Research Lines
Introduction
The long term future research strategy of Leuven-MRC is based on the research lines for interdisciplinary research, and on the individual strategies of the different research groups.
Research lines are focused strategic research topics in which dedicated large projects will be set up and which have the potential of resulting in excellent research and breakthrough technologies in a time frame of 10 years. The current research lines described underneath form an equilibrated mix of fundamental/applied research and of young/more mature research fields at K.U.Leuven.
The research lines are embedded in the research platform offered by Leuven-MRC, they do not cover all the research within the centre. It is a dynamic concept, the lines will be evaluated yearly by a scientific advisory board and new research lines within MRC can be formed at any time.
Central objective for all MRC- research lines is the understanding of structure-properties relations and their influence on synthesis and processing. Hence the research is based on advanced materials characterization, novel materials synthesis and applied materials modeling.
Reseach Lines
The five research lines of Leuven-MRC are:
- tailored nanoparticles
- functional surfaces for microsensing and -synthesis
- polymer nanocomposites
- biobased polymers
- multiscale engineering of metals & ceramics
Specific Focus
Specific focus within the research lines is on
- the integration of nanoscience in materials development: most progress in materials research will be at the nanoscale. Within the research lines of MRC, the focuss lays on wet (chemical) processing of nanopowders (colloid science), the downstream use and processing of nanopowders, the manufacturing of nanostructured materials and components, the synthesis and properties of (functionalised) nanoporous materials. THe study of the effects of nano-structuring/microstructure on the meso- and macro-scale is a central theme.
- sustainability of new materials and processes is a concern and will be evaluated. Research to underpin the sustainability assessment of materials and material flows will be set up based on state-of-the-art LCA, MFA, exergy analysis,...
- upscalability of the resulting processes towards industrial processes
