The growing need to improve plastic recyclability and design high-performance, environmentally sustainable polymer materials calls for a deep understanding of polymer-polymer interphases — nanometric regions that govern the mechanical and chemical properties of polymer blends and multilayer films used in packaging. This PhD project centers on the nanoscale characterization of these interphases using AFM-IR (Atomic Force Microscopy–Infrared Spectroscopy) — an advanced technique developed at ICP to perform infrared spectroscopy at the nanoscale.
Through a strong collaboration with the PIMM lab, known for its expertise in multinanolayer polymer coextrusion, the candidate will analyze model systems and industrially relevant films (e.g., PET/PEF), with a particular focus on interfaces, compatibilizers, and recycled content through a collaboration with IFPEN, an institute expert in renewable resources.
