Sustainable Materials Engineering

In order to specialise in specific types of materials, students can choose between two majors. The major Metal Science and Engineering focuses on metals with emphasis on understanding and developing innovative, light metals used in constructions where these metals have to fulfil increasingly stringent safety requirements. Both optimisation of the chemical composition (alloy formation) and processing are discussed in detail. Ceramic materials are also highlighted. The concept of sustainability is addressed. On the one hand, the student will acquire knowledge to understand why a material deteriorates and how surface engineering can increase its life span. On the other hand, the student will learn to process metals from secondary sources, such as scrap or e-waste, and will understand that metals can be produced that are equally performing as metals produced from primary raw materials (ores).Further, emphasis is put on modelling. You will become familiar with the available options to simulate the material properties and their evolution and subsequently will learn to adequately interpret the outcome of these simulations.The major Polymers and Fibre Structures focuses on polymers, especially on fibre based structures. Polymers are the main raw material of fibres, next to ceramic and mineral ones. The programme covers the materials and their physical, chemical and mechanical processing and treatment. Emphasis is put on the technology, the behaviour of the fibres and yarns during processing and the fundamental properties of the structures. By providing a physical or chemical after treatment to textile materials, additional properties (added value) can be achieved. The theory of colour, colour formation and perception and the treatment of different dye types including their application are described. As such, students obtain an understanding of textile materials and processes with special attention to the development of products with specific functionalities (flame retardant, crease resistant, antibacterial, soil resistant …). Nanotechnology and biotechnological materials and processes are discussed. A lot of attention is paid to the development of artificial turf for sports and other recreational purposes. A specific type of functional materials relates to intelligent (interactive) textile materials. Thematic clusters of elective courses offer students the possibility to further concentrate on specific materials (possibly from the other major), or on specific themes such as ecology, nanotechnology, smart materials, chemistry or business oriented technical and non-technical topics.In both majors students have two possibilities: either an advanced programme of materials sciences or a more broad approach (by choosing a Minor) which – next to a thorough study of materials science – gives the opportunity to specialise in one of the following fields: Management, Environment and Sustainable Development, Automotive Production Engineering.