@article{HerzMuscatStruebbe2025, author = {Herz, Jonas and Muscat, Dirk and Str{\"u}bbe, Nicole}, title = {The Influence of Fillers on the Reinforcement Capabilities of Polypropylene Based Mono-Material and Core-Shell Fibers in Concrete, a Comparison}, series = {Polymers}, volume = {17}, journal = {Polymers}, number = {13}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/polym17131781}, pages = {24}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Noncorrosive concrete reinforcement, such as polymer fibers, is needed to overcome the current issues caused by corroded steel reinforcements. Fibers made of polypropylene show a low bonding behavior in concrete. Fillers can help to overcome this issue but often lead to reduced mechanical properties. Core-shell fibers, which split the mechanical properties and the bonding behavior between the core and the shell component, could be a solution. This study investigates mono-material and core-shell fibers produced with calcium carbonate and bentonite fillers and compares their behavior in tensile tests, density measurements, contact angle measurements, topography measurements, single fiber pull-out tests, reflected light microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The fillers caused an increased drawability, resulting in higher mechanical properties. Further, in the core-shell fibers, the calcium carbonate increased the surface roughness, which led to a better anchoring of the fiber in concrete, which was also visible in the deformation during pull-out observed in reflected light microscopy pictures. The thermogravimetric analysis showed a delay in onset of degradation for fibers containing bentonite.}, language = {en} } @misc{HerzHefenbrockLorenzetal.2024, author = {Herz, Jonas and Hefenbrock, Sophia and Lorenz, Katharina and Muscat, Dirk and Str{\"u}bbe, Nicole}, title = {Polyketone-Polypropylene Core-Shell Fibers for Concrete Reinforcement}, series = {Proceedings of the 39th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society (PPS-39)}, journal = {Proceedings of the 39th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society (PPS-39)}, editor = {Ediciones Uniandes,}, doi = {10.51573/Andes.PPS39.GS.FF.1}, pages = {167 -- 177}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Corrosion of the commonly used steel reinforcements weakens the structural strength of concrete. To oppose this issue, concrete reinforcements in the form of polymer fibers are investigated. These polymer fibers need a good bonding ability to concrete and good mechanical properties. This study investigates core-shell fibers produced from polyketone and polypropylene mixed with a compatibilizer. The core-shell fibers were produced by coextrusion and drawing. The fibers were analyzed by tensile tests, a single fiber pull-out test, contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis.}, language = {en} } @misc{KreyZenzWideraetal.2024, author = {Krey, Adrian and Zenz, Vitus and Widera, Karolin and List, Manuela and Muscat, Dirk and Str{\"u}bbe, Nicole}, title = {Reactive Extrusion of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Produce Biopolymer Monomers using High-Energy Radiation and Catalytic Acids}, series = {Proceedings of the 39th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society (PPS-39)}, journal = {Proceedings of the 39th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society (PPS-39)}, editor = {Ediciones Uniandes,}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.51573/Andes.PPS39.SS.BBB.6}, pages = {329 -- 337}, year = {2024}, abstract = {The increasing prevalence of bio-based and biodegradable plastics as an alternative to traditional plastics derived from crude oil is a noteworthy trend. Polybutylene succinate (PBS), a plastic produced from succinic acid, is among the promising materials for the future. However, the production of bio-based succinic acid through biotechnical processes in controlled environments presents challenges. This process leads to increased costs and is currently not economically competitive compared to crude oil-based succinic acid production. In addition to succinic acid, levulinic acid is another monomer produced in the same process. A novel approach to the digestion of biomass has been developed to address the issue of biotechnological production of bio-based platform chemicals. This innovative process employs microwave radiation, pressure, and temperature to convert wood residues into succinic acid and levulinic acid. Various catalyst concentrations and biomass ratios were tested in a batch process, with high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analyses revealing the formation of succinic acid, levulinic acid, formic acid, and 2 oxoglutaric acid. The results demonstrate that microwaves combined with a metal salt catalyst can be used to produce platform chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass. To further advance the continuous production of PBS, a twin-screw extruder was modified and adapted after the successful results obtained from the batch processes. This setup enables additional experiments to evaluate the transferability of batch process results to continuous reactions, facilitating the scale-up and economic viability of the overall PBS production process in the future.}, language = {en} } @article{HerzSchusserMuscatetal.2025, author = {Herz, Jonas and Schusser, Verena and Muscat, Dirk and Str{\"u}bbe, Nicole}, title = {Cold-Drawn Wood-Filled Polybutylene Succinate Macro-Fibers as a Reinforcing Material for Concrete}, series = {Polymers}, volume = {17}, journal = {Polymers}, number = {3}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17030403}, pages = {21}, year = {2025}, abstract = {The corrosive behavior of steel reinforcements causes issues in the concrete industry. To overcome this issue, alternative noncorrosive reinforcements such as polymer fibers could be used. However, as environmental protection becomes more important, sustainability must also be considered in the solution. An alternative to polymers based on raw oil is bio-based polymers. This study investigates the suitability of polymer fibers produced from polybutylene succinate together with cellulose and wood fillers as concrete reinforcements. Different mixtures of polybutylene succinate, cellulose, and wood fillers were created, and fibers were produced using a multiple drawing process. The fibers were tested using tensile tests, a single-fiber pull-out test, contact angle measurements, reflected light microscopy, density measurements, and thermogravimetric analysis. The fillers were shown to decrease the mechanical properties as the particle size and filler amount increased, resulting in a reduction in Young's modulus and tensile strength of 55\% and 70\%, respectively, while adhesion to concrete increased with particle size from 0.31 ± 0.02 N/mm2 without filler to 0.90 ± 0.10 N/mm2 for the best-performing material combination. Reflected light microscopy images show changes in the fiber surface before and after pull-out. The fiber density decreased from 1.26 ± 0.05 g/cm3 to 0.91 ± 0.04 g/cm3 with an increasing filler amount and particle size for a compound with 10 weight percent of wood filler 1. The fiber thermal stability decreased slightly with the addition of filler. The greatest effect was a reduction in the temperature to ≈58 °C at 1\% weight loss when 10 weight percent of wood was added. This study proves the possibility of using bio-based materials as concrete reinforcements.}, language = {en} } @techreport{StruebbeMuscatSigruener2022, author = {Str{\"u}bbe, Nicole and Muscat, Dirk and Sigr{\"u}ner, Michael}, title = {FHprofUnt 2016: Entwicklung maßgeschneiderter Polymerfasern zur Verbesserung der Lebensdauer und der mechanischen Eigenschaften von Beton (Conplasite) : Erfolgskontrollbericht FHprofUnt 2016: Projekt Conplasite : Berichtszeitraum: 01.08.2018-31.07.2021}, organization = {Technische Hochschule Rosenheim}, doi = {10.2314/KXP:185433476X}, year = {2022}, language = {de} } @techreport{HerzKazmiStruebbeetal.2022, author = {Herz, Jonas and Kazmi, Monis and Str{\"u}bbe, Nicole and Muscat, Dirk and Schuster, Jens and Hunger, Martin and Lanyi, Franz J.}, title = {Holz-Kunststoff-Hybrid-Gewebe/Gelege - Grundlagenuntersuchung zur Entwicklung eines innovativen Holz-Kunststoff-Hybrid-Gewebes/Geleges f{\"u}r den Ersatz von Stahlbewehrungen im Bau (Machbarkeitsstudie) : Schlussbericht zum Verbundvorhaben : Laufzeit: 01.06.2020 bis 28.02.2022}, doi = {10.2314/KXP:1860061346}, year = {2022}, language = {de} } @inproceedings{HerzLorenzMuscatetal.2024, author = {Herz, Jonas and Lorenz, Katharina and Muscat, Dirk and Str{\"u}bbe, Nicole}, title = {Polymeric core-shell and mono-material fibers for concrete reinforcement}, series = {AIP Conference Proceedings}, volume = {3158}, booktitle = {AIP Conference Proceedings}, number = {1}, organization = {38th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society (PPS-38)}, doi = {10.1063/5.0204946}, year = {2024}, abstract = {A reinforcement of concrete structures is needed because of the low tensile strength of concrete. Corrosion of the usually used steel reinforcments cause issues during time. Therfore, alternative reinforcements produced from non-corosive materials - like polymer fibers - become more interesting. A polymer fiber has to reach high mechanical properties and a good bonding ability to concrete. Both properties can be influenced by the selection of polymer and the used production process. Two polymers, polypropylene and aliphatic polyketone are tested within this study. First mono-material fibers of each material are produced and tested, later the materials are combined in a core-shell fiber. All fibers are produced by standard extrusion or coextrusion and a later drawing process. The mechanical properties are determined by tensile tests. The calculation of interfacial shear strength from single fiber pull-out tests allows an evaluation of the bonding ability. Additionally, fiber surface before and after pull-out is examined using reflected light microscopy. Contact angle measurements are done to evaluate possible influences of the surface energy and polarity. Density measurements are used to compare weight potential of the different mono-material and core-shell fibers. The results show good mechanical properties for all fiber materials. The interfacial shear strength is ≈ 2-3 times higher for fibers with polyketone compared to the ones with polypropylene at the fibers surface, which can be explained by higher surface energy and polarity of the polyketone compared to polypropylene and different surface deformation during pull-out. Lower densities are reached by fibers containing polypropylene.}, language = {en} } @article{SigruenerHueskenPirskawetzetal.2023, author = {Sigr{\"u}ner, Michael and H{\"u}sken, G{\"o}tz and Pirskawetz, Stephan and Herz, Jonas and Muscat, Dirk and Str{\"u}bbe, Nicole}, title = {Pull-out behavior of polymer fibers in concrete}, series = {Journal of Polymer Science}, volume = {61}, journal = {Journal of Polymer Science}, number = {21}, doi = {10.1002/pol.20230264}, pages = {2708 -- 2720}, year = {2023}, abstract = {The bond between polymer fibers and the surrounding cementitious matrix is essential for the development of concrete reinforcement. The single fiber pull-out test (SFPT) is the standard characterization technique for testing the bond strength. However, the different phases of debonding cannot be distinguished by the SFPT. This study investigates the debonding of different polymer fibers from the surrounding cementitious matrix with a modified SFPT and proposes methods to change the SFPT setup to generate more valuable information on the debonding mechanism. The SFPT was equipped with linear variable differential transformers (LVDT), digital image correlation (DIC) and acoustic emission (AE) analysis. The results demonstrate that the modified SFPT allows a better understanding of the different phases of debonding during fiber pull-out. Furthermore, bond strength values calculated by different methods reveal that the chemical bond of the investigated polymers is not different as reported by previous studies. Deformation measurements performed using LVDTs and DIC are suitable measuring techniques to characterize the debonding mechanism in SFPT. A correlation between recorded AE and debonding phases was not found.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HerzSigruenerMuscatetal.2023, author = {Herz, Jonas and Sigr{\"u}ner, Michael and Muscat, Dirk and Str{\"u}bbe, Nicole}, title = {Co-extruded polymer fibers for concrete reinforcement}, series = {Proceedings of the 37th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society (PPS-37)}, volume = {2884}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 37th International Conference of the Polymer Processing Society (PPS-37)}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1063/5.0168511}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Corrosion of steel reinforcements in concrete constructions is a big topic for the building industry. Polymeric materials are a possible alternative due to their ability to withstand corrosion. To replace steel reinforcements, fibers with high mechanical properties and a good bonding ability between fiber and concrete are needed. Today different approaches for concrete reinforcement by polymer fibers have been investigated. The bonding ability of the fibers can be increased by mechanical anchoring, e.g. crimped or embossed fibers, as well as by a chemical bonding between concrete and fiber surface. To realize the requirements of high mechanical properties and a good bonding behavior, a fiber that is drawn from a co-extruded filament shall be produced and tested. The filament owns an innovative core-shell-structure. The core maintains the fiber-stiffness and the tensile strength while the shell allows using another material to affect the bonding behavior of the fiber. This study shows the usage of fibers with differing shell materials to examine their influence on the mechanical properties of the fiber in total and the adhesion abilities to concrete. As core material, an unfilled polypropylene (PP) is used. The shell materials are varied using different polymers e.g. polypropylene or ethylene acrylic acid copolymer, as well as two PP based compounds filled with wood particles and calcium carbonate blended with a maleic anhydride based coupling agent. The mechanical properties of the fibers are tested by fiber tensile tests to compare the younǵs modulus and the tensile strength. The influence of the shell phase on the bonding ability to concrete is evaluated by the interfacial shear strength calculated from single fiber pull-out tests. Microscopy is used to interpret changes before and after pull-out. The results depict incredible positive effects and allow new insights in possible materials for fiber reinforced concrete constructions.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchusserSigruenerBogneretal.2023, author = {Schusser, Verena and Sigr{\"u}ner, Michael and Bogner, Stefan and Muscat, Dirk and Str{\"u}bbe, Nicole}, title = {Effect of Fillers on the Mechanical Properties of Drawn Polypropylene Fibers}, series = {International Conference on Composite Materials Belfast 2023 (ICCM 23), 30 July - 4 August 2023}, booktitle = {International Conference on Composite Materials Belfast 2023 (ICCM 23), 30 July - 4 August 2023}, year = {2023}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{ZenzMuscatStruebbe2023, author = {Zenz, Vitus and Muscat, Dirk and Str{\"u}bbe, Nicole}, title = {Development of a new granulate feeding system for gas pressurized extrusion processes}, series = {ANTEC 2023}, booktitle = {ANTEC 2023}, publisher = {SPE ANTEC}, year = {2023}, abstract = {One major problem of a continuous process like plastic extrusion is their incapability to deal with non-local gas pressure. This is an inherent problem because a continuous process has an open end in the feeding port where pressure can escape. In this study a novel feeding system was developed to enable granulate feeding into gas pressurized processes inside a single- or twin-screw extruder. With this apparatus gas pressure can be applied inside the extrusion process. The apparatus separates the pressurized extruder from the dosing equipment that feeds the extruder. It keeps the pressure inside the system while continuously feeding new material into the process. A small-scale prototype was designed for proof-of concept. The small size of the prototype was able to handle small amounts of granulates of around 100 - 200 g/h. An applied gas pressure of 8 bar was achieved. In future optimizations, throughput can be increased and maximum applied gas pressure towards 15-20 bar.}, language = {en} } @article{ZenzMuscatStruebbe2023, author = {Zenz, Vitus and Muscat, Dirk and Str{\"u}bbe, Nicole}, title = {So wird Bernsteins{\"a}ure aus Holzreststoffen gewonnen}, series = {Plastverarbeiter}, volume = {2023}, journal = {Plastverarbeiter}, number = {04}, publisher = {H{\"u}thig GmbH}, address = {Heidelberg}, pages = {22 -- 25}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Die effiziente Umwandlung von lignocellulosehaltiger Biomasse wie Restholz ist eine wissenschaftliche sowie technologische Herausforderung weltweit. Die Technische Hochschule Rosenheim entwickelt gemeinsam mit Partnern ein neues Verfahren zur Herstellung von Bernsteins{\"a}ure aus Holzreststoffen.}, language = {de} } @inproceedings{HerzSigruenerWalteretal.2022, author = {Herz, Jonas and Sigr{\"u}ner, Michael and Walter, David and Muscat, Dirk and Str{\"u}bbe, Nicole}, title = {Coextruded Polymeric Bicomponent Fibers for Concrete Reinforcements}, series = {SAMPE Europe Conference Proceedings 2022, Hamburg, 15. - 17. Nov. 2022}, booktitle = {SAMPE Europe Conference Proceedings 2022, Hamburg, 15. - 17. Nov. 2022}, year = {2022}, language = {en} } @misc{StruebbeMuscatZenz2023, author = {Str{\"u}bbe, Nicole and Muscat, Dirk and Zenz, Vitus}, title = {DEVICE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF BIOPOLYMERS FROM BIOMASS (EP4130532A1)}, editor = {European Patent Office,}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Pressure lock (10), extruding apparatus (50) for high pressure extrusion, process for producing biopolymers from biomass and use of the extruding apparatus for a process for producing biopolymers from biomass allowing continuous operation of a high pressure process.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{HerzSigruenerKrekemeyeretal.2021, author = {Herz, Jonas and Sigr{\"u}ner, Michael and Krekemeyer, Markus and Kazmi, Monis and Schuster, Jens and Muscat, Dirk and Str{\"u}bbe, Nicole}, title = {INVESTIGATION OF AN INNOVATIVE WOOD-PLASTIC HYBRID LAID FABRIC FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF STEEL REINFORCEMENTS IN CONSTRUCTIONS}, series = {SAMPE Europe 2021 Conference, Baden/Z{\"u}rich, 29. - 30. Sept. 2021}, booktitle = {SAMPE Europe 2021 Conference, Baden/Z{\"u}rich, 29. - 30. Sept. 2021}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SigruenerMuscatStruebbe2021, author = {Sigr{\"u}ner, Michael and Muscat, Dirk and Str{\"u}bbe, Nicole}, title = {Influencing the bonding ability of polypropylene fibers to concrete by blend hydrophilization and reactive functionalization}, series = {IUPAC MACRO2020+, 48th World Polymer Congress, 16. - 21. May 2021}, booktitle = {IUPAC MACRO2020+, 48th World Polymer Congress, 16. - 21. May 2021}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @misc{GrischaMuscat2012, author = {Grischa, G{\"u}nther and Muscat, Dirk}, title = {Ver{\"o}ffentlichte Internationale Patentanmeldung WO2012156349A3}, year = {2012}, language = {de} } @misc{MuscatMoserReusch2010, author = {Muscat, Dirk and Moser, Stefan and Reusch, Michaela}, title = {Europ{\"a}ische Patentschrift EP2133042B1}, year = {2010}, language = {de} } @misc{GrischaSchildhauerMuscat2014, author = {Grischa, G{\"u}nther and Schildhauer, Stefan and Muscat, Dirk}, title = {Offenlegungsschrift DE102012106391A1}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Ein Verfahren zur Einbettung von Dekor-K{\"o}rpern in eine Silikongummi-Matrix umfasst das Auf­tragen einer ersten aush{\"a}rtbaren Polysiloxanzusammenset­zung auf eine Grundplatte und Angelieren der ersten Po­lysiloxanzusammensetzung; das Aufbringen der Dekork{\"o}r­per auf die angelierte erste Polysiloxanzusammensetzung; das Ausf{\"u}llen von Zwischenr{\"a}umen zwischen den Dekork{\"o}r­pern mit einer zweiten aush{\"a}rtbaren Polysiloxanzusammen­setzung; und das Aush{\"a}rten der Polysiloxanzusammenset­zungen zu einer transparenten Polysiloxan-Matrix mit dar­in eingebetteten Dekor-K{\"o}rpern. Ein weiteres Verfahren zur Einbettung von Dekor-K{\"o}rpern in eine Silikongummi-Matrix umfasst das Auftragen einer aush{\"a}rtbaren Polysiloxanzu­sammensetzung auf eine Grundplatte und Aufbringen der Dekor-K{\"o}rper vor dem Angelieren der ersten Polysiloxan­zusammensetzung; das Einsinkenlassen der aufgebrach­ten Dekor-K{\"o}rper in die aush{\"a}rtende Polysiloxanzusammen­setzung derart, dass die aufgebrachten Dekor-K{\"o}rper von der Polysiloxanzusammensetzung vollst{\"a}ndig umschlossen werden; und das Aush{\"a}rten der Polysiloxanzusammenset­zungen zu einer transparenten Polysiloxan-Matrix mit den darin eingebetteten Dekor-K{\"o}rpern derart, dass eine Mehr­zahl der eingebetteten Dekor-K{\"o}rper von der Polysiloxanzu­sammensetzung vollst{\"a}ndig umschlossen bleibt.}, language = {de} } @misc{MuscatVoitHefenbrock2017, author = {Muscat, Dirk and Voit, Johann and Hefenbrock, Sophia}, title = {Patentschrift DE102015014912B4}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Beschichtung f{\"u}r ein medizinisches In­strument, das nach seinem Einf{\"u}hren in einen menschlichen oder tierischen K{\"o}rper mit dessen K{\"o}rperfl{\"u}ssigkeit in Kon­takt gelangt, umfassend eine Materialzusammensetzung, die wenigstens ein Phosphorylcholin umfassendes Polymer enth{\"a}lt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Materialzusam­mensetzung f{\"u}r ein medizinisches Instrument, das auf sei­ner Oberfl{\"a}che Polyurethan enth{\"a}lt oder das daraus g{\"a}nzlich besteht, eine auf das medizinische Instrument aufbringba­re Haftungsvernetzungsschicht aus einem chemischen Haft­vermittler und einem mit diesem vernetzten Alkohol, min­destens einem zweiwertigen Alkohol mit zwei prim{\"a}ren OH­Gruppen, und das wenigstens eine Phosphorylcholin um­fassende Polymer enth{\"a}lt, welches auf der Haftungsvernet­zungsschicht als gesonderte Schicht aufgebracht sowie auf dieser und gegebenenfalls mit dieser vernetzt ist.}, language = {de} }