Projects
Integration of hybrid composites in the industrialised composite automotive process chain KU Leuven
This PhD research is run as part of HyFiSyn project with BMW. The aim of the project is to introduce hybrid fiber composites into the industrial process chain. The first step of this project will be to perform screening experiments to analyse the percentage of hybrid effect obtained with different fiber combinations (Glass/Carbon, Glass/Steel, Carbon/Steel) in various loading conditions like tension, impact and flexural. Based on the results ...
COMPOST - mechanically recycling thermoplastic composite overmoulded part production scraps into new parts Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Self Sensing Composites using selectively distributed conductive networks in CPCs (Conductive Polymer Composites) Ghent University
The research aims to develop an innovative sensor network with resistivity-strain behaviour through construction of oriented and selectively distributed conductive networks in CPCs. The network consists of thermoplastic nanofilled sensors which afterwards can be woven into a conductive layer and then be embedded as a sensor layer inside a composite structure to monitor behaviour and integrity of these materials.
Dynamic Modeling of Macro-Fiber Composite Transducers Integrated into Composite Structures KU Leuven
Composite structures have been already widely applied in engineering. Laminated composites using isotropic or anisotropic layers provide numerous options for designing lightweight structural components, that have high static stiffness and excellent impact resistance for automotive and aerospace products. However, lightweight structures can be susceptible to external disturbances due to mass reduction and light damping in many cases. As a ...
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, ...
Investigation of the structural, chemical and magnetic state of the metal/oxide interface in composite multiferroics KU Leuven
Metal/oxide interface is a fundamental component in many devices such as magnetic sensors, piezoelectric transducers, and capacitors. The electrical properties of metal/oxide heterostructures are determined by the type of contact formed at the interface, i.e. Schottky or Ohmic contact. As devices are becoming smaller in size, interfaces are becoming even more important due to an increase in the surface to volume ratio. The metal/oxide ...
Extraction optimisation for and hygroscopic behaviour of flax fibres in composite applications KU Leuven
Flax fibres (Linum Usitatissimum) combine excellent mechanical properties with a very low density. In terms of specific stiffness they can compete with E-glass fibres. This is why they are currently used in lightweight applications such as composites. However, there are two main factors inhibiting their breakthrough in this market:
1. The cost of flax fibres compared to glass fibres remains high due to the energy and ...
Non-isothermal consolidation of hybrid composite materials KU Leuven
Het onderzoek richt zich op de consolidatie en de ontwikkeling van hechtingssterkte in hybride composieten, bestaande uit continue vezelversterkte thermoplastische onderdelen en korte vezelversterkte thermoplasten. Het onderzoek combineert experimenteel en modelleringswerk om de ontwikkeling van intiem contact en hechting onder niet-isotherme procescondities te beschrijven en van daar uit de hechtingssterkte en dimensionale stabiliteit van de ...
Automated NDT of Industrial Composite Parts by Enhanced Optical Infrared Thermography Ghent University
Progress in materials science has led to novel high-performant materials, like fiber reinforced plastics (or composites), which are nowadays more and more used in aerospace and automotive industry. However, the composed nature of these materials makes them also sensitive to certain damage features. To assess the structural health, engineers have devised various non-destructive test approaches. One emerging technique concerns optical infrared ...