13 June 2023

Linköping University recently hosted a captivating event that brought together esteemed researchers and experts in the field of materials science and sensor technology.

People in the lecture hall, listening to professor.

Mohamed Loukil.Mohamed Loukil, Senior Associated Professor at the Division of Engineering Materials. The event, organised by Mohamed Loukil, Senior Associate Professor at the Division of Engineering Materials, provided a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration. One of the highlights of the event was the presentation by Professor Olfa Kanoun from Chemnitz Technical University in Germany, a distinguished figure in the field of measurement and sensor technology.

The event kicked off with a presentation given by Mohamed Loukil. Dr. Loukil shared his research findings, providing valuable insights into the advancements in the field of composite materials. His expertise and contributions set the stage for a thought-provoking discussion on innovative materials and their applications.

Kenneth Karlsson, IMA, speaks in the microphone.Kenneth Karlsson, IMA. Following Dr. Loukil's presentation, Kenneth Karlsson, the cluster manager at the Innovative Material Arena, took the stage to introduce the Innovative Material Arena. 

“IMA is a platform for researchers, industry professionals, and other stakeholders to come together, exchange ideas, and explore new possibilities in materials development and applications,” emphasised Karlsson.

The highlight of the event was the highly anticipated presentation by Professor Olfa Kanoun. Known for her pioneering work in nanocomposite sensors, Professor Kanoun captivated the audience from the moment she stepped on stage. Her presentation started with an invitation to visit her at an international conference to be held in Chemnitz, Germany, in 2025, when Chemnitz will be the European Capital of Culture. This invitation offered attendees an exciting opportunity to engage with global experts and explore the latest advancements in sensor technology.

Olfa Kanoun, Professor at the Chemnitz University of Technology in Germany.Olfa Kanoun, Professor at the Chemnitz University of Technology in Germany.

Professor Kanoun's presentation focused on the ground-breaking potential of nanocomposite films based on carbon nanotubes (CNT) and polymers. These films offer a novel and innovative approach to get scalable and flexible sensors with exceptional performance characteristics, all while maintaining low manufacturing costs. The advantages of these sensors are manifold, including adjustable measurement ranges, high sensitivity, robustness, flexibility, and scalability. Professor Kanoun emphasized how these sensors can overcome the limitations of conventional sensors, making them ideal for applications such as temperature and humidity monitoring, strain, and pressure measurement, and even integration into various materials and structures.

The integration of carbon-based materials and polymers in sensor technology holds great promise for numerous industries, including aerospace, robotics, medical diagnostics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and environmental monitoring. Professor Kanoun's presentation shed light on the limitless possibilities offered by these sensors, showcasing their customizability, scalability, and their potential for seamless integration into diverse applications.

“Having received seven best paper awards at international conferences and published over 500 peer-reviewed scientific articles, she is undoubtedly a leading authority in the field of measurement and sensor technology,” says Mohamed Loukil.

Since 2007, she has held the position of professor at the Chemnitz University of Technology in Germany, where her research focuses on impedance spectroscopy, sensors based on carbonaceous nanomaterials, and energy-aware wireless sensors. Her educational background, with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and information technology from the Technical University of Munich and a Ph.D. from the University of the Bundeswehr Munich, further highlights her exceptional qualifications.

The event at Linköping University provided attendees with a unique opportunity to gain insights into the latest advancements in materials engineering and sensor technology. Professor Olfa Kanoun's presentation left the audience inspired and eager to explore the potential applications of nanocomposite sensors.

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