PhD in Synthesis of Sustainable PFAS-Free Polymers for High-Performance Applications

Fluorinated polymers and PFAS are prized for thermal stability, chemical resistance and low surface energy, but face growing environmental concerns. This PhD project at Eindhoven University of Technology designs, synthesises and characterises fluorine-free thermoplastics that match those surface and bulk properties, exploring how molecular architecture and surface segregation can deliver low surface energy with high thermal stability and robust thermomechanical performance. Supervised by Prof. Željko Tomović and Dr. Catarina Esteves in the Polymer Performance Materials group, the work is part of the HARFF project funded by the Dutch Polymer Institute with industrial partners Envalior, SKF, Teijin Aramid and SABIC Specialties.

Applications are accepted until 4 December 2026.

BSc and MSc in chemistry with a strong background in organic and/or polymer chemistry (related engineering studies are not considered); experience in synthesis and characterisation of organic molecules or polymers; excellent English.