Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Circular Plastics Economy CCPERoxana Grömmer works in the Research Department ‘Circular Additives and Compounds’. Here she focuses on the synthesis, modification, further development and evaluation of additives for odour-contaminated plastics and their recyclates.
What are you working on at the Fraunhofer CCPE? What creative ideas are you currently pursuing in your field of research?
I am working on the synthesis, modification, further development and evaluation of additives for odour-contaminated plastics and their recyclates. For me, the focus is on upgrading the quality of recyclates in order to expand their field of application and thus contribute to the transition to a sustainable circular economy.
Do you have a specific project example or why is this interesting for industry/society?
The use of recyclates is playing an increasingly important role in the automotive industry and in the packaging sector in order to reduce waste and promote sustainability. In its action plan for the circular economy, the EU demands, among other things, quality standards for recyclates and prescribed proportions of them in packaging. Effective odour control is essential to achieve these goals.
What has been your highlight at Fraunhofer CCPE so far?
My highlight so far is being involved in the development and establishment of a new characterisation method for the evaluation of odour control additives. After a very short time, I have already been involved in an invention disclosure in this regard.
What does your day-to-day work look like?
Mostly a nice mixture of laboratory work and office work. In addition to the practical implementation of syntheses and analytical measurements in the laboratory, their evaluation, extensive literature research, public relations work, training and organisational tasks are also part of my day-to-day PhD work.
What is it about your work at Fraunhofer CCPE that fascinates you?
The exchange with each other and the collaboration between different Fraunhofer Institutes offer a great opportunity to take a comprehensive look at research topics and develop them further in a targeted manner. I am particularly enthusiastic about the application-orientated work on acute global and socially relevant problems.
