1 Postdoctoral position in Modification of cellulose by adsorption of tailor-made block copolymers in Sweden | KTH - Royal Institute Of Technology

KTH School of Chemical Science and Engineering is now offering a postdoctoral position (scholarship) in Fibre and Polymer Science for a project funded by Tunholmsstiftelse on the modification of (nano)cellulose by the adsorption of block-copolymers based composed of xyloglucan and synthetic polymers.

Project description

The aim of this project is to make use of materials derived from the forest, specifically cellulose and its nanosized components, in bioplastic and nanocomposite applications. This will be accomplished by synthesizing block copolymers composed of an anchoring block (i.e. the hemicellulose xyloglucan) and a block of hydrophobic polymer. The project will make use of controlled polymerization methods, such as Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization, Reversible-Addition Fragmentation Chain-Transfer (RAFT) as well as Ring-Opening Polymerization (ROP) to synthesize the block copolymers. Versatile coupling chemistries, such as ‘click chemistry’ will also be utilized as well as other end-group transformation reactions. The synthesized amphiphilic block copolymers will subsequently be adsorbed to cellulose under benign aqueous conditions at room temperature and the modified (nano)fibres will be incorporated into matrix materials. The project will have a special focus into the chemical modification of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) for applications as barriers.

The current position is founded by Tunholmsstiftelse and is a one year scholarship with the possibility of one year extension.

Eligibility and assessment criteria

PhD degree in polymer science and engineering or similar areas. The project is synthetically intensive and includes synthesis of well-defined polymers and their structural characterization via traditional analytical techniques e.g. NMR, SEC, MALDI-TOF, DSC, FT-RAMAM etc. Documented experience of controlled polymerizations such as ATRP, RAFT, ROP, ROMP, click chemistry etc, will be regarded as advantageous when evaluating the applicant. Previous experience in the production and evaluation of composite materials is also a merit. The candidate should be structured and creative, be able to work independently as well as in teams and meet agreed deadlines, critically analyze information and have previous high impact reports in the field. Good communication and cooperation skills are required.

Employment

Form of employment: Time limited (scholarship)

Start date:According to agreement

Number of positions:1

Application procedure

Deadline for application: 2013-12-20

Reference number: K-2013-0730

Application should be sent electronically to Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε.

The application, marked with reference number, should include the following:

• CV including list of publications, education and relevant academic/work experience
• Official record of transcripts and copy of degree certificate
• Cover letter (maximum 1 page)

Contact

Trade union representative

Lars Abrahamsson,SACO

Tel. +46 8 790 70 58, E-mail: Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε.

Niclas Carlsson, ST

Tel. +46 8 790 8416, E-mail: Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε.

Per Öster, SEKO

Tel. +46 8 790 8382, E.mail: Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε.