Event Program

Spreading of carbon fibre/thermoplastic pre-preg tapes

Varying the width of pre-preg tapes can eliminate defects in complex composite structures. Current methods struggle to produce doubly curved surfaces such as aircraft noses without gaps or overlaps. An improved method, utilized with automated tape placement, can spread pre-preg tapes eliminating gaps and overlaps, boosting the efficiency of complex structures.

Autonomous healing and indication of cracks in fiber-reinforced composites

We introduce an elegant pathway to reducing high maintenance costs by dispersing microcapsules containing a dye and liquid healing agent in our composites. These capsules can extend the lifespan of composites while alleviating the challenges associated with locating damage

From Compaction Pressure to 3D Geometry: a scalable method for preform characterization​

We propose a method to determine the local features of a dry preform based on simple data acquisition.​By analyzing its preforming pressure field, a large-scale digital skeleton of the preform is generated.​The skeleton twin is used to numerically characterize properties of the preform at an affordable computational cost.

CANs: Reversibly Crosslinked Polymers and the Future of Composites

Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) are crosslinked polymers comprising a dynamic chemistry which allows their selective and reversible de-crosslinking. In this research, all aspects of CANs are investigated, ranging from their synthesis to their use as recyclable and repairable composite matrices.

WrapToR composite truss structures

Wrapped Tow Reinforced (WrapToR) trusses combine the structurally favourable geometry of trusses with the impressive material properties of composites to form ultra-efficient structural members. The research is focused on developing the technology through understanding and improvement of the manufacturing process and the establishment of analytical techniques to predict structural behaviour.

From Brittle to Tough – Damage Tolerance of Core-Shell Rubber and Block Copolymer Toughened CFRP

​The research project aims at increasing the understanding of toughness enhancements of a brittle thermosetting matrix by self-assembling block copolymers and core-shell rubber nanoparticles, and how the microstructure and respective properties translate from the matrix level to a fibre reinforced composite. Subsequently, the gained knowledge is transferred to application-oriented impact tests of thin CFRP panels.

Design and Optimization of Hybrid Truss Structures

My research focuses on the design and optimization of truss structures made of pultruded CFRP members. For this purpose, an aluminum-CFRP adhesive joint is designed to efficiently connect the truss members. The strength and weight of the joints are then taken into account within the truss optimization algorithm.

Improving the water durability of flax fibre composites by using non-dry fibre

Water sorption of natural fibre composites leads to the swelling and shrinkage of the fibre, which results in a reduction of the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the composites. Water durability of composites is enhanced by using non-dry flax fibre and resins that have low sensitivity to moisture.

Used wind turbines: A recycling solution

Our goal is to create an efficient recycling scheme to extract glass fibers from used wind turbine blades and reuse them in new added value products. Through micromechanical characterization, the optimum design parameters for an efficient composite from the recycled fibers are obtained and used to develop recycled composite pellets and 3D printing filaments with exceptional properties.

Structural power composites for massless energy storage​

Structural power composites are a new kind of multifunctional composites. Among them, structural batteries consist in light structural CFRP composites capable of storing electrochemical energy. These new materials could improve the efficiency of future aircrafts by turning the airframe into an energy storage system.