Chair of Technical Thermodynamics and Energy-Efficient Materials Processing

Research

Research activities lie at the intersection of engineering and the natural sciences. At the chair, research in the field of experimental and theoretical thermodynamics is closely intertwined with the development of new sustainable materials, processes, and products.

The research focuses on the following areas:

  • Process thermodynamics,
  • Materials thermodynamics,
  • Thermodynamics of multicomponent systems,
  • Statistical thermodynamics.
     

Current research priorities include:

  • Basic research in the field of experimental and theoretical thermodynamics
  • Thermodynamic modeling of the structure-property relationships of complex material systems, particularly multicomponent systems (polymers, polymer/metal composites, Engineering Artificial Minerals (EnAM))
  • Investigation of kinetic phenomena in complex material systems and phase transitions (polymers, TRIP steels, NiTi alloys, EnAM) using experimental and theoretical non-equilibrium thermodynamics
  • Development of thermodynamic models for process simulation to design new, energy-efficient material treatment processes for the recovery of recyclable materials
  • Development of new intensified processes for an efficient, resource-conserving circular economy for plastics using experimental and theoretical methods of thermodynamics
    . For example: Physical plastic recycling via solvent-based processes, chemical plastic recycling via pyrolysis and solvolysis, as well as combined processes with mechanical recycling. A particular focus here is placed on the molecular characterization of polymers and recycled materials through analytical and preparative fractionation, as well as on establishing the relationship between molecular characteristics and calorific, thermal, and rheological properties
  • Thermodynamic analysis, modeling, and evaluation of thermal energy storage systems (sensible, latent, thermochemical); the thermodynamic systemic evaluation of energy storage systems focuses in particular on storage efficiency and storage performance based on a differentiated energetic and exergetic approach

Curriculum

The department offers courses in foundational topics as well as specialized courses:

Fundamental Courses:

  • Thermodynamics I
  • Thermodynamics II
  • Basic Lab Courses (e.g., Seawater Desalination, Gas Engines, Refrigeration Machines, Heat Pumps)

Advanced Courses:

  • Polymer Thermodynamics
  • Computational Thermodynamics for Materials and Process Design
  • Thermal Processes in Power Plants
  • Thermal Treatment of Residual and Waste Materials
  • Thermodynamics III
  • Specialized Lab Courses (Measurement of Vapor-Liquid Equilibria in Multicomponent Systems and Determination of Thermodynamic Model Parameters)
  • Seminars
  • Group Projects / ChemPLANT
  • Theses (Bachelor’s and Master’s)

Publications / Patents

Publications (Link to Google Scholar)

ResearchGate Profile