Master Thesis Sustainable Plastics: Predicting the Aging Behavior of Plastic Composites from End-of-Life Automotive Parts for Material State Evaluation

Company Description

At Bosch, we shape the future by inventing high-quality technologies and services that spark enthusiasm and enrich people’s lives. Our promise to our associates is rock-solid: we grow together, we enjoy our work, and we inspire each other. Join in and feel the difference.

The Robert Bosch GmbH is looking forward to your application!

Job Description

The production of plastic products is still based almost exclusively on the use of fossil resources. Plastic recyclates have great potential to significantly reduce the CO₂ footprint compared to fossil raw materials and to make products more sustainable. At present, the use of recyclates, particularly in the automotive industry, is mostly limited to industrial waste. For the use of post-consumer recyclates, there is a lack of in-depth knowledge regarding the influence of aging during service life on the material state of plastics. Especially engineering plastics, which are used in large quantities in the automotive sector, remain largely unexplored. Within the scope of this thesis, the influences of temperature and humidity over a vehicle’s lifetime on the material condition of plastic composites will be simulated. The contents of your thesis will be:

• A literature review on degradation mechanisms and existing models describing the aging of plastic composites.

• The selection of a suitable model for predicting in-service aging of plastics.

• The prediction of material properties by means of aging simulations based on experimental and literature data.

• The comparison of simulation results with findings from empirical tests (components from end-of-life vehicles, artificial aging).

Qualifications

• Education: Master studies in the field of IT, Mechanical Engineering or comparable.

• Experience and Knowledge: Good knowledge of Data Science, Modeling and Simulation; experience regarding plastics is an advantage.

• Personality and Working Practice: You communicate effectively, work in a structured manner, and are motivated to contribute your ideas to the team.

• Languages: Fluent in German and English

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.

Need further information about the job?

Tobias Baeyens (Functional Department)

+49 711 811 35869