Eindhoven University of Technology

ESR 1 – Electrically driven polymers for active antennae

Institution

Established in the 1950’s, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) has always had strong values: optimism, collaboration and a dedication to society. These values helped Brainport Region Eindhoven flourish, and resulted in our university being ranked number 1 by Times Higher Education Ranking for collaboration with industry. 15% of our scientific publications are created in collaboration with industry, and we have the highest number of part-time professors from industry in the Netherlands.

https://www.tue.nl/en/

The Stimuli Responsive Functional Material and Devices Group is internationally recognized for a complete chain‐of‐knowledge approach spanning from synthesis to device fabrication. In our view, integration of newly‐developed polymers into devices that employ their functionality is essential for demonstrating scientific and economic value. To pursue this integrated approach, we employ staff members with strong expertise in organic synthesis, self-assembly, nano‐ and micro‐structuring, polymer chemistry and technology, mechanics, device optics and physics. We have extensive expertise in manufacturing and testing of devices on a prototype scale.

Location

The Early-Stage Researcher will mainly spend their time at TUe.

TU/e: The TU/e is located in one of the smartest regions of the world en part of the European technology hotspot ‘Brainport Eindhoven’; well-known because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. A place to be for talented scientists!

TUe has a history of collaboration with SABIC, therefore, the ESR will make a secondment at SABIC working on materials processing.

SABIC: The R&D site of SABIC is located in Bergen op Zoom, the Netherlands. SABIC Specialties is a global leader in the field of polymer and has the ambition to be one of the most innovative organizations, aiming at transforming striking ideas into innovations finally into applications. SABIC produces a wide range of specialty materials, from engineering thermoplastic resins and compounds to composites, functional surfaces substrates, ethylene oxide derivatives, and additive manufacturing solutions. SABIC also offers extensive materials processing expertise, with a broad portfolio.

Supervisors

Supervisor:

Assistant profesor Dr. Danqing Liu www.danqingliu.nl, Scopus preview – Liu, Danqing – Author details – Scopus

Co-supervisor:

Dr. Nadia Grossiord – Scopus preview – Grossiord, Nadia – Author details – Scopus

Contact email address of the supervisor: d.liu1@tue.nl

Research project

Smart responsive materials have the potential to provide new functionalities and push the limit of current or new applications since their mechanical or electrical properties are not frozen. In a similar way as liquid crystals (LC) are used for their adjustable optical properties in liquid crystal displays (LCD), upon application of an electric field, the dielectric properties of the LC can be tuned to adjust the interaction of the substrate with radio frequency waves. This project will focus on the assessment, development, synthesis and processing of stimulus-triggered materials based on liquid crystals for communications at radio-frequency. The materials sense and feel. We envision that the communicating materials will channel the interface between human and machine and pave the way towards haptics, 5G communications.

This project will be carried out in close collaboration with a company, SABIC. The STORM-BOTS Consortium consists of 9 high profile research institutions, universities and companies working towards harnessing the full potential of liquid-crystal-based responsive surfaces, soft actuators and smart machines.

The selected ESR will be hired by TU/e and will develop her/his activity at the functional molecules and devices (SFD) group, performing secondments at SABIC and at the University of Cambridge (UK).

Requirements

Candidate’s profile:

Required MSc degree in chemical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, materials science or bioengineering.

English level: Fluent in spoken and written English

Desired skills: We are looking for talented, motivated and enthusiastic early-stage researchers. Prior knowledge in soft matters, responsive materials and experience in microscopic techniques and device fabrication/ characterization are appreciated. Ability to independently work within a dynamic team and multidisciplinary research environment.