The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) at Maastricht University (UM) invites applications for Post-doc Synthesis and Degradation Mechanism of Fire Retardants for Polypropylene.
Polypropylene (PP) is a significant plastic in flame retardant (FR) products in electronics and transportation. Single-molecule FRs like phosphorus-sulfur (P-S) FRs are part of the state-of-the-art research for applications in PP due to their promising FR performance at low concentrations. However, P-S FRs are not commercially used because their decomposition mechanisms are unknown during processing and in the use phase, thus leading to poor recyclability. This project proposes a systematic interdisciplinary study on the degradation, processing, and recycling of PP/FR plastics to lay a scientific basis for developing new PP/FR plastics and increasing their recycling quantity and quality.
The task of the post-doc at AMIBM is to synthesize flame retardants and to investigate their degradation mechanism during processing and recycling conditions via analytical techniques. In the first part of the research, the degradation of pure flame retardants will be studied, later the flame retardant blended in a polypropylene matrix will be the focus. The latter are responsible for mechanical recycling studies and modeling work related to the degradation mechanism of flame retardants. Flame retardants will be upscaled for testing by colleagues from CCE. Based on this interaction, the chemical structure of the flame retardant will adapted to allow better recycling.
Salary
- The salary based on experience ranging from € 4,492 to € 6,148 gross per month
- An 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
- A good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and use the extensive sports facilities we also offer our students.
- Space and facilities for your personal and professional development.
Job Requirements
For the Polypropylene position, the ideal candidate possesses the following profile
- holds a PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields;
- has skills in organic synthesis and chemical characterization;
- has a strong background in analytical chemistry, e.g. NMR, mass spectroscopy, FTIR, TGA;
- knowledge of radical scavenging methods is a pro;
- has some affinity with polymers (polyolefins);
- has an interest in unraveling the degradation mechanism of the synthesized flame retardants;
- is open to scale-up flame retardants for further testing by colleagues from CCE and Sabic;
- the candidate is expected to stay abreast of the recent literature (publications and patents) in the field of fire retardance of polymers, develop research ideas, and valorize the research in the form of research papers and patents;
- likes to interact with academic and industrial partners;
- is result-driven, inventive, creative, counts with potential impact, works ‘accountable’, and works with ownership;
- masters scientific English for speaking, reading, and writing. Knowledge of Dutch is not required.
Application Process
Apply now and submit:
- Cover letter including the motivation, relevant experience
- Curriculum Vitae
- Names and contact data of two people who could provide a reference
- Diplomas/degrees including a grade transcript of previous education.
To apply for the Post-doc Synthesis and Degradation Mechanism of Fire Retardants for Polypropylene, click here.
Deadline: September 30, 2024.
For more information on the Post-doc Synthesis and Degradation Mechanism of Fire Retardants for Polypropylene, visit the official site.
