M/F PhD on "Valorization of mixture of diols and diacids through the synthesis of PE-like polyesters"

The Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques (LCPO) is a joint research unit attached to the CNRS, the Université de Bordeaux and the Institut Polytechnique de Bordeaux (http://www.lcpo.fr). The LCPO is made up of 4 research teams and employs nearly 150 people, including around 50 permanent staff.

With almost 40 years' experience in polymer chemistry, LCPO's research aims to :
- develop innovative methodologies for precision polymer synthesis, notably using biomimetic and/or green chemistry approaches
- develop functional polymer materials through macromolecular engineering and self-assembly, particularly in the fields of renewable materials, healthcare and energy
- establish long-term links with the socio-economic world.

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Frédéric Peruch and Henri Cramail in LCPO teams 1 and 2. He/she will work within the framework of the ACTPAC "HORIZON European Project". He/she will hold a Master degree in Polymer Science.

Team 1, entitled "Catalyses and Polymerization Engineering", is headed by Frédéric Peruch. The team develops alternative strategies for the synthesis of "tailor-made" polymers:
- the design of activation or catalysis systems for highly selective polymerization reactions
- development of recyclable, bio-inspired catalytic nanoreactors operating in aqueous media
- engineering of polymers, nanoparticles or nanostructures for targeted functions and applications.

Team 2, entitled "Biopolymers and Bio-sourced Polymers", is headed by Henri Cramail http://www.lcpo.fr/team-2-biopolymers-bio-sourced-polymers/.
The team is designing bio-based polymers from polyaddition/polycondensation routes. The main investigated bioresources are:
- vegetable oils
- oligosaccharides and bio-phenols

The main goal of this PhD is the valorization of mixture of diols and diacids through the synthesis of PE-like polyesters with tunable properties via a chemical catalysis. To this end, several routes will be followed and compared to find the most suitable one for the production of high molar mass polyesters in mild conditions. The polyester properties will be investigated according to the Methylene/Ester ratios.