PhD : Chemical Recycling via Pyrolysis of Thermoplastic Composite Materials M/W

Détails de la Mission

Title of the position: Chemical Recycling via Pyrolysis of Thermoplastic Composite Materials: Process Optimization and Valorization of Recycled Materials
Host organization & PhD awarding (country): Arkema (France) & Politecnico di Milano (Milano / Italy)

This thesis aims to explore and optimize pyrolysis as a chemical recycling method for the Elium® composites, by comparing different types of pyrolysis furnaces and heating technologies (e.g., microwave vs. conventional heating) to determine efficiency and performance. The main objective is to understand the thermal degradation mechanisms of the Elium® resin matrix, identify the parameters affecting the degradation of reinforcing fibers, and propose strategies to improve the recovery of monomers as well as the quality of recycled materials (fibers and resins).
The work will be performed at one of the Arkema’s R&D labs (Lacq/France) and at Politecnico di Milano (Milano/Italy). You will be supervised by a joint team: Dr. Pierre Gérard at Arkema and by Dr. Luca Michele Martulli and his colleagues at Politecnico di Milano.

During this PhD project, the researcher will:
• Acquire leading-edge knowledge of recycled composites and their behaviour;
• Develop technical skills in polymer chemistry and thermal degradation linked to chemical recycling technologies with economic and environmental impact assessment skills
•    Participate in the dedicated training programme organised by FibReLoop (including technical, communication, career management and business skills) and in six-monthly project meetings;
• Write scientific papers for publication in top-level journals in materials science/mechanics;
• Present his/her research in project meetings, international conferences and outreach events;
• Work in close collaboration with supervisors while being the driving force for his/her own PhD.

Profil Recherché

A good candidate should be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person with an attitude towards personal development. The candidate should meet the requirements for enrolment in a doctoral programme at Arkema. This means having at least a B2 level of English, speaking French would be a plus and He/she has obtained (or is about to obtain) good grades for a master degree in Polymer and Macromolecular Chemistry, Polymer Science and Technology, Engineering and Environmental Studies. Eligible applications will be assessed on the applicant’s (1) academic qualifications, (2) technical skills, (3) background on polymer chemistry, (4) communication skills, and (5) motivation for the project. ARKEMA has an equal opportunities and diversity policy, and we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.

The post is supported by an allowance provided by the European Commission. The EU Researcher Allowances will be used to cover both the employee's as the employer's mandatory charges. The fellows are assigned full-time with a PhD scholarship with full social security.

Candidates must fulfil the eligibility criteria:
1. You do not have a PhD degree yet at the start of your assignment.
2. You must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary (France) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before your date of recruitment.
This means that your nationality is not relevant for your eligibility.