Bachelor’s Thesis or Master’s Thesis
Thematic Classification of your Thesis:
The application of functionalised coatings through plasma processes allows for the targeted modification of the surface properties of plastics. Consequently, characteristics such as gas permeability, scratch resistance, wettability, and resistance to various substances can be precisely controlled. Consequently, the utilisation of plasma technology offers novel perspectives in a variety of disciplines, including but not limited to automotive, packaging, medical, and electrical engineering. This technology is of significant value in the pursuit of a more sustainable future.
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) mandates that packaging manufacturers incorporate a certain percentage of recycled materials into their packaging products starting in 2030. Due to local variations in the extrudate, it presents a significant challenge to extrude films with uniform layer thicknesses across their entire width. This results in areas with insufficient barrier properties, which can be effectively enhanced through the use of plasma barriers.
Background of your Thesis:
The IGF project “HSI – Investigation of Hyperspectral Imaging as a Potential Quality Assurance Technology for Plasma Functionalised Packaging” is focused on the development of an in-line process monitoring system for the continuous coating of plastic film rolls via PECVD using the Air2Air principle.
Scope of your Thesis:
This study evaluates the applicability of a quality assurance technology to be developed for an Air2Air reactor concept. This reactor system facilitates the continuous coating of plastic film rolls with the aim of optimising the barrier properties of recycled films. For this purpose, film samples are produced using Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD), with various contamination factors being simulated. Subsequently, a comprehensive characterisation of the samples is conducted, focusing on parameters such as permeability, defect occurrence, film thickness and chemistry. Depending on the scope of the thesis, a model will be developed based on the obtained data to provide a valid assessment of the qualitative suitability of the applied coating for practical use.
I will, of course, assist you in familiarising yourself with the broad field of plasma coatings and take your creative ideas into consideration. Close supervision is essential, particularly for thesis projects, and will serve as the foundation for your successful completion.
Work Packages:
| For a Bachelor`s thesis, you will address the following tasks: | Additionally for a Master`s thesis: |
| Coating of film samples via PECVD with variation of different process parameters, while considering simulated disturbance factors | Model development based on the obtained data for the early detection of defective coatings |
| Characterisation of the fabricated samples with respect to their barrier properties against various gases, as well as their film thickness and chemistry |
The specific content and timeline of your thesis will be determined in consultation with you, taking your prior knowledge into account.
Your Profile:
- Preferred fields of study:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Business Administration and Engineering: Mechanical Engineering/Materials and Process Engineering
- Materials Science
- Environmental Engineering
- Applied Polymer Science
- Applied Chemistry
- Willingness to learn and engage with new challenges related to plasma technology
- An independent and structured approach to working
- Previous experience in a laboratory setting is desirable, but not required
AG Plasma offers you a dynamic, young team in which you and your skills can grow during the course of your thesis, with clear objectives and diverse tasks. If you are interested in contributing to the field of plastics processing with your creative ideas, please feel free to get in touch with me!