Our Institute of Materials Science and Testing of Polymers welcomed three interns this summer: Noah, a student at the HTL Kapfenberg, focused on the processing and testing of composite filaments for 3D printing. He researched the feasibility of producing filaments from mixed plastic waste, thus contributing to the development of sustainable materials. Intern Marina analyzed the wastewater from washing machines and examined samples using an optical microscope, discovering microplastic particles released during washing. Miriam, also from HTL Kapfenberg, is writing her diploma thesis on the aging behavior of different types of polyamide and examined the melt flow rate at WPK on samples treated under different conditions.
At the Institute of Chemistry of Polymeric Materials, intern Valentina supported the team in the development of functional plasters for the detection of infectious diseases. She worked on the production of UV-curable resins and tested their photoreactivity with infrared spectroscopy. She also created thin samples with a stereolithography printer to develop a method for DNA immobilization. Leran, another intern at the institute, worked on the production and characterization of nanoparticles and resins. During his internship, Valentin, a student from the Modellschule Graz, produced various sensors and electrical components using conductive inks. One highlight of his work was the coating of silver particles with gold to improve the corrosion resistance and lifespan of printed elements. He also helped with experiments in which multilayer electronics were applied to polymer films and tiles using screen printing. Florian worked on the production of nanoparticles and resins. He also focused on their characterization using infrared spectroscopy.
Summer intern Fabian worked at our Institute of Polymer Processing on the investigation of recycling methods for plastic food packaging. He produced new films and bottles from regranulate made from shredded films, using an extrusion blow molding machine, and carried out material tests to analyze possible quality losses along the process chain. Max carried out injection molding experiments at the institute, which were necessary for his diploma thesis on the influence of the duration of the sealing point determination on the mechanical properties of thermoplastic polymers. Intern Julian supported the team in setting up an extrusion line and worked in the field of material data determination.
These dedicated interns make a significant contribution to research and development in the field of polymer engineering and science and gain valuable experience for their future careers. Would you like to do an internship with us next year? Then get in touch at kunststofftechnik(at)unileoben.ac.at! We look forward to hearing from you!
These exciting internships were funded by the FFG as part of “Internships for Pupils 2024” and by the Rectorate of the Montanuniversität. Thank you very much for your support!
