Γραφείο Διασύνδεσης & Σταδιοδρομίας

Synthesis and mechanical characterization of new glass/particles composites with innovative mechanical and functional properties

Synthesis / Mechanical behaviour / glass/particles composites / core-shell and sintering methods - Interdisciplinary Research

Description

Most studies dealing with the strength of glasses focused on the incidence of surface flaws on and on the crack propagation process that mostly depends on ambient conditions. Chemical and thermal surface treatments aimed at generating compressive stresses in the surface or at protecting the surface were successfully developed. Another way to improve the resistance consists in playing on the glass composition and in designing glass matrix/particulate composites where the second phase particles induces innovative stress-relaxation processes. Promising materials were obtained in Rennes following this latter route. A specific mechanical testing apparatus, equipped with high sensitivity actuators and sensors has been developed to characterize the mechanical behavior of these materials.
The applicant will have first to investigate the potentialities of core-shell techniques to favor the sintering of glass and ceramic particles to obtain glass-matrix particulate composites. The chemical systems of interest are confidential and will be discussed with the applicant. The mechanical behavior of the composites will then be investigated (mainly experimentally) with a special focus on the microcracking features (crack initiation and propagation), as well as the mechano-functional coupling.
The details may be discussed further to match with the scientific interests of the candidate. Researches will be conducted in the framework of a project founded by the European Research Council (DAMREG, Adv. Grant 320506). There is no pre-requisite in glass science. The environment is a materials science team, consisting of chemists, physicists and mechanicians.

Candidate profile: European citizen, fluent in English, with backgrounds in synthesis, ceramic and/or glass science and/or physics, experimental mechanics, and materials engineering.
Partnerships: Glass and Ceramic research groups in France, Germany, Spain and Japan
Duration: Three years (possibilities for post-doc extension)
Period: From Sept. 2015 (starting date is flexible)
Salary: 1678 euros per month (after taxes) (IMN:448, IGE) (complement salary is possible through teaching)
Location: Glass Mechanics Department, Physics Institute, University of Rennes, France.

Nr of positions available : 1