Description du sujet de thèse

The doctoral researcher will participate in the GreenFOAM project at IS2M (Institut de Science des Matériaux de Mulhouse). The mission is to explore innovative light-driven (photo)polymerization and frontal polymerization methods to generate sustainable, 3D printable polymer foams. This work integrates organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, and advanced materials engineering, with a strong focus on applications in lightweight, high-performance materials.
GreenFOAM project is part of the DIADEM PEPR, a French research and equipment program focused on accelerating the development of high-performance, sustainable materials (https://www.pepr-diadem.fr/en/; https://www-sciencedirect-com.scd-proxy.uha.fr/science/article/pii/S2001037024003052).

Contexte de travail

1.Synthesize and characterize new ROMP (Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization) macro-monomers.
2.Evaluate the performance of the new prepolymers in light-assisted 3D printing processes, including volumetric additive manufacturing and frontal (photo)polymerization.
3. Study the impact of physical and (photo)chemical parameters on foam morphology and final material properties (porosity, density, mechanical strength).
4. Explore light sources, catalysts, and boundary conditions to optimize the polymerization front.
5. Use data science tools and modeling and simulation approaches to analyze the relationships between monomer structure and polymer properties.
6. Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team and present research progress at meetings and conferences.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or Materials Science.
• Strong interest in polymer synthesis, photopolymerization, and additive manufacturing technologies.
• Experience with polymer characterization techniques (thermal, mechanical, spectroscopic).
• Knowledge of green chemistry principles and sustainability concepts is an asset.
• Good communication skills in English (French is an advantage, but not required).

Work Context:
The PhD researcher will join the dynamic team at IS2M – UMR 7361, a joint CNRS/University of Haute-Alsace lab. They will work under the supervision of Prof. Hatice Mutlu and Dr. Arnaud Spangenberg, benefitting from state-of-the-art facilities including:
• Flow reactors, microfabrication platforms, and advanced spectroscopies.
• 3D printing infrastructure (volumetric printers, Mat-Light equipment).
• Access to the interdisciplinary ecosystem at IS2M, fostering innovation at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and sustainable engineering.

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

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