Master Thesis - Synthesis of novel biobased Monomers & Polymers

WE RESEARCH FOR A HEALTHY WORLD – AND OFFER DIVERSE OPPORTUNITIES. CHANGE STARTS WITH US. At the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, we combine biology and engineering for health, nutrition, sustainable chemistry, the environment, and climate protection. We develop processes, technologies, and products for patient-centered healthcare, a sustainable bioeconomy, and a climate-neutral and resource-efficient circular economy, bringing new solutions successfully to industrial implementation. We conduct research at the Stuttgart, Biberach, Leuna, and Straubing sites and in close collaboration with numerous universities and research institutions at home and abroad. What you will do Your curiosity leads you into the exciting world of bio-inspired chemistry. Here, you will contribute significantly to the production of new bio-based plastic monomers for coating applications. The goal of the thesis is the synthesis and characterization of new methacrylate plastics based on the natural substance group of monoterpenes. You will independently develop multi-step synthesis processes that include oxidation and reduction reactions as well as esterification processes. You will characterize and analyze the products of chemical synthesis using common analytical methods such as NMR spectroscopy and GC-MS. With a systematic approach to experimental design, you will carry out radical polymerizations and characterize the polymers. Additionally, you will analyze the structure-property relationships between the monomer structures and the resulting material properties of the polymers.