Doctoral student (M/F) in Materials Sciences - Study of supported polymerization of PEDOT for the manufacture of electrically conductive thermoplastic composites by extrusion

29 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

CNRS

Department

Institut Charles Sadron

Research Field

Chemistry
Physics
Technology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

France

Application Deadline

18 Apr 2024 - 23:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

35

Offer Starting Date

1 Sep 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The Charles Sadron Institute (ICS, UPR22) is a CNRS unit associated with the University of Strasbourg. This multidisciplinary institute dedicated to the science of polymers and self-assembled systems includes 53 researchers and teacher-researchers, 38 engineers, technicians or administrative staff and 100 non-permanent staff. (doctoral students, postdocs, research associates and interns). The ICS has characterization platforms (UV-Vis and IR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, light scattering, etc.) and microscopy (electron and atomic force). The ICS is located on the CNRS campus in Cronenbourg, on-site catering possible.
The recruited person will work in the Polymer Engineering and Process Intensification (IP2) team at the ICS composed of 6 teacher-researchers and several doctoral students and engineers. For more information, do not hesitate to consult the ICS website as well as that of the IP2 team:
https://www.ics-cnrs.unistra.fr/
https://www.ics-cnrs.unistra.fr/equipe-ip2-switchlang-fr.html

Scientific context:
Electrically conductive polymer materials (electro-conductive) are part of high value-added functional polymer materials for multiple emerging applications, particularly in the field of flexible electronics or plastronics. Today, there are 2 main strategies for obtaining an electro-conductive polymer material: the first, which is by far the most widespread at present, consists of dispersing various conductive charges (mainly carbon nanotubes or metal particles) by extrusion in a thermoplastic matrix. The second consists of using one of the intrinsically conductive polymers (mainly polyanilines, polypyrroles or even polythiophenes). Recently, one of these intrinsically conductive polymers, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) PEDOT, has made it possible to achieve levels of electrical conductivity close to metals (of the order of 1000 S/cm) to such an extent that the We are talking about organic metals. This thesis offer proposes to effectively combine these 2 approaches by using different fillers of varied form factors (1D, 2D and 3D) whose surfaces will be modified by the polymerization of a layer of PEDOT (core-shell type morphology) for the make them conductive. These modified fillers will then be dispersed in a thermoplastic matrix by melt extrusion to obtain electro-conductive composites opening the way to numerous applications.

Description of the missions: :
- the realization of states of the art and scientific and technical monitoring
- the establishment of a polymerization protocol (oxidative polymerization of the EDOT monomer)
- the sol-gel synthesis of nanoparticles (silica for example)
- the synthesis of PEDOT on different supports
- the characterization of these electro-conductive charges (physico-chemical, microscopic analyses, structure/property relationship, electrical conductivity test, etc.)
- the formulation of thermoplastic composites by melt extrusion ( understanding and optimization of dispersion/percolation phenomena of solid charges)
- writing of test reports, scientific publications of rank A
- oral presentation of the results at international congresses (in English)

Training and skills required:
Registered in an Engineering or Master 2 cycle in the field of chemistry/physico-chemistry of polymers and/or materials chemistry/plastics industry. You are looking for a doctorate in a research laboratory, which will call on varied theoretical and practical skills leading to concrete applications. Knowledge of polymerization processes and/or different conductive polymers (in particular PEDOT) would be appreciate. Knowledge of polymer material transformation processes (extrusion, injection), formulation and characterization techniques (DSC, ATG, NMR, optical and electron microscopy, rheology) would be appreciate. A first experience in a public or private R&D laboratory in your course would be appreciated. Beyond your skills, your interpersonal skills and personality will make the difference. You are someone who is rigorous, curious, dynamic and autonomous. You know how to be proactive and you are organized.

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Physics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Technology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

FRENCH

Level

Basic

Research Field

Chemistry

Years of Research Experience

None

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

None

Research Field

Technology

Years of Research Experience

None

Additional Information
Additional comments

Applications must include:
- a curriculum vitae and if possible at least one letter of recommendation or reference
- a cover letter describing the candidate's interest in the position

Website for additional job details

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/Doctorant/UPR22-THIPAR-002/Default.aspx

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Institut Charles Sadron

Country

France

City

STRASBOURG

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Candidat/Offre/UPR22-THIPAR-002/Candidater.aspx

Contact

City

STRASBOURG

Website

http://www.ics-cnrs.unistra.fr

STATUS: EXPIRED