Research laboratory
© IKVTopic of the work:
In modern materials research, sample preparation is the key to success. In the case of elastomers, the high elasticity or low glass transition temperature often prevents preparation at room temperature. In this research project, you will immerse yourself in the world of cryo-microtomy. Your task is to cool down selected plastics using a cryostat and then use a microtome to transform them into wafer-thin, microscopically translucent sections.
In doing so, you get to the bottom of a central question:
How does the temperature influence the material-specific stiffness and thus the quality of the cut? You will experiment with different materials and optimize the process parameters to avoid artefacts and make the morphological structure of the plastics as visible as possible under the microscope.
The work is written in this working group:
The tests carried out in the microscopy laboratory at the Center for Plastics Analysis and Testing (KAP) provide significant support for industry and the institute’s own research in the validation of production parameters. Another focus is on systematic damage analysis in order to precisely identify the causes of faults and bridge the gap between research and industrial implementation. Through these analyses, the laboratory provides essential findings for the optimization of production processes and improved component quality.
Objective:
In this work, the optimum temperature ranges for the cryo-preparation of different plastics are determined experimentally in order to derive material-specific preparation recommendations.
Your task:
- Systematic investigation: Determination of the optimum temperature window for the cuttability of various plastics.
- Quality analysis: evaluation of the cut quality (thickness, grooves and cracks, deformations) as a function of material and preparation temperature
- Documentation: Visualization and evaluation of the results using light microscopy.
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
These are 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
We agree on the exact scope of content and schedule individually.