COACHELLA: Understanding parasitic Chemical reactiOns during A CHromatogeny procEss on paper/board materiaLs compLiant for food contAct as a substitute for plastic

Organisation/Company

Univ. Grenoble Alpes

Department

Chimie

Research Field

Chemistry » Organic chemistry
Chemistry » Molecular chemistry

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

France

Application Deadline

31 May 2024 – 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Offer Starting Date

23 Mar 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Paper is today a real bio-sourced, recyclable and biodegradable alternative to plastics, particularly in the packaging sector. The paper industry must respond to a growing demand for paper and cardboard (it is estimated that their production should double by 2050) while being able to offer properties at least equivalent to those of plastic. Developing alternatives to plastic food packaging while being able to ensure their food safety and prove their safety is a major challenge for manufacturers.

The Centre Technique du Papier (CTP) is developing an innovativetechnology named Chromatogeny to provide hydrophobic properties to paper and cardboard ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T_cgXK_Pto ) using a green chemistry process with excellent prospects for its industrialization in Europe in the coming years. The coating of a cardboard paper with polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), followed by chromatogeny grafting of this layer, makes it possible to achieve good barrier performances to grease, oxygen and water : the final material manufactured is recyclable and biodegradable, which arouses the growing interest of industrial companies for this technology which benefits from the support of the eco-organization CITEO.

Within this project, the Synthesis and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry ( SeRCO ) team of the Department of Molecular Chemistry (UMR 5250) will be involved in the detailed study of the chemical transformation of surface functionalization, as well as the diversification of covalent grafting reagents with the aim of understanding and limiting the parasitic chemical reactions that may appear during the grafting process of the material. Overcoming these parasitic reactions, leading to aesthetic and eventually health problems for the consumer, is a major obstacle for the industrialization of the plastic substitution process.

The objective of this PhD thesis is to understand, within a multidisciplinary environment, the phenomena that occurs and thus remove these obstacles . The doctoral student will evolve in an environment both close to industry at the CTP for the production of innovative materials and academic within the SeRCO team, with the aim of apprehending and understanding the induced parasitic chemical reactions during this manufacturing process and to propose alternatives to current processes by exploring the full range of possibilities. The doctoral student will be required to work in an innovative environment with a subject that has an impact on the environment and consumer health.

Supervision and location. During his/her thesis, the candidate will work under the supervision of Professors JF Poisson and Dr S Carret at the DCM, as well as Drs E Bartolami , C Monot and F Bru at the CTP. He/She will share his/her research time between two entities very close geographically on the University Domain of Saint-Martin-d’Hères (38).

Qualifications of the candidate. The recruited candidate will hold an M2 or equivalent, must have solid knowledge in organic and analytical chemistry, as well as an increased taste for applied research. The candidate must have a great aptitude for experimental work and be able to work independently. A written understanding of English as well as writing skills will also be necessary. He/she will be enrolled in the UGA Chemistry and Life Sciences doctoral school

Salary. Labex ARCANE / CTP co-financing : around €2,300 gross/month

To apply. CV and cover letter by email to: [email protected] and [email protected] .

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry » Organic chemistry

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The recruited candidate will hold an M2 or equivalent, must have solid knowledge in organic and analytical chemistry, as well as an increased taste for applied research. The candidate must have a great aptitude for experimental work and be able to work independently. A written understanding of English as well as writing skills will also be necessary. He/she will be enrolled in the UGA Chemistry and Life Sciences doctoral school

Languages

ENGLISH

Research Field

Chemistry » Organic chemistry

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Université Grenoble Alpes – Département de chimie moléculaire + Centre Technique du Papier

Country

France

City

Saint martin d’Hères

Postal Code

38058

Street

301 rue de la chimie

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Saint-Martin-d’Hères

Website

https://www.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/english/

Street

301 rue de la chimie

Postal Code

38400

STATUS: EXPIRED