Research in Sustainable Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterization of Innovative Materials

Located at the heart of the Pomacle-Bazancourt biorefinery, URD ABI AgroParisTech is a research and development unit of AgroParisTech dedicated to valorization of agroresource and biorefinery byproducts. With expertise in white biotechnologies, green chemistry, and process engineering, the team works on multi-disciplinary research projects aiming at the development of new industrial processes allowing integrating the transformation of byproducts of agriculture into high value-added chemicals such as polymers, fine chemicals, functional additives or cosmetics.

Work context: Thermosets polymers are known for their stability, rigidity and chemical resistance. But their permanent covalent bonds make recycling and reshaping difficult. To overcome this challenge, scientists have developed methods for reversible bonding, adding flexibility and enhancing recyclability. Among these innovative approaches, vitrimers stand out as a promising type of material. They offer the unique possibility of combining stability and recyclability due to their bonds that can change under certain conditions, allowing the material to adapt. Yet there remains a critical need to fully exploit the potential of multifunctional bio-based vitrimers in sustainable materials innovation. To push forward our research in sustainable materials, URD ABI - AgroParisTech is offering an internship opportunity focused on the synthesis and characterization of new renewable monomers for the development of green vitrimers. This project is in line with our dedication to green chemistry and creating high-performance materials from renewable sources. It also leverages URD ABI - AgroParisTech's deep knowledge in bio-based monomers and polymers, particularly those derived from lignin and lignocellulosic by-products.

Objectives:

1. Monomer syntheses: Synthesizing renewable monomers from biobased feedstocks.

2. Formulation & processing: Formulating vitrimer materials using synthesized monomers to achieve desired properties and functionalities. Molding processing with a hot plate press to shape and reshape vitrimers, ensuring their recyclability.

3. Comprehensive Characterization: The intern will be introduced to the use of analytical techniques such as NMR, TGA, DSC, Rheology and FT-IR to characterize the monomers and materials.

Candidate profile: We are seeking a highly motivated Master-level student (or equivalent) with a strong background in organic synthesis. Knowledge in polymer chemistry is desirable but not mandatory. The ideal candidate should also possess excellent analytical skills, a strong work ethic, and a deep interest in sustainability.

The internship will preferably start in September 2024 and last 6 months. A driving license and a car are not required, as the CEBB is accessible by carpooling and public transportation.