Job Materials innovation institute (M2i) - Post Doctoral Researcher (~331)

Flexible electronics made with organic, or carbon-based, transistors could enable technologies such as low-cost sensors and "electronic paper" displays that are thin and flexible. A plastic foil, to be used as a substrate for flexible electronics, needs to satisfy many requirements such as dimensional stability, thermal stability, and solvent resistance. Due to the continuous miniaturisation of electronic devices, there is a need to understand and to predict the micro-deformations of these materials due to the hygroscopic and thermal stresses in order to control the patterning process at micron scale accuracy. The aim of this project is characterize the time-dependent thermo-hygro-mechanical behaviour of semicrystalline thin foils that are used as a substrate for flexible electronics and to develop a predictive tool for it. This behaviour is strongly dependent on the microstructure of the uniaxially or biaxially stretched foils and the interactions between the phases that constitute this microstructure. The microstructural morphology of pre-stretched semicrystalline foils is identified to serve as a basis for the development of a micromechanical model. Also the macroscopic response of the foils, and in particular their viscoelastic behaviour and dimensional response resulting from time-dependent exposure to temperature and solvents is experimentally characterized.

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering with a strong background in (experimental) polymer mechanics. Affinity with computational mechanics is recommended.

When fulfilling a Post-doc position at the M2i, the candidate will be given an employee status. He/she will be eligible for all employee benefits offered by the M2i. The contract is for 2 years.
The researcher and the supervisor will draw up a plan for any additional training and supervision that is specifically needed.