DC4: University of Graz (AT)

Project title

Development of novel, recyclable and lignin-based epoxyresins

(Co)tutors

• Tutor: K. Barta (UG)
• Co-Tutor: V. Placet (UMLP)
• Industrial Supervisor: C. Kugge (SCA)

Objectives

• Synthesis, characterization and scaling of lignin-derived recyclable epoxy resins
• Material characterization involving DSC-TGA, 1H and 13C NMR, IR, GPC and mechanical properties
• Investigate the potential of the benchmark recyclable lignin-epoxy and/or the other developed lignin-based recyclable epoxy resins in composite applications
• Establishing suitable downstream catalytic protocols to source amine precursors from in-house available lignins

Required education level

Master's degree in Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science

Preferred background

Polymer chemistry, lignin chemistry, materials science, catalysis

Secondments

• SCA (4 months) development of downstream catalytic strategies to source amine precursors from lignin available in large quantities (C. Kugge)
• UMLP (8 months) development of new high-strength fibre composites based on epoxies (V. Placet)