Post-doc in recyclable isocyanate-free polyurethane foams
Offer DescriptionPolyurethanes (PU) foams are leading the market of synthetic foams by playing a major role in energy saving costs when utilized as insulation panels in the construction sector or as cushioning for a variety of products. However, they are currently suffering from important issues, i.e. their production utilizes toxic isocyanates facing REACH restrictions of use, it faces regular supply shortages associated to cost volatility, and the PU foams are difficult to recycle. The new EU directives aiming to decarbonize the plastic sector by the eco-design of products from raw renewable chemicals and/or gaseous effluents (e.g. CO2) with facilitated end-of-life recyclability are strong incentives to rethink the fabrication of PU foams.The research project proposes innovative strategies to produce non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) foams from room temperature formulations. The sustainability of the products will be guaranteed by exploiting monomers from CO2 and bio-origin, i.e. abundant resources available in Europe, while the circularity will be proven in concept by developing realistic foam-to-foam recycling scenarios. The final aim is to demonstrate that more sustainable foams can be produced in Europe from locally available resources by a technology adapted to the potential retrofitting of existing foam production plants. This WEL-T Advanced Grant project led by Dr. Christophe Detrembleur is funded by the WEL Research Institute.Some information regarding the foaming strategies developed in the team can be found in the two following publications:- Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.2022, 61, e202213422 (doi.org/10.1002/anie.202213422)- J. Am. Chem. Soc.2024, 146, 988-1000 ( )Two post-doc positions are available (1 year) to complete the WEL-T team (already composed by one post-doc and one PhD student). The post-docs should start working on the project the 1st on October 2024, the latest (possibility to start earlier). They should have a solid background in polymer synthesis and characterizations, be fluent in English and have a demonstrated ability to write high-quality publications and reports, and integrate rapidly in an international team.RequirementsResearch Field Chemistry » Other Education Level PhD or equivalentSkills/QualificationsStrong expertise in polymer synthesis and characterizationExperience in writing high quality publications and reportsLanguages ENGLISH Level ExcellentResearch Field Chemistry » OtherAdditional InformationSelection processPost-doc applicants should send the following documents to Dr. Christophe Detrembleur ( ): 1) a curriculum vitae (max 2 pages), 2) the full list of publications, 3) a motivation letter (max 1 page), 4) a copy of the doctoral degree, 5) 2 reference letters.Work Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute CERM, University of Liege, Sart-Tilman Country Belgium GeofieldWhere to apply E-mailchristophe.detrembleur@uliege.beContact CityLiège WebsiteStreetPlace du XX Août Postal Code4000 E-Mailchristophe.detrembleur@uliege.beSTATUS: EXPIRED
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