Master's thesis: ''Development of a sustainable and recyclable high-voltage battery housing made of plastic'' (m/w/d)

Kautex is a global company with over 30 locations in 13 countries. As a leading Tier One automotive supplier, we are pioneers in the development and production of plastic fuel systems as well as many other innovations. From battery housings for hybrid and fully electric vehicles to autonomous cleaning systems, we develop products for the age of new mobility. Our portfolio also includes high-quality plastic industrial packaging and cast camshafts. We welcome the opportunities arising from the change in our industry and benefit from being part of a group of global companies that offer some of the world's most advanced technologies and services. We promote professional growth, run successful internal talent programs and promote equal opportunities and sustainability in our business practices and products. By working together as a team and supporting each other, we achieve considerable success. Renowned awards such as Fair Company, Great Place toWork (Silao), MINT MindedCompany and EcovadisPlatinum honor this corporate culture. We look forward to meeting you and telling you more about our values and benefits.

The transformation into electromobility has made the recycling of battery packs and the recovery of raw materials essential components of a European circular economy. Against this background, the aim of this master thesis is to optimize our current design for high-voltage battery housing in terms of sustainability and to develop an associated innovative recycling concept that is oriented towards customer and regulatory requirements. Central questions: What is a conceptual design of a sustainable, recyclable battery housing/battery pack incl. Thermomanagement out? What materials/multimaterial structures are suitable? (including evaluation of novel materials such as natural fibres) What is the more efficient approach for recycling high-voltage battery housings? Previous disassembly of the battery packs or complete comminution of the battery housing? To what extent can current Pentatonic designs be adapted to enable highly efficient, cost-effective reuse of end-of-life components (“Design for Recycling”)? Topics and work content: Creation of a conceptual design for a sustainable battery housing and selection of materials Analysis of existing and development of optimized recycling concepts for current Pentatonic designs Definition of possible design adjustments for recycling Practical recycling tests with selected institutes and companies, including material analysis and process evaluation Cost analysis of recycling processes

enrolled in a master's degree program in mechanical engineering, materials science, environmental engineering or a related field Strong interest in sustainability and recycling technologies Advantageous knowledge of battery technology and composite materials Analytical skills and ability to work independently Good knowledge of German and English JOBV1_EN