The Master's programme “Paper Science and Technology – Paper Technology and Bio-based Fiber Materials” is a research-oriented programme with a focus on paper technology and builds on the skills acquired in a Bachelor's programme. It provides engineering and chemical knowledge for the industrial production of paper and biobased fiber materials in an economical and sustainable way as well as for the development of manufacturing and processing methods.

Further topics:

• Production, characterization and application of biobased fiber materials in sustainable products.
• Recycling processes and concepts.
• Research topics, e.g. the development of inkjet inks and paper combinations for recyclable printouts and the production of special papers for forming by deep drawing.

Your course of studies consists of compulsory and elective subjects – with a focus on methodical training, which is oriented towards examples of application and implementation in paper technology, e.g:

• Separation of unsuitable fibres
• Modelling of economic material cycles
• Application of image analytical methods for the identification of tropical wood fibres and other particles in paper as well as
• the development of novel recycling processes

The course is complemented by courses on applied chemistry of macromolecules, fibers and paper. Within the scope of the elective course, topics such as printing technology, paper technology, renewable raw materials, recycling, etc. are dealt with in greater depth. With additional electives from the natural sciences and engineering, each student can set his or her own personal focus.

Between 10 and 20 students per year are looked after comprehensively and individually. Teamwork, project management and the presentation of research results are at the centre of attention – as is the freedom to individually design the course of study through special subjects. Compared to other courses of study, there is an above-average number of joint events outside the course of studies. One does not study alone – networking is actively lived. In addition to the mentoring program of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the TU Darmstadt, an independent specialist library, well-equipped laboratories, a computer pool and the team of the department are available for personal consultation. In addition, they have the opportunity to work as scientific assistants within the framework of research projects and thus finance part of their studies.

Basic understanding of paper manufacturing and recycling processes and their characterisation

• Development of competencies to solve technical problems
• Development of innovative products, processes and methods
• Structuring of complex problems under consideration of the relevant technological, economic and ecological criteria
• Cooperation with other disciplines for the joint development of solutions – also from other areas of knowledge

• Discussion of the business effects of newly created products, processes or methods
• Creation of a basis for entrepreneurial thinking
• Dealing with the social challenges and consequences of engineering work
• Motivation to assume responsibility in technology and society

A Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, process engineering or chemical engineering or a comparable scientific degree is required. In particular, these Bachelor's programmes should cover the following subjects

• Mathematics I to III
• Natural Sciences I to III
• Technical Thermodynamics I and II or Heat and Mass Transfer
• Technical fluid mechanics

cover the contents and the scope of the corresponding courses of the Bachelor's programme “Mechanical and Process Engineering – Mechanical Engineering” at the TU Darmstadt.

Further requirements:

• German language skills at the UNICERT III level

Graduates of other courses of study as well as of universities of applied sciences and professional academies may be admitted subject to certain conditions.

You can find all information about the application and the study organisation of the Master's programme PST on the Mechcenter website. In addition, the Mechcenter offers detailed study counselling. Learn more