HiWi-Stellen und Abschlussarbeiten

This project aims to build and evaluate a lab-scale electrochemical flow reactor for the synthesis of dry formaldehyde from anhydrous methanol. The work includes reactor construction, commissioning, and performance analysis under varying electrolyte concentrations and current densities.

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Background
Life science research is essential for advancing our understanding of living organisms and their processes, ultimately improving health, advancing technology, and addressing environmental challenges. Yet, involved research activities consume significant resources and generate substantial waste. “Wet labs” are laboratories that are specifically designed for conducting experiments that involve handling of liquids, biological materials, chemical etc. Typically wet labs use much more energy and water than office spaces and the generated plastic waste is connected to a plethora of environmental impacts. One central consumable used daily are serological pipettes which transfer and measure exact volumes of different types of biological and chemical solutions. They are available in two configurations, as single-use plastic or reusable glass pipettes. Reusable serological glass pipettes are known for their chemical resistance but require energy-intensive cleaning processes such as autoclaving. In contrast, single-use serological plastic pipettes are valued for their convenience and reduced contamination risk.

Methods

• Compare the environmental impacts of both pipette types in a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
• Key metrics include climate change impacts, water use, energy consumption, and waste generation, among others
• Perform an economic analysis to evaluate daily costs for the users

Requirements

• Ideally first experience with or background knowledge of the LCA method
• Quick wit
• Willingness to travel to both sites, Munich and Straubing, and to observe the pipette use in the wet labs
• Strong communication skills to collect data for the life cycle inventory (LCI)
• Structured way of working

Kontaktperson/Betreuer

This research project explores whether it is environmentally and economically worthwhile to invest in advanced mechanical recycling processes and novel material design for recycling. These two intervention pathways aim to improve the quality and value of recycled plastics, but they might come with higher material and processing costs. The student will assess these trade-offs by means of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, focusing on the application and refinement of the Circular Footprint Formula (CFF), and Life Cycle Costing (LCC). The project will be applied to a case-study for mono-material polyolefin films. The main goal would be to define an optimum point (e.g., BEP) between costs and benefits of such interventions. The project will also consider Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees, recyclate market value, packaging prices, infrastructure costs, with considerations on scalability and market volumes.

The master's thesis will be supervised externally by Nestlé Research (Nestle Institute of Packaging Science) as part of a six-month internship (on-site) in Lausaunne, Switzerland. 

Please submit your CV before the deadline (01.03.2026) to Valeria Frigerio (Valeria.Frigerio@rd.nestle.com) and Elisabet
Keisia Sumarjadi (ElisabetKeisia.Sumarjadi@rd.nestle.com).

Kontaktperson/Betreuer

In high-performance applications requiring excellent fire resistance and thermal stability, conventional phenolic
resins still dominate the market. Although these materials are technically reliable, they are neither sustainable nor
non-toxic. This is where RenewPoly, a young EXIST-funded startup from TUM, comes in. We develop novel,
bio-based, and non-toxic resin systems designed to replace fossil-based phenolic resins—particularly in applications
where high flame-retardant performance is crucial—while maintaining strength, stability, and processability.
We are looking for a motivated Master’s student to support ongoing research on novel sustainable thermosetting
resins for advanced composite applications. Within this project, a newly developed flexible, bio-based resin system
(FlexFuran) will be investigated an alternative sustainable resin for the manufacturing fiber-reinforced composites
for lightweight and high-performance structures.
The goal of this work is to evaluate the environmental performance of the FlexFuran resin system through a
comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The study will compare the bio-based system with conventional
phenolic resins, identifying environmental benefits, trade-offs, and key impact drivers across the life cycle.

Kontaktperson/Betreuer