Postdoctoral Position Soft Matter and Chemistry Laboratory, ESPCI Paris

The Soft Matter and Chemistry laboratory is pleased to announce a postdoctoral position in polymer science. The project, conducted in close collaboration with an industrial partner, will focus on synthesizing and characterizing EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) elastomers containing dynamic covalent crosslinks. The aim of the project is to develop an efficient approach to introduce dynamic crosslinks into EPDM elastomers, and to study in depth the impact of these dynamic crosslinks onto the mechanical properties and the processability of this class of elastomers. The grafting chemistry and the transformation process will be optimized in order to meet requirements related to the targeted applications. The flow properties, the thermo-mechanical properties and the chemical resistance of the resulting vitrimers will be assessed in details. Some application oriented characterizations and tests will also be performed in the R&I center of the industrial partner.

Laboratory Description :
ESPCI Paris is a major institution of higher education (a French "Grande École d’ingénieurs"), an internationally renowned research center (17 laboratories), and a fertile ground of innovation for industry. Teaching and research are done in the fields of physics, chemistry and biology.
The Soft Matter and Chemistry laboratory mainly focuses on the design, synthesis and study of polymeric and supramolecular materials. Its expertise covers molecular and macromolecular chemistries, as well as physico-chemical and mechanical characterizations of polymeric materials and formulations. The laboratory is known for conducting fundament research inspired by or oriented towards industrial applications.

Knowledge and skills :
Applicants should have a very strong background in polymer science at large, and in particular a solid experience in polymer chemical modification and/or in polymer physicochemical and mechanical characterization. An interest on all these aspects of polymer science as well as in experimental work are required. Good skills for collaborative work are also sought.

Key words :
Vitrimers, elastomers, dynamic covalent-chemistry, polymer modification, reactive processing, polymer chemical and thermo-mechanical characterization, experimental work.

Recruitment terms :
Principal Investigator : Pr. Renaud Nicolaÿ
Starting date : February - April 2019
Duration : 12 Months
Salary : Salary will be adjusted to the profile and expertise of the candidate
Potential candidates are asked to submit their CV and provide contact information for two to three references.

Contact :
Renaud Nicolaÿ [renaud.nicolay@espci.psl.eu]
Soft Matter and Chemistry (MMC) laboratory
ESPCI Paris
10, rue Vauquelin | 75231 Paris Cedex 05 | France
http://www.mmc.espci.fr/
http://www.espci.fr/en/

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