(M/F) Development of an industrial lignin-based biobased binder for biomaterials

Job Description

Missions

You will develop an activated lignin capable of playing the role of a high-performance binder in Reed Materials, and then you will integrate it into a formulation compatible with industrial production.
The work will follow the following chain: lignin selection, activation, characterization, formulation, optimization of thermopressing, material characterization, preparation of industrial transfer.
You will be involved both in understanding the physico-chemical mechanisms and in translating them into technical solutions compatible with Reed Material's industrial constraints.

Activity

1. Conduct a scientific review of the main lignin activation pathways
2. Selecting and characterizing different industrial lignins
3. Develop and compare multiple chemical modification or activation pathways, and then produce and characterize activated lignins
4. Establish the relationships between chemical structure, thermal properties, rheology and binding power
5. Develop lignin/fiber/additive formulations
6. Build and manage experimental designs, studying the influence of lignin content, additives, particle size and humidity
7. Optimize the thermopressing parameters
1. Characterize the mechanical, water and dimensional performance of materials
2. Statistically analyze results and identify critical parameters
3. Formalize robust and reproducible experimental protocols
4. Contribute to the definition of industrial specifications for lignin
5. Prepare for the transfer of formulations and processes to pilot and then industrial scale

Your Profil

Skills

PhD in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, lignin chemistry, bio-based materials, lignocellulosic composites or equivalent field, with a solid experimental culture and the ability to link molecular chemistry, material formulation and macroscopic properties.
Direct experience with lignin is particularly appreciated. We remain open to profiles from other natural polymers, biopolymers, bio-based adhesives or fibre-polymer composites.
The ideal profile will have worked on topics such as the modification and chemical characterization of lignin for polymer and composite applications, bio-based binders and lignocellulosic composites, lignin-based polymer adhesives and formulations, or more broadly lignin functionalization, thermoplastic or thermosetting resins and natural fiber-polymer composites.

A significant experience in several of the following areas is expected:
6. Polymer chemistry and modification : functionalization, grafting, esterification and other modification pathways of natural polymers
7. Lignin and lignocellulosic biomass : industrial lignins, lignocellulose, biopolymers, bio-based aromatic molecules
8. Chemical characterization : FTIR, NMR, functional group analysis, structure-property relationships
9. Thermal characterization : DSC, TGA, Tg, thermal behavior of polymers
10. Rheology : behavior of a polymer or binder under temperature and stress
11. Material formulation : fiber/matrix/additive interactions, dispersion, ratio optimization
12. Design of Experiments (DoE): Construction, Execution, and Statistical Analysis
Experience with lignocellulosic composites, bio-based adhesives, panels, heat pressing or fibrous materials will be a real plus.

Your Work Environment

Reed Material is developing a new generation of materials from lignocellulosic biomass and industrial lignin, particularly for the furniture and furnishing markets.
As part of a research program conducted with the Laboratory of Organic Polymer Chemistry (LCPO), Reed Material wishes to develop and master a bio-based lignin-based binder system, meeting requirements in terms of material performance, reproducibility, cost and industrialization.
The program covers the entire scientific chain, from the selection and activation of lignin to its integration into a material formulation, and then its transfer to pilot scale.

Constraints and risks

qualities
1. Very experimental and close to the field
2. Autonomous and structured
3. Rigorous in test design and documentation
4. Able to integrate economic and industrial constraints into its scientific choices
5. Comfortable in a multidisciplinary environment
6. Interested in moving from the lab to industry
7. Attracted by scientific entrepreneurship and the construction of a deeptech
8. Able to gradually take on important responsibilities
The perfect profile is not necessarily a long-standing specialist in wood panels. We are above all looking for a polymer and/or lignin chemist, capable of going from molecule to material, then from material to industrial process, with the desire to be part of a long-term entrepreneurial adventure.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

between €3,041 gross and €4,216 gross according to 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

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