Research activities

The Materials Science Department focuses its research activities on 4 main areas:

Development and characterisation of multifunctional coatings to improve the durability of materials and give them specific properties: self-repairing, antibacterial, hydrophobic, etc. Mastering of anodisation, sol-gel, LDH, PEO (Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation) and electrodeposition processes. Study of corrosion mechanisms and modes of protection using generalized electrochemical techniques (EIS, polarization curves) and localized techniques (Scanning Vibrating Electrode Technique).
Control of chemical and structural transformations of ceramic and glass-ceramic materials in relation to the conditions of elaboration (innovative techniques of shaping and sintering, influence of compositions on the conditions of formation of glasses and their recrystallisation in the case of glass-ceramics.
Synthesis and study of sensitive materials based on inorganic materials (semiconducting metal oxides) or organic materials (conducting polymers) used to produce optical or electrical sensors on various substrates (optical fibres, IDE on silicon or flexible substrates).
Synthesis, shaping, characterisation and kinetic tests of solid catalysts or photocatalysts for the degradation of VOCs or other compounds in gaseous or liquid effluents.

Our unit is also associated with the following UMONS research institutes :