Bachelor’s Thesis or Master’s Thesis
Thematic Classification of your Thesis:
The application of functionalised coatings through plasma processes allows for the targeted modification of the surface properties of plastics. Consequently, characteristics such as gas permeability, scratch resistance, wettability, and resistance to various substances can be precisely controlled. Consequently, the utilisation of plasma technology offers novel perspectives in a variety of disciplines, including but not limited to automotive, packaging, medical, and electrical engineering. This technology is of significant value in the pursuit of a more sustainable future.
In order to facilitate continuous development and optimisation of plasma coatings, it is essential to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the material transport processes that occur through ultrathin plasma layers. In this context, simulation is a powerful tool, serving not only to advance understanding of these processes but also to provide the potential to transfer this knowledge to other products.
Background of your Thesis:
The DFG project “PermaSim – Development of a Semi-Empirical Model for the Description of Temperature-Dependent Permeation Mechanisms through Plasma-Polymerized Barrier Layers” is dedicated to the development of a simulation model for the analysis of gas permeation through nanoscale layers applied using the Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) process.
Scope of your Thesis:
This thesis aims to further develop an existing quartz crystal microbalance-based measurement system for sorption measurements of ultrathin plasma layers. The goal is to optimise the system’s reliability and establish a method for investigating the sorption behaviour of polymer coatings at different pressures. Depending on the scope of the thesis, the existing simulation model used to describe permeation behaviour in ultrathin plasma layers will also be validated using sorption measurement data.
I will assist you in familiarising yourself with the broad field of plasma coatings and take your creative ideas into consideration. Close supervision is essential, particularly for thesis projects, and will serve as the foundation for your successful completion.
Work Packages:
| For a Bachelor`s thesis, you will address the following tasks: | Additionally for a Master`s thesis: |
| Coating of film samples via PECVD with variation of different process parameters, while considering simulated disturbance factors | Model development based on the obtained data for the early detection of defective coatings |
| Characterisation of the fabricated samples with respect to their barrier properties against various gases, as well as their film thickness and chemistry |
The specific content and timeline of your thesis will, of course, be determined in consultation with you, taking your prior knowledge into account.
Your Profile:
- Preferred fields of study:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Business Administration and Engineering: Mechanical Engineering/Materials and Process Engineering
- Materials Science
- Environmental Engineering
- Applied Polymer Science
- Applied Chemistry
- Willingness to learn and engage with new challenges related to plasma technology
- An independent and structured approach to working
- Initial experience with engineering tasks is desirable, but not essential
- Initial experience with simulation tasks is desirable, but not essential
AG Plasma offers you a dynamic, young team in which you and your skills can grow during the course of your thesis, with clear objectives and diverse tasks. If you are interested in contributing to the field of plastics processing with your creative ideas, please feel free to get in touch with me!