Girls' Day - Recycling is science

Recycling is science: digital microscopy, thermal imaging cameras and 3D printing

Everyday materials such as glass, paper and plastic are recycled, i.e. reused, to protect resources and the environment. But what about the steel industry, for example? Recycling plays a role there too, of course! As you may know, the production of steel involves very high temperatures (more than 1500 °C). This means that very special materials have to be used, so-called refractory materials, which can withstand these high temperatures. The industrial production of metals generates up to 28 million tonnes of such refractory materials every year. However, their service life is limited, meaning that they have to be replaced after a certain period of time. We are addressing this problem as part of the Research Training Group GRK 2802 and are investigating how refractories that have already been used can be reused and thus recycled. By the way, a Research Training Group supports young scientists on their way to a doctorate.

Come and visit us at the University of Resources and gain exciting insights during a tour of our laboratories and pilot plants! For example, we will try out the 3D printing of refractory materials together. We will also heat the aforementioned refractory materials up to 1300 °C and test their resilience. In this context, you will be able to operate a thermal imaging camera yourself and investigate exciting thermal effects. Of course, you will also be able to take a look inside the materials using digital microscopy.

This programme also gives you the opportunity to get to know the young researchers of the Research Training Group GRK 2802 and learn more about living, studying and working in the varied and international environment of a university.