Toegepaste Ingenieurs­wetenschappen

2026

Woon een doctoraatsverdediging bij of raadpleeg de voorbije verdedigingen

2026

Woon een doctoraatsverdediging bij of raadpleeg de voorbije verdedigingen

'Describing complexity in the context of plastics recycling: a multi-level statistical entropy lens' (12/02/2026)

Cristina Moyaert

Abstract

This thesis introduces new metrics to evaluate a pressing issue in the transition to plastics circularity; their increasing complexity. At its core, circularity largely deals with managing this complexity, which necessitates its quantification. Using statistical entropy across different levels, i.e. molecular, product and geospatial levels, can support product design and waste management decision-making.

'Towards Application-flexible Embedded Data Acquisition: Framework, Compression and Synchronization' (6/02/2026)

Rens Baeyens

Abstract

Embedded systems play a key role in collecting data from sensors in modern applications. However, existing data-acquisition solutions are often tailored to specific use cases, making them difficult to reuse or adapt.
This dissertation presents a flexible embedded data-acquisition framework that can be applied across different applications. The framework combines modular system design with efficient data compression and accurate time synchronization, enabling reliable and efficient handling of sensor data on resource-constrained devices.
The proposed approach is validated through practical implementations on embedded platforms. The results demonstrate that flexible, scalable, and application-independent data-acquisition systems are achievable, supporting both industrial and research use cases.

‘Bioconversion of Waste Lipids into Long-Chain Dicarboxylic Acids: Process Insights and Optimisation’ (02/02/2026)

Boris Gilis

  • 2 februari 2026
  • 16.00 uur 
  • ​Campus Drie Eiken, lokaal d.Q.002
  • Promotor: prof. dr. Iris Cornet   
  • Faculteit Toegepaste Ingenieurswetenschappen

Abstract

What if we could use yesterday’s cooking oil to replace fossil oil in the production of valuable chemicals? Despite growing sustainability efforts, the chemical industry still relies heavily on fossil resources and energy-intensive production methods. Meanwhile, large amounts of cooking oil and fat wastes are used as a low-value energy source, even though they contain valuable building blocks for chemical production.
This PhD research investigated whether waste oils and fats could be converted into long-chain dicarboxylic acids. These acids are versatile components used in materials such as plastics and coatings. Producing these molecules efficiently with conventional chemical processes is challenging. Instead, this research explored a more sustainable approach by using yeasts as tiny biochemical production factories.
By developing an optimised and controlled fermentation process, these yeasts converted the waste oils and fats into high amounts of long-chain dicarboxylic acids. This work shows that even complex waste streams can be transformed into valuable products, reducing waste and supporting the transition of the chemical industry towards renewable and circular raw materials.