Marie-Claude Heuzey

Polytechnique Montréal

Chemical Engineer

Fellow, Elected 2024

Prof. Marie Claude Heuzey is a rheologist who can tackle difficult and challenging experimental work. She is involved in a variety of topics embracing 3D printing, electrospinning, fiber-filled polymers, nanocomposites and the development of polysaccharide-protein systems. She has made outstanding contributions to the field of rheology. Her research has led in novel contributions in diverse areas including:

• Development of chitosan physical gels and elucidation of their gelation mechanisms and kinetics through rheology: Prof. Heuzey’s research is amongst the most cited in the area, covering the viscoelastic properties of chitosan solutions, solution behavior and heat-induced gelation using small amplitude oscillatory rheometry, cooling-induced gelation. In addition, a novel and precise detection technique of the sol-gel transition, based on Fast-Fourier-Transform (FFT) rheometry, has been developed to control the gelation process.
• Development of antibacterial chitosan-based materials through electrospinning and electrospraying: This research involves fundamental studies on the electrospinnability of chitosan, which relies heavily on rheological properties of solutions, along with surface tension and electric properties. Two related publications include one on innovative core-shell electrospun structures and one on the determination of phase behavior of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and chitosan solution blends using rheometry.
• 3D printing of chitosan structures: An in-depth analysis of the process was performed to examine the printability of chitosan-based inks in terms of rheological properties and solvent evaporation rate. Rheological characterization techniques were applied to help in determining inks printability and setting up printing parameters.
• Development of polysaccharide-protein systems: Using time-resolved rheological analysis amongst various characterization techniques, this research has shed light on the interactions of chitosan with gelatin, amongst others. She is also involved in the direct-ink writing of these systems and how their printability relies on rheological properties.
• Development of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)-based nanocomposites-fundamental understanding of relationships between rheological behavior and microstructure: Prof Heuzey’s approach combines mapping of the ultrasonication window for dispersing CNC, and using rheometry and conductivity measurements to assess quantitatively CNC dispersion.
• Interfacial rheology of biofilms: This research involves an interfacial rotational rheometer to quantitatively measure real-time effects on dual-species biofilms formation and mechanical properties. This information can be related to biofilm microbiological composition to evaluate the impact of external stimuli on the bacteria survival, which can help developing appropriate treatments to eradicate biofilms or control their growth.