M/F PhD Position: Multi-Architected Ultra-Refractory Composites via Rapid Robocasting-Sintering: DIW-AI Approach.
New
- FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
- 36 mounth
- Doctorate
This offer is available in English version
This offer is open to people with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
Offer at a glance
The Unit
Laboratoire de cristallographie et sciences des matériaux
Contract Type
FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
Working hHours
Full Time
Workplace
14050 CAEN
Contract Duration
36 mounth
Date of Hire
01/10/2026
Remuneration
2300 € gross monthly
Apply Application Deadline : 01 May 2026 23:59
Job Description
Thesis Subject
This doctoral project explores the fabrication of ultra-refractory ZrB2-based composites, combining high-speed robocasting and ultra-high-temperature rapid sintering. The ZrB2-SiC-B4C system is investigated to lower sintering temperatures while optimizing mechanical properties through micro/macro-structured architectures. ZrB2-SiC can be sintered at 2000°C, whereas ZrB2-B4C requires higher temperatures (2200°C) but with fewer additives (lower than 5%), making it compatible with ultra-high-speed (UHS) sintering. The ZrB₂-SiC-B₄C system further reduces sintering temperatures while maintaining optimized mechanical and thermal properties.
Axis 1 focuses on high-speed robocasting to shape components and design internal microstructures, such as lattice structures in ZrB2 matrices with higher additive content. The goal is to control phase distribution and enhance mechanical properties through additive patterns oriented by printing.
Axis 2 examines pressureless sintering at 2200°C, minimizing the coarsening phenomenon that limits material performance. This axis relies on high-temperature dilatometry and ultra-rapid sintering in a P-SPS furnace. The objective is to identify additive formulations that reduce sintering temperatures and maximize mechanical properties, particularly through printed macro-models.
Finally, Axis 3 involves AI-driven modeling to support the first two axes: (1) Gaussian process models to optimize formulations and rheological behaviors, and (2) "inverse learning" approaches developed in-house to extract sintering parameters from dilatometric curves and integrate them into FEM simulations of complex components. Additional AI models may also be employed to simulate internal structures and architectural patterns.
Your Work Environment
The PhD student will primarily conduct exploratory work on the ZrB2-B4C-SiC system, focusing on the formulation of 3D-printable suspensions and fundamental analysis of sintering mechanisms at 2200°C, with the goal of optimizing material properties. The outcomes will be valorized exclusively through scientific publications and patents, should an exceptional architected composition be identified. The objective is to demonstrate that rapid printing and sintering of multi-architected composites are achievable.
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
| Offer reference | UMR6508-CHAMAN-002 |
|---|---|
| CN Section(s) / Research Area | Materials, nanomaterials and processes chemistry |
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.
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