Engineer Position (M/F)- New refining process for cellulosic fibers to reduce the environmental impact of paper manufacturing

Job Description

Missions

To address current environmental and societal challenges, it is essential to
drastically reduce the use of plastics, as well as energy consumption and the use of natural resources.
While paper offers a highly promising bio-based, recyclable and biodegradable alternative to plastic packaging, the paper industry must continue its transformation to further reduce water and energy
consumption, as well as its reliance on natural resources. The Centre Technique du Papier (CTP) has
been working for several years on a new refining process for cellulosic fibers that could significantly
reduce energy consumption and resource use.
In the conventional refining process, compression and shear forces are applied alternately to the fiber
suspension in order to soften the fibers and increase their potential bonding surface, thereby
enhancing the mechanical properties of paper. However, shear forces have the drawback of cutting
the fibers and generating fines that strongly impair drainage, leading to a significant increase in the
energy consumption associated with pressing and drying operations.
The new refining process developed by the CTP primarily applies compression forces while minimizing
shear forces. As a result, it enables a very significant improvement in the mechanical properties of paper while preserving its water removal capacity: drainage is maintained, and pressing and drying operations require less energy. However, this capability has never been the subject of a comprehensive
quantitative study.

Activity

design and implement dedicated experimental setups to quantify water removal kinetics at the main stages of paper manufacturing (drainage, pressing, and drying), and to use these results to compare conventional refining with compression refining at different intensity levels

Your Profil

Skills

Applicants must hold a Master's degree (M2) or equivalent, with strong knowledge in materials science and process engineering. Technical knowledge in papermaking and
paper unit operations would be an asset. The candidate must demonstrate strong experimental skills, the ability to work independently, and good scientific writing abilities

Your Work Environment

The research time will be shared between the three entities located on the
Saint-Martin-d'Hères University Campus (Isère 38, France) : LGP², 3SR, CTP

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Beetween 2496,98 and 2662,14 depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions