Bachelor’s thesis
© IKVTopic of the work:
The release agent-free demolding of polyurethane foam parts is becoming increasingly important in terms of efficiency, component cleanliness and sustainability. Permanently coated or specially structured mold surfaces make it possible to reduce or dispense with classic release agents, but place high demands on the stability and service life of the molds themselves. Current research is therefore focusing on moulds with defined micro and macro structures in the cavity, which on the one hand ensure reliable, release agent-free demoulding over many cycles and on the other hand are intended to provide additional functions such as targeted wetting behaviour, improved cleanability or reduced adhesion.
On this basis, the work investigates how different cavity-side surface structures of PUR moulds behave under realistic processing and to what extent their functional properties – in particular demoulding behavior, structural stability and cleanability – are retained over the mould service life.
Objective:
The aim of the bachelor thesis is to use the test tool to carry out a systematic series of tests to evaluate the functionality and durability of selected surface structures. In particular, fatigue and abrasion influences, temperature-dependent structural changes as well as changes in wettability and the optical appearance of the microstructures are to be quantified and correlated.
Your task:
- Familiarization with the state of the art for release agent-free demoulding of PUR foam parts as well as coated and structured tool surfaces, including typical damage and wear mechanisms
- Planning and implementation of a test design with a test tool and development of various surface textures
- Characterization of tool surfaces before and after production using suitable methods (e.g. microscopy to evaluate structural stability, roughness/structure height analysis, contact angle measurements)
- Evaluation of the measurement results with regard to correlations between structural design and functionality of the tool surfaces and derivation of initial design recommendations
Your profile:
- Interest in plastics technology, especially PUR foams and functional surface structures
- Enjoy experimental laboratory work (sample preparation/handling, test bench operation, measurement technology) and structured data evaluation
- Careful and independent way of working
Preferred study programs:
- Mechanical engineering / industrial engineering, specialising in mechanical engineering
- Automation technology
- General mechanical engineering
- Industrial engineering, specialising in materials and process engineering
If you are interested in writing your thesis 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.