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Student paper

PCA Navigator: Quantifying the global CO₂ savings potential of release agent-free demolding

Bachelor’s thesis or project work

In this work, a PCA-based parameter for the evaluation of optimal process control and environmentally relevant aspects of release agent-free PUR processing is developed.
Stuwi-PCA-Navigator© IKV
Impact of release agent-free demoulding on the carbon footprint

Topic of the work:

Release agent-free demolding processes offer the opportunity to sustainably improve the carbon footprint and efficiency of lightweight construction processes. In this work, global market and production data, modeled process chains and PCA parameters are to be combined in order to systematically evaluate the realistic CO₂ reduction potential of release agent-free processes in comparison to production with release agents. The results are processed in such a way that a practical characteristic value is available to support decision-making for process control.

Objective:

The aim of the work is to develop a PCA-based parameter that combines the evaluation of optimal process control (e.g. process temperatures, curing times) with environmentally relevant aspects such as CO₂ and material savings. To this end, global component and market data is researched, process chains for release agent-based and release agent-free production are modeled in suitable software (e.g. OPLYSIS-eco in combination with OpenLCA or similar tools) and the resulting CO₂ savings potential is quantified, extrapolated and prepared for databases.

Your task:

  • Familiarization with process cycle analysis (PCA) and the production of foamed and fiber-reinforced PUR/EP lightweight components with and without release agents
  • Design and modeling of selected process chains involving release agents in a tool such as OPLYSIS-eco and linking with emission and LCA key figures from software such as OpenLCA; alternative tools can be used if required
  • Derivation of a practicable parameter proposal for evaluating CO₂ savings for the processes under consideration and discussion of its applicability
  • Conducting focused research on component classes and relevant market and production figures for selected applications
  • Modeling of the corresponding release agent-free process variants for the same components and comparison of the CO₂ savings potential as part of a comparative PCA

Your profile:

  • Technical or scientific degree (e.g. mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, automation technology, CES, environmental engineering)
  • Interest in sustainability-oriented studies with regard to CO2 reduction and increased efficiency
  • Independent and structured way of working

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.