Bioinspiration for static and dynamic soft matter functional materials
The boarderline between synthetic soft matter and biological materials is fading, allowing new multidisciplinary approaches to develop materials with unique properties inspired by nature.
In this lecture, Prof. Olli Ikkala will first explore how bioinspiration drives advances in complex self-assemblies, tough and strong nanocomposites, water and dirt repellency, adhesion, and structural colors.
Moving beyond these static properties, he will then delve into recent developments in dynamically adjustable, out-of-equilibrium materials that incorporate feedback loops, taking inspiration from biological homeostasis. Read more.
About the Chair holder
Olli Ikkala is a distinguished professor at Aalto University, Department of Applied Physics in greater Helsinki, Finland. Originally educated in quantum physics, followed by 10 years industrial experience using supramolecular self-assemblies of electrically conducting polymers to tailor the processes for real applications, his present interest is in bioinspiration to achieve new static and dynamic properties of soft matter.
Therein, he has shown routes for hierarchical self-assemblies, nacre-mimetic materials, nanocelluloses for a variety of functions, and making stimulus-responsive soft materials that algorithmically mimic the simplest forms of behavioral learning, such as inspired by Pavlov conditioning, sensitization, habituation, and training.
Programme
- 18:30 - Welcome
- 19:00 - Opening of the ceremony
- Welcome by Professor Piet Desmet, vice rector KU Leuven Kulak
- Introduction by Professor Wim Thielemans, promotor, Faculty of Science KU Leuven Kulak
- 19:15 - Inaugural lecture by Professor Olli Ikkala, Bioinspiration for static and dynamic soft matter functional materials
- 20:30 - Closing remarks by Professor Koen Van Den Abeele, Campus Chair of the Faculty of Science KU Leuven Kulak
- Afterwards you are invited to the reception
