Postdoctoral Researcher (M/F) in Valorization of Paraffin Waxes from Slow Pyrolysis of Hydro-pulped Solid Residues for Elastomeric Applications

id="offer-description" class="ecl-u-type-heading-2 ecl-u-mt-none ecl-u-mb-l">Offer Description In France, multilayer packaging (such as Tetra Pak® food cartons) is primarily composed of cardboard (70–75%), polyethylene (20–25%), and aluminum (5%). After hydro-pulping to recover cellulose fibers, the solid residues (polyAl) are currently mostly incinerated or mechanically recycled (e.g., urban furniture, pallets) with low added value. The WAXUP project, funded under the PEPR Recycling program (France 2030), proposes an innovative chemical recycling route: slow pyrolysis of these residues to produce high-value paraffin waxes for use in elastomer formulations (e.g., tires). This approach should enable: 1) valorizing plastic waste (polyethylene) into industrially usable products; 2) reducing the carbon footprint by replacing fossil-based waxes with recycled waxes; and 3) developing sustainable elastomers with mechanical properties and ozone protection comparable to virgin materials. The candidate will contribute to three main axes:. • Optimization of condensation systems: Development of a modular, staged condensation chain integrating an electro-precipitator (to capture wax aerosols) and a falling-film fractionating condenser (to separate waxes from oxygenated compounds derived from cellulose fibers). • Optimization of parameters (temperature, flow rate) to maximize the purity and yield of the waxes. • Characterization of produced waxes: Study of the influence of pyrolysis and co