Nina Wailzer, a student at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria in Wels, completed a 10-week internship at MGG Polymers for her bachelor’s thesis. The task was to find out where the highest rubber content accumulates in the process flow and – subsequently – to reduce it. She successfully completed her degree in ‘Process Engineering Production’ at the beginning of July. The results will soon be implemented at MGG Polymers.
One of Nina Wailzer’s tasks was to develop a way of reducing the rubber content in polystyrene and other materials
The technophile from Waidhofen began training as a process technician at Welser-Profile in 2016, which she completed as an apprenticeship with a school-leaving certificate. The desire to further deepen her knowledge and skills led her to start studying ‘Process Engineering Production’ at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria in Wels in 2021. During her research for a suitable company for a compulsory internship, she came across MGG Polymers. The enquiry came at the right time for those responsible at the recycling company, as there were a number of topics on their ‘to do list’ that needed to be dealt with. They suggested one of these topics to Nina Wailzer, which also suited the student, and the collaboration was quickly sealed. One of her biggest advocates at the time was Gerald Jagersberger, Production Manager at Polymers, who recognised the young student’s potential very early on.
Topic of the work: Excessive residual rubber content in polystyrene
In addition to the various plastic fractions, e-waste also contains rubber components. In the case of polystyrene in particular, the aim was to further reduce the rubber content, as the rubber forms streaks in the extruded material, which reduces the quality of the PCR plastics.
Nina’s task was to take measures to solve this problem. Before she started the actual work, however, she invested in a two-week familiarisation phase. The student scrutinised the entire separation process and had every detail explained to her. Only then did she start the research for her thesis. As this could not take place during ongoing operations, she was provided with a rubber separator for testing. Process technician Johannes Müller-Guttenbrunn often acted as her contact person, providing advice and support.
Turning old into new: Nina Wailzer with Armin Delic at one of MGG Polymers‘ extruders. Replacing screens can prevent plastic particles from sticking together in future.
Nina found out what options were available for separating the residual rubber from the polystyrene and ultimately decided in favour of the mechanical method because it was the most effective. She left the basic structure of the rubber separator unchanged. She increased the number of separator plates, changed angles, adapted inclinations and tried out different distances to the conveyor units. It took several series of tests before the result was to everyone’s satisfaction.
Between the test series, the rubber separator was repeatedly rebuilt, giving Nina some downtime. She used this time to devote herself to other projects. Together with Armin Delic, she solved the problem of pellets repeatedly sticking together during the extrusion process. Replacing screens brought relief.
Setbacks for progress
‘Progress requires committed people with a professional background who can also cope with setbacks. These are not easy to find. In Nina Wailzer, I was able to get to know a young student who has these qualities and prerequisites,’ says Polymers Managing Director Günther Höggerl, praising Wailzer’s commitment. ‘The systems will be adapted according to the results of her research work and will definitely bring us a leap in efficiency.
Before Nina Wailzer started her actual job, she familiarised herself with all the stations at Polymers, including the laboratory. Here she sorts plastic particles
Nina Wailzer relaxed before the next step
After Nina Wailzer continued to work shifts at Welser Profile during her studies and was unable to spare any time for her private life and hobbies, she took a few weeks off after her internship.
However, she also wanted to use the time to find out where her professional future might lie. She also included a Master’s degree programme in her considerations. Part-time.
‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank MGG Polymers for being so welcoming. My innovative spirit was perfectly supported. The desire to improve was there on both sides. It was a ‘perfect match’, so to speak’.
MGG Polymers wishes Nina Wailzer all the best for the future!