Mark Steinmann

Prof. Dr. Mark Steinmann is a faculty member at Westfälische Hochschule in the Department of Engineering and Natural Sciences. He was appointed Professor for Sustainable Organic Chemistry and Polymers in 2023. His research focuses on sustainable polymer development, including bio-based monomers, biopolymers, and recyclable materials.

His research interests lie in sustainable organic chemistry and polymer science. Key areas include the synthesis of bio-based monomers from renewable resources, development and biodegradation of biopolymers and biosurfactants, recycling of bio-based polymers, halogen-free synthesis of resins, and polycondensation reactions. He employs advanced analytical techniques such as NMR, IR, GPC, DSC, TGA, rheology, and DMA for material characterization.

The available article reflects a strong focus on advanced polymer processing and high-performance fiber materials, particularly in the context of carbon fiber production from polyacrylonitrile. This indicates expertise in both fundamental polymer chemistry and applied materials engineering, with relevance to industrial applications in lightweight and sustainable materials.

• Member of the German Chemical Society (GDCh)

Prof. Steinmann has led research projects in polymer chemistry and fiber composites, notably as head of the Competence Center Polymers & Fiber Composites at the German Institutes for Textile and Fiber Research (DITF). He currently leads the 'Cellun' project, aimed at developing thermoplastic cellulose composite materials as recyclable organosheets, involving industrial partners such as Cordenka GmbH, TLH GmbH, ElringKlinger AG, and Porsche AG. No grant funding details are specified in the text.

He is involved in the development of automated and digitalized organic syntheses using laboratory robots, and offers a workshop called 'Breaking Secrets' for advanced chemistry students and vocational school classes. He also contributes to publishing, with authorship of a chemistry reference book with Europa Lehrmittel Publishing (2021).