Introduction

The current environmental problems resulting from the use of petro-based plastics are now leading to a rethink in the production/choice of certain materials towards more sustainable materials. Silicone elastomers are used, for example, as insulator materials in high-voltage technology and are included in this change. There are new concepts that can make existing silicone elastomers accessible for reuse at the end of a product's life by incorporating certain functionalities. These functionalities allow the polymer network structure to be adapted via dynamic reactions, making it possible to morphologically redesign the material.

Silicone elastomers have so far been characterized as an ideal material in high-voltage technology, in particular due to their good insulating properties. The integration of new functionalities to achieve mechanical recyclability raises the question of how these groups affect the insulating properties of the material.

The aim of this work is to participate in a research project of the HSZG. The task includes participation in the synthesis and characterization of silicone-based vitrimers.

Main topics to be worked on

The following subtasks are to be completed:

• Literature research on functionalization concepts of lignin and lignin vitrimers
• Modification/functionalization of lignin and subsequent synthesis of corresponding vitrimers
• Characterization of the synthesized vitrimers

Result

The following subtasks are to be completed:

• Literature research on silicone-based vitrimers
• Replication of the researched synthesis strategies
• Evaluation with regard to suitability as an insulator in high-voltage technology

The topic is offered as a practical semester or final thesis. Previous knowledge in the field of organic chemistry is necessary. Knowledge of polymer chemistry is desirable.