Prof. Hubert Rahier
Prof. dr. ir. Hubert Rahier received his PhD (on geopolymers) from the VUB in 1995. In 2001 he became full-time lecturer, offering courses on sustainability, inorganic chemistry and ceramics. His main research activities include non-traditional cements (alkali-activation, inorganic polymers, geopolymers, phosphate cements), electrospun nanofibres (in collaboration with prof. K. De Clerck, UGhent), hybrid materials such as nanocomposites, production of nanoparticles, and self healing of polymers and concrete. Recently he got involved in a project concerning photo-electrochemical water splitting. The idea is to produce an anode that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen, using sunlight.
Selected Projects
SECEMIN: SElf-healing CEmentitous and MINeral building materials.
Aim of the current SBO-project (SIM SHE program on Engineered Self-Healing Materials) is to develop new routes and to further elaborate on concepts for autonomous self-healing of cementitious and mineral building materials. Important objectives are: - regain impermeability of the material and as such safeguard the durability of the structure ("sealing") - restore mechanical properties of the ...
ICON2 PUrePair: Polyurethane foams and elastomers with autonomic repair.
To eliminate the negative effects of the ageing of plastics, a self-healing approach can be used that is triggered by a degradation mechanism, like e.g. cracking. In this way, a repair function is integrated within the material itself and eliminates the need for human intervention and/or repair. This should ultimately lead to several advantages: - A longer lifetime of the product itself - The ...
Nanovascular network for use in self-healing applications
A nanovascular network is created via sacrificial electrospun webs. After removal of the web, channels are created that can carry the healing agents.
ISHECO
a self healing strategy will be developed for reinforced concrete. Possible routes are (i) a coating on the concrete (ii) coating on the steel rebars (iii) water absorbing polymers in the concrete.
Cementitious Composites for Structural Applications
A new type of wall structure for buildings will be developed in this project. They will consist of fibre reinforced cementitious skins that will also be the load bearing parts, and a core of an insulating material. This project aims to come up with a more environmental friendly way to construct small buildings. New cementitious matrices will be developed based on alkali activated cements or on ...
Selected Publications
Courses
Environmental Aspects of Engineering
Introduction to the major environmental problems and the positive role of engineering in trouble solving
Inorganic Chemistry
This 3Ba course gives some deeper insights into inorganic chemistry.
Ceramics
1MA course giving an overview of ceramic materials with emphasis on relationships between (molecular)structure and properties
Chemistry: Structure and Transformation of Matter
1BA course, as a general introduction to chemistry
Environmental Technology and Sustainable Materials
2BA technology project to give a flavour of the job of a chemical or materials engineer
Sustainability of Materials
2MA course dealing with durability (like corrosion of metals) and sustainability of materials. The students perform a theoretical study to learn the process of LCA and to understand how this can help to make more sustainable materials.