Bachelor’s thesis or master’s thesis
© IKVTopic of the work:
The properties of elastomer components (e.g. tires and seals) are largely determined during the rubber compounding process. The formulation and addition sequence of the mixture components determine, for example, the viscosity, processing properties and mechanical characteristics of the subsequent products. When using plasticizers, the influence of the addition strategy and process parameters on the compound and product properties has not yet been sufficiently investigated. A systematic analysis of these relationships makes it possible to identify optimization potential and, based on this, to derive recommendations for action for optimized plasticizer addition in the rubber mixing process.
The work is related to this research project:
Your work is part of a research project in which the influence of plasticizer addition on the individual mixing phases is to be systematically investigated and a methodology for the creation and optimization of mixing instructions for rubber compounds is to be derived from this.
Scope of your Thesis:
The aim of the work is the systematic investigation and optimization of plasticizer addition in the rubber mixing process. By correlating relevant process parameters, controller variables and the solubility of polymer and plasticizer with the mixing properties, a concept is to be developed that enables optimized mixing properties with reduced mixing time.
Your task:
| For a Bachelor's thesis, you will work on the following tasks | For a Master's thesis, you will work on the following additional tasks |
| Familiarization with the fundamentals of plasticizer incorporation in rubber compounds | Development of models for predicting properties based on process parameters |
| Production of rubber compounds with varying process parameters | Determination of optimized process settings |
| Derivation of recommendations for the development of an optimized plasticizer dosage | |
| Analysis of rubber compounds, e.g. with regard to rheological properties and dispersion |
Your Profile:
- Technical or scientific degree (mechanical engineering, materials science, CES, industrial engineering, environmental engineering, applied polymer science)
- Affinity for technology, creativity and willingness to learn
- Independent, conscientious and team-oriented way of working
These are your benefits:
- Work in a young, motivated team
- Independent work with intensive support
- Co-design of current research projects
- Individual coordination of tasks and time frame
- Experimental work on pilot plants
- Immediate start possible
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.