What inspired you to do a research-stay here in Germany?
It is a dream for every researcher to come to Europe and continue his career, as it is an innovative region, especially Germany. This country is at the forefront of new ideas and technologies. It welcomes students from abroad and offers support to them. It is no wonder that many choose to visit this beautiful country and its esteemed universities.

Please tell us more about your research project. How do natural waste products and 3D printing processes go together?
My research focuses on the potential for natural waste products, like walnut, almond and date seeds, to be used as raw materials in additive manufacturing. The first step is to grind these materials into powder. The binder jetting technique uses a liquid binder to tie powdered materials together. The procedure is well-suited to handle diverse materials and allow for fine control over product characteristics. Using these natural materials, we can reduce or even eliminate non-renewable resources. My work includes testing and characterizing the mechanical properties of the bio-based materials to ensure they meet the necessary standards for functionality. I test how they perform under force, e. g. by measuring the deformation or their structural strength over time. By collecting reliable data, we hope to demonstrate that these materials can be viable and environmentally friendly alternatives in manufacturing.

What personal qualifications do you have for an Erasmus+ scholarship?
I have a strong academic background and I am a skilled researcher in my field. Personally, I am also able to build good connections between the university here in Germany and my home university. I believe that when I return home, I can share what I have learned at TUBAF. My goal is to help my scientific community continue to develop and advance.

What were your expectations for the research stay?
From the website of TUBAF I learned that the conditions at Freiberg are ideal for my PhD project. I expected that I will get good support and guidance from TUBAF to fulfil my tasks.

Were your expectations fulfilled?
When I arrived at the institute at TUBAF, my colleagues provided invaluable support, guiding me until I found my direction. Now, I know what to do and can think more creatively to achieve my goals of supporting my home region and its scientific community. It has been exactly what I expected – and more.

Are you interested in coming back to the institute in the future?
Yes, exactly. Maintaining international connections is very important because this kind of work needs to be carried out across several countries to achieve a common goal together. You have to work as a team. We have enough knowledge to stay motivated in such a job. Certainly, I will come back, if possible, because there are some machines here that do not yet exist in my home country.

What will be the first thing you will tell your family members when you arrive home?
I think I will start by sharing my impressions of how developed Germany is, how the Germans think and behave, and how welcoming they are in helping guest scientists. It is remarkable how strong the trust is in the working environment. I will also be sure to mention that I didn’t encounter any problems.