About this role
PhD Candidate Development of Humin Based Recyclable Networks Welcome to Maastricht University! Join a public-private partnership working on the development of humin based recyclable networks for adhesive and composite applications. In this PhD project, you will contribute to the development of renewable and more sustainable materials by exploring the potential of humins as recyclable thermoset resins. PhD Candidate Development of Humin Based Recyclable Networks - Our goal: to develop recyclable, non-persistent thermoset resins based on humins, creating more sustainable alternatives for conventional materials. - Your colleagues: The project is part of the NWO project KICHumins (A route towards non persistent crosslinked humin resins). The project is a public-private partnership consisting of academic (Maastricht University, Leiden University, University of Amsterdam) and industrial partners (Avantium, Kappi, Gemsjäger ski) in the field of materials science, environmental/health science and socio-economics. The PhD candidate will be appointed at the Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM) of Maastricht University, which is part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. You will work in the group of Professor Katrien Bernaerts, which focusses on the synthesis and design of polymer materials with tunable properties and recyclability exploiting the functionality of biobased building blocks. You will operate from the Brightlands-Chemelot Campus in Geleen (NL), where the labs are located. What you do Humins, unavoidable by-products of acid-catalyzed carbohydrate conversion in biorefineries, are typically burned for energy. This project valorizes humins by developing recyclable, non-persistent thermoset resins based on their inherent reactivity. Applications include bio-based composites with natural fibers for durable goods. Designed to be recyclable and minimize microplastic persistence, these thermosets offer a ...