PhD on Molecular Separation Methods for Plastics Recycling

About the Research

At TU/e, materials research is a cornerstone of our academic mission, with polymers and soft matter recognized as a major theme. Within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Processing and Performance (P&P) research group aims to revolutionize the design of polymer products and shaping processes. We are transitioning from traditional trial-and-error approaches to virtual prototyping powered by quantitative predictive models.

The P&P group bridges the gap between molecular design, processing techniques, and end-product properties. Our research spans the entire spectrum of polymer rheology, processing, and mechanical performance, targeting both the fluid (processing) and solid (properties) states. This integrated approach combines sophisticated experimental techniques, rheological modeling, and reliable predictive modeling to tackle real-world challenges.

About the Project

Despite significant efforts to recycle plastic waste efficiently, traditional recycling methods face critical limitations. These methods often involve costly, energy-intensive processes that fail to meet stringent purification requirements for sensitive applications like food packaging and medical products.

In this PhD project, you will develop a novel recycling approach leveraging the sensitivity of polyolefin crystallization and melting behaviors to typical processing conditions such as extrusion and injection molding. By exploiting these unique characteristics, you will aim to achieve precise separation and spatial fractionation of polymer mixtures based on polyolefin type and molecular weight. This innovative methodology has the potential to overcome the limitations of conventional recycling, offering sustainable solutions for high-purity applications.

• Identify the processing conditions, i.e., flow fields and temperature profiles, that seem most effective in molecular phase separation at the nanoscale.
• Develop an experimental toolkit to inform and validate these predictive models.
• Compare the de-mixing efficiency for different material compositions and molecular weights.

The results of your project will facilitate the efficient removal of undesirable components in mixed waste-streams, thereby significantly enhancing the performance and quality of polyolefin recyclates. Importantly, this innovative technique needs to be designed for seamless integration into existing compounding lines, offering a practical and scalable solution to overcome current recycling inefficiencies while advancing sustainability in high-value applications.

We are looking for a candidate with intrinsic motivation and enthusiasm, holding a MSc. degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) and having a strong background in polymer processing / polymer mechanics.
The following experience, skills and interested are preferred:

• A master's degree (or an equivalent university degree)Affinity with both experimental and numerical work.
• Experienced in characterization of complex fluids / rheology (preferably polymers and/or other viscoelastic materials).
• Driven to improve sustainability of polymer materials.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to take ownership of the research project.
• Interested in collaborating with academic and industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

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 four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• 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 P (min. €2,901 max. €3,707).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• 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.