PhD Trapping polymer particles at the surface of paper sheets with divalent ions

Job description

Are you fascinated by transport particle laden fluids in thin, porous media? Do you like to work at the interface of physics and chemistry? Are you passionate about working with experimental advanced tools like high resolution NMR imaging? Are you eager to work at the crossroad of fundamental science and industrial R&D? Then you are the right person to apply on one of the two the positions.

Job Description

The aim of this project is to study the transport of particle laden fluids (inspired by water-based inks) into thin, porous media (paper sheets), how divalent ions in the porous medium promote coagulation of the particles, and the consequence for particle penetration. A recently developed UFI-NMR tool will be used for real-time visualization and quantification of particles into porous media. The obtained results will be used to develop a predictive model describing the transport and film formation processes. The NMR studies will be supplemented by SEM and other experimental tools to analyze the structure of the porous substrates.

Water-based inks are the cornerstone for sustainable digital printing. Water based inks are complex mixtures or water, nanoparticles (pigments and polymer latex) and other additives. The printing substrate, paper, adds an extra level of complexity. Often divalent ions are used as fixation agent to trap particles at the top of the paper sheet. The goal is obvious: promote print quality. Studying these processes is challenging as the porous layers (paper sheets) are thin (hundred micrometer) and liquid uptake occurs very fast (in the millisecond domain). Recently, a breakthrough NMR-imaging technique has been developed at the TU/e (UFI-NMR) allowing ultra-fast-imaging (UFI) or capillary action in thin, porous layers. This new technique offers the opportunity to systematic study uptake or complex fluids in thin stratified porous media.

You will become a member of the group Transport in Permeable Media (TPM) of the Applied Physics department. You will work in close collaboration with Canon Production Printing and Covestro, enabling you to access the experimental facilities of these companies and allowing you to work with taylor-made models liquids. You will be part of a bigger project and will collaborate with another PhD student focusing on complex fluids in stratified layers (coated paper).

Job requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in (applied) physics, mechanical or chemical engineering.
• Proven experience with advanced experimental tools.
• Mastering C, C++ and Matlab or similar programming languages.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Drive to work at the interface of physics and chemistry
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?  Please contact the hiring manager dr. H.P. Huinink, Associate Professor, email h.p.huinink[at]tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact the HR Services Flux department: email hrservices.flux[at]tue.nl .

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.