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Doctoral Research at the ibp: Research for the Circular Economy of the Future
Our doctoral researchers are developing new solutions for sustainable polymers, recycling technologies and bio-based materials in close collaboration with academia and industry.
Why Undertake Doctoral Research at the ibp?
Practice-Oriented Research
Research directly focused on industrial challenges.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
Laboratories, testing equipment and pilot plants.
Network
Collaboration with the university, companies and research networks.
Sustainable Impact
Solutions for the circular economy and bio-based polymers.
Our Current Doctoral Researchers
People committed to the circular economy of the future.
PhD Overview
Doctoral Research Topic:
Influence of Natural Plasticization and Reinforcements on the Fracture Behavior of Starch-Based Bioplastics
Research Area: Mechanical Engineering – Materials Engineering with a Focus on Plastics Engineering
Supervisor: Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Michael Nase
Duration: 2024–2027
Research Question:
Bio-based TPS material systems are investigated with the aim of specifically improving the compatibility between the individual material components and the interfacial bonding of natural fibers. Particular focus is placed on fracture behavior and stable crack growth in fiber-reinforced materials. Due to the complex, fiber-dominated fracture surfaces, the methodology for determining and evaluating crack propagation has been further developed.
More About the Doctoral Researcher
Short Biography:
Isabell I. Kleiber studied Industrial Engineering with a specialization in Materials Engineering at Hof University of Applied Sciences and subsequently completed the master’s degree program “New Materials, Nano- and Production Technology” at Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm. Since 2020, she has been working as a research associate at the Institute for Circular Bio:Polymer Economy (ibp) at Hof University of Applied Sciences, where she serves as Team Leader for Bioplastics. In parallel, she is pursuing a doctorate in the field of bio-based polymer materials, focusing on the mechanical and fracture mechanical characterization of natural fiber-reinforced material systems.
Selected Publications
Kleiber, I. I.; Falkenreck, C. K.; Zarges, J.-C.; Nase, M.; Heim, H.-P. (2026): Combined fracture analysis of filled TPS/PBS blends using optical light and confocal laser scanning microscopy supplemented by X-ray micro computed tomography. 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2026.109273
Kleiber, I.; Hiller, B. T.; Menigxue, D. M.; Nase, M. (2024): Investigation of the Influence of Different Filler Contents of Wine Pomace in PBS on Fracture Mechanics Properties. Journal of Research Updates in Polymer Science, 13, 210–219. DOI: 10.6000/1929-5995.2024.13.21
Kleiber, I. I.; Baumgart, C. K.; Nase, M.; Rudolph N.; Marsh, S.: (2025) Charakterisierungsmethodik von nachhaltig verstärkten und modifizierten PBS/TPS-Blendsystemen, 43. VORTRAGS- UND DISKUSSIONSTAGUNG WERKSTOFFPRÜFUNG – Tagungsband, Dresden, ISBN 978-3-88355-454-9
Kleiber, I. I.; Bodky, L.; Nase, M.; (2025) Untersuchung der bruchmechanischen Eigenschaften von naturfaser- und naturpartikelgefüllten stärkebasierten Biokunststoffen, 43. VORTRAGS- UND DISKUSSIONSTAGUNG WERKSTOFFPRÜFUNG – Tagungsband, Dresden, ISBN 978-3-88355-454-9
Kleiber, I. I., Alsan, K., Baumgart, C., Nase, M. (2023):
Nachhaltige Kunststoffverpackungsfolien aus plastifizierter Stärke, FoodLab, https://blmedien.aflip.in/FOOD-Lab_03_2023.html#page/42
Conference Contributions (Most Recent):
Kleiber, I. I.; Falkenreck, C. K.; Zarges, J.-C.; Nase, M.; Heim, H.-P. (2026): Correlative fracture surface analysis of filled TPS/PBS blends using optical microscopy and micro-CT, Vortrag und Abstract, PolymerTec 26, Merseburg, ISBN 978-3-00-087353-9
Baumgart, C.; Kleiber, I. I.; Meinz, T.; Nase, M. (2026): Investigation of the influence of varying PIR recycling content on the thermal and molecular properties of PBT, Poster, Abstract und Konferenzbeitrag, PolymerTec 26, Merseburg, ISBN 978-3-00-087353-9
Kleiber, I. I.; Baumgart, C. K.; Nase, M.; Rudolph N.; Marsh, S.: (2025) Charakterisierungsmethodik von nachhaltig verstärkten und modifizierten PBS/TPS-Blendsystemen, 43. VORTRAGS- UND DISKUSSIONSTAGUNG WERKSTOFFPRÜFUNG – Poster, Dresden, ISBN 978-3-88355-454-9
Kleiber, I. I.; Bodky, L.; Nase, M.; (2025) Untersuchung der bruchmechanischen Eigenschaften von naturfaser- und naturpartikelgefüllten stärkebasierten Biokunststoffen, 43. VORTRAGS- UND DISKUSSIONSTAGUNG WERKSTOFFPRÜFUNG – Vortrag, Dresden, ISBN 978-3-88355-454-9
LinkedIn/ORCID:
PhD Overview
Doctoral Research Topic:
Structural, process-related and methodological optimisation of the seal strength of bio-based films, taking into account macromolecular interdiffusion and real seal seam geometries
Research Area:
Mechanical Engineering – Materials Engineering with a Focus on Plastics Engineering
Supervisor:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Michael Nase
Duration:
Not yet registered
Research Question:
The aim of the research is to identify structural and process-related parameters in biopolymers in order to transfer comparable effects from conventional heat-sealing systems to these materials. In addition, the evaluation methodology for the mechanical characterisation of seal seams is to be further developed by taking into account real radii of curvature, local deformations and non-linear kinematics.
Third-Party Funded Project Related to the Doctorate:
The DFG-funded project BioSealCrys (542457034) is associated with the doctoral research.
More About the Doctoral Researcher
Short Biography:
Franziska T. Bauer completed a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering through a dual-study programme, combined with vocational training as a Technical System Planner specialising in Building Services and Equipment Engineering. Following the successful completion of her bachelor’s degree at Hof University of Applied Sciences, she went on to study for a master’s degree in mechanical engineering with a specialisation in Simulation, also at Hof University of Applied Sciences. From 2023 onwards, she worked as a student research assistant at the Institute for Circular Bio:Polymer Economy (ibp) at Hof University of Applied Sciences alongside her studies, and since 2024 she has been employed as a research associate at the institute.
Selected Publications
F. T. Bauer, B. T. Hiller, N. Bunk, K. Jariyavidyanont, R. Androsch, J.-P. Majschak und M. Nase, “Preliminary investigations of the influence of process parameters on the material properties relevant to the seal strength of sustainable polymer films”, in: HSM-Digital, Hochschule Schmalkalden (Hrsg.), Tagungsband der 26. Nachwuchswissenschaftler:innenkonferenz, Schmalkalden, 2026, S. 149–155, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.21904438
Conference Contributions (Most Recent):
F. T. Bauer, B. T. Hiller, N. Bunk, K. Jariyavidyanont, R. Androsch, J.-P. Majschak und M. Nase (2026): Preliminary investigations of the influence of process parameters on the material properties relevant to the seal strength of sustainable polymer films, Vortrag und Konferenzbeitrag, 26. Nachwuchswissenschaftler:innenkonferenz, Schmalkalden, ISSN: 3055-7909
F. T. Bauer, B. T. Hiller, N. Bunk, K. Jariyavidyanont, R. Androsch, J.-P. Majschak und M. Nase (2026): Sustainable packaging films – influence of blown film extrusion processing parameters on the seal strength of mono-material biopolymer films, Vortrag und Konferenzbeitrag, PPS-41, Paestum
LinkedIn/ORCID:
PhD Overview
Doctoral Research Topic:
Electron Beam-Induced Modification of Biopolyesters: Influence of Processing Conditions and Molecular Structure on Branching, Crosslinking and Material Properties
Research Area:
Mechanical Engineering – Materials Engineering with a Focus on Plastics Engineering
Supervisors:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Markus Stommel, Technical University of Dresden; Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Michael Nase, Hof University of Applied Sciences
Duration:
Since 2022; expected completion: 2026
Research Question:
The research investigates under which conditions electron beam irradiation can be used for the targeted branching and crosslinking of biopolyesters. Particular focus is placed on the competition between chain scission and molecular build-up, as well as the influence of temperature, crystallinity and chain mobility. Using polyhydroxyalkanoates and their blends, relationships between irradiation conditions, molecular structure, and rheological, thermal and mechanical properties are being examined. The aim is to identify suitable process windows for the modification of these materials with minimal use of additives and for their radiation-induced reactive processing.
Third-Party Funded Project Related to the Doctorate:
The doctoral research is associated with the funded research project EISBiR on the application of ionising radiation to bioplastics (funding reference number 2219NR348).
More About the Doctoral Researcher
Short Biography:
David Krieg studied Physics at the Technical University of Munich and completed his Master’s degree in 2018 with a specialisation in nuclear astrophysics. Since 2019, he has been working as a research associate at the Institute for Circular Bio:Polymer Economy (ibp) at Hof University of Applied Sciences. His research focuses on the modification and characterisation of bio-based plastics, particularly the relationships between molecular structure, processing and material properties. Alongside his professional activities, he is pursuing a doctorate at the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the Technical University of Dresden on the electron beam modification of biopolyesters.
Selected Publications
Krieg, D.; Sergeieva, O.; Jungkind, S.; Rennert, M.; Nase, M. (2023): Influence of E-beam irradiation on compounds from linear low density polyethylene and thermoplastic vulcanized rubber. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 140, e53765. DOI: 10.1002/app.53765
Krieg, D. et al. (2023): Additive Free Crosslinking of Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate via Electron Beam Irradiation at Elevated Temperatures. Polymers, 15(20), 4072. DOI: 10.3390/polym15204072
Conference Contributions (Most Recent):
Krieg, D. et al. (2024): Influence of Irradiation Processing in the Melt on Stereo-Complex Formation and Physical Crosslinking of Blends from PLLA and PDLA. Vortrag, 39th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society (PPS-39), Cartagena, Kolumbien.
Krieg, D. et al. (2024): Correlations between Morphology, Thermal and Mechanical Properties in Stereo-Complex Poly(Lactic Acid). Posterpräsentation, European Bioplastics Conference, Berlin.
Krieg, D. et al. (2025): Miscibility of Blends in P3HB and P3HB4HB and the Impact of Electron Beam Irradiation on the Phase Interactions. Posterpräsentation, 29. Technomer, Chemnitz.
Krieg, D. et al. (2026): Reactive Processing of P3HB/P3HB4HB Systems via Electron-Irradiation during Melt Mixing. Vortrag, 41st International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society (PPS-41), Paestum, Italien.
LinkedIn/ORCID:
PhD Overview
Informations will follow.
More About the Doctoral Researcher
Informations will follow.
PhD Overview
Doctoral Research Topic:
Processing and Stabilization of Biocomposites Based on Biopolyesters and Regional Wine By-Products as Functional Fillers
Research Area: Mechanical Engineering – Materials Engineering – Focus: Polymer/Plastics Engineering
Supervision:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirt.Ing. Florian Puch, Technische Universität Ilmenau
Duration:
Since 2022; planned completion in 2026
Research Question:
The research focuses on minimizing process-induced degradation of biopolyesters and their biocomposites through optimized processing, as well as their stabilization using functional fillers derived from regional wine by-products. On the one hand, the effects of process parameters and machine configurations during co-rotating twin-screw extrusion (compounding) on the resulting material properties are analyzed in detail. On the other hand, wine grape pomace, the main by-product of winemaking, is investigated as a sustainable stabilizer in terms of its suitability, transferability, optimization, and potential as a biogenic alternative to conventional stabilizers.
Third-Party Funded Research Project Related to the PhD:
Parts of the PhD research were carried out in connection with the FNR-funded research project EISBiR (funding reference 2219NR348).
More About the Doctoral Researcher
Short Biography
Benedikt T. Hiller completed a vocational education as a Process Technician for Plastics and Rubber Engineering as the top graduate nationwide as part of his integrated dual-study program. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering from Hof University of Applied Sciences, and a Master’s degree in “New Materials, Nano and Production Technology” at Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm. After working as an R&D Project Engineer at REHAU AG + Co, he joined the Institute for Circular Bio:Polymer Economy (ibp) at Hof University of Applied Sciences in 2021, where he leads the Polymer Degradation, Restabilization and Recycling Technologies team. His research focuses on the optimization of processing technologies and the development of sustainable bio-based additives, a field in which he has been pursuing a doctorate since 2022 in the Plastics Technology Group at the Technische Universität Ilmenau.
Selected Publications
B. T. Hiller et al. (2025): „Comparison of the Stabilization Efficiency of a Conventional Antioxidant, Biobased Alternatives Derived From Wine By-Products, and Their Extracts in Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)”, Polym Degrad Stab, 240, 111515, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111515.
B. T. Hiller et al. (2024): „Study of Wine Grape Pomaces from Different Vintages Regarding Their Use as Reliable Sustainable Antioxidants in Biobased Poly(Butylene Succinate)“, J Polym Environ, 33, 963–989, 2025, doi:10.1007/s10924-024-03456-6.
B. T. Hiller et al. (2023): „Improvement of the Thermo-Oxidative Stability of Biobased Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) Using Biogenic Wine By-Products as Sustainable Functional Fillers“, Polymers, 15(11), 2533, 2023, doi: 10.3390/polym15112533.
Patents
„METHOD FOR PRODUCING A COMBINATION PROFILE“, WO 2024/083583 A1, 2024.
„PROCESS FOR COATING A POLYMERIC COMPONENT, AND POLYMERIC COMPONENT“, EP 3825014 A1, 2021.
Conference Contributions (Most Recent)
B. T. Hiller et al. (2026): „Wine By-Products as Sustainable Additives for Biopolyesters – Feasibility, Reliability, Optimization & Transferability”, Vortrag, International Conference polymertec26, 06/2026, Merseburg, Deutschland.
B. T. Hiller et al. (2026): „Effect of compounding conditions on wine grape pomace filled biopolyesters – impact of processing parameters and screw configuration”, Vortrag, 41st International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society, 05/2026, Salerno (Paestum), Italien.
B. T. Hiller et al. (2025): „Wine By-Products as Sustainable Polymer Additives – Feasibility, Reliability & Optimization”, Vortrag, The European Bioplastics Conference 2025 (EBC25), 12/2025, Berlin, Deutschland.
B. T. Hiller et al. (2025): „Filament-Extruder als kosten- und materialeffiziente Option für die Entwicklung nachhaltiger Materialien – ein Überblick”, Vortrag & Conference Paper, 29. Technomer, 11/2025, Chemnitz, Deutschland – Tagungsband, ISBN 978-3-939382-17-1.
B. T. Hiller et al. (2025): „Alternative biobased polymer additives – a comparison of the stabilization efficiency of conventional antioxidants, biobased alternatives derived from existing biomass, and their extracts”, Vortrag, 40th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society, 04/2025, Auckland, Neuseeland.