Bachelor’s thesis or master’s thesis
© IKVTopic of the work:
Plastic films are stretched to improve various properties. In addition to increased strength, an enhanced barrier effect is also achieved. In addition, the basis weight is reduced, making it possible to use the product as shrink wrap. The degree of stretching can be determined in various ways during the process as well as analytically afterward. One method is what is known as infrared dichroism. As part of this process, the spatial orientation of the polymer chains is determined using a polarizing filter.
The purpose of this study is to examine whether an infrared spectroscopy measurement method is suitable for determining the degree of stretch in films at any given time, so that it does not always have to be measured during processing. The result will be compared with more common methods, such as geometric determination and longitudinal stretching.
The work is written in this working group:
The tests conducted in the physics laboratory of the Center for Plastics Analysis and Testing (KAP) provide significant support to both industrial and in-house research in the validation of quality and manufacturing parameters. The focus is on characterizing materials using thermal, spectroscopic, rheological, and chromatographic analyses to evaluate material behavior and thus provide a targeted assessment not only for research but also for industrial applications. Through these analyses, the laboratory provides essential insights for optimizing production processes and improving quality.
Objective:
The goal of this thesis (bachelor’s or master’s) is to experimentally investigate the orientations in various stretched films, to compare different methods, and to explore possible mathematical relationships between the resulting dichroic ratio (a measure of the degree of orientation using IR spectroscopy) and the wavelength (the measurement position of the molecular vibration under consideration).
To achieve this goal, various slides must first be analyzed using statistically sound methods. In the next step, the resulting parameters must first be evaluated on a material-specific basis with respect to various structural characteristics and correlated with the wavelength range.
In the case of a master’s thesis, various materials as well as film composites (such as PE and EVOH) must also be examined in the same manner and evaluated to determine whether a material-independent correlation can be established. Depending on the scope and findings, the project can be expanded to include the influence of the angle of incidence of the IR radiation.
Your task:
The work is divided into the following steps:
- Training and Operation of an Infrared Spectrometer and Use of a Polarizing Filter (IR Dichroism)
- Introduction to Structural Analysis of Plastics
- Identification of Characteristic Material Parameters
- A brief overview of this specialized procedure
- Conducting Specialized IR Spectroscopic Analyses
- Interpretation and Evaluation of Possible Mathematical Relationships
Your profile:
- A degree in engineering or the natural sciences (e.g., mechanical engineering, chemistry, industrial engineering, materials science…)
- Interest in analytical tasks and practical work in the laboratory
- Independent, structured and team-oriented way of working
These are your benefits:
- Work in a motivated team
- Independent work with needs-based support
- Processing of research-relevant questions
- Individual coordination of tasks and time frame
- An Introduction to Plastics Analysis
- Experimental work in the lab—right in the thick of it, not just on the sidelines
If you are interested in writing your thesis at IKV and in this task, please get in touch with me. We agree on the exact scope of content and schedule individually.