SD-25013 POSTDOC REAC EXTRUSION FOR VITRIMERS DERIVED FROM POSTCONSUMER POLYOLEFINS THERMOPLASTICS

SD-25013 POSTDOC REAC EXTRUSION FOR VITRIMERS DERIVED FROM POSTCONSUMER POLYOLEFINS THERMOPLASTICS

Temporary contract | up to 24 months | Belval

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

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You will join the Functional Polymeric and Particulate Materials (FPPM) RDI unit. The FPPM unit addresses the synthesis, formulation and processing of polymers and (nano)particles to achieve specific properties enhancements and multi-functionality through both experimental and numerical approaches. Materials classes of interest include components (monomers, polymers, additives, (nano)particles, etc.) utilized in high-performance polymeric materials with relevance in the mobility, housing, energy and health sectors. The unit pursues funding and carries out research through industrial contracts and competitive projects sponsored at the Luxembourgish and European levels and is organised into two research groups focused on 1) the realisation of sustainable polymeric and particulate materials (SPPM) and 2) the chemistry and physics of smart / responsive polymeric and particulate materials (RPPM).

The present postdoctoral researcher position is integrated into the RPPM research group and is connected to a recently approved funded project entitled “Evolved materials for multifunctional additive manufacturing printers” (EMMA).

The key objectives of the EMMA project are in strong alignment with the environmental objectives of the European Union regarding climate neutrality, plastic recycling, and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. To contribute to these objectives, the EMMA project targets to convert in-field post-use theromplastics into valuable raw materials for high-end applications. The project motivation is based on the current status that, while end-of-life thermoplastics are available, their mechanical properties and functionalities remain limited due to degradation or sorting limitations.

To address this, the EMMA project will develop sustainable post-use thermoplastics , applying chemical modifications through reactive extrusion, utilizing extrusion-based 3D printing, and assessing their environmental impact. EMMA is also part of a larger initiative led by AMSOL, a Luxembourg-based company specialized in advanced manufacturing solutions., addressing challenges in on-site manufacturing and recycling for civilian and defence applications. The broader project focuses on developing a transportable printer, enabling on-demand in-field production and repair using recycled plastics and high-performance materials. By incorporating dynamically crosslinked recycled plastics, the project enhances mechanical properties and introduces self-healing functionalities, reducing logistical challenges and environmental impact.

How will you contribute?

You will be mainly in charge of :

• Conducting wet chemistry tests to optimize processing conditions, including the use of various catalysts
• Characterizing the novel vitrimers obtained using techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)
• Melt processing : incorporating the dynamic crosslinks into the post-consumer elastomer formulations and vulcanizing the compounds
• Testing the resulting rubber compounds using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Rheology, Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA), Dilatometry, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Education

Experience and skills

Language skills

Your LIST benefits

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Your application must include :

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.

Please note that by applying you consent to share your application with Mr Dean Kauffmann, CEO, from AMSOL.

REQUIREDLANGUAGESTo be considered for this position it is crucial that you have knowledge of the following languagesEnglishReadC1 AdvancedWriteC1 AdvancedSpeakC1 Advancedminimum requiredEducationDoctorateJob CategoryScience & ResearchDetailsEmployment typeFull-TimeContract typeFixed Term contractHours per week40Contract periodMonthsContract duration24LocationCountryLuxembourgCityEsch-Sur-AlzetteProfile typeResearcherUOMATERIALS (MRT)Employment typeFull-TimeContract TypeFixed Term contractRecruiter in chargeHélène ARAGO