Master's thesis: Safe & Efficient Recycling of Polyester Textiles Containing Elastane

Background
Join our research team and help develop safer chemical recycling processes for polyester textiles containing elastane. Chemical recycling of polyester textiles is a rapidly growing field that has the potential to reduce the environmental and resource impacts of the textile industry. However, many polyester textiles contain elastane, which can degrade during recycling and form unwanted and potentially hazardous by-products.

Description
In this project, we will investigate how different recycling processes affect elastane and how reaction conditions can be optimized to minimize the formation of harmful degradation products. The work aims to support the development of safe and efficient textile-to-textile recycling processes.

Key Responsibilities
This thesis project is primarily experimental and includes:

• Chemical depolymerization of polyester textiles through hydrolysis, glycolysis, and methanolysis

• Analysis of reaction products using advanced analytical techniques such as GC-MS and HPLC-UV

• Planning and conducting laboratory experiments

• Processing, evaluating, and interpreting experimental data

• Optimization of reaction conditions for safe and efficient recycling of polyester textiles containing elastane.

Qualifications

• Master's student in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Chemistry, or a related field

• Strong interest in hands-on laboratory work

• Curious, structured, and independent

• Experience with organic and/or analytical chemistry is a prerequisite

Terms
Location: Mölndal, Argongatan 30. On-site work is mandatory.
Timeframe: Spring 2027 (exact dates flexible)
Compensation: 1,000 SEK per credit after project completion and approval, if more than one student, 1,333 SEK per credit after project completion and approval, if one student.

Welcome with your application!
Send your application; CV and motivation letter to anna.edsberger@ri.se. Please avoid the use of AI in your motivation letter, instead, write something short and personal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For any questions contact Anna Edsberger by email or phone +46 73 079 4853

Last day of application 2026-10-18