The assignment
In this project, you will compare different natural fibres for insulation applications. You will investigate, among other things, thermal resistance, heat capacity and water vapour resistance, and examine how moisture content, homogeneity and fibre length influence these properties. Ultimately, you will determine which fibres, in which form, have the greatest potential as insulation materials in biobased construction, how they differ from each other, and to what extent they are interchangeable.
Your project will at least include:
- A literature study on available natural fibres and the ways in which they are processed.
- Interviews with experts and fibre suppliers.
- Experimental work: collecting and testing different fibre samples to determine their properties.
- Analysis of the measurement data and formulating practical conclusions for the sector.
- Writing a final report on your approach and results.
We are looking for a student who enjoys doing research, wants to work in an interdisciplinary way, and likes taking the initiative to contact external experts. You feel comfortable working independently. A background in, for example, construction engineering or environmental science is a good fit.
Would you like to apply? Then send your CV and motivation letter to:
Contact person: Annine Rozema
Phone: +31 654627485
E-mail: adk.rozema@avans.nl
About MNEXT
MNEXT is the Centre of Expertise for the materials and energy transition. Together with companies, governments, researchers and students, MNEXT bridges the gap between innovation and society and conducts practice-oriented research for a sustainable future. Projects fall within three main themes: transition and value creation, sustainable energy technologies, and biobased and circular materials.
As an intern or graduation student, you will be a full member of a multidisciplinary research team and work on real-life issues from the professional field. Each semester, between 40 and 50 students do an internship at MNEXT. You will therefore work closely with other students, build a large network and learn a great deal from one another.
In addition, you automatically take part in an internship programme with more than ten workshops that strengthen both your research skills and your career competencies. These include sessions on using AI in desk research, research integrity, professional use of LinkedIn, and coaching to develop a start-up idea. For your efforts, you will receive an internship allowance of €350 per month.