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

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros.

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

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

www.ict.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 80678

Job Segment: Chemical Research, Process Engineer, Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Part Time, Engineering

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