Experimental study and modelling of drainage phenomena in paper pulps for their application in [...]

Job Information

Organisation/Company: Centre Technique Industriel de la Plasturgie et des Composites (CT-IPC)

Department: Research

Research Field: Drying of fibre pulps

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions: PhD positions

Country: France

Application Deadline: 1st June 2026

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full‑time

Funding: Horizon Europe – Marie Skłodowska‑Curie (MSCA) Doctoral Network (ENDURE)

Project Objectives

PhD Thesis Title: Experimental Study and Modelling of Drainage Phenomena in Paper Pulps for Their Application in Injection Moulding Processes

Background and Challenges: The increasing environmental requirements and the reduction of fossil‑fuel plastics drive the development of bio‑based materials. Paper pulps, mainly composed of cellulosic fibres, provide a promising alternative for manufacturing complex moulded parts. However, controlling drainage phenomena during injection moulding remains a major scientific challenge.

• Rheological and structural characterisation of paper fibre suspensions
  • Study of rheological behaviour of concentrated fibre suspensions under injection moulding‑representative conditions.
  • Analyse the influence of fibre morphology on these behaviours.
• Experimental study of drainage of paper fibre suspensions under controlled conditions
  • Development of an experimental apparatus simulating injection conditions (pressure, velocity, geometry).
  • Measurement of drainage kinetics and pressure profiles.
  • Identification of dominant regimes: filtration, consolidation, compression.
  • Determination of parameters influencing permeability and compressibility of the fibre mat.
  • Microstructural characterisation (scanning electron microscopy, in‑situ drainage tests using X‑ray micro‑tomography).
• Multiscale modelling
  • Development of a coupled flow‑drainage model.
  • Numerical simulation with finite element methods.
  • Parametric analysis and validation of the model by comparison with experimental data.

Responsibilities

To characterise, understand and model drainage mechanisms of paper pulps under injection moulding conditions, and to propose a predictive model to aid mould design for paper‑pulp injection moulding. This will contribute to a better understanding of the consolidation properties of compressible bio‑based fibre materials.

Qualifications and Eligibility

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Papermaking, or a related discipline.
• Experience in mechanics, mechanical engineering, materials science, and papermaking is desirable.
• Published peer‑reviewed publications are considered an advantage.
• English language proficiency: native speaker or non‑native speaker who has passed IELTS (≥7.5) or TOEFL‑iBT (≥113), or completed a Master’s degree in English.
• Must have completed a Master’s degree before start (after Jan 2026) and not hold a doctoral degree.
• Must comply with mobility rules: the applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the recruiting country for more than 12 months in the 36 months preceding recruitment (short stays exempt).

Secondments

First secondment: 4 months with an industrial partner focusing on mould drying technology.

Second secondment: 2 months with the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) focusing on fibre pulp characterisation.

Salary and Funding

Full‑time Doctoral Candidate position for 36 months with a salary/stipend in accordance with the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions.

Contact

Thomas Joffre (CT‑IPC): ‑ipc.com

Pierre Dumont (INSA Lyon, LaMCoS): ‑lyon.fr

Florian Martoïa (INSA Lyon, LaMCoS): ‑lyon.fr