Background
Polyurethane (PUR) and epoxy-based coatings play a vital role in the automotive, construction, and chemical industries. They improve durability, appearance, and performance. However, their high resistance to degradation challenges the overall recycling possibilities of the materials they are used for. This way, biodegradable materials can lose their biodegradability when coated with PUR or epoxy coatings.
Companies that produce PUR and epoxy-based coatings are interested in developing biodegradable coatings that decompose at the end of their lifecycle, so they can offer a greener alternative without compromising performance. Preparing coatings that are both biodegradable across different environments and possess the necessary mechanical and chemical properties for the intended application is a great challenge for industries. This internship will look into the effect of pre-treatment on the biodegradability of coatings
Assignment and activities
- Literature review and theoretical background
- Understand pre-treatment methods used for coatings.
- Gain insight into optimum conditions for the pretreatment of coatings.
- Learn about biodegradability testing by using OECD standards.
- Gain basic knowledge about chemical analyses for the project aims.
- Pre-treatment trials
- Apply different acidic and alkaline conditions to coatings to improve structural accessibility for biodegradation.
- Determine optimal pretreatment conditions such as pH, temperature, and chemical pretreatments.
- Different tools (TGA, FTIR) will be used to determine the changes in functional groups and properties.
- Biodegradation trials
- Conduct aerobic biodegradation trials using OxiTop® systems with or without pretreated coatings
- Monitor and record pressure changes to assess biodegradation kinetics.
Required Skills and Competencies
- Background in chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, environmental sciences, or a related field.
- Interest in biodegradation and chemistry.
- Hands-on laboratory experience and familiarity with chemical analysis techniques.
- Experience in data analysis, reporting and presenting research findings.
Internship information
- Duration: 20 weeks .
- Start: around September 2025.
Location: Avans – MNEXT | Lovensdijkstraat 63, Breda - Allowance: €350 per month.
Guidance
The intern will be supervised by researchers from MNEXT – Biobased Resources & Energy, with additional knowledge support provided by our project industrial partners. Regular progress reviews and guidance will be in place to support the successful completion of the project. The working language is English/Dutch.