Pieter Verding

Pieter Verding is a doctoral researcher at Hasselt University's Faculty of Engineering, affiliated with the imo-imomec research institute and actively contributing to the Ultrahard project. His work focuses on developing optical and scratch-resistant diamond coatings for glass through ultrasonic spray coating techniques, positioning him at the forefront of advanced materials engineering.

His academic qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in Electromechanical Engineering from Hasselt University
• Master's degree in Electromechanical Engineering from Hasselt University
• Master's thesis research at Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (Mainz, 2019), where he developed an optical laser system for droplet characterization

Verding specializes in the physics of droplet formation and dynamics during ultrasonic spray coating processes. He rigorously examines how printing parameters and ink formulations influence droplet characteristics and subsequent layer morphology, with particular expertise in nanocrystalline diamond coatings. His methodological approach integrates high-speed imaging, optical diagnostics, and precise parameter optimization to advance coating technologies for industrial applications.

His scientific recognition includes:

• FWO Doctoral Fellowship (2020)

Funded by the FWO grant, Verding's doctoral research constitutes a core component of the Ultrahard project under Professor Wim Deferme's supervision. As a Ph.D. candidate, he does not supervise students but plays a pivotal role in diamond seed deposition and growth process development. His work bridges fundamental droplet dynamics research with practical applications in protective coatings.

Based at imo-imomec within Hasselt University, Verding collaborates with a multidisciplinary team on the Ultrahard project's mission to produce diamond-coated glass with superior optical clarity and mechanical durability through controlled chemical vapor deposition processes.