Missions

Polyisobutylene (PIB) is an important industrial polymer with a set of unique properties (high gas impermeability, excellent chemical resistance, flexibility), which found an application in such fields as fuel and lubricant additives, tires, rubber components, adhesives and others. The conventional approaches to PIB synthesis relies on the cationic polymerization of isobutylene utilizing metal-based catalytic systems and cryogenic temperatures. In the last decade, a huge attention in the field of cationic polymerization has been paid to the development of photoinitiated/photocontrolled catalytic systems, which provide their own advantages for polymer synthesis, including organic photocatalysts, spatiotemporal control, low energy consumption, polymerization at room temperature.
The objective of this project is the development of highly-efficient photocatalytic systems for visible-light-induced metal-free conventional/controlled cationic polymerization of isobutylene in the mild conditions with a particular focus on the synthesis of PIBs in a wide range of molecular weights and low dispersity.

Activities

At first, it will be necessary to install set-up for photo-induced cationic polymerization of isobutylene. Then, the experimental work will mainly include the design of photocatalytic systems for the cationic polymerization of isobutylene upon visible-light irradiation, the investigation of reaction conditions/polymer properties relationships.

Skills

The candidate must have a PhD thesis in the field of polymer synthesis, particularly in ionic polymerization. A certain experience in cationic polymerization of isobutylene and the photoinitiated polymerization is expected. The candidate must be highly motivated, organized and be able to work in team.
The salary will be adjusted to the CNRS salary grid according to the candidate's experience.

Work Context

The research work will be carried out at Institut Parisien de Chimie Moleculaire, Sorbonne Université in the team Equipe Chimie des Polymeres (ECP) under the supervision of Dr. Sergei Kostjuk.

Constraints and risks

Standard safety rules for the practice of organic chemistry. Training in the specific rules of the laboratory will be provided.