Master Thesis in Investigation of the Influence of Reprocessing on the Material State of Engineering Plastics from End-Of-Life Vehicles and Re-additivation for Closed-loop Recycling(m/w/x)

## Job Description Even today, the manufacture of plastic products still based almost exclusively on the use of fossil raw materials. Mechanically recycled plastics have great potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint compared to fossil-based raw materials and thus make a product more sustainable. The use of recycled plastics, particularly in the automotive industry, is currently mostly limited to post-industrial recyclate. There is a lack of distinct material flows for post-consumer recycled plastics, especially recycled engineering plastics. Since engineering plastics are used in large quantities in the automotive industry, this thesis aims to systematically investigate the influence of reprocessing on the material state of PA66 plastics from end-of-life vehicle components. * Based on your results, you will develop a strategy for improving specific material properties through re-additivation in order to prepare the materials for closed-loop recycling. * You will sort, shred and clean the end-of-life vehicles components. * Determination of the material state after reprocessing is one of your tasks. ## Qualifications * **Education:** studies in the field of Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering or comparable * **Experience and Knowledge:** in the field of plastic properties and processing as well as recycling is preferred; IT skills in data science are welcome * **Personality and Working Practice:** you are a structured, communicative and responsible person, who is able to work independently * **Languages:** good communication skills in written and spoken English and German ## Additional Information **Start:** according to prior agreement **Duration:** 6 months Requirement for this thesis is the enrollment at university. Please attach your CV, transcript of records, examination regulations and if indicated a valid work and residence permit. Diversity and inclusion are not just trends for us but are firmly anchored in our corporate culture. Therefore, we welcome all applications, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, ethnic origin or sexual identity.