SUPERVISOR: Alexander BISMARCK

PROJECT ASSIGNED TO: Florian MAYER

Composite materials are of particular scientific interest as they provide outstanding mechanical properties at lower densities compared to materials such as steel or concrete. However, these materials usually suffer from problematic recyclability increasing the overall costs of these systems. The proposed project aims at the development of a model composite system with triggered degradability and hence recyclability. The approach is directed at the covalent functionalization of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) Thus, the surface of CNF will be modified to allow the control of viscosity, mechanical and thermal properties. Modified CNF will be used as the reinforcement for polymers. The use of hydrolysable modification agents allows for easy disassembly of composites, after which the base structural elements of the composites can be extracted and reused. Furthermore, the formulations will be 3D printed to demonstrate feasibility. Recyclable CNF-based composites via 3D-printing, will serve as model systems, representing a major step forward in the direction of cost efficient polymer composite materials, which are degradable on demand, for a variety of possible applications.