PhD in Synthesis of Sustainable PFAS-Free Polymers for High-Performance Applications

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e); Eindhoven; On-site; EUR 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The University invites applications for a PhD position focused on designing fluorine-free thermoplastics with high thermal stability and chemical resistance. You will synthesize and characterize novel polymer architectures and study how surface segregation affects performance. Under supervision of Prof.

Željko Tomović and Dr. Catarina Esteves in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at TU/e, you will join the Polymer Performance Materials group and contribute to the HARFF project

Qualifications

• Design, synthesize and characterize novel fluorine-free thermoplastic materials.
• Explore how molecular architecture and surface segregation affect low surface energy with high stability.
• Establish fundamental structure–property relationships for sustainable polymers.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize novel polymer architectures and comprehensively characterize them using chemical, structural, thermal, rheological and mechanical techniques.
• Investigate surface and interfacial properties to relate to macroscopic performance.
• Develop design principles for sustainable, high‑performance thermoplastics for demanding industrial applications.

Job description

Job description

Fluorinated polymers and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in high-performance applications because of their exceptional thermal stability, chemical resistance and low surface energy. These properties make them essential in demanding applications, including automotive and aerospace components, sealing systems, and chemical processing equipment. However, growing environmental concerns and increasing regulatory pressure, particularly in Europe, are driving the need to replace PFAS with safer and more sustainable alternatives. Developing innovative PFAS-free materials that combine environmental sustainability with outstanding performance under demanding operating conditions represents an important scientific and technological challenge.

Research challenge

In this project, the research challenge will be to design, synthesize, and characterize novel fluorine-free thermoplastic materials that combine the outstanding surface and bulk properties of fluorinated polymers. The project will explore how molecular architecture and surface segregation can be used to achieve low surface energy while maintaining high thermal stability, chemical resistance, and robust thermomechanical properties. By combining molecular design with surface thermodynamics, the research will establish fundamental structure–property relationships linking polymer architecture and interfacial organization to macroscopic material performance. The research activities will involve the synthesis of novel polymer architectures and their comprehensive characterization using chemical, structural, thermal, rheological, and mechanical techniques, complemented by the investigation of surface and interfacial properties. The ultimate goal is to establish rational design principles for sustainable, high-performance thermoplastics suitable for demanding industrial applications, including sealing systems and high-durability components.

An interdisciplinary and international environment

The PhD research will be carried out under the supervision of Prof. Željko Tomović and Dr. Catarina Esteves in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at Eindhoven University of Technology. You will join the Polymer Performance Materials research group, which focuses on sustainable polymer chemistry. You will also become part of the interdisciplinary Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, which connects TU/e researchers working across polymer science and related fields. The PhD project will be carried out within the HARFF project, funded by the Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI), which promotes research collaboration between industry and leading universities across Europe. The industrial partners involved in this project are Envalior, SKF, Teijin Aramid, and SABIC Specialties. Through this collaborative network, you will develop new skills, build valuable academic and industrial connections, and explore how your research can contribute to developing future sustainable technologies.