PhD thesis : Synthesis and characterisation of high entropy MAX phases by Self-propagating High temperature Synthesis

The PhD work will be conducted along four distinct axes: 1. Synthesis, by self-propagating reactions, of high-entropy MAX phase nanopowders (and possibly their 2D derivatives). 2. Multi-scale characterization of the resulting powders (electron microscopy, energy- dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and possibly electron energy loss spectroscopy). 3. Densification of the synthesized nanopowders by flash sintering. 4. Investigation of the physicochemical and physical properties of the resulting bulk materials (electronic transport properties (PPMS), oxidation resistance, and mechanical properties (microhardness and/or nanoindentation)). Laboratory of the thesis: Institut Pprime- Département de Physique et Mécanique des Matériaux UPR 3346 CNRS - Université de Poitiers - ENSMA Bd. M. et P. Curie 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9 & Laboratoire de Sciences des Procédés et des Matériaux (LSPM) 99 avenue Jean-Baptiste Clément Bâtiment L2, 2ème étage, bureau 231 93430 Villetaneuse Profile of the candidate: • Engineering school or Master 2 in Material Sciences • Skills in material characterisation • knowledge in powder metallurgy would be appreciated • Good english and skills in communication • facilities to write in French (appreciated) and English (mandatory) Contacts: Sylvain Dubois sylvain.dubois@univ-poitiers.fr Axel Zuber axel.zuber@cnrs.fr Candidature: Thanks to join to your motivation letter: • your CV • your results in Master 1 et 2 or second and third year of engineering school • a reference letter from your internship advisor