Karlsruhe: Master Thesis: Development of A Kinetic Model for Solvolytic Depolymerisation of Polymers

As one of the oldest and largest Fraunhofer institutes, the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT has special expertise: by linking the diverse research fields of polymer engineering, chemical processes, explosives technology, safety and security, and energy and drive systems, it achieves decisive breakthroughs. Examples can be found in lightweight construction for mobility, in environmentally friendly chemistry, in applications for the aerospace and military sectors as well as in life-cycle assessments, recycling and sustainability concepts – which you could soon help to create!

Polycondensation polymers are used in different walks of human life. However, post-consumer plastic waste resulting from their indiscriminate use and inappropriate disposal poses a great threat to our environment. Chemical recycling it to obtain constituent monomers and/or other valuable chemicals renders these waste streams as a valuable feedstock for the chemical industry and paves way towards a resource-efficient future. Our group develops sustainable chemical recycling strategies for different poly-condensed fractions commonly present in conventional waste streams. These strategies involve the use of auxiliary solvents to aid polymer dissolution and nucleophilic process reagents for subsequent depolymerisation. These processes, thus, involves an interesting inter-play between mass-transfer and reaction, which has to be investigated and further modelled within the framework of this thesis.
The ultimate goal is to develop a holistic yet simple kinetic model for solvent-assisted depolymerisation of different polycondensation polymers already developed at Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT).

What you will do

•    Comprehensive literature research on the current state-of-the-art technologies for kinetic analysis in efforts directed towards chemical recycling (solvolysis)
•    Determining the reaction kinetics for solvolysis of at least one poly-condensed polymer and its subsequent kinetic modelling
•    Analysing the sensitivity of the model to different degrees of freedom
•    Contributing to a publication to disseminate the scientific findings 

What you bring to the table

•    Degree in Chemistry or Chemical and/or Process Engineering
•    Interest in subjects like Chemical Reaction Engineering, Process Modelling and Optimization, Circular Economy and Sustainability (Green Chemistry)
•    Practical laboratory experience
•    Proficiency in modelling tools like MATLAB
•    Motivation to establish this topic further at Fraunhofer ICT
•    Dissemination of the results through appropriate publications and/or at relevant conferences 

What you can expect

• a challenging, attractive, interdisciplinary and international working environment
• an appreciative and supportive working atmosphere
• Opportunities for individual development - flexible working hours thanks to flexitime agreements
• Parking spaces, canteen and library on campus
• ... and much more!

The maximum weekly working time is 20 hours and can be arranged flexibly.

Remuneration according to Research assistant pay (dependent on qualifications).

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Remuneration according to the general works agreement for employing assistant staff.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

Interested?

Apply online now.

We look forward to getting to know you!

Contact specialist department:

Pranav Majgaonkar

pranav.majgaonkar@ict.fraunhofer.de

+49 721 4640-866

Contact HR department:

Laura Kühn 

recruiting@ict.fraunhofer.de

Telefon: +49 721 4640- 201

Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT

Requisition Number: 79075                  Application Deadline: 01.04.2025