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Dr. Joost Brancart
Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science (FYSC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium

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0 soft robotics
0 Bio-based materials
0 Stimuli-responsive materials
0 Self-Healing Materials

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Journal article
Published: 30 July 2021 in Polymers
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In recent work, the thermoreversible Diels–Alder reaction between furan and maleimide functional groups has been studied extensively in the context of self-healing elastomers and thermosets. To elaborate the influence of the stoichiometric ratio between the maleimide and furan reactive groups on the thermomechanical properties and viscoelastic behavior of formed reversible covalent polymer networks, a series of Diels–Alder-based networks with different stoichiometric ratios was synthesized. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and dynamic rheology measurements were performed on the reversible polymer networks, to relate the reversible network structure to the material properties and reactivity. Such knowledge allows the design and optimization of the thermomechanical behavior of the reversible networks for intended applications. Lowering the maleimide-to-furan ratio creates a deficit of maleimide functional groups, resulting in a decrease in the crosslink density of the system, and a consequent decrease in the glass transition temperature, Young’s modulus, and gel transition temperature. The excess of unreacted furan in the system results in faster reaction and healing kinetics and a shift of the reaction equilibrium.

ACS Style

Ali Safaei; Seppe Terryn; Bram Vanderborght; Guy Van Assche; Joost Brancart. The Influence of the Furan and Maleimide Stoichiometry on the Thermoreversible Diels–Alder Network Polymerization. Polymers 2021, 13, 2522 .

AMA Style

Ali Safaei, Seppe Terryn, Bram Vanderborght, Guy Van Assche, Joost Brancart. The Influence of the Furan and Maleimide Stoichiometry on the Thermoreversible Diels–Alder Network Polymerization. Polymers. 2021; 13 (15):2522.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ali Safaei; Seppe Terryn; Bram Vanderborght; Guy Van Assche; Joost Brancart. 2021. "The Influence of the Furan and Maleimide Stoichiometry on the Thermoreversible Diels–Alder Network Polymerization." Polymers 13, no. 15: 2522.

Paper
Published: 18 June 2021 in Materials Advances
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Halogenation matters! The stacking between phenylalanine side chains can be tuned by halogen atoms attached to the aromatic ring. Herein, computational data are successfully applied in the design of peptide hydrogels with increased stiffness.

ACS Style

Tom Bettens; Valentin Lacanau; Ruben Van Lommel; Tess De Maeseneer; Wouter Vandeplassche; Jolien Bertouille; Joost Brancart; Thomas M. A. Barlow; Tatiana Woller; Niko Van Den Brande; Paula Moldenaers; Frank De Proft; Annemieke Madder; Richard Hoogenboom; Charlotte Martin; Steven Ballet; Mercedes Alonso. Towards the understanding of halogenation in peptide hydrogels: a quantum chemical approach. Materials Advances 2021, 2, 4792 -4803.

AMA Style

Tom Bettens, Valentin Lacanau, Ruben Van Lommel, Tess De Maeseneer, Wouter Vandeplassche, Jolien Bertouille, Joost Brancart, Thomas M. A. Barlow, Tatiana Woller, Niko Van Den Brande, Paula Moldenaers, Frank De Proft, Annemieke Madder, Richard Hoogenboom, Charlotte Martin, Steven Ballet, Mercedes Alonso. Towards the understanding of halogenation in peptide hydrogels: a quantum chemical approach. Materials Advances. 2021; 2 (14):4792-4803.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tom Bettens; Valentin Lacanau; Ruben Van Lommel; Tess De Maeseneer; Wouter Vandeplassche; Jolien Bertouille; Joost Brancart; Thomas M. A. Barlow; Tatiana Woller; Niko Van Den Brande; Paula Moldenaers; Frank De Proft; Annemieke Madder; Richard Hoogenboom; Charlotte Martin; Steven Ballet; Mercedes Alonso. 2021. "Towards the understanding of halogenation in peptide hydrogels: a quantum chemical approach." Materials Advances 2, no. 14: 4792-4803.

Review
Published: 20 March 2021 in Materials Today
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The intrinsic compliance of soft robots provides safety, a natural adaptation to its environment, allows to absorb shocks, and protects them against mechanical impacts. However, a literature study shows that the soft polymers used for their construction are susceptible to various types of damage, including fatigue, overloads, interfacial debonding, and cuts, tears and perforations by sharp objects. An economic and ecological solution is to construct future soft robotic systems out of self-healing polymers, incorporating the ability to heal damage. This review paper proposes criteria to evaluate the potential of a self-healing polymer to be used in soft robotic applications. Based on these soft robotics requirements and on defined performance parameters of the materials, linked to the mechanical and healing properties, the different types of self-healing polymers already available in literature are critically assessed and compared. In addition to a description of the state of the art on self-healing soft robotics, the paper discusses the driving forces and limitations to spur the interdisciplinary combination between self-healing polymer science and soft robotics.

ACS Style

Seppe Terryn; Jakob Langenbach; Ellen Roels; Joost Brancart; Camille Bakkali-Hassani; Quentin-Arthur Poutrel; Antonia Georgopoulou; Thomas George Thuruthel; Ali Safaei; Pasquale Ferrentino; Tutu Sebastian; Sophie Norvez; Fumiya Iida; Anton W. Bosman; François Tournilhac; Frank Clemens; Guy Van Assche; Bram Vanderborght. A review on self-healing polymers for soft robotics. Materials Today 2021, 47, 187 -205.

AMA Style

Seppe Terryn, Jakob Langenbach, Ellen Roels, Joost Brancart, Camille Bakkali-Hassani, Quentin-Arthur Poutrel, Antonia Georgopoulou, Thomas George Thuruthel, Ali Safaei, Pasquale Ferrentino, Tutu Sebastian, Sophie Norvez, Fumiya Iida, Anton W. Bosman, François Tournilhac, Frank Clemens, Guy Van Assche, Bram Vanderborght. A review on self-healing polymers for soft robotics. Materials Today. 2021; 47 ():187-205.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Seppe Terryn; Jakob Langenbach; Ellen Roels; Joost Brancart; Camille Bakkali-Hassani; Quentin-Arthur Poutrel; Antonia Georgopoulou; Thomas George Thuruthel; Ali Safaei; Pasquale Ferrentino; Tutu Sebastian; Sophie Norvez; Fumiya Iida; Anton W. Bosman; François Tournilhac; Frank Clemens; Guy Van Assche; Bram Vanderborght. 2021. "A review on self-healing polymers for soft robotics." Materials Today 47, no. : 187-205.

Paper
Published: 07 January 2021 in Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
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The photodimerization and thermal dissociation kinetics of anthracene derivatives and corresponding photodimers are related to the substituent chemical structures.

ACS Style

Joost Brancart; Jonas Van Damme; Filip Du Prez; Guy Van Assche. Substituent effect on the thermophysical properties and thermal dissociation behaviour of 9-substituted anthracene derivatives. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 2021, 23, 2252 -2263.

AMA Style

Joost Brancart, Jonas Van Damme, Filip Du Prez, Guy Van Assche. Substituent effect on the thermophysical properties and thermal dissociation behaviour of 9-substituted anthracene derivatives. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. 2021; 23 (3):2252-2263.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Joost Brancart; Jonas Van Damme; Filip Du Prez; Guy Van Assche. 2021. "Substituent effect on the thermophysical properties and thermal dissociation behaviour of 9-substituted anthracene derivatives." Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 23, no. 3: 2252-2263.

Journal article
Published: 09 December 2020 in IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine
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Healable soft robotic systems have been developed by constructing flexible membranes out of Diels?Alder (DA) polymer networks. In these components, relatively large amounts of damage, on the centimeter scale, can be healed, provided that the temperature is increased to 80?90 ?C. This article presents a new DA polymer network that can heal at room temperature through a smart design of the network that increases the molecular mobility in the material. This new material is used to develop the first healable soft robotic prototype that can autonomously recover from severe, realistic damage. The soft pneumatic hand can recover from various types of injuries, including being cut completely in half, without the need for a temperature increase. After healing, the performance of the soft robotic prototype is recovered.

ACS Style

Seppe Terryn; Joost Brancart; Ellen Roels; Guy Van Assche; Bram Vanderborght. Room Temperature Self-Healing in Soft Pneumatic Robotics: Autonomous Self-Healing in a Diels-Alder Polymer Network. IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine 2020, 27, 44 -55.

AMA Style

Seppe Terryn, Joost Brancart, Ellen Roels, Guy Van Assche, Bram Vanderborght. Room Temperature Self-Healing in Soft Pneumatic Robotics: Autonomous Self-Healing in a Diels-Alder Polymer Network. IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine. 2020; 27 (4):44-55.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Seppe Terryn; Joost Brancart; Ellen Roels; Guy Van Assche; Bram Vanderborght. 2020. "Room Temperature Self-Healing in Soft Pneumatic Robotics: Autonomous Self-Healing in a Diels-Alder Polymer Network." IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine 27, no. 4: 44-55.

Journal article
Published: 01 December 2020 in Soft Robotics
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The field of self-healing soft robots was initiated a few years ago. A healing ability can be integrated in soft robots by manufacturing their soft membranes out of synthetic self-healing polymers, more specifically elastomeric Diels–Alder (DA) networks. As such they can recover completely from macroscopic damage, including scratches, cuts, and ruptures. Before this research, these robots were manufactured using a technique named “shaping-through-folding-and-self-healing.” This technique requires extensive manual labor, is relatively slow, and does not allow for complex shapes. In this article, an additive manufacturing methodology, fused filament fabrication, is developed for the thermoreversible DA polymers, and the approach is validated on a soft robotic gripper. The reversibility of their network permits manufacturing these flexible self-healing polymers through reactive printing into the complex shapes required in soft robotics. The degree of freedom in the design of soft robotics that this new manufacturing technique offers is illustrated through the construction of adaptive DHAS gripper fingers, based on the design by FESTO. Being constructed out of self-healing soft flexible polymer, the fingers can recover entirely from large cuts, tears, and punctures. This is highlighted through various damage–heal cycles.

ACS Style

Ellen Roels; Seppe Terryn; Joost Brancart; Robrecht Verhelle; Guy Van Assche; Bram Vanderborght. Additive Manufacturing for Self-Healing Soft Robots. Soft Robotics 2020, 7, 711 -723.

AMA Style

Ellen Roels, Seppe Terryn, Joost Brancart, Robrecht Verhelle, Guy Van Assche, Bram Vanderborght. Additive Manufacturing for Self-Healing Soft Robots. Soft Robotics. 2020; 7 (6):711-723.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ellen Roels; Seppe Terryn; Joost Brancart; Robrecht Verhelle; Guy Van Assche; Bram Vanderborght. 2020. "Additive Manufacturing for Self-Healing Soft Robots." Soft Robotics 7, no. 6: 711-723.

Journal article
Published: 24 July 2020 in Polymer
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Self-healing materials have been intensively studied as materials that can mimic healing properties of biological systems. Reversible polymeric networks based on Diels-Alder thermoreversible covalent bonds exhibit great healing performance by controlling the temperature of the system. Despite the attractive applications of self-healing materials, most of them are restricted to the repair of narrow cracks due to their restricted mobility in the solid state. In this work, magnetite (Fe3O4) particles are used to create self-healing magnetic composites. The use of a conventional magnet to apply a magnetic driving force is proposed for the closure of wide damage gaps in the solid state without the need of either mechanical intervention or liquid-like flow inside the material, limiting the structural stability. Thermal, mechanical and chemical characterization of different composites are performed in this study and the healing efficiency is evaluated to assess their potential to close and heal large damage sizes.

ACS Style

Kenneth Cerdan; Guy Van Assche; Peter van Puyvelde; Joost Brancart. A novel approach for the closure of large damage in self-healing elastomers using magnetic particles. Polymer 2020, 204, 122819 .

AMA Style

Kenneth Cerdan, Guy Van Assche, Peter van Puyvelde, Joost Brancart. A novel approach for the closure of large damage in self-healing elastomers using magnetic particles. Polymer. 2020; 204 ():122819.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kenneth Cerdan; Guy Van Assche; Peter van Puyvelde; Joost Brancart. 2020. "A novel approach for the closure of large damage in self-healing elastomers using magnetic particles." Polymer 204, no. : 122819.

Paper
Published: 14 July 2020 in Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
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The kinetic parameters and the complex thermal dissociation behaviour of anthracene photodimers are reported above and below their melting temperatures.

ACS Style

Joost Brancart; Jonas Van Damme; Filip Du Prez; Guy Van Assche. Thermal dissociation of anthracene photodimers in the condensed state: kinetic evaluation and complex phase behaviour. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 2020, 22, 17306 -17313.

AMA Style

Joost Brancart, Jonas Van Damme, Filip Du Prez, Guy Van Assche. Thermal dissociation of anthracene photodimers in the condensed state: kinetic evaluation and complex phase behaviour. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. 2020; 22 (30):17306-17313.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Joost Brancart; Jonas Van Damme; Filip Du Prez; Guy Van Assche. 2020. "Thermal dissociation of anthracene photodimers in the condensed state: kinetic evaluation and complex phase behaviour." Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 22, no. 30: 17306-17313.

Journal article
Published: 30 April 2020 in Actuators
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In new-generation soft robots, the actuation performance can be increased by using multiple materials in the actuator designs. However, the lifetime of these actuators is often limited due to failure that occurs at the weak multi-material interfaces that rely almost entirely on physical interactions and where stress concentration appears during actuation. This paper proposes to develop soft pneumatic actuators out of multiple Diels–Alder polymers that can generate strong covalent bonds at the multi-material interface by means of a heat–cool cycle. Through tensile testing it is proven that high interfacial strength can be obtained between two merged Diels–Alder polymers. This merging principle is exploited in the manufacturing of multi-material bending soft pneumatic actuators in which interfaces are no longer the weakest links. The applicability of the actuators is illustrated by their operation in a soft hand and a soft gripper demonstrator. In addition, the use of Diels–Alder polymers incorporates healability in bending actuators. It is experimentally illustrated that full recovery of severe damage can be obtained by subjecting the multi-material actuators to a healing cycle.

ACS Style

Seppe Terryn; Ellen Roels; Joost Brancart; Guy Van Assche; Bram VanderBorght. Self-Healing and High Interfacial Strength in Multi-Material Soft Pneumatic Robots via Reversible Diels–Alder Bonds. Actuators 2020, 9, 34 .

AMA Style

Seppe Terryn, Ellen Roels, Joost Brancart, Guy Van Assche, Bram VanderBorght. Self-Healing and High Interfacial Strength in Multi-Material Soft Pneumatic Robots via Reversible Diels–Alder Bonds. Actuators. 2020; 9 (2):34.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Seppe Terryn; Ellen Roels; Joost Brancart; Guy Van Assche; Bram VanderBorght. 2020. "Self-Healing and High Interfacial Strength in Multi-Material Soft Pneumatic Robots via Reversible Diels–Alder Bonds." Actuators 9, no. 2: 34.

Research article
Published: 31 October 2019 in Macromolecules
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A systematic study of diffusion-controlled reversible Diels–Alder (DA) network formation is performed under both isothermal and nonisothermal reaction conditions based on two amorphous furan–maleimide thermoset model systems. The experimental evolution of the glass-transition temperature, Tg, with the predicted DA conversion, x, simulated by a two-equilibrium kinetic model for endo and exocycloadducts leads to the Tg–x relationship of these model systems. The heat capacity, cp, from modulated temperature differential scanning calorimetry enables the characterization of (partial) vitrification along the reaction path. In isothermal DA reactions at Tcure, a stepwise negative drop in Δcp at the onset of vitrification is observed, followed by a diffusion-controlled reaction at a reduced rate. Tg can exceed Tcure by at least 15 °C. In nonisothermal DA cure at a sufficiently low heating rate, (partial) vitrification is also possible (negative Δcp step), followed by diffusion-controlled cure until devitrification occurs again (positive Δcp). Gelation along the reaction path is proven by dynamic rheometry, and gelled glasses can always be obtained under ambient conditions. This information is of importance in the damage management of reversible thermosets by self-repair of microcracks in bulk, as evidenced by dynamic mechanical analysis of a compressed powder after healing below Tg.

ACS Style

Jessica Mangialetto; Audrey Cuvellier; Robrecht Verhelle; Joost Brancart; Hubert Rahier; Guy Van Assche; Niko Van Den Brande; Bruno Van Mele. Diffusion- and Mobility-Controlled Self-Healing Polymer Networks with Dynamic Covalent Bonding. Macromolecules 2019, 52, 8440 -8452.

AMA Style

Jessica Mangialetto, Audrey Cuvellier, Robrecht Verhelle, Joost Brancart, Hubert Rahier, Guy Van Assche, Niko Van Den Brande, Bruno Van Mele. Diffusion- and Mobility-Controlled Self-Healing Polymer Networks with Dynamic Covalent Bonding. Macromolecules. 2019; 52 (21):8440-8452.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jessica Mangialetto; Audrey Cuvellier; Robrecht Verhelle; Joost Brancart; Hubert Rahier; Guy Van Assche; Niko Van Den Brande; Bruno Van Mele. 2019. "Diffusion- and Mobility-Controlled Self-Healing Polymer Networks with Dynamic Covalent Bonding." Macromolecules 52, no. 21: 8440-8452.

Research article
Published: 22 July 2019 in PLOS ONE
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The current physical goods economy produces materials by extracting finite valuable resources without taking their end of the life and environmental impact into account. Mycelium-based materials offer an alternative fabrication paradigm, based on the growth of materials rather than on extraction. Agricultural residue fibres are inoculated with fungal mycelium, which form an interwoven three-dimensional filamentous network binding the feedstock into a lightweight material. The mycelium-based material is heat-killed after the growing process. In this paper, we investigate the production process, the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of mycelium-based composites made with different types of lignocellulosic reinforcement fibres combined with a white rot fungus, Trametes versicolor. This is the first study reporting the dry density, the Young’s modulus, the compressive stiffness, the stress-strain curves, the thermal conductivity, the water absorption rate and a FTIR analyse of mycelium-based composites by making use of a fully disclosed protocol with T. versicolor and five different type of fibres (hemp, flax, flax waste, softwood, straw) and fibre processings (loose, chopped, dust, pre-compressed and tow). The thermal conductivity and water absorption coefficient of the mycelium composites with flax, hemp, and straw have an overall good insulation behaviour in all the aspects compared to conventional materials such as rock wool, glass wool and extruded polystyrene. The conducted tests reveal that the mechanical performance of the mycelium-based composites depends more on the fibre processing (loose, chopped, pre-compressed, and tow), and size than on the chemical composition of the fibres. These experimental results show that mycelium-composites can fulfil the requirements of thermal insulation and have the potential to replace fosile-based composites. The methology used to evaluate the suitability and selection of organic waste-streams proved to be effective for the mycelium-material manufacturing applications.

ACS Style

Elise Elsacker; Simon Vandelook; Joost Brancart; Eveline Peeters; Lars De Laet. Mechanical, physical and chemical characterisation of mycelium-based composites with different types of lignocellulosic substrates. PLOS ONE 2019, 14, e0213954 .

AMA Style

Elise Elsacker, Simon Vandelook, Joost Brancart, Eveline Peeters, Lars De Laet. Mechanical, physical and chemical characterisation of mycelium-based composites with different types of lignocellulosic substrates. PLOS ONE. 2019; 14 (7):e0213954.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elise Elsacker; Simon Vandelook; Joost Brancart; Eveline Peeters; Lars De Laet. 2019. "Mechanical, physical and chemical characterisation of mycelium-based composites with different types of lignocellulosic substrates." PLOS ONE 14, no. 7: e0213954.

Original research article
Published: 04 April 2019 in Frontiers in Earth Science
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Magma intrusions grow to their final geometries by deforming the Earth's crust internally and by displacing the Earth's surface. Interpreting the related displacements in terms of intrusion geometry is key to forecasting a volcanic eruption. While scaled laboratory models enable us to study the relationships between surface displacement and intrusion geometry, past approaches entailed limitations regarding imaging of the laboratory model interior or simplicity of the simulated crustal rheology. Here we apply cutting-edge medical wide beam X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) to quantify in 4D the deformation induced in laboratory models by an intrusion of a magma analog (golden syrup) into a rheologically-complex granular host rock analog (sand and plaster). We extract the surface deformation and we quantify the strain field of the entire experimental volume in 3D over time by using Digital Volume Correlation (DVC). By varying the strength and height of the host material, and intrusion velocity, we observe how intrusions of contrasting geometries grow, and induce contrasting strain field characteristics and surface deformation in 4D. The novel application of CT and DVC reveals that distributed strain accommodation and mixed-mode (opening and shear) fracturing dominates in low-cohesion material overburden, and leads to the growth of thick cryptodomes or cup-shaped intrusions. More localized strain accommodation and opening-mode fracturing dominates in high-cohesion material overburden, and leads to the growth of cone sheets or thin dikes. The results demonstrate how the combination of CT and DVC can greatly enhance the utility of optically non-transparent crustal rock analogs in obtaining insights into shallow crustal deformation processes. This unprecedented perspective on the spatio-temporal interaction of intrusion growth coupled with host material deformation provides a conceptual framework that can be tested by field observations at eroded volcanic systems and by the ever increasing spatial and temporal resolution of geodetic data at active volcanoes.

ACS Style

Sam Poppe; Eoghan Holohan; Olivier Galland; Nico Buls; Gert Van Gompel; Benyameen Keelson; Pierre-Yves Tournigand; Joost Brancart; Dave Hollis; Alex Nila; Matthieu Kervyn. An Inside Perspective on Magma Intrusion: Quantifying 3D Displacement and Strain in Laboratory Experiments by Dynamic X-Ray Computed Tomography. Frontiers in Earth Science 2019, 7, 1 .

AMA Style

Sam Poppe, Eoghan Holohan, Olivier Galland, Nico Buls, Gert Van Gompel, Benyameen Keelson, Pierre-Yves Tournigand, Joost Brancart, Dave Hollis, Alex Nila, Matthieu Kervyn. An Inside Perspective on Magma Intrusion: Quantifying 3D Displacement and Strain in Laboratory Experiments by Dynamic X-Ray Computed Tomography. Frontiers in Earth Science. 2019; 7 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sam Poppe; Eoghan Holohan; Olivier Galland; Nico Buls; Gert Van Gompel; Benyameen Keelson; Pierre-Yves Tournigand; Joost Brancart; Dave Hollis; Alex Nila; Matthieu Kervyn. 2019. "An Inside Perspective on Magma Intrusion: Quantifying 3D Displacement and Strain in Laboratory Experiments by Dynamic X-Ray Computed Tomography." Frontiers in Earth Science 7, no. : 1.

Conference paper
Published: 01 April 2019 in 2019 2nd IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft)
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In the field of soft robotics, the material selection plays an important role and markedly influences the properties of the actuators. More complex actuators can be manufactured by combining the strengths of multiple materials in a single design. To allow this, a good connection between the different materials is indispensable. Making a physical connection between flexible materials, having different properties, is difficult and leads to failure and damage due to stress concentrations at the interface. This is why in soft robots, most of the time single-material actuators are used. In this work, re-mendable elastomeric polymers are used to construct multi-material soft actuators. These Diels-Alder polymers consist of a thermore-versible covalent network that allows chemical bonding at the interface between two parts. Two Diels-Alder polymers were synthesised with contrasting mechanical properties. Although, having dissimilar Young's moduli, these different materials can chemically bind at the interface, resulting in a very strong connection. This principle was elaborated in a dual-material tendon-driven soft gripper. Additionally, the reversible network allows to heal damages using mild heating. This healing ability was demonstrated by subsequently damaging and completely healing the dual-material soft actuator multiple times.

ACS Style

Ellen Roels; Seppe Terryn; Joost Brancart; Guy Van Assche; Bram Vanderborght. A Multi-Material Self-Healing Soft Gripper. 2019 2nd IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft) 2019, 316 -321.

AMA Style

Ellen Roels, Seppe Terryn, Joost Brancart, Guy Van Assche, Bram Vanderborght. A Multi-Material Self-Healing Soft Gripper. 2019 2nd IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft). 2019; ():316-321.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ellen Roels; Seppe Terryn; Joost Brancart; Guy Van Assche; Bram Vanderborght. 2019. "A Multi-Material Self-Healing Soft Gripper." 2019 2nd IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft) , no. : 316-321.

Journal article
Published: 07 January 2019 in Tetrahedron
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A novel functional 2,6-substituted donor-acceptor anthracene derivative, bearing a long alkyl spacer and a polymerizable end-group, is synthesized from readily available compounds. This monomer possesses conjugated electron donor and acceptor moieties to achieve UV absorption and anthracene dimerization at higher wavelengths and under milder conditions, than anthracene and other reported anthracene derivatives. The compound was shown to absorb at higher wavelengths and dimerize much faster compared to most 9-substituted anthracenes. The fast photochemical and relatively slow thermal scission of the dimers were studied and related to the chemical structure, i.e. the 2,6-substitution.

ACS Style

Jonas Van Damme; Otto Van Den Berg; Joost Brancart; Guy Van Assche; Filip Du Prez. A novel donor-π-acceptor anthracene monomer: Towards faster and milder reversible dimerization. Tetrahedron 2019, 75, 912 -920.

AMA Style

Jonas Van Damme, Otto Van Den Berg, Joost Brancart, Guy Van Assche, Filip Du Prez. A novel donor-π-acceptor anthracene monomer: Towards faster and milder reversible dimerization. Tetrahedron. 2019; 75 (7):912-920.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jonas Van Damme; Otto Van Den Berg; Joost Brancart; Guy Van Assche; Filip Du Prez. 2019. "A novel donor-π-acceptor anthracene monomer: Towards faster and milder reversible dimerization." Tetrahedron 75, no. 7: 912-920.

Journal article
Published: 26 December 2018 in Coatings
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While thermally reversible polymer network coatings based on the Diels-Alder reaction are widely studied, the mechanisms responsible for the heating-mediated healing of damage is still not well understood. The combination of microscopic evaluation techniques and fundamental insights for the thermoreversible network formation in the bulk and coating shed light on the mechanisms behind the damage healing events. The thermomechanical properties of thermoset and elastomer coatings, crosslinked by the furan-maleimide Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction, were studied in bulk and compared to the thermal behaviour applied as coatings onto aluminium substrates. The damage sealing of thermoset (Tg = 79 °C) and elastomer (Tg = −49 °C) coatings were studied using nano-lithography and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The sealing event is studied and modelled at multiple temperatures and correlated to the changes in the network structure and corresponding thermomechanical properties.

ACS Style

Joost Brancart; Robrecht Verhelle; Jessica Mangialetto; Guy Van Assche. Coupling the Microscopic Healing Behaviour of Coatings to the Thermoreversible Diels-Alder Network Formation. Coatings 2018, 9, 13 .

AMA Style

Joost Brancart, Robrecht Verhelle, Jessica Mangialetto, Guy Van Assche. Coupling the Microscopic Healing Behaviour of Coatings to the Thermoreversible Diels-Alder Network Formation. Coatings. 2018; 9 (1):13.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Joost Brancart; Robrecht Verhelle; Jessica Mangialetto; Guy Van Assche. 2018. "Coupling the Microscopic Healing Behaviour of Coatings to the Thermoreversible Diels-Alder Network Formation." Coatings 9, no. 1: 13.

Journals
Published: 11 December 2018 in Polymer Chemistry
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The differences in reactivity and thermal stability of the stereoisomers define the thermal properties and responsiveness of the reversible polymer network.

ACS Style

Audrey Cuvellier; Robrecht Verhelle; Joost Brancart; Bram Vanderborght; Guy Van Assche; Hubert Rahier. The influence of stereochemistry on the reactivity of the Diels–Alder cycloaddition and the implications for reversible network polymerization. Polymer Chemistry 2018, 10, 473 -485.

AMA Style

Audrey Cuvellier, Robrecht Verhelle, Joost Brancart, Bram Vanderborght, Guy Van Assche, Hubert Rahier. The influence of stereochemistry on the reactivity of the Diels–Alder cycloaddition and the implications for reversible network polymerization. Polymer Chemistry. 2018; 10 (4):473-485.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Audrey Cuvellier; Robrecht Verhelle; Joost Brancart; Bram Vanderborght; Guy Van Assche; Hubert Rahier. 2018. "The influence of stereochemistry on the reactivity of the Diels–Alder cycloaddition and the implications for reversible network polymerization." Polymer Chemistry 10, no. 4: 473-485.

Journal article
Published: 14 August 2018 in Polymer
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The healing behavior of a dynamically reversible covalent polymer network with a Tg of 3 °C, based on the reversible Diels-Alder (DA) cycloaddition between furan and maleimide moieties is reported, for both room-temperature and heating-mediated healing. In previous work the dynamic character of the DA cycloaddition reaction in a polymer network was studied, those findings are used to understand its healing ability. The recovery of mechanical properties by intrinsic healing is studied by Dynamic Mechanical Analysis, quantifying the loss in properties due to incurred damage and assessing their recovery with respect to the original material. The DA cycloadduct bonds in the network can be mechanically activated to autonomously heal damage at room temperature if the damage surfaces remain activated. If the damage surfaces are not brought in contact fast enough they reestablish equilibrium (aging) and lose their autonomous healing potential. In the latter case, only heating-mediated healing can occur, reactivating the healing ability. Controlled damage formation and subsequent sealing of the damage of network coatings is monitored by Atomic Force Microscopy and optical microscopy. The repeatability for both mechanical activation, studied by tensile testing, and thermal cycling, studied by Differential Scanning Calorimetry, is reported.

ACS Style

M.M. Diaz; J. Brancart; G. Van Assche; B. Van Mele. Room-temperature versus heating-mediated healing of a Diels-Alder crosslinked polymer network. Polymer 2018, 153, 453 -463.

AMA Style

M.M. Diaz, J. Brancart, G. Van Assche, B. Van Mele. Room-temperature versus heating-mediated healing of a Diels-Alder crosslinked polymer network. Polymer. 2018; 153 ():453-463.

Chicago/Turabian Style

M.M. Diaz; J. Brancart; G. Van Assche; B. Van Mele. 2018. "Room-temperature versus heating-mediated healing of a Diels-Alder crosslinked polymer network." Polymer 153, no. : 453-463.

Journal article
Published: 04 July 2018 in European Polymer Journal
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Anthracene dimer diols having very different thermal stabilities have been incorporated in polyurethane networks. The thermal de-crosslinking of these networks was shown to be dependent on the anthracene dimer used, allowing tunable thermal degradation. This scission was studied using (HR-MAS) NMR, DSC and rheometry. The tunable thermal decrosslinking was validated as a technique to easily remove the coatings at their end-of-life. The UV irradiation of the thermally degraded materials allows for recuring the coatings to materials having similar properties. By simultaneous irradiation and heating of (partially) reversibly cross-linked networks, the networks were able to relief internal stress and adopt a new permanent shape.

ACS Style

Jonas Van Damme; Otto Van Den Berg; Laetitia Vlaminck; Joost Brancart; Guy Van Assche; Filip Du Prez. Anthracene-based polyurethane networks: Tunable thermal degradation, photochemical cure and stress-relaxation. European Polymer Journal 2018, 105, 412 -420.

AMA Style

Jonas Van Damme, Otto Van Den Berg, Laetitia Vlaminck, Joost Brancart, Guy Van Assche, Filip Du Prez. Anthracene-based polyurethane networks: Tunable thermal degradation, photochemical cure and stress-relaxation. European Polymer Journal. 2018; 105 ():412-420.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jonas Van Damme; Otto Van Den Berg; Laetitia Vlaminck; Joost Brancart; Guy Van Assche; Filip Du Prez. 2018. "Anthracene-based polyurethane networks: Tunable thermal degradation, photochemical cure and stress-relaxation." European Polymer Journal 105, no. : 412-420.

Journals
Published: 12 October 2017 in RSC Advances
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In the present work, we synthesized one-component self-healing polyurethanes based on thermo-reversible furan/maleimide Diels–Alder reactions.

ACS Style

B. Willocq; F. Khelifa; Joost Brancart; G. Van Assche; Ph. Dubois; J.-M. Raquez. One-component Diels–Alder based polyurethanes: a unique way to self-heal. RSC Advances 2017, 7, 48047 -48053.

AMA Style

B. Willocq, F. Khelifa, Joost Brancart, G. Van Assche, Ph. Dubois, J.-M. Raquez. One-component Diels–Alder based polyurethanes: a unique way to self-heal. RSC Advances. 2017; 7 (76):48047-48053.

Chicago/Turabian Style

B. Willocq; F. Khelifa; Joost Brancart; G. Van Assche; Ph. Dubois; J.-M. Raquez. 2017. "One-component Diels–Alder based polyurethanes: a unique way to self-heal." RSC Advances 7, no. 76: 48047-48053.

Research article
Published: 16 August 2017 in Science Robotics
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Inspired by the compliance found in many organisms, soft robots are made almost entirely out of flexible, soft material, making them suitable for applications in uncertain, dynamic task environments, including safe human-robot interactions. Their intrinsic compliance absorbs shocks and protects them against mechanical impacts. However, the soft materials used for their construction are highly susceptible to damage, such as cuts and perforations caused by sharp objects present in the uncontrolled and unpredictable environments they operate in. In this research, we propose to construct soft robotics entirely out of self-healing elastomers. On the basis of healing capacities found in nature, these polymers are given the ability to heal microscopic and macroscopic damage. Diels-Alder polymers, being thermoreversible covalent networks, were used to develop three applications of self-healing soft pneumatic actuators (a soft gripper, a soft hand, and artificial muscles). Soft pneumatic actuators commonly experience perforations and leaks due to excessive pressures or wear during operation. All three prototypes were designed using finite element modeling and mechanically characterized. The manufacturing method of the actuators exploits the self-healing behavior of the materials, which can be recycled. Realistic macroscopic damage could be healed entirely using a mild heat treatment. At the location of the scar, no weak spots were created, and the full performance of the actuators was nearly completely recovered after healing.

ACS Style

Seppe Terryn; Joost Brancart; Dirk Lefeber; Guy Van Assche; Bram Vanderborght. Self-healing soft pneumatic robots. Science Robotics 2017, 2, eaan4268 .

AMA Style

Seppe Terryn, Joost Brancart, Dirk Lefeber, Guy Van Assche, Bram Vanderborght. Self-healing soft pneumatic robots. Science Robotics. 2017; 2 (9):eaan4268.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Seppe Terryn; Joost Brancart; Dirk Lefeber; Guy Van Assche; Bram Vanderborght. 2017. "Self-healing soft pneumatic robots." Science Robotics 2, no. 9: eaan4268.