Gernot Zitzenbacher

Gernot Zitzenbacher is a Professor at the University of Applied Sciences Wels, specializing in polymer engineering and materials science. His research focuses on recycling technologies, extrusion processes, rheology of polymers, and thermal processing. He leads projects such as LCP-Plast (2019-2022) for developing self-reinforced LCP films and Neuartiges Recyclingkonzept (2013-2014) for upcycling plastic waste. His work emphasizes sustainable manufacturing and material characterization.

Key projects include HetGroMelt (2017-2020) studying heterogeneous polymer melting behavior, and Art:enreich (2017-2019) applying design thinking to structured design processes. He actively organizes conferences like the 2023 Scientific Online Workshop on Polymer Recycling and contributes to peer review for journals like Polymers and Journal of Polymer Engineering and Science.

• Research Highlights: Coefficient of friction in extrusion, polypropylene composites, and rheological modeling for recycling.
• Grants: Multiple FFG and FWF-funded projects totaling over €2M.

He collaborates internationally, with recent work published in Polymers and AIP Conference Proceedings, focusing on mixed polymer recycling and material property optimization.