Génie des Produits

Process Engineering for Products and Materials

This area develops the concepts and methodologies needed to design and develop processes for the production of multi-structured products/materials with specific properties/functions. Its scientific approach is characterized by :

an integrated, multi-scale approach from elementary processes to end-use properties and functions via process control;
transdisciplinarity (rheology, computational fluid mechanics, materials science, chemistry and physical chemistry);
development of advanced process characterization methods and tools: systemic rheology, on-line metrology, modeling and simulation;

The main scientific challenges of the axis lie in :

development of models for predicting usage properties based on initial compositions;
understanding and controlling the coupling of transfer phenomena at different process scales;
multi-scale structuring of non-equilibrium, rheologically complex and evolving multi-constituent media;
analysis and (local) control of processes and products, and transposition of batch processes to continuous processes;
multi-criteria optimization of processes and products, integrating process resource efficiency;

To meet these challenges, the axis has structured its research activities around the following three themes, which share a common scientific approach:

Theme 1: Elaboration and recycling of polymeric materials
Theme 2: Chemical Engineering of Rheologically Complex Media
Theme 3: Elaboration and Forming of Divided Materials

Process engineering for the production and recycling of polymeric materials

The aim of this theme is to develop knowledge, concepts, theories, methods and tools for processes to produce new polymer-based materials and products with high added value and controlled usage properties. For many years, our activities have focused on reactive extrusion and polymerization processes. These activities have continued over the last five years, but with one major change: the processes and materials we develop now take into account issues relating to renewable resources, secondary raw materials and the environment. We are also looking into additive manufacturing processes (3D printing) and the development of new polymer materials for transport and energy.

Elaboration and shaping of divided materials

The activities of this theme concern the elaboration of solid particles and their shaping in order to obtain controlled functions of use. The topics covered are related to product engineering, with the aim of proposing the best strategy for obtaining one or more properties for solid products, through the choice of synthesis conditions, process control or formulation modifications. Researching the link between physical or chemical characteristics and properties of use is also part of the approach, which can be experimental or theoretical.

Chemical Engineering of Rheologically Complex Media

The creation of an industrial chair in this field in 1991 (GEMICO) has enabled us to develop national and international expertise in the "processes-processes-products" triptych. Mastering this triptych necessarily involves establishing relationships between the macroscopic behavior of the materials in question, their microscopic structure and the physico-chemical processes at play, particularly at interfaces, during their elaboration. The industrial sectors concerned are as diverse as cosmetics, building materials, food processing and pharmaceuticals. Such an objective implies the development of structural behavior laws, integrating the generally non-linear and non-equilibrium character of rheologically complex, polyphasic, evolving and reactive media via an integrated, necessarily multi-scale and multi-disciplinary approach.