PhD thesis in Materials Science - Ceramics (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Sintering of advanced ceramic oxides using Concentrated Solar Energy

Context. This doctoral thesis will be carried out at MatéIS laboratory, on the La Doua campus in Lyon, within the framework of the Junior Professor Chair "Frugality in Materials Science" aimed at studying the use of Concentrated Solar Energy (CSE) for the sintering of advanced ceramics, with the objective of reducing the environmental footprint of their life cycle.
Advanced ceramic oxides, such as zirconia and alumina, must exhibit high performances for their functional and structural applications, or when used as coatings or bioceramics. While they are not responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and material-related waste, they are shaped and densified using high-temperature processes, which are notoriously energy-intensive. Reducing energy consumption and/or decarbonizing this step are, therefore, the first strategies to implement to try to reduce their environmental impact. Concentrating solar radiation in solar furnaces makes it possible to reach very high temperatures at the focal point (above 1600 °C) with rapid heating rates (50 and 100 °C/min) and it has already demonstrated its potential for firing traditional ceramics and sintering alumina. Its application to zirconia ceramics and other oxides thus appears very promising.

Objectives and research activities. In this context, the objective of this thesis is to study and explore the potential of Concentrated Solar Energy (CSE) for the sintering of advanced ceramic oxides. Understanding the process-microstructure-property relationships of this novel sintering technology will be the main focus of the thesis. Two other aspects will be investigated: understanding the sintering mechanisms activated by concentrated solar radiation, and modeling the heat transport generated by the localized absorption of concentrated solar radiation during material densification.
First, preliminary CSE sintering tests will be performed on standard ceramics, such as yttria- stabilized zirconia and alumina, and compared to conventional electric air furnace sintering. CSE sintering of the ceramic samples will be carried out in the low- and medium-power solar installations of the Odeillo Solar Furnace (PROMES UPR 8521 laboratory, where short stays will be planned) and in image furnaces at the MateIS laboratory in Lyon (UMR 5510, where the thesis will primarily take place). Instrumenting these installations will be crucial to estimate the incident solar power and sample temperature, and to subsequently use these data in heat-transfer modeling.
This first step will serve as a proof of concept. It will be followed by a thorough characterization of the microstructure and properties, primarily mechanical, as a function of the sintering conditions. The objective will be to understand the process-microstructure-property relationships in order to optimize the sintering process parameters (power, temperature, cycle time, etc.).
Environmental impacts, and not just energy consumption and carbon footprint, will be assessed using life cycle assessment (LCA). The footprint of CSE sintering will be quantified for the first time and compared with conventional sintering.
The scientific questions addressed will include: 1) the process-microstructure-properties relationship of CSE sintering, 2) the densification mechanisms activated by CSE sintering, 3) heat transfer and its modeling, 4) the mechanisms of absorption of concentrated solar radiation by the ceramic materials studied, 5) the environmental impacts of the processes for developing advanced ceramics..
Responsibilities : Working on the research themes of the project with the aim of obtaining a doctorate, developing ceramics from powders (by pressing/CIP), carrying out the sintering of ceramics using CSE in low and medium power solar installations (solar furnace), carrying out characterizations on green/final ceramics (dilatometry, XRD, density, thermal analyses, Vickers hardness), carrying out tests/characterizations by electron microscopy (SEM) and tomography, carrying out mechanical tests to evaluate the mechanical behavior, carrying out an environmental assessment of the processes by LCA, collaborating with national and international partners, writing scientific articles, preparing national and international scientific oral presentations, writing the doctoral thesis manuscript and preparing the thesis defense, supervising master's students, participating in science outreach activities.

Your Work Environment

MATEIS is a Materials Science laboratory at the intersection of several disciplines, primarily chemistry, physics, and mechanics. MATEIS studies the three classes of materials (metals, ceramics, and polymers) and their composites, integrating bulk, surface, and interface characteristics. The laboratory focuses on describing the relationships between manufacturing processes, microstructure, and properties, using both experimental and modeling approaches. MATEIS's work encompasses advanced manufacturing processes, microstructure characterization (often in-situ and/or in 3D), modeling at various scales, and the characterization of performance properties and their evolution. It is currently one of the largest French laboratories in terms of staff in the field of Materials Science and Engineering (particularly for structural materials). The laboratory comprises approximately 170 people, organized into six research teams. It is a Joint Research Unit (UMR5510), under the supervision of INSA Lyon (primary supervisory body), Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, and the CNRS. The unit is mainly located on the Lyon-Tech La Doua campus at INSA Lyon, but some members interested in the study of material-living interactions work at the Lyon-East Health Cluster.

MATEIS is structured as a matrix, comprising six research teams. The METAL, PVMH, and CERA teams each focus on a specific class of materials (metals and alloys; polymers and semi-crystalline amorphous materials; and ceramics and composites, respectively). The CORRIS, SNSM, and I2B teams have a more general focus, applicable to all three classes of materials. The SNSM team develops new techniques for observing microstructures and their evolution, in relation to their applications. The CORRIS group studies surface properties and corrosion and corrosion resistance. Finally, the I2B team develops and characterizes all types of materials for medical applications, with a particular interest in the in-depth study of biological interactions.

MATEIS is a member of the Ingélyse Federation and the Carnot I@L Institute, it is affiliated with the Lyon Institute of Chemistry, and it participates in the Axelera, Plastipolis, Viameca, and Techtera competitiveness clusters. The laboratory was a founding member of the GIS "Architecturally Designed Multimaterials" (Grenoble INP and INSA Lyon) and is involved in the laboratories of excellence (iMust, Manutech). The laboratory actively participates in national projects (ANR, Regional Council, etc.), European projects, and industry-related initiatives.
The project proposed for this thesis will be carried out within the "Ceramics and Composites" group of the MATEIS laboratory (CERA team).
The CERA group works on various aspects of Ceramic Materials Science and Technology, balancing fundamental and applied research. The group comprises 17 permanent researchers, 5 research support staff, and 37 non-permanent researchers, working on four main themes: 1) nanostructured/multifunctional ceramics and composites; 2) thermostructural composites for aerospace applications; 3) ceramics and composites for biomedical applications; and 4) mineral and organo-mineral materials for construction. The CERA group develops research topics ranging from ceramic development and the study of microstructure evolution (during shaping, consolidation, and/or in-service) to the characterization of performance properties.

Constraints and risks

short stays will be carried out in the low and medium power solar installations of the Odeillo Solar Furnace (PROMES UPR 8521 laboratory)

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

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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