Masterthesis: Kinetic Model for Solvent-Assisted Depolymerisation of Polycondensation Polymers

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.

Aims
The ultimate goal is to develop a holistic yet simple kinetic model for solvent-assisted
depolymerisation of different polycondensation polymers already developed at
Fraunhofer 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 weekly working time is max 20 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. 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

[email protected]

+49 721 4640-866

Contact HR department:

Laura Kühn

[email protected]

Telefon: +49 721 4640- 201

Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT

Requisition Number: 80678