Project R-3777

Structural and chemical characterization of materials at micro and nanoscale (Research)

The main objectives of this research network are to maintain and to improve the coherence of basic research related micro-and nanoscopic material characterization in Flanders. This will be done by the mutual provision of advanced equipment for specific materials science, physical and chemical problems, the exchange of researchers and research, the joint organization of conferences and symposia, the joint submission of research proposals at regional, national and international level and the stimulation of research by attracting postdoctoral researchers or visiting professors. In addition to this, some well-chosen foreign laboratories get involved in the research community. The choice of these foreign research groups is motivated by the demand for complementarity with the existing expertise in Flanders. The joint symposiums will, furthermore, make the participating scientists and laboratories able to assess the continuous changing opportunities of the various techniques, so that the options for concrete partnerships will be strengthened and fulfill the latest requirements and technical specifications. The emphasis of the topics to be discussed is primarily on the fundamental and methodological aspects of material characterization, although the technological aspects are not overlooked, especially through the contribution of several dedicated partners. Typical examples of these materials are carbon-based systems, new semiconductor devices ("low-k"), homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, superconducting materials, magnetic materials, and so on. New technological possibilities in these laboratories allow this group of materials to expand into less traditional topics, including organic systems such as polymers in coatings, questions about self-healing and self-assembly, composite or hybrid materials consisting of a matrix and small particles, such as metal-nanopartikles or carbon nanowires with properties (mechanical, chemical, ...) that are quite different from those of the matrix, protective metal oxide layers on steel or alloys, etc.

01 January 2010 - 31 December 2014