to the transformation of ...