Ph.D., Sustainable thermoset based on biogenic material for a facile recyclable green composite system for high-performance applications

13.03.2023, Wissenschaftliches Personal

A fundamental transition is required from fossil-based polymers to renewable resources and alter the concept of one-time use to continuously up-cycle, down-cycle or recycle polymeric materials. Most of the plastics that are recycled currently go through mechanical and thermal processing to re-make other plastic products, e.g., thermoplastics such as PE, PP, and PET. Thermosetting plastics and resins cannot be easily chemically or mechanically recycled. The recycling scheme for those structures is always challenging having negative economic and environmental impacts.

In this project, the focus is on the design and synthesis of novel thermosetting polymers that facile recycling, including smart new monomers that can bond and de-bond on demand, using energy-efficient processes such as reverse bonding and de-bonding. The key is the incorporation of suitable degradable functional groups or smart monomers into the polymers in their design stage,” design for recycling’’. The research will include the design and synthesis of new monomers including the use of bio-based raw materials, preparation of high-performance thermosets and investigating its structure-property relationships, chemical de-bonding, separation and recovery of building blocks, and proof of concept for “closed-loop” recycling. The novel polymer will be based on poly furfuryl alcohol (PFA), cured PFA has excellent chemical resistance and fire retardant properties making it effective for long-term applications demanding high performance and heat resistance. Compared to other common resins, this highly stable resin offers a significant improvement in the carbon storage potential for green composites when used as a matrix. Furthermore, the research effort will be also directed towards the development of novel green recyclable composite systems with the desirable performance which can be recycled using chemical de-polymerization of the matrix and recovering the valuable fibers intact. The research activities will include understanding the performance profile, and matrix fiber surface interface of the new thermoset fiber reinforced composite, and characterizing the structure-property relationships utilizing various chemical, structural, rheological, mechanical, and surface characterization techniques.

Requirements
• We seek highly talented, motivated, and enthusiastic candidates with an MSc degree in polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, material science, or a related discipline.
• The successful candidate has a solid background in polymer and organic chemistry, Molecular Dynamics simulation is a plus.
• Experience with the synthesis and characterization of polymers or organic molecules is essential.
• Analytical skills, initiative, and creativity are highly desired.
• You are a naturally curious person, eager to learn more and with a strong interest in science and research.
• You should have a scientific attitude combined with a hands-on mentality and interest in application-oriented research.
• We prefer candidates with a good team spirit, who like to work in an internationally oriented, social environment.
The successful applicant will hold a -year contract with the possibility to expand it. We offer a competitive salary and benefits depending on work experience and seniority following the public service wage agreement of the Free State of Bavaria - TV-L E13. As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, TUM explicitly encourages applications from women as well as from all others who would bring additional diversity dimensions to the university’s research and teaching strategies. Preference will be given to disabled candidates with essentially the same qualifications.

Application:
Please send your CV, letter of motivation, and two letters of reference via email to [email protected].

The position is suitable for disabled persons. Disabled applicants will be given preference in case of generally equivalent suitability, aptitude and professional performance.

Data Protection Information:
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Kontakt: [email protected]