Bachelor’s thesis
© IKVTopic of the work:
The rheological characterization of plastic melts is an important foundation for quality assessments, simulations, process optimization, and process design in the plastics industry. Depending on the specific application, various rheometric measurement methods can be used to determine flow behavior, each of which covers a different shear rate range. Ensuring the comparability of the measurement results obtained in the overlapping region and combining the measurement data to expand the overall measurement window pose a challenge.
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 industry and the institute’s own research efforts in validating 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, conducting simulations, and improving quality.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to investigate the comparability of the viscosities measured using two different types of rheometers. The focus here is, on the one hand, on the question of whether the specific measurement data can be combined into a continuous flow curve. Second, the study aims to examine the relationship between the measurement data from both devices within an overlapping shear-rate range.
To this end, viscosity measurements are performed on various materials at defined temperatures and within a specified shear rate range. Data is collected using an RG 50 high-pressure capillary rheometer (Göttfert) and a HAAKE Mars 40 rotational rheometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific). In addition to determining whether the flow curves obtained in this way can be combined into a consistent and meaningful curve, special attention is also paid to the overlapping shear rate range of the two measurement methods. Based on the measurement data obtained, the results from both rheometers will be systematically compared and evaluated in terms of their comparability. The aim is to investigate whether it is possible to model the flow behavior of a material over an extended range of shear rates. The evaluation should take into account potential sources of error and limitations. These should be worked out and discussed.
Work packages:
The work is divided into the following steps:
- Literature research
- Training in the operation of a rheometer
- Experimental Studies Using the Plate-Plate Rheometer and the High-Pressure Capillary Rheometer
- Development of a measurement methodology tailored to the requirements, including the establishment of appropriate measurement conditions and test parameters
- Analysis of the Measurement Results
- Comparison and evaluation of the compatibility of the generated measurement results and of the two measurement methods
- Evaluation of the results obtained, taking into account possible sources of error
Your profile:
- Technical or scientific studies (e.g. mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, materials science…)
- Interest in analytical tasks and practical work in the laboratory
- Independent, structured and team-oriented way of working
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
- Experimental work on laboratory equipment
- Short-term start possible / fast processing without delays
If you’re interested in writing a bachelor’s thesis at the IKV and in this topic, please feel free to contact me. We agree on the exact scope of content and schedule individually.