Prof T. Thurn-Albrecht
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
During crystallization from the melt, polymers form a nanoscopic semicrystalline structure which largely determines the mechanical properties of these ubiquitous materials. Despite long-standing research efforts, it is not well understood, which factors exactly control the crystallization process and determine this crystalline-amorphous structure. Our recent investigations based on an advanced combination of experimental methods (small-angle x-ray scattering, NMR, optical microscopy, calorimetry, and rheology) evidenced an unexpectedly important role of the molecular dynamics in the crystalline regions and of the entanglements in the amorphous regions. For the further exploration of these effects in the next stage of the project, which is pursued in close collaboration with another doctoral student focusing on NMR techniques, we are seeking a candidate focusing on scattering techniques and on the investigation of mechanical properties. The overall aim of this fundamental research project is a deepened understanding of the process of crystallization, which is important for polymer processing as well as for the understanding of the relation between microscopic structure and properties.
What we offer:
Working in the project will allow the candidate to acquire expert skills and knowledge on x-ray scattering techniques, mechanical properties of polymers and polymer physics. As a member of the integrated Research Training Group “Polymers: random coils and beyond”, the candidate benefits from a structured PhD program with individual supervision and mentoring, seminars as well as workshops on scientific and transferable skills. The successful candidate will hold a working contract with the university (no tuition fee). Salaries will be according to DFG standards.
Please also check the internet page of the experimental polymer physics group (https://www.physik.uni-halle.de/fachgruppen/polymer_physics_group/) and the page of the research training group (https://blogs.urz.uni-halle.de/irtgpolymers/). Please apply via our web portal: https://blogs.urz.uni-halle.de/irtgpolymers/application-webpage/
The application deadline is October 30, 2020. Entry date is flexible between January and March 2021.
Funding Notes
The successful candidate will hold a working contract with the university (no tuition fee). Salaries will be according to DFG standards.
The successful applicant should have a Master degree or equivalent in Physics or Chemistry, and some knowledge of scattering techniques and/or polymer/soft-matter physics. We require profound command of mathematical concepts and good experimental skills and some computer knowledge. We are looking for dedicated candidates capable of doing systematic and independent work who are willing to collaborate within the group and with other projects. The working language is English.
References
1. Schulz et al., The Underestimated Effect of Intracrystalline Chain Dynamics on the Morphology and Stability of Semicrystalline Polymers. Macromolecules 51, 8377 (2018)
2. Kurz et al., Interplay between Crystallization and Entanglements in the Amorphous Phase of the Crystal-Fixed Polymer Poly(ϵ-caprolactone). Macromolecules 51, 5831 (2018)
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