Our Team

Dr.-Ing. Christian Brütting has been working at the Department of Polymer Engineering in the Group of Polymer Foams since June 2018. From October 2020 to December 2023, Christian Brütting functioned as Research Manager in the Group of Polymer Foams. Since January 2024 he has been operating as chief engineer at the Department. As part of his scientific work, he is investigating the processing behavior of Polylactide(PLA)-based particle foams.

From 2012 to 2015, Christian Brütting studied mechanical engineering (B. Eng.) at the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) Mosbach. In his subsequent master’s degree (M. Sc.) in “Materials Science and Engineering” at the University of Bayreuth, he focused on lightweight construction and polymer materials. He successfully completed his studies with a master’s thesis on “Investigation of epoxy-based resins for a novel additive manufacturing process”. He successfully completed his PhD study in June 2024.

M.Sc. Marcel Dippold joined the Department of Polymer Engineering as a research associate in October 2021 in the Polymer Foams group. Within the scope of his scientific work, he is mainly concerned with the development and characterization of open-cell foams for medical technology. From 2013 to 2019, Marcel Dippold studied materials science and engineering at the engineering faculty of the University of Bayreuth. During his master, he focused on polymer materials and their processing. In his master thesis he dealt with the establishment of structure-property relationships and the fire behavior of non-miscible polymer blends with ceramic nanotubes. Subsequently, he worked for 2 years at the Research Institute Neue Materialien Bayreuth GmbH in the field of additive manufacturing on the development of additively manufactured hybrid materials for aerospace engineering.

Michael Hoffmann M. Sc. has been working as a research assistant at the Chair of Polymer Materials in the thermosets and composites group since November 2020. Within the scope of his scientific work he is engaged in the development of polyurethane-based carbon fiber reinforced plastics.

From 2015 to 2018, Michael Hoffmann studied chemistry at the University of Bayreuth. His bachelor thesis dealt with supramolecular foam nucleation. With the subsequent master’s degree program in Polymer Science, he was able to focus specifically on polymer-specific topics. In his master thesis he investigated the influence of a toughness modifier on the molecular relaxation capacity of an epoxy resin matrix using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Since August 2021, Florian Max is a member of the thermosets and composites group at the department of Polymer Engineering. His scientific work focuses on the clarification of structure-property relationships of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics and their application in sport goods, such as running shoes or medical insoles.

From 2013 to 2018, Florian Max studied materials engineering (B. Eng.) at Hof University of Applied Sciences, the content of which was deepened in an interdisciplinary manner in the subsequent master’s program in sports technology (M. Sc.) at Bayreuth University from 2018 to 2021. Florian Max successfully completed his studies with a master’s thesis on “Influence of the epoxy resin structure on the dynamic-mechanical properties of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics for running shoe stiffness insoles”.

Tim Scherzer has been working as a research associate at the Department of Polymer Engineering since September 2021. Within the Functional Thermoplastics and Manufacturing group, he is working on the modification of high-temperature thermoplastics, aiming for the use in high-frequency-capable circuit carriers.

In 2016, Tim Scherzer completed his studies in mechanical engineering with a focus on plastics technology and processing at the Technical University of Munich. Following this, he supported the TUM’s Medical Engineering Department as a research assistant in research and teaching in the field of thermoplastics processing, with a focus on injection molding technology and its process variants.

M.Sc Niklas Bauriedel joined the Department of Polymer Engineering Materials as a research associate in March 2023. Within the SFB project 1357 – “Microplastics” her works on Research-data-management, characterization of microplastic particles and computer-aided predictions of their environmental influence.

Since 2015, Niklas Bauriedel studied Computer Science at the University of Bayreuth and successfully graduated in 2023. In his Master-Thesis, he focused on monitoring Additive Manufacturing using infrared cameras and evaluating it using Machine Learning techniques.

M.Sc.-Ing Malvina Boutigny has been working as a research assistant at the Departement of Polymer Engineering in the Polymer Foams Division since October 2023. Her scientific work is focused on the foaming behavior of modified PHB(V) by using digital methods to predict the process parameters and the foam properties.

From 2020 to 2023, she studied Material and Sustainable Developement at ESIREM Engineering School in Dijon (France). During those three years, she did a first internship at the Lehrstuhl für Kunststofftechnik (LKT) in Erlangen and focused on the thermoforming of recycled polypropylene. She did a second internship focusing on the elaboration of biobased chitosan resins for micro-electronic applications, at the Institute of polymer materials (IMP) in Lyon (France). During the last year of engineering degree she studied control and durability of materials in order to complete a master´s degree at the University of Burgundy (France).

Juan Felipe Castro-Landinez M.Sc. has been working as a research assistant at the polymer engineering department since December 2023 as part of the functional thermoplastic and manufacturing group. His research focuses on functionalized polymeric blends filled with nanoparticles enhancing transport phenomena such as electrical and thermal conductivity of polymer matrix.

He is a Mechanical Engineer (2015) with a M.Sc. degree on Mechanical Engineering focused on Materials Science and Engineering (2017) obtained at Universidad de los Andes, Colombia. His master´s thesis investigated the effect of clay fillers in several polymeric blends to reduce permeability for the food packaging industry. Juan was part of the R&D team at an automotive glazing company as a researcher and leader. Where he mainly worked with polymeric interlayer materials and opto-electrical devices development, characterization, aging procedures, processing methods, and validation tools for smart glass manufacturing.

M. Sc. Lukas Endner joined the Department of Polymer Engineering as a research associate in February 2022. His focus lies in the field of composite materials and resins, specializing on the development of epoxy foams.

From 2016 to 2021, Lukas Endner studied material science and engineering at the Engineering Faculty of the University Bayreuth. He focused on the processing of polymers.

In his current position, he strives to combine his acquired expertise in the field of foaming thermoplastics with the knowledge of kinetic processes that determine the aging of epoxy resins to develop said thermoset foams.

M.Sc. Tobias Feix has joined the Chair of Polymeric Materials as a research assistant in the Composites and Resins working group in September 2024. As part of his scientific work, he is working on the development of highly filled hybrid resin systems for DLP printing.

From 2018 to 2024, Tobias Feix studied Applied Chemistry at the Georg-Simon-Ohm University of Applied Sciences in Nuremberg and wrote his Bachelor’s thesis on the recycling of catalyst platinum from silicones. In his subsequent Master’s program at the Georg-Simon-Ohm University of Applied Sciences in Nuremberg, he deepened his knowledge in the fields of polymer and silicone chemistry, as well as rheology. His master’s thesis focused on the development of a systematic for the classification of age-related changes in fluid functions at Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG. in Herzogenaurach. The main topic was the electrochemical characterization of multifunctional oils in electric axles.

M.Sc. Max Friedel has been working as a research assistant at the Chair of Polymer Engineering since August 2023. As an Innovation Architect, his field of work includes regional innovation transfer within the framework of the Material Innovation Lab. In addition, he is working in the Composites and Resins group on the additive manufacturing of predominantly resin-based components, as well as resin development for aircraft interior components.

Max Friedel studied materials science and engineering at the University of Bayreuth from 2015 to 2023. His bachelor’s degree focused on lightweight construction and additive manufacturing. In his subsequent Master’s degree, he continued to study these topics in depth and wrote his Master’s thesis on the development of flame-retardant resin systems for DLP printing.

M.Sc. Rikard Fusha-Paschke has been working as a research assistant at the Chair of Polymeric Materials in the Thermosets and Composites working group since June 2024. As part of his scientific work, he deals with the development of bio-based and recyclable epoxy composites.

From 2009 to 2014, Rikard Fusha-Paschke studied Applied Chemistry at the Georg-Simon-Ohm University of Applied Sciences in Nuremberg and wrote his bachelor’s thesis on the rheological properties of liquid plastics based on silylated polyurethanes. After several years in research and development in the chemical industry, he completed his Master’s degree in Applied Chemistry at the Georg-Simon-Ohm University of Applied Sciences in Nuremberg from 2020 to 2021. As part of his master’s thesis, he investigated the adhesion properties of a dual-curing silica-based hybrid material on metallic substrates.

M.Sc. Denise Hellmuth has been working as a research associate at the Chair of Polymer Engineering since March 2023. In the Thermosets and Composites research group, her scientific work focuses on developing new eco-efficient resin and natural fiber systems for aircraft interior components.

From 2017 to 2021, Denise Hellmuth studied polymer and colloid chemistry at the University of Bayreuth. In the subsequent master’s program in Polymer Science, she further deepened her knowledge of polymer-specific topics. Her master’s thesis dealt with the formation of interpenetrating networks from an epoxy and an acrylate resin system. In addition to characterizing these systems, the focus was also on the storage stability of the uncured blends.

M. Sc. Alexander Himsel has been working as a research assistant at the Chair of Polymeric Materials since April 2024. In the Functional Thermoplastics and Manufacturing working group, his scientific work focuses mainly on concepts for cleaning sensor surfaces.

From 2016 to 2024, he studied materials science and engineering at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Bayreuth for both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He focussed on polymers and lightweight construction. In his master’s thesis at the Chair of Polymeric Materials, he researched the processing of particle foams using radio frequency technology. The focus was on establishing a novel measurement approach to quantify the welding properties of the foam particles and their surface modification.

M. Sc. Celine Korsin has been working as a research assistant at the Chair of Polymeric Materials in the Composites and Resins working group since October 2024. As part of her scientific work, she deals with high-temperature composites, among other things.

After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering Paint and Varnish at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, she moved to the University of Bayreuth in 2021 to study for a Master’s degree in Polymer Science. During her studies, she focused on the synthesis and processing of polymers. In her master’s thesis at Polymer Engineering, she investigated the enzymatic degradation of PET and PBT, focusing in particular on the influence on the thermal, structural and mechanical properties of the materials.

M.Sc. Marius Luik has been working as a research associate at the Chair of polymer engineering in the Thermosets and Composites group since February 2023. As part of his scientific work, he is researching new carbon fiber composites for the use in hydrogen tanks for the aviation and automotive industries.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in paint and coatings from Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, he transferred to the University of Bayreuth in 2019 to study the master program in polymer science. During his studies, he was also involved in research projects from the field of electrochemistry, in addition to the synthesis and processing of plastics. In his master’s thesis at the chair of polymer engineering, he dealt with the mechanical spreading of carbon fiber rovings for the application in carbon fiber composites.

Hülya Markl-Hahn M. Sc. joined the Chair of Polymer Materials in April 2023 as a research associate in the Functional Thermoplastics and Manufacturing group. Within the project SFB 1357 Microplastics, her research focus is the formation and degradation of microplastics under simulated environmental conditions.

She studied Geography (B. Sc.) and Climate and Environmental Sciences (M. Sc.) at the University of Augsburg. During her subsequent bachelor’s and master’s studies in Applied Chemistry at the Nuremberg University of Technology with a focus on biochemistry, she worked as a research assistant at the Institute of Clinical Chemistry of the Nuremberg Hospital in the field of prolactin/vasoinhibin research in addition to her studies. During her master thesis in the Section of Experimental Oncology and Nanomedicine at the University Hospital Erlangen, she did research on the topic of functionalization strategies of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles based on dopamine.

Sudarsan Manjunatha Pai has been working as a Research Associate since April 2024 in the domains of Data Science, Machine Learning, and Simulations.

He did his bachelors studies in Mechanical engineering from India. From 2020 to 2023, he pursued his master’s studies in Computational Materials Science at TU Bergakademie Freiberg. During his master’s program, his primary focus was integrating programming and simulations with the field of materials science. For his master’s thesis at Mercedes-Benz AG, he conducted machine learning-based evaluations of data from Resistance Spot Welding applications. Subsequently, he worked for approximately one year at the Research Institute Neue Materialien Bayreuth GmbH in the additive manufacturing team, focusing on the digitalization of machines using IoT platforms.

Annalena Pongratz M. Sc. joined the Chair of Polymer Engineering in February 2023 as a research associate in the Functional Thermoplastics and Manufacturing group.

Her scientific work is primarily focused on the mechanism of enzymatic degradation in PBT, as well as the influence of this degradation on the mechanical, thermal, and surface properties of the material.

From 2017 to 2020, she studied Polymer and Colloid Chemistry at the University of Bayreuth. In the subsequent master’s degree in Polymer Science, she deepened her knowledge in the synthesis and processing of polymeric materials. Her master’s thesis dealt with the production of biocompatible polymer foams for medical technology. She focused in particular on the influence of process parameters, as well as molecular structure and material properties of the polymers on the foaming behavior and dimensional stability of the foams.

Karim Ali Shah arbeitet seit September 2023 als wissenschaftlicher Mitrabeiter am Lehrstuhl für Polymere Werkstoffe. Im Rahmen seiner wissenschaftlichen Arbeit ist es sein Ziel, den Prozess der Partikelschaumextrusion zu digitalisieren, um die Entwicklungszeit zu verkürzen und eine nachhaltigere Forschung zu ermöglichen.

Von 2020 bis 2022 studierte Karim Ali Shah Mathematical Engineering (M.Sc.) an der Universität von L’Aquila, Italien, und Computermathematik (M.Sc.) an der Universität Karlstad, Schweden. Während seines Masterstudiums konzentrierte er sich hauptsächlich auf mathematische, stochastische und physikbasierte Materialmodellierung und -berechnungen. Seine Masterarbeit fertigte er bei der tesa-SE GmbH zum Thema “High-Performance Monte Carlo Computations for Adhesive Band Formation” an.

Florian Stephan M.Sc. has been working as a research assistant at the Chair of Polymeric Materials since November 2023. In the Functional Thermoplastics and Manufacturing working group, he is working on the development of PET recycling strategies using machine learning models.

From 2017 to 2021, Florian Stephan studied mechanical engineering (B.Eng.) at Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences and wrote his bachelor’s thesis on the design of a project planning tool for designing drive axles. With the subsequent Master’s degree in Sports Technology (M.Sc.) at the University of Bayreuth, he deepened his knowledge in the field of additive manufacturing and completed his studies with a Master’s thesis on the vibration characteristics of additively manufactured lightweight structures.

Sruthi Sunder joined the Chair of Polymer Materials as a research associate in November 2021. Within the Composites and Resins group, she is currently working on the development of transfer mechanisms for flame retardants used in epoxy resins to fiber-reinforced epoxy resin composites.

She completed her master’s thesis at the University of Ulm in 2019. From 2019 to 2021, she worked in industry in various roles in the research and development of polymer and pharmaceutical materials.

Eduardo Szpoganicz has been working as a research assistant at the Chair of Polymer Materials since March 2022. Within the Composites and Resins research group, he is developing a controlled permeable hydrogen tank made of epoxy carbon-fiber reinforced composite material for cryogenic operation in aircraft and aerospace industry.

During his master’s degree at the University of Bayreuth, Germany, he worked through the multiple topics of polymer science and engineering, focusing on the manufacturing and characterisation of fiber-reinforced composite materials. His master’s thesis gathered a throughout investigation on fracture mechanics of epoxy resins and carbon-fiber composites performing in cryogenic environments.

From 2014 to 2019 he studied Materials Engineering at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil, focused on the characterization and processing of polymeric materials. His bachelor’s thesis was realised at the Chair of Polymer Materials, focused on the fracture mechanics and toughening behaviour of brittle epoxy systems.

M. Sc. Bastian Treiber has been working as a research associate at the Chair of Polymer Engineering in the Composites and Resins Group since April 2023. Within the scope of this scientific work, he is focusing on the development of high temperature composites. After completing his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering of color and coatings at the University of Applied Sciences Esslingen, he finished his master’s degree in polymer science at the University of Bayreuth. During his studies he mainly focused on polymer processing and synthesis. During his master’s thesis at the Department of Polymer Engineering, he investigated the influence of additives on the aging behavior of a high-temperature epoxy resin.

M. Sc. Christian Töpfer has been working as a research assistant at the Department of Polymer Engineering in the Polymer Foams Division since July 2023. As part of his work as a research assistant, he is mainly concerned with the foaming behaviour of recycled PET in the extrusion process. The focus is on the production of an integral foam with both good insulation properties and high mechanical stability.

From 2016 to 2023, Christian Töpfer studied materials science and engineering at the University of Bayreuth. His master’s degree focused on materials in electrical engineering, lightweight construction and polymers. In his master’s thesis, he combined this focus by investigating the temperature-dependent dielectric properties of particle foams for radio-frequency welding.

M.Sc. Sven Twiestmeyer has been working as a research assistant at the Chair of Polymeric Materials in the Polymer Foams working group since February 2024.

From 2016 to 2020, he studied Chemical Engineering at Emden-Leer University of Applied Sciences. In the subsequent Master’s degree programme in Polymer Science, he deepened his knowledge of polymer synthesis and the processing of plastics. In his master’s thesis at the Chair of Polymeric Materials, he focused on evaluating the potential of a 3D printing process for the development of dimensionally stable, individually foamed lightweight components.

M. Sc. Julia Utz has been working as a research assistant at the Chair of Polymer Materials since September 2017. From 2021 to 2023 she was group leader of the Functional Thermoplastics and Manufacturing group. Her current focus is on additive manufacturing, particularly material development and processing using the fused filament fabrication process.

From 2011 to 2017 Julia Utz studied Material Science and Technology at the University of Bayreuth with special emphasis on polymer and lightweight materials. During her master thesis she investigated biopolymer-based fibers and gradient materials.

M.Eng. Natalie Wunder has been working as a research assistant at the Chair of Polymeric Materials in the Composites and Resins group since January 2025. As part of her scientific work, she deals with the use and optimization of bio-based epoxy resin systems for the production of hybrid natural fiber/rCF composites via RTM processes.

From 2015 to 2021, she studied “Innovative Textiles” in the Bachelor’s program and “Sustainable Textiles” and “Project Management” in the Master’s program at Hof University of Applied Sciences. Her studies focused on technical textiles in the Bachelor’s degree and sustainable textiles in the Master’s degree. From 2021 to 2024, she worked as a project manager in the “New Business Development” and “Fibre & Application Development” departments at a manufacturer of specialty viscose fibers. There she worked on the development of bio-based and biodegradable textile applications in the fields of clothing, hygiene and technical textiles.

Ilya, MSc in Computer Science, has worked as a researcher at the Department of Polymeric Materials since March 2025. He is part of the Functions & Circular Resin research group, where he focuses on, developing monitoring systems, applying machine learning, implementing IoT (Internet of Things) solutions.

Ilya holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronic Security Systems Engineering (2016) and a master’s in Computer Science (2019). His studies covered: Big data processing, computer networks, process automation.

After graduation, Ilya gained hands-on experience in system administration and DevOps. Now, he is applying modern automation and machine learning methods to support scientific and engineering work.

Christian Bauer has been working at the Chair of Polymer Materials since September 2010. His area of ​​responsibility includes various resin injections and material tests.

After successfully training as an industrial mechanic with professional experience at Deutsche Bahn, he switched to the automotive supplier industry in the field of plastics technology, product sampling, extrusion, and toolmaking, injection molding. He was able to gain a lot of experience in these areas and put it into practice.

Dipl.-Ing. Alexander Brückner has been working as a technical assistant at the Chair of Polymer Materials since March 2007. His responsibilities include dynamic materials testing, the construction of electrical and electronic measuring devices, and X-ray analysis. As the supervisor of the X-ray laboratory, he is also the chair’s radiation protection officer.

From 2001 to 2006, Alexander Brückner studied physical engineering at the Coburg University of Applied Sciences, majoring in physical technologies. The main focus of his studies was on sensor and actuator technology as well as nuclear and radiation technology. Within the scope of his diploma thesis, which was written in cooperation with Argillon GmbH, Redwitz, he developed and constructed a measuring station for the characterization of piezoelectric ceramics.

Sebastian Gröschel is a technical employee at the department of polymer engineering since April 2011. He is responsible for thermoplastic processing, injection moulding, compounding and foam extrusion.

Mr. Gröschel completed the training of a process mechanic of plastics in 2008 and worked in the company Cherry GmbH in the department of injection moulding.

Ute Kuhn is since June 2002 engaged at the chair of polymer engineering. She is working in the field of thermal analysis and rheology.

Ute Kuhn studied at the Comprehensive University of Paderborn Chemical Engineering with the focus of polymers. The theme of the diploma thesis was the creation and characterization of modified Isoprene. After her studies she was working for about two years at the public office of water handling in Kassel, subject: water endangering materials. Following she was engaged at Hoechst AG plant Kalle – Albert in Wiesbaden. In this location she was responsible in the application engineering of hydro-fillers for the automobile industry. After some years parental lease she is working since June 2002 at the chair of polymer engineering.

Dipl.-Ing. Andreas Mainz has been working at the Chair of Polymer Materials since March 2007. His responsibilities include the supervision of mechanical materials testing. The aim of mechanical materials testing is to determine viable structural property relationships on various materials using modern testing methods. Within the scope of materials testing, he deals with physical testing methods ranging from classical tests to fracture mechanics. Another field is also the development of special component tests.

From 1997 to 2001 Mr. Mainz studied at the Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena in the field of materials engineering specializing in environmental engineering. After successful completion of his studies, he worked as an engineer and lecturer since January 2001, among other things for the training of industrial foremen for plastics and rubber technology. There he dealt with materials testing, general plastics technology and the processing of plastics.

Mrs Pfaffenberger has been working in the department of polymer engineering since June 2015. She works in the fields of transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

After completed education as a chemical laboratory assistant in 2005 at the company Raps in Kulmbach, she worked there in the area of quality control in particular the sample assessment of various suppliers.

In April 2008 she started working as a technical employee at the department MC2 at the University of Bayreuth. The fields of activity were transmission electron microscopy and mass spectroscopy.

Markus Schirmer has been a technical assistant at the Institute for Polymer Materials since October 2004. His tasks are thermoplastic processing, which includes compounding, extrusion and foam extrusion. The area of extrusion extends from laboratory scale to pilot plant scale.

After successfully training as a metal construction engineering specialist, he worked for the Zapf company in Bayreuth. There he also completed his training as a draftsman civil engineering. At the Institute for Polymer Materials, Mr. Schirmer is also a safety officer and radiation protection officer.

Rüdiger Scholz has been working at the Chair of Polymeric Materials since July 2024. His area of responsibility includes the supervision of the Chair’s Technology Impact Hub Upper Franconia.

After completing his bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, the trained carpenter completed his master’s thesis in project management at Hof University of Applied Sciences in 2018. He was then able to gain experience in several research projects in the field of artificial intelligence and digitalization, which he was subsequently able to incorporate into optimization and restructuring projects in the private sector.

Mrs. Adelhardt is part of our team since March 2012 as secretary/personal assistance.

Mrs. Mosig is part of our team since September 2003 as secretary/personal assistance.