Ifsttar PhD subject

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Title : Modeling and simulation approaches to study the viscoelastic behavior of polymer gels

Main host Laboratory - Referent Advisor Navier  -  PUOSI Francesco

Director of the main host Laboratory SULEM Jean  -

PhD Speciality Sciences des Matériaux

Axis of the performance contract 3 - COP2017 - Planning and protecting regions

Main location Marne-la-Vallée

Doctoral affiliation UNIVERSITE GUSTAVE EIFFEL

PhD school SCIENCES, INGENIERIE ET ENVIRONNEMENT (SIE)

Planned PhD supervisor LEMAITRE Anael  -  Université Gustave Eiffel  -  Navier

Planned PhD co-supervisor PUOSI Francesco  -  Université Gustave Eiffel  -  Navier

Planned financing Contrat doctoral  - Université Gustave Eiffel

Abstract

Polymer gels are soft materials consisting in a three-dimensional network of crosslinked polymer chains that can absorb and retain large amounts of liquids, such as water or solvents [1]. Their structure gives them unique properties, such as elasticity, swelling and responsivness to external stimuli like temperature, pH or electric fields [2]. Historically, polymer gels have received significant interest due to their versatile applications in areas such biomedical devices, soft robotics and advanced material systems. Recently, a new potential application emerged as additive to enhance the performance of bitumen in road construction and waterproofing applications (see [1,2] for few examples). By incorporating polymer gels into bitumen , the enhanced viscoelasticity allows the material to better absorb and dissipate stresses, reducing the likelihood of cracking at low temperatures and deformation at high temperatures. This balance of elasticity and viscosity provided by the polymer gel significantly improves the durability and resilience of bitumen in demanding environments. Therefore, studying the viscoelastic properties of polymer gels is crucial to optimizing their performance in such applications.

This doctoral thesis investigates the viscoelastic behavior of polymer gels through advanced modeling and simulation, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of their mechanical response.
The successful candidate will:
- Develop a coarse-grained model of polymer gel that incorporates two phases: polymer and a matrix.
- Tune the model and explore its phase diagram.
- Investigate the viscoelastic response of the gels using simulated mechanical spectroscopy and statistical physics techniques for materials.
- Collaborate closely with experimental partners, leveraging synergies between theory and experiment.

The doctoral study will take place at Laboratoire Navier, which is located thirty minutes from Paris center, and is jointly supported by Université Gustave Eiffel, École des Ponts, and CNRS.

The candidate should have a MSc in Physics or Material Science, with a strong interest in statistical physics and computer simulations.
Fluency in English (written and oral) is required.

References:
[1] Y. Osada, J.-P. Gong, “Soft and Wet Materials: Polymer Gels”, Adv. Mater., 10: 827 (2006).
[2] G. M. Kavanagh, S. B. Ross-Murphy, “Rheological characterisation of polymer gels”, Progress in Polymer Science, 23, 533 (1998).
[3] J. Zhu, B. Birgisson, N. Kringos, “Polymer modification of bitumen: Advances and challenges”, European Polymer Journal, 54, 18 (2014).
[4] B. Singh, M. Gupta, L. Kumar, “Bituminous polyurethane network: Preparation, properties, and end use”, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 101, 217 (2006).

Keywords : Polymer gels, Viscolelasticity, Modeling, Simulations

Main host Laboratory - Referent Advisor	Navier - PUOSI Francesco
Director of the main host Laboratory	SULEM Jean -
PhD Speciality	Sciences des Matériaux
Axis of the performance contract	3 - COP2017 - Planning and protecting regions
Main location	Marne-la-Vallée
Doctoral affiliation	UNIVERSITE GUSTAVE EIFFEL
PhD school	SCIENCES, INGENIERIE ET ENVIRONNEMENT (SIE)
Planned PhD supervisor	LEMAITRE Anael - Université Gustave Eiffel - Navier
Planned PhD co-supervisor	PUOSI Francesco - Université Gustave Eiffel - Navier
Planned financing	Contrat doctoral - Université Gustave Eiffel
Abstract Polymer gels are soft materials consisting in a three-dimensional network of crosslinked polymer chains that can absorb and retain large amounts of liquids, such as water or solvents [1]. Their structure gives them unique properties, such as elasticity, swelling and responsivness to external stimuli like temperature, pH or electric fields [2]. Historically, polymer gels have received significant interest due to their versatile applications in areas such biomedical devices, soft robotics and advanced material systems. Recently, a new potential application emerged as additive to enhance the performance of bitumen in road construction and waterproofing applications (see [1,2] for few examples). By incorporating polymer gels into bitumen , the enhanced viscoelasticity allows the material to better absorb and dissipate stresses, reducing the likelihood of cracking at low temperatures and deformation at high temperatures. This balance of elasticity and viscosity provided by the polymer gel significantly improves the durability and resilience of bitumen in demanding environments. Therefore, studying the viscoelastic properties of polymer gels is crucial to optimizing their performance in such applications. This doctoral thesis investigates the viscoelastic behavior of polymer gels through advanced modeling and simulation, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of their mechanical response. The successful candidate will: - Develop a coarse-grained model of polymer gel that incorporates two phases: polymer and a matrix. - Tune the model and explore its phase diagram. - Investigate the viscoelastic response of the gels using simulated mechanical spectroscopy and statistical physics techniques for materials. - Collaborate closely with experimental partners, leveraging synergies between theory and experiment. The doctoral study will take place at Laboratoire Navier, which is located thirty minutes from Paris center, and is jointly supported by Université Gustave Eiffel, École des Ponts, and CNRS. The candidate should have a MSc in Physics or Material Science, with a strong interest in statistical physics and computer simulations. Fluency in English (written and oral) is required. References: [1] Y. Osada, J.-P. Gong, “Soft and Wet Materials: Polymer Gels”, Adv. Mater., 10: 827 (2006). [2] G. M. Kavanagh, S. B. Ross-Murphy, “Rheological characterisation of polymer gels”, Progress in Polymer Science, 23, 533 (1998). [3] J. Zhu, B. Birgisson, N. Kringos, “Polymer modification of bitumen: Advances and challenges”, European Polymer Journal, 54, 18 (2014). [4] B. Singh, M. Gupta, L. Kumar, “Bituminous polyurethane network: Preparation, properties, and end use”, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 101, 217 (2006).
Keywords :	Polymer gels, Viscolelasticity, Modeling, Simulations

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