Polymer and Material Technologies

The Center for Polymer and Material Technologies, CPMT, is located in Ghent University’s Tech Lane.
The group specializes in polymer processing, from product and mould design, over prototyping, compounding and production to characterization and recycling. CPMT is home to the P3Lab , the 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. Between them, main research lines are:

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 Deposition Modelling - FDM). Also the development of printing heads is being studied and the use of AM metal inserts for mould making.

Sustainable Use and Recycling of Polymers and Composites (prof. Ragaert):
In this research line, we develop the necessary scientific tools to enable the improved mechanical recycling of polymer-based materials. Research topics include the compatibilization of mixed recycled polymers, recyclability of additives, Design for and from Recycling, and recycling of multilayer packaging materials. 

Advanced Polymer Processing (joint line):
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, biomaterials and micro-fibrillar composites.

Contact information: 

09/3310391 - cpmt@ugent.be

Tech Lane Ghent Science Park – Campus A, Technologiepark 915, B-9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium