Refka Sfaxi

PhD Student in Polymer Chemistry

Research Topic

Development of bio-based epoxy resins from vanillin-derived precursors (a renewable resource) for electronic and composite applications. Design of materials combining thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and stability for die attach. Synthesis of bio-based monomers and formulation of environmentally friendly resins.

Expertise

  • Polymer chemistry and formulation of bio-based resins
  • Design and characterization of materials for electronic and composite applications
  • Physicochemical analyses: FTIR, NMR, DSC, TGA, HPLC, GPC
  • Formulation of industrial products: detergents, disinfectants, shampoos, liquid soaps
  • Laboratory management and optimization of industrial processes
  • Development of therapeutic vectors and bio-based copolymers

Education

  • PhD candidate in Polymer Chemistry, University of Sherbrooke / Kemitek, Thetford Mines, Canada (2025 – present)
  • Master’s degree in Polymer Chemistry, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança (IPB), Portugal
  • Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering, Université Libre de Tunis, Tunisia
  • Applied Bachelor’s degree in Physicochemical Analysis, Tunisia

Experience

  • PhD candidate in Chemistry, University of Sherbrooke / Kemitek, Thetford Mines, Canada (Sept. 2025 – present): Development of bio-based resins, design of materials for die attach, physicochemical characterization.
  • Site Manager, Kemvet, Tunis, Tunisia (March 2022 – July 2025): Formulation of detergents, disinfectants, animal feed products, shampoos, and liquid soaps; quality control; process optimization.
  • Research Scientist, National Institute for Metrological Research (INRIM), Turin, Italy (Jan. 2021 – Jan. 2022): Development of bio-packaging, characterization and testing of raw materials, formulation of nanoparticles.
  • Research Scientist, Polymer Materials Engineering (IMP), Lyon, France (Oct. 2019 – Oct. 2020): Synthesis of bio-based copolymers, design of therapeutic vectors for siRNA, physico-chemical characterization.

Conferences and Distinctions

  • Participation – 10th Conference on Green Chemistry and Nanotechnologies in Polymeric Materials (IPB)
  • 1st Prize – “Creation of the Chemical and Economic Project”, 2nd Edition of Science in Spain, Valencia, Spain