Electroactive materials and systems

The main research activities of the LGEF concern the multiphysics coupling, particularly the electroactive materials and their applications based electroactive devices.

R&D AREAS

Additive manufacturing (AM) of electroactive materials based 3D printing technique
Design of mechatronic systems based electroactive materials (sensor, actuator, micro-generator, etc)
Multiphysics systems - piezoelectric - electrostrictive - magnetic – electrocaloric

Characterizations in terms of thermal, electrical, mechanical, electromechnical, electromagnetical of electroactive materials (ferroelectric ceramics and mono-crystals, dielectric polymers, composites loaded with µ- and nano-fillers including Carbon nano tube, magnetic particels, SiC nano-wires, piezoelectric paint, etc.)
Multi-scale modeling, dimensioning and characterization of smart electroactive systems for sensor and actuator devices, piezoelectric motors, energy harvesting, vibration control, self-powered wireless communication platform, etc.
Implementation of polymer and composite materials

Implementation and characterization of materials: dispersive probe, film applicator, spin coating, press and hot rolling of polymers, sputter deposition, uniaxial press, sintering furnaces, calorimetric analysis based DSC, thermal study involving in high temperature for piezoelectric materials using ATD-TG, TMA, HF-DSC
Electrical and vibratory characterizations: impedance analyzer, RLC bridge, vibrometer and laser interferometer, accelerometer
Characterization in severe operating conditions (strong electric field, extremely low or high temperature ...): HT power supplies, controlled temperature and pressure oven
Prototyping: digital micro-engraving machine, cutting and grinding of ceramics
Modeling: finite element analysis software like Ansys and Comsol

Transport
Energy
Health
Chemistry

Structural health monitoring using piezoelectric composite
Non-destructive-testing (NDT) based Barkhausen noise
Medical prototypes for surgery applications
Development of electroactive ink for printed electronics
Artificial muscle based smart actuator for shape control
Haptic device using electroactive coatings

Research & Development

Research &
Development