Hybrid Circular Sandwich Panels for Industrial Applications

• Wanneer

  Ingetrokken 25 - 35 weken 36 - 40 uur per week
• Waar

  Ospel Limburg
• Opleidingsniveaus

  MBO niveau 4
• Stagesoorten

  Afstudeerstage
• Salaris

  € 500 per maand

This project focuses on developing an innovative, circular solution for producing lightweight sandwich panels with a hybrid material composition. The aim is to realize a technically and economically viable panel concept that meets stringent requirements in mechanical performance, sustainability, and reusability.

The panels consist of a layered structure of metal, plastic, and a recycled foam core, designed for industrial applications where flatness, stiffness, and process reliability are critical. The project investigates how these panels can be produced reproducibly, repairably, and recyclably using advanced bonding and processing techniques.

Werkzaamheden

As an intern or graduate student, you will work on one of the following research topics depending on your background and interests. You will collaborate with material scientists, engineers, and production experts to contribute to applied research, prototyping, and process development.

Topic 1: Material Selection and Testing of Hybrid Sandwich Panels

In this assignment, you'll support the development of suitable material combinations for hybrid sandwich panels. You’ll help compare different types of recycled foam (e.g. PET or PP), thin steel sheets, and plastic top layers through small-scale lab tests. These tests focus on basic material properties such as stiffness, thermal resistance, bonding behavior, and processability. You’ll also assist in producing small samples to validate how well the materials combine, and explore which combinations offer the best potential for mechanical performance and recyclability.

Topic 2: Process Analysis and Development for Industrial-Scale Production

In this topic, you’ll explore how the selected materials can be processed into sandwich panels under controlled lab conditions. Starting with a review of process settings (such as temperature, pressure, and cycle times), you'll help identify adjustments needed for processing hybrid panels. You’ll support experiments to laminate and shape small-scale test panels, and evaluate them on parameters like flatness, bonding quality, and surface finish. The goal is to help define a, reproducible process setup that could be scaled further in later development stages.

Topic 3: Repairability and Recycling of Hybrid Sandwich Panels

This topic focuses on how hybrid sandwich panels can be reused, repaired, or recycled at the end of their life. You'll look into simple repair techniques for surface damage or delamination and explore how different material layers (steel, foam, plastic) could be separated using mechanical or thermal methods. You’ll assist with basic tests and help assess if recovered materials are suitable for reuse in new panels or alternative products. The results will support the development of design-for-disassembly strategies and circular use cases.

Gewenste profiel

Dit bedrijf offers internships and graduation assignments in areas such as process optimization, material recycling, and material behavior analysis. Projects may involve hands-on prototyping, testing, or lab-scale experimentation depending on the scope.

We seek motivated students with strong interests in materials science, mechanical engineering, applied physics, or related technical disciplines. Ideal candidates demonstrate analytical thinking, practical problem-solving skills, and a enthusiasm to sustainability and circular product development. Prior knowledge or experience with polymer processing or plastic joining techniques is advantageous. Students will work independently and collaboratively within a small team, with flexibility to tailor assignments to their academic focus and personal strengths.

Wat bieden wij

We offer reasonable compensation for student internships or graduation projects. There is no strict requirement for a fixed start date; students are welcome to join at any time. We understand that quality work requires sufficient time; therefore, a 30-week internship period is preferred, although shorter durations can be accommodated depending on academic requirements.

Students undertaking projects with dit bedrijf receive dedicated guidance throughout their assignment. This includes one-on-one coaching, regular feedback sessions, and participation in project meetings, providing valuable insight into industry innovation and teamwork.