Description du sujet de thèse

To support the transition to more sustainable polymers, the PhD student (m/f) will develop a new generation of dynamic polymer colloids: cross-linkable, degradable and recyclable. This is a challenge because aqueous dispersions of commercial polymers generally have a limited degree of cross-linking and an all-carbon chain that is difficult to degrade or depolymerize. There are very few examples of dispersions of degradable polymers and the re-emulsification of degraded fragments to repolymerize them into an emulsion has never been carried out.
This thesis is part of the collaborative research project DYNAMIC-LATEX funded by the French National Research Agency. This project involves the collaboration of two academic partners: the Institute of Materials Science of Mulhouse (IS2M, Mulhouse) and the Catalysis, Polymerization, Processes and Materials Laboratory (CP2M, Lyon). IS2M and CP2M will leverage their respective expertise in emulsion stepwise polymerization and dynamic covalent networks to synthesize functional latexes with a regular and dense distribution of dynamic/cleavable thioester [-S-C(=O)-] or disulfide [-S-S-] clusters along the polymer backbone. To confer new properties, we will exploit the thiol/thioester and thiol/disulfide exchange reactions, which take place rapidly in water in the presence of a basic catalyst. The exchange between the dynamic bonds and the free thiols, present in the network or added to the polymer, will allow the development of innovative sulfur polymers capable of degrading on demand, forming cross-linked or chemically recyclable films into monomers.

Contexte de travail

The recruitment of two doctoral students (m/f) is planned for each of the two partners. The position described in this announcement will be based in the Interface and Multidimensional Materials axis of IS2M in Mulhouse, a joint CNRS-University of Haute-Alsace research unit (UMR 7361). This laboratory is one of the structuring forces of the landscape of materials and their applications in the academic and industrial worlds, both regionally and nationally. For more information on the IS2M, please visit the website: https://www.is2m.uha.fr/. The thesis will be attached to the doctoral school of physics and physical chemistry (ED182), which is co-accredited between Unistra and UHA. The doctoral student will be supervised by a teacher-researcher (Dr. A. Chemtob) and a research engineer (Dr. C. Le). The PhD student will work on the synthesis of polymer monomers and colloids. The main applications will be degradable and chemically recyclable polymer films, as well as encapsulation for the controlled release of active substances.
Job Benefits:
• A doctoral project that strongly resonates with current societal concerns: facilitating the reuse or recycling of polymer materials.
• A 3-month research internship at the partner CP2M in Lyon.
• A commitment to actions to disseminate scientific knowledge on plastic recycling to a school audience.
• A research group on a human scale.
The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival be authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

We are looking for a motivated candidate (m/f) with a strong academic record and a Master's degree in Chemistry or Polymer Chemistry. Excellent theoretical training as well as practical experience in organic chemistry or polymer chemistry are prerequisites. There are no particular work constraints (travel, on-call duty, staggered hours, working on weekends).
Skills / Qualifications
• Master's degree or equivalent in Organic Chemistry or Polymer Chemistry
• Good command of spoken and written English, minimum B2 level
• Excellent communication as well as organizational skills and willing to engage in interdisciplinary collaborative research.
The candidate (M/F) will be integrated into an international team. The candidate (m/f) must therefore have excellent personal skills and be able to work in a team and in English.
The shortlist will be based on the CV, experience, skills and cover letter. The shortlisted candidates (m/f) will be interviewed.
Applications must include the following documents:
• A complete Curriculum Vitae
• A cover letter (1 page) addressing his/her research interests in relation to the individual research project.
• 1 reference at least
• Original Master 1 and Master 2 (or equivalent) university transcripts (stamped and signed).
Incomplete applications will not be processed.