Research laboratory
© IKVTopic of the work:
The release agent-free demoulding of PUR foam parts is based on specially coated tool surfaces, which are designed to enable safe demoulding without conventional release agents. At the same time, additional requirements are placed on these surfaces, such as a defined microstructure and reproducible wetting behavior. In this research laboratory, specifically selected structural variants will be used as examples to investigate how mechanical and thermal loads affect structural stability, wetting behavior and visual appearance and how these results can be used for an initial classification of suitability for release agent-free demolding processes.
Objective:
The aim of the research laboratory is to plan and carry out a test plan that demonstrates all relevant test methods (microscopy, contact angle measurement) on a small number of structural and coating variants of mold and component surfaces. The data obtained in this way will be used to work out fundamental relationships between structural design and the functional behavior of surfaces in the context of release agent-free demolding.
Your task:
- Brief introduction to the basics of release agent-free demolding of PUR foam parts and typical designs of structured or coated mold surfaces
- Selection of representative surface variants (e.g. smooth vs. textured, different texture heights or patterns)
- Planning and implementation of a test plan to investigate the permanent use and suitability of release agent-free demolding for structured surfaces
- Carrying out microscopic examinations and contact angle measurements
Your profile:
- Interest in plastics technology and functional surfaces, ideally with reference to PUR foam processing
- Enjoy practical laboratory work (sample handling, tests, measurements) and structured, comprehensible data evaluation
- Independent and structured way of working
Preferred study programs:
- Mechanical engineering / industrial engineering, specialising in mechanical engineering
- Automation technology
- General mechanical engineering
- Computational Engineering Science (CES)
- Industrial engineering, specialising in materials and process engineering
- Environmental engineering
If you are interested in a student research project at IKV and in this exciting task, we look forward to hearing from you. The exact scope of the content and the schedule will be individually coordinated with you so that the work is optimally suited to your interests and previous knowledge.