Located in Limoges, the
IRCER research laboratory is a mixed unit (UMR 7315) under the dual supervision of the
CNRS and the University of Limoges.
It is attached to the Institute of Chemistry (INC) and all the work carried out aims at understanding and mastering the production processes applied to ceramics and surface treatments in order to produce objects with the desired properties.
The company
ELKEM () is a supplier of raw materials and mineral additives, among other things, for manufacturers of refractory products around the world.
As this thesis is part of the European doctoral network REFFACTEUR, the 36-month period will be divided as follows: - Months 1 to 9 (9 months): the PhD student will first be based mainly at the
ELKEM company located in Kristiansand, Norway;
- Months 10 to 27 (18 months): the PhD student will then be based in Limoges at the
IRCER laboratory (Institut de Recherche sur les Céramiques, UMR CNRS 7315);
- Months 28 to 36 (9 months): the PhD student will finally be based again at
ELKEM located in Kristiansand, Norway.
Objectives:this thesis aims to develop a new generation of cement-free binder systems for refractory concretes by establishing links between the physico-chemical characteristics of the binder, the production process of refractory concretes, their microstructural evolution and their performance in service.
The project will study three families of complementary formulations already identified as part of the European
REFFRACTEUR project: binders based on micro-silica gels, mixed systems based on magnesiasilica and formulations containing magnesia combined with hydratable and/or spherical alumina.
The objective is not only to replace the conventional binders used in industry (calcium aluminate cement CAC) but to understand how alternative concepts can be developed to reduce the environmental footprint of concretes while preserving, or even by improving their behavior during implementation and their reliability at high temperatures.
( see PhD 06).
Results:in partnership with ELKEM, the results obtained during this thesis should allow to establish a series of concepts of cement-free binders optimized for refractory concretes as well as a much deeper scientific understanding of why these formulations work well.
Rather than proposing a single empirically optimized formulation, the project should define robust formulation windows for the main families of binders under study and clarify the trade-offs between fluidity, setting behavior, raw resistance, the drying behavior, high-temperature stability, corrosion resistance and recyclability.
Skills/profile sought: Master 2 or equivalent (Bac+5) in materials science, ceramic engineering, chemical engineering, inorganic chemistry or a closely related discipline.
Candidates should have a strong background in inorganic materials, phase transformations and powder processing is expected, as well as a strong interest in refractory concretes, durable binder systems and microstructure engineering.
Oral and written communication skills (in the English language) are mandatory.