Researcher thermoreversible bio-based compatibilizers for plastics recycling

A junior researcher position is available within the framework of an explorative innovative science project in the Processing and Performance of Materials section (Processing and Performance) in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Eindhoven University of Technology. The researcher is expected to perform experimental research.



Annually, within the European Union (EU), approximately 26 million tons of plastic waste is generated. Regrettably, less than 30% of this undergoes recycling. Numerous plastic waste recycling streams encompass a heterogeneous mixture of polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE, most widely used plastic, applications in films, foils, bags, bottles, pipes, insulation) and polypropylene (PP, second most widely used plastic, applications in containers, caps, hinges). Due to their large similarity, it is impossible to fully separate them from each other. The inherent incompatibility between PP and PE prevents the formation of a molecularly mixed system and results in their separation into distinct phases (e.g. droplets in a matrix). This impairs the mechanical properties of recycled PE/PP mixtures, thereby constraining their suitability for high-quality products. To address this issue, a compatibilization approach can be employed, resulting in compatibilized PE-PP blends with a refined microstructure and enhanced mechanical properties. To provide a sustainable approach towards compatibilization, we aim at developing a thermally reversible compatibilizer via reactive extrusion. The generated compatibilizer will be analyzed via FTIR and NMR and subsequently, compatibilized blends will be characterized by means of rheology, mechanical characterization, microscopy imaging and X-ray characterization.

Requirements:

We are looking for:

• Recent graduates with a MSc degree (or equivalent) in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or a related discipline.
• Creative problem-solving skills and a quick learning ability
• Excellent experimental skills and a keen interest in research
• Knowledge on polymer materials is required, prior experience in experimental rheology, mechanics and/or structure characterization is a plus.
• Excellent team-working skills
• Good English communication skills, both written and oral.

Salary Benefits:

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for one year.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 8 or 9 (min. €3,218 per month).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.
• A state-of-the-art experimental infrastructure and working in an international research team.
• Possibility to participate in high-quality training programs.

38 hours per week

De Rondom 70