CHARACTERIZATION OF SUPERPLASTICIZERS MADE BY RADICAL COPOLYMERIZATION

Research at the Institute of Radical Chemistry focuses on compounds carrying unpaired electrons. We master their structure through synthesis, characterization and simulations to access a broad range of applications, from advanced materials to therapeutic uses.

In the CROPS team, we aim at study and understand the radical processes involved in polymer chemistry (synthesis, degradation, stabilization, etc.). We develop synthetic methodologies based on radical chemistry for obtaining complex macromolecular architectures. Also, we synthesize polymeric materials with specific properties finding applications in various fields (such as environment, energy or health) and precisely characterize them.

Superplasticizers are chemical admixtures used to fluidize cement pastes (Figure 1). Among them, polycarboxylate polyethers (PCEs) are comb-like copolymers with carboxylic acid and poly(ethylene glycol) side chains.¹ They are mostly produced by radical polymerization. The structure of superplasticizers is the main parameter to get specific performances.

The free radical copolymerization in that case leads to a large distribution of composition and of molecular weight. A better understanding of the chemical structure is mandatory to improve the overall performance of the PCE. Hence Improving and finding new analysis methods are key to know how to create specific PCEs structures and increase the active matter.

The main objective of this project is to study and develop new analytic methods on the synthesised polymers by playing on different types of chromatography. The work will consist on an evaluation of the different chromatographic methods on several PCE and evidence how their complementarity could increase the understanding of the microstructure.

Knowledge of polymer chemistry
Knowledge of characterization techniques (HPLC)
Rigor, motivation, dynamism, curiosity
Good written and oral communication skills