Description
Vitrimers are permanent networks of polymer chains connected via dynamic covalent bonds, which allow the network to change its topology. Vitrimers have become to one of the top topics in polymer science since they come along with open fundamental scientific questions and harbour the practical potential to repair, reprocess, or recyclable thermosets.
Bio-based materials are proposed to switch our current linear fossil fuel-based plastic economy towards a sustainable circular carbon economy.
When it comes to application in transportation, as building product, or in E&E flame retardancy becomes a key property. Achieving flame retardancy without worsening the recyclability, bio-based content, or compostability ask for clever design of the vitrimer and their additivation.
The master thesis addresses a multi-methodical systematic investigation, delivers scientific insight, and a valuable contribution towards the development of flame-retardant bio-vitrimers as future materials.
Agenda
- Preparation of systematically varied bio-based vitrimers and test specimen
- Thermal analysis (thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, …), broadband dielectric spectroscopy to investigate the molecular dynamics
- Investigating the flammability with different fire tests (limiting oxygen index, cone calorimeter, UL 94)
- Characterizing the recyclability and reprocessing checking the mechanical properties (tensile testing)
- Literature research
- Evaluation of the results and scientific discussion
- Writing the thesis, preparing an oral presentation, defending the work
Qualifications/Requirements
- Enrolment in a Master’s studies of polymer science or chemistry/materials science/related subjects with a focus on polymeric materials
- Experience in polymer analysis, ability to work multi-methodically
- Strong interest in the topic
- Ability to work independently, responsibly, and interdisciplinarily
- Working well in an international team
- Good command of English language
We offer
With its interesting and diverse areas of work, as well as its cutting-edge technical equipment, BAM offers outstanding working conditions – including an attractive location. With our competence for safety in technology and chemistry we are a partner for industry, politics, society, and science.
A helpful working group atmosphere, and a prosperous supervision is important to us. Promoting youth development is particularly close to our hearts.
We are very interested in exchanges with other research institutes and work in national and international networks. We partner with universities and industrial companies in this respect.
The master thesis is interdisciplinary, it touches the chemistry of crosslinking and dynamic bonds, polymer processing, polymer analysis, polymer physics, and fire engineering. The topic contains fundamental as well as applied research.
Please feel free to apply. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We are looking forward to your application.
Contact
Prof. Dr. habil. Bernhard Schartel
e-mail: bernhard.schartel@bam.de