Bachelor’s thesis or master’s thesis
© ChatGPT (KI-generiert), OpenAI, 2026.Topic of the work:
Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) enables the production of thin, invisible functional layers on plastic substrates at low temperatures. This technology is becoming increasingly important in the context of the circular economy and sustainable materials management. Targeted PECVD coatings can improve functionalities, functionalize surfaces and, above all, increase the recyclability of plastic products by reducing the need for expensive alternative solutions. The Institute of Plastics Processing (IKV) is researching how PECVD coatings can help to replace conventional materials and close plastic cycles, from design for recycling to material recovery. We are looking for committed students who want to help shape the interface between surface technology, materials science and sustainability research.
The work is written in this working group:
The work is being carried out in the Plasma and Surface Technology research department at IKV. Current research projects are concerned with PECVD-based functional coatings for recycled plastics and with the development of functional coating systems for the reduction of multiple composites. The aim is to endow plastic products with functional properties and to introduce them into closed material cycles without any loss of quality.
Objective:
The aim of the work is the investigation and optimization of PECVD coatings with regard to their functional properties and their suitability for sustainable plastics applications. The focus is on: (1) the analysis of the influence of process parameters on coating properties, (2) the evaluation of the respective functionality of coated substrates and (3) the derivation of design and application recommendations for PECVD product systems suitable for the cycle.
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 |
| Literature research on PECVD processes and their application on plastic substrates in the respective context | Conception of the experimental trials based on the literature research |
| Experimental trials: Deposition of various functional layers using PECVD | Conception of characterization methods and analyses based on the questions posed |
| Experimental tests: characterization and analysis of deposited functional layers | |
| The results and findings obtained are contextualized, critically reflected upon and documented in writing in the form of a scientific paper. |
Your profile:
- Technical or scientific studies (mechanical engineering, process engineering, materials science, physics, …)
- Experience with practical experiments is helpful
- Independent processing of complex problems
- Interest in practical experiments and working with experimental plant technology
- Interest in characterization and analytical methods
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 industrial plants
- Fast processing, direct contact for questions during processing
- Varied mixture of research, experimental work and analytics (design, simulation, …)
- Immediate start possible after topic identification
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.