Preparation, characterization, and processing of plasticizers for poly(lactic acid)

MNEXT; Breda; Remote; EUR 3,300 - 4,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Internship allowance €350/month

Job summary

MNEXT in the Netherlands invites a fourth-year graduation internship focused on plasticizers for poly(lactic) acid (PLA). You will synthesize, characterize and compound plasticizers, then blend and evaluate their performance in PLA within the SAFEADD project.

The work is hands-on in a polymer chemistry laboratory, assessing properties such as migration, elasticity and melting behavior while comparing bio-based additives with conventional ones. A monthly internship allowance is provided.

Qualifications

• Interest in polymer chemistry
• Willingness to spend substantial time in the laboratory

Responsibilities

• Synthesize plasticizers for PLA
• Characterize plasticizers (molecular weight, properties)
• Compound plasticizers into PLA
• Make PLA blends and study properties
• Assess migration, elasticity and melting behavior

Job description

Preparation, characterization, and processing of plasticizers for poly(lactic acid)

During this fourth-year graduation internship, you will work on the SAFEADD project, which focuses on safe and recyclable additives for plastics. Specifically, you will concentrate on plasticizers for poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a bio-based polymer. You will prepare various plasticizers, investigate their properties, and subsequently incorporate them into PLA. You will work in the laboratory on a topic within the field of polymer chemistry. Your results will help provide insight into the performance and applicability of bio-based plasticizers as alternatives to conventional types.

SAFEADD brings together knowledge institutions and innovative small and medium-sized companies. Bio-based, safe and recyclable additives are developed within the project. These additives must perform at least as well as classic variants, but without the associated health and environmental risks. The materials are tested in concrete applications, so that companies can use them more quickly.

In this assignment you prepare various plasticizers for poly(lactic acid) (PLA). You synthesize the plasticizers and characterize the materials made. You then process the plasticizers into PLA by compounding. You make PLA blends in which you investigate the properties of the polymer.

You test, among other things, the chain length, elasticity, melting and crystallization behavior and the migration of the added plasticizers. Functional properties of the additives within SAFEADD are also evaluated, such as water repellency, color and flexibility.

You are motivated to spend a lot of time in the laboratory and have knowledge of polymer chemistry. This assignment is suitable for students of the Chemistry and Chemical Technology courses.

You will receive an internship allowance of €350 per month.

About MNEXT

MNEXT is the Center of Expertise for the materials and energy transition. Together with companies, governments, researchers and students, MNEXT bridges the gap between innovation and society and works on practice-oriented research for a sustainable future. As an intern or graduate, you fully participate in a multidisciplinary research team and work on real issues from the field.

MNEXT’s projects fall within three main themes: transition and value creation, sustainable energy technologies and biobased and circular materials. Dozens of students do internships at MNEXT every semester. This means you work together with many other students, build a large network and also make social contacts.

You automatically participate in the internship program with more than 10 workshops. These strengthen your research skills and career competencies. Topics include the use of AI in desk research, research integrity, professional use of LinkedIn and coaching to advance a start-up idea.