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Université catholique de Louvain

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Université catholique de Louvain

Technology platforms network

Polymer processing & characterization (P2C)

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Picture credit : Yvan Flamant

Technical and scientific expertise

  • Processing of polymers and composites: extrusion, 3D printing, RTM/SQRTM resin transfer moulding
  • Characterisation of polymers and composites: thermal analysis, rheological analysis, mechanical and thermomechanical analysis
  • Technical advice and consultancy, training of industrial R&D engineers
  • Characterisation/testing/analysis performed by highly qualified UCLouvain personnel

Main equipment

Wide range of analysis and characterisation techniques in the field of macromolecular materials

  • Polymer and composite processing

    - Laboratory twin screw extruders with the option of water-assisted extrusion with accessories such as a pelletiser, injection moulding system and filament and film reel
    - 3D printing machines suitable for conventional and high-performance thermoplastics
    - Closed moulds (RTM/SQRTM) for the manufacture of composites

  • Thermal analysis

    - Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) (+ Flash DSC + High Pressure DSC)
    - Thermogravimeter
    - Water vapour adsorption gravimeter

  • Rheological characterisation

    - Strain/stress-controlled shear rheometers
    - Rheometer with filament stretching (Vader1000) or on the extensional viscosity device (EVF)

  • Mechanical characterisation

    - 100N and 10kN tensile machine
    - Non-contact video extensometer
    - Temperature chambers (-100°C + 350°C and cooling module for LN2)

Get an overview of the platform’s facilities via a virtual tour.

Applications

  • Characterisation of polymers and composites

Services available to

  • UCLouvain students and researchers
  • Non-UCLouvain parties

Testimonial

March 2024 - M. Tigran Vartanian, founder and CEO of Isomatex - a belgian SME manufacturer and supplier of fiber reinforcement solutions for advanced composites - talks in a video about his collaboration with the P2C platform.

  • 5 September 2024
    P2C - Let's talk eco-design!
    While we can no longer count the benefits polymeric materials such as plastics have provided for mankind, we must be concerned about the environmental problems they cause when they cannot be naturally degraded or reused. It is therefore necessary to rethink the design of such materials to take into account their recycling as part of a circular economy.
  • 29 March 2024
    Farm for Good, GSK, Isomatex and VOCSens : testimonials
    Watch the video testimonials of Farm for Good about its collaboration with the Fermes universitaires, Isomatex about its collaboration with P2C, GSK about its collaboration with SMCS and VOCSens about its collaboration with WINFAB.
  • 5 March 2024
    Recycling carbon fibers: P2C and CENTEXBEL partners in new research project
    The RePrec project (Recycling of post-production waste containing carbon fibre reinforcement) plans to study and develop recycling methods aimed at recovering unimpregnated carbon fibres and carbon fibre prepreg that is pre-impregnated with polymer resin.