UPNYL : from nylon waste to innovative materials

Full description

Polyamides, in particular nylon 6 and nylon 6/6, are widely used as fibers or engineering plastics in various application sectors (textile, automotive, construction, etc.). Despite the development of reuse methods to extend the lifespan of products, the intensive use of these polyamides inevitably leads to an accumulation of waste. At present, most of this waste is either landfilled or incinerated. Both landfill and incineration are not long-term sustainable solutions, leading to a waste of materials, an economic loss and numerous pollutants. The development of more environmentally-friendly mechanical and/or chemical recycling processes is absolutely essential.
Unlike the few current recycling processes for these plastics, the innovative UPNYL process developed in the laboratory (LCMCE at CEA) chemically transforms polyamides into new high value-added materials. This method opens access to innovative compounds while tackling the polyamide waste management issue.

This internship project aims to optimize the UPNYL chemical upcycling process to evaluate the performance of new polymers derived from waste nylons and scale up this technology. The results of this internship will be crucial for the successful transfer of this technology, providing a clear indication of the future start-up’s positioning.

During the internship, you will develop your skills in catalysis, organic and organometallic synthesis, and polymer chemistry. You will work in an inert atmosphere using vacuum lines and glove boxes, as well as analyzing chemical compounds using NMR, GC-MS, IR, GPC, HPLC and elemental analysis.

Location

CEA Saclay, (91) Essonne, France

Internship conditions

• Internship duration: 6 months
• Level of study: Bac+5
• Training: Master 2
• Continuation in PhD thesis: No
• Application deadline: 2 février 2026

Useful methods and technics:
Catalysis, organic and organometallic synthesis
Working in an inert atmosphere using vacuum lines and glove boxes and analysis of chemical compounds using NMR, GC-MS, IR, GPC, HPLC and elemental analysis.

Supervisor

Marie Kobylarski
Phone: +33 1 69 08 87 89
Email :

Head of the laboratory NIMBE / LCMCE

Phone: