Are you fascinated by transport of complex fluids in thin stratified porous media? Are you passionate about working with advanced experimental tools like high resolution NMR imaging? Are you eager to work at the crossroad of fundamental science and industrial R&D? Than you are the right person to apply on one of these two positions.

Job Description

The aim of this project is to study the ingress of complex fluids (inspired by water-based inks) into thin stratified porous media (modified paper sheets) and the resulting film formation. A  recently developed UFI-NMR tool will be used for real-time visualization and quantification of the transport of fluid components into paper. The obtained results will be used to develop a predictive model describing the transport and film formation processes. The NMR studies will be supplemented by SEM and other experimental tools to analyze the structure of the porous substrates.

Water based inks are the cornerstone for sustainable digital printing. Water based inks are complex mixtures of water, nanoparticles (pigments and polymer latex) and other additives. The printing substrate, paper, adds an extra level of complexity. Paper sheets are thin stratified porous media: the top layer often differs from the bulk in structure (coatings) and chemical interaction with the ink particles (fixation agents). The particles dispersed in inks often form films on top of or close to the paper surface. Fundamental understanding of ink penetration into paper and the formation of the particle films can only be obtained when this process can be monitored fast (milliseconds) and with high resolution (several microns). Recently, a breakthrough NMR-imaging technique has been developed at the TU/e (UFI-NMR) allowing ultra-fast-imaging (UFI) of capillary action in thin, porous layers. This new technique offers the opportunity to systematically study uptake of complex fluids in thin stratified porous media.

In this project, both PhDs will have an own focus, contributing to the focal points of the project: a) the role of coatings at the paper-air surface and b) the impact of so-called fixation agents added to paper to bind the ink particles (latex and pigments). The project builds on the results of previous PhD work: the development of the UFI-NMR method and its application to fluid transport. You will become a member of the group Transport in Permeable Media (TPM) of the Applied Physics department. You will work in close collaboration with Canon Production Printing and Covestro, enabling you to access the experimental facilities of these companies and allowing you to work with taylor-made models liquids.

• A master's degree (or an equivalent university degree) in (applied) physics, mechanical or chemical engineering.
• Proven experience with advanced experimental tools.
• Mastering C, C++ and Matlab or similar programming languages.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale PhD (min. € 2541,- max. € 3247,-).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates when you meet the requirement.