Summary
The University of Groningen seeks a PhD candidate in Self-assembling polyolefin network materials from polymer waste
Deadline: position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found
This PhD project proposes a conceptionally novel approach for converting polyolefin waste into high added value materials by producing self-assembling polyolefin network materials, well-recyclable polyolefinic materials with versatile and tunable properties that potentially even outperform existing polyolefins. The idea is based on the finding that polar functional groups in functionalized polyolefins self-assemble into polar domains in the apolar polyolefin matrix, providing significant mechanical strength to the system,[1,2] and an improved adhesion to polar substrates. The broad project scope entails polymer synthesis, material science and application testing.
The PhD candidate working on this project will be embedded in the Chemical Product Technology group within the ENTEG institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, will work under the supervision of Prof. P. Raffa (Smart and Sustainable Polymeric Products), and Dr. D. Parisi (Rheology of Complex Polymeric and Colloidal Systems), and in collaboration with the company SABIC (Prof. R. Duchateau), and the Gdansk University of Technology (Prof. L. Jasinska-Walc). Learn more and apply here