Fibre and Polymer Engineering - Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering, Master of Science (Technology)

Polymers are to be found in a great variety of everyday and high performance applications ranging from medical to aerospace. Fibres and fibre-based materials, including wood, paper and composites are also extremely widely used, in areas as diverse as fashion textiles and construction products. Both fibres and polymers as well as the materials manufactured from them can be derived from renewable as well as non-renewable resources. Current research is, for example, leading to new developments in plastics and resins derived from plants, whilst stiff and strong fibres are being ‘regenerated’ from cellulose derived from wood. These bio-based polymers and fibers will become increasingly important in a sustainable future. In addition to the advances in bio-based materials, the use of fossil-based polymeric materials and fibres continues to evolve quickly in the face of the challenges of resource efficiency and sustainable development.

This rapidly evolving area of science and technology requires professionals who can work at the interface between different disciplines to meet future global challenges. The Fibre and Polymer Engineering major is built on a solid fundamental understanding of polymers, their synthesis, structure, processing and properties, as well as the structure and properties of fibres and the materials and products manufactured from them. In line with the strategic focus areas of the School of Chemical Engineering, considerable emphasis is placed on fibres and polymers derived from bio-based feedstock. Students taking this major will concentrate, through course work, tailored projects and their final thesis, on one of three areas of specialization. These are i) wood-based materials and their applications, ii) web-structures and converted fibre products and iii) polymer science and technology.

Our graduates enjoy diverse careers in industry or go on to further study at doctoral level and beyond. And if you have an entrepreneurial flair, you can develop your skills in the unique student ecosystem at Aalto. As a student of Fibre and Polymer Engineering you can also apply to become a Climate-KIC labelled student, which enables you to use you skills to directly help tackle Climate Change through innovation.

Education in Fibre and Polymer Engineering draws on the most up-to-date research carried out at the School of Chemical Engineering. The school has strong links to key national and international industrial partners that can provide realistic learning challenges in project work and can provide work opportunities in an industrial setting. Frequently, our students complete their theses for industrial partners.