Postdoctoral Researcher in Biorefinery Side-Stream Valorization for Sustainable Polymer and Composite Materials

About this position

Prof. Alice Mija, University Côte d'Azur, Institute of Chemistry of Nice, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join its research activities on the valorization of side-products and residual streams generated by biorefinery processes .

The overall objective of the research is to transform currently underutilized biorefinery side-products into high-value functional materials , with a particular focus on their use as building blocks, modifiers, additives and functional components in polymers, thermosetting systems, coatings and composite materials .

The position combines chemical characterization, structure–composition analysis, material formulation and processing , with the ultimate objective of establishing innovative and sustainable valorization pathways for complex biorefinery side-streams.

Research objectives

The researcher will investigate selected side-products generated from biorefinery processes and establish relationships between their chemical composition, molecular structure, physicochemical properties and potential applications in polymeric materials .

The research will involve:

• Comprehensive chemical and physicochemical characterization of biorefinery side-products.
• Identification and quantification of the main chemical constituents and functional groups.
• Separation, purification and/or fractionation of selected components where appropriate.
• Identification of reactive or functional molecules suitable for incorporation into polymeric systems.
• Development of strategies for the chemical or physical modification of side-products.
• Evaluation of their potential as polymer building blocks, reactive components, crosslinkers, fillers, modifiers or functional additives.
• Development of bio-based thermosetting resins and polymeric materials .
• Development of bio-based or partially bio-based coatings .
• Development of polymer composites and multifunctional composite materials incorporating valorized biorefinery side-products.
• Optimization of formulations and processing conditions.
• Characterization of the resulting materials in terms of chemical, thermal, mechanical, rheological and functional properties.
• Establishment of structure–processing–property relationships.

Research methodology

The project will combine analytical chemistry and materials science approaches.

Depending on the nature of the selected side-products, the researcher may employ techniques such as:

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
• Gas Chromatography (GC) and/or Liquid Chromatography (LC).
• Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).
• Rheological characterization.
• Microscopy and morphological characterization.
• Mechanical and thermo-mechanical testing.

The researcher will then translate the chemical knowledge obtained from the side-products into materials design and formulation strategies .

Material development and valorization

A major component of the position will be to explore how the identified molecules, fractions or functional components can be incorporated into high-value material systems.

Potential valorization routes include:

Polymeric materials

Development of polymer systems in which biorefinery-derived compounds are used as:

• Bio-based monomers or building blocks.
• Reactive diluents.
• Functional additives.
• Plasticizers or modifiers.
• Crosslinking agents.
• Reinforcing or functional fillers.

Thermosetting materials

Development and optimization of bio-based or partially bio-based thermosetting systems, including the investigation of:

• Epoxy and other thermosetting resin systems.
• Bio-based curing or crosslinking strategies.
• Network formation and crosslinking behaviour.
• Thermal and mechanical performance.
• Durability and ageing.

Composite materials

Development of polymer composites incorporating valorized biorefinery side-products as:

• Functional fillers.
• Reinforcement modifiers.
• Matrix components.
• Interface modifiers.
• Bio-based functional additives.

The research will seek to maximize the added value of the biorefinery side-streams while minimizing additional processing and environmental impact .