The main objective is to develop fully biobased and biodegradable packaging materials composed of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers modified with biobased additives, which confer UV resistance, antimicrobial properties, and improved thermal, mechanical, and/or gas barrier properties. Adding active or intelligent functionalities to these bioplastics is a strategic approach for creating modern packaging that can extend product shelf-life or inform consumers about product quality and freshness, respectively. Ideal additives must withstand PHA processing and maintain PHA biodegradability.
This PhD research specifically aims to investigate, optimize, and compare three innovative processing techniques to incorporate selected biobased additives in the bulk versus at the surface of the biopolymer via i) melt processing; ii) ultrasonic spray coating, and iii) 3D printing. Based on a thorough mechanical and chemical evaluation, the best suitable applications for each type of packaging design (film, cup, or tray) will be defined. In addition, the materials will be subjected to specific end-of-life scenarios to validate their potential as reusable and/or recyclable packaging.
You will be part of imo-imomec, a large, interdisciplinary institute with a broad international and national network. You will participate in the Doctoral School of Sciences & Technology. As a PhD student, you will conduct research, write and publish scientific articles, and actively participate in (inter)national conferences and workshops with the aim to write a PhD dissertation. You will also have some limited teaching tasks.

You will be part of a multidisciplinary research team. The MPR&S group (Materials and Packaging Research & Services) focuses on the processing, optimization, and characterization of circular materials for sustainable, smart & safe packaging. The FME group (Functional Materials Engineering) focuses on the printing and coating of functional materials on a wide variety of substrates. Both research groups belong to the Institute for Materials Research (imo-imomec) of Hasselt University and are linked with the Faculty of Engineering Technology. In addition, a collaboration with the group Polymer Product Engineering (Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés (LRGP)) of the University of Lorraine will be established. The universities of Hasselt and Lorraine are partners of the European University on Responsible Consumption and Production, known as the EURECA-PRO alliance.
To further expand our research activities and collaboration towards the development of biobased, smart packaging materials, we warmly welcome a full-time PhD student.

• Master in engineering technology, master in engineering sciences, master in (applied) sciences; (or equivalent)

• You have a strong interest in scientific research;

• You already have some knowledge of biopolymers, bioadditives, (bio)polymer processing techniques, rheology, morphology of coatings, and/or physical-chemical characterization techniques, etc.;

• You are collegial and can work well in a team environment;

• You have a proactive and independent working attitude;

• You have analytical and critical thinking skills;

• You strive for quality and work organised and precise;

• You can report clearly, both orally and in writing;

• You have a good knowledge of written and spoken English;

• You have proven expertise in literature reviewing, scientific writing, and presenting research.

You will be appointed and paid as PhD student.
We offer you a 2-year appointment, which will be extended by 2 years after a positive evaluation. The planned start date is February 16, 2025 (or to be determined by mutual agreement).

The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.

Apply now
Apply up to 20.01.2025