Bachelor’s thesis or master’s thesis
© BrukerTopic of the work:
Due to the high demands placed on plastic films, laminated systems continue to be used. These can be manufactured by combining them with various base materials (such as aluminum or cardboard) or as a pure plastic composite. As part of this process, various plastics, adhesion promoters, and paints—including their binders—are used, allowing different properties to be combined into a functional product.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether the various layers can be characterized using infrared spectroscopy and whether changes can be detected following artificial aging (temperature and/or solvent). The next step is to assess whether these changes in individual layers are due to purely physical aging or to a combination of physical and chemical aging.
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 in order 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 objective of this study is to experimentally investigate the aging behavior of various layers in multilayer plastic film systems. These findings may be useful in the future, for example, in assessing how to improve the recyclability of these products. To achieve this goal, the proposed test method must be validated and tested for potential limitations. In the next step, both new and artificially aged samples will be analyzed using this method, and any changes will be interpreted and attributed to various aging mechanisms as accurately as possible. The aging of these samples using temperature and various solvents is also a component of this work.
Your task:
The work is divided into the following steps:
- Training and Operation of an Infrared Microscope
- Identification of Characteristic Material Parameters
- Introduction to the Aging of Plastics
- Implementation of Various Aging Processes
- Research on Adhesive Mediators and Film Laminates
- Interpretation and Evaluation of Aging Processes
In a master’s thesis—unlike a bachelor’s thesis—the scope is broadened to include the interpretation of more complex systems and, consequently, aging mechanisms that are more difficult to grasp. In addition, the research should be expanded to include an overview of current research topics that utilize this measurement methodology.
Your profile:
- Enrolled in a scientific or technical degree programm (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.