Bachelor’s thesis or Master’s thesis
© IKVTopic of the Thesis
Elastic parts such as seals, protective covers, and flexible components are found in numerous technical applications. Today, many of these parts are made of cross-linked elastomers, which cannot simply be remelted and reprocessed after use.
Recycling such components therefore offers great potential for more sustainable material use. Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) offer a promising approach in this regard, as they combine the elastic properties of cross-linked elastomers with the processability of thermoplastics. Due to their processing properties, TPVs are mechanically recyclable. This makes them excellent substitute materials for conventional elastomers, which cannot be directly recycled. In this study, PP/EPDM-based TPVs with different compositions are produced, and the effects of composition and processing on phase morphology and mechanical properties are investigated.
Related research project
This thesis is part of a research project investigating the relationship between the internal structure of TPVs and their mechanical behavior. The aim is to better understand the properties of the individual material constituents and ultimately enable the behavior of the overall material to be represented in simulations.
Objective
The aim of your thesis is to produce and experimentally characterize different TPVs. Suitable formulations will first be developed based on previous research. The TPV compounds will then be produced in a mixing process in collaboration with an industrial partner, processed into test plates by injection molding, and investigated with respect to their internal structure and mechanical properties. Based on the results, the influence of material composition and the manufacturing process on the resulting material properties will be evaluated.
Your tasks
| For a Bachelor's thesis you will work on the following tasks | For a Master's thesis you will work on the following tasks |
| Literature review on thermoplastic vulcanizates and their production | Literature review on thermoplastic vulcanizates and their production |
| Development of suitable TPV formulations | Development of suitable TPV formulations |
| Planning and execution of the compounding of different TPV formulations | Planning and execution of the compounding of different TPV formulations |
| Production of test plates and specimens | Production of test plates and specimens |
| Investigation of the mechanical material behavior of the produced TPVs | Investigation of the mechanical material behavior of the produced TPVs |
| Further characterization of the internal structure |
Your Profile
- Preferred fields of study: Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Plastics Engineering or a comparable field
- Interest in plastics, elastomers, and materials engineering
- Interest in experimental work and plastics processing
- Independent and structured working style
- Previous knowledge of plastics engineering or materials testing is advantageous but not required
Here are your benefits
- Opportunity to contribute to an ongoing research project
- Contact with companies involved in compound production
- Varied combination of literature research, experimental work, and material characterization
- Work in a young and motivated team
- Independent work with intensive supervision
- Direct support and quick feedback throughout the thesis
- Immediate start possible
If you are interested in completing your thesis at IKV and working on this topic, feel free to contact me.The exact scope and schedule will be discussed and defined individually with you.