Type of Project: MSc Thesis / Internship project
Starting date: July 2024, a later starting time is possible
Duration: > 6 months (could be discussed)
Salary: Cost allowance of €200 or 400 per month, subject to the personal situation
Location: Wetsus – European center of excellence for sustainable water technology (Leeuwarden, Netherlands)
Project description
Electrospinning is a versatile and well-known technique for producing continuous polymer fibers. Electrical forces are applied to polymer solutions to produce these nano- to micron-scaled fibers. This technique is of great interest due to its unique capabilities of producing fibers with controllable pore structures and fiber diameters. However, fabrication processes are still far from green and environmentally friendly production. Toxic solvents and petrol-based polymeric materials are the primary choices. A transition to realize societal benefits in a circular economy necessitates the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly production methods and materials.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), defining a family of bio-polymers, may be one alternative class of naturally occurring materials for membrane applications. PHAs can be produced inherently by bacteria coming from wastewater treatment processes. These polymers are completely biodegradable and biobased. Research undertaken for PHA-electrospun fibers is at an early stage. Halogenated solvents are still the only solvents reported in the literature. Ways to electrospin PHA using green solvent will be explored for the first time. Utilizing the inherent interaction of PHA with solvent to manipulate fiber properties could provide a novel insight for further targeting specific needs and applications.
This project focuses on polymer characterization and electrospinning PHA at a laboratory scale. The objective is to investigate the coupling between polymer-solution interaction and its effect on electrospinning.
Your profile:
Your benefit
Contact details
Please apply through the application form below. Do not hesitate to contact liang-shin.wang@wetsus.nl in case you have any further questions or if you need more information.