Acronym
CPMT
Duration
01 October 1970 → Ongoing
Faculties
Group leader
Other information
Research disciplines
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Engineering and technology
- Manufacturing processes, methods and technologies
- Polymer composites
- Materials processing
- Polymer processing
- Polymer recycling
- Polymers and plastics
- Bioprocessing, bioproduction and bioproducts
Description
The "Centre for Polymer and Material Technologies" (CPMT) is located in Ghent University’s Tech Lane Ghent Science Park Campus Ardoyen. The group specializes in characterization and (3D) processing of polymers and composites, from product and mould design, over prototyping, compounding and production to characterization and sustainable use and recycling of polymers and composites. CPMT is also the home to P3Lab and UGent Fablab, and provides services for the industry, research and education.
The group is headed by Prof. Ludwig Cardon (group leader) and Prof. Kim Ragaert and mainly focusses on the following research lines:
Additive Manufacturing (prof. Cardon): This research line studies the selection and development of new polymer/composite based materials for powder bed fusion (Laser Sintering - LS) and extrusion (Fused Filament Fabrication). Also the development of pellet/filament based printing heads is being studied and the use of AM metal inserts for mould making.
Sustainable Use andRecycling of Polymers and Composites (prof.Ragaert): In this research line, the necessary scientific tools to enable the improvement of mechanical recycling of polymer-based materials is investigated. Research topics include the compatibilization of mixed recycled polymers, recyclability of additives, design for/from recycling, and recycling of mulitlayer packaging materials.
Advanced Polymer Processing (prof. Cardon, Prof. Ragaert): This research line investigates the use of conventional processing techniques (injection, blow/film/plate (twin/co)-extrusion, thermoforming) for advanced materials and/or applications. Current topics include conductive polymers, reactive extrusion, biomaterials and micro-fibrillar composites.