Master‘s Thesis: Sustainable thermoset based on biogenic material for a facile recyclable green composite system for high-performance applications

facile recyclable green composite system for high-performance applications

13.01.2023, Studentische Hilfskräfte, Praktikantenstellen, Studienarbeiten

A fundamental transition is required from fossil-based polymers to renewable resources and alter the concept of one-time use to continuously up-cycle, down-cycle, or recycle polymeric materials. Most of the plastics that are recycled currently go through mechanical and thermal processing to re-make other plastic products, e.g., thermoplastics such as PE, PP, and PET. Thermosetting plastics and resins cannot be easily chemically or mechanically recycled. The recycling scheme for those structures is always challenging having negative economic and environmental impacts. In this project, the focus is on the design and synthesis of novel thermosetting polymers that facile recycling. The research will include the design and synthesis of new monomers including the use of bio-based raw materials, preparation of high-performance thermosets and investigating its structure-property relationships, chemical de-bonding, separation and recovery of building blocks, and proof of concept for “closed-loop” recycling. The novel polymer will be based on poly furfuryl alcohol (PFA), cured PFA has excellent chemical resistance and fire retardant properties making it effective for long-term applications demanding high performance and heat resistance. Compared to other common resins, this highly stable resin offers a significant improvement in the carbon storage potential for green composites when used as a matrix. Furthermore, the research effort will be also directed towards the development of novel green recyclable composite systems with the desirable performance which can be recycled using chemical de-polymerization of the matrix and recovering the valuable fibers intact. The research activities will include understanding the performance profile, and matrix fiber surface interface of the new thermoset fiber reinforced composite and characterizing the structure-property relationships utilizing various chemical, structural, rheological, mechanical, and surface characterization techniques. The research focus of the dissertation • Literature research • Investigation of different bio-based materials • Fabrication of test specimens • Thermal and mechanical characterization Requirements • Interest in laboratory work • Ability to work independently • English • Experience with material characterization is an advantage, but not mandatory

In this project, the focus is on the design and synthesis of novel thermosetting polymers that facile recycling. The research will include the design and synthesis of new monomers including the use of bio-based raw materials, preparation of high-performance thermosets and investigating its structure-property relationships, chemical de-bonding, separation and recovery of building blocks, and proof of concept for “closed-loop” recycling. The novel polymer will be based on poly furfuryl alcohol (PFA), cured PFA has excellent chemical resistance and fire retardant properties making it effective for long-term applications demanding high performance and heat resistance. Compared to other common resins, this highly stable resin offers a significant improvement in the carbon storage potential for green composites when used as a matrix. Furthermore, the research effort will be also directed towards the development of novel green recyclable composite systems with the desirable performance which can be recycled using chemical de-polymerization of the matrix and recovering the valuable fibers intact. The research activities will include understanding the performance profile, and matrix fiber surface interface of the new thermoset fiber reinforced composite and characterizing the structure-property relationships utilizing various chemical, structural, rheological, mechanical, and surface characterization techniques. The research focus of the dissertation • Literature research • Investigation of different bio-based materials • Fabrication of test specimens • Thermal and mechanical characterization Requirements • Interest in laboratory work • Ability to work independently • English • Experience with material characterization is an advantage, but not mandatory

Start: Immediately If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Dr. Marwa Tallawi, LBC, LUDWIG BÖLKOW CAMPUS, 90B - Hall Office, Willy-Messerschmitt-Str. 1, Taufkirchen. Tel. +49 (89) 289 - 53391, [email protected]

Kontakt: [email protected]