For Prospective Students: Graduate Project Areas
The following is a list of PhD Projects that are currently available in the PFPC. The list is far from exhaustive. If you do have a specific interest then please contact the individual supervisor/s listed under each topic to discuss these particular projects and others that may be available.
Ultrasonics
- None available
Emulsion Behaviour
- Coalescence phenomena and liquid-liquid systems
- Dynamic interactions in emulsions and "soft colloids"
Surfactant & Polymer Structure in Solution
- Protein deformation and aggregation in shear
- Luminescent polymers
- Kinetics of powdered milk products
- Interaction forces in complex fluids with application to nanomaterial processing
Minerals - Processing & Materials
Controlled Porous Materials
- Porous metal oxide structures produced using templating techniques
- Scaffolds for tissue engineering
- Nanoporous bioaffinity absorbents
- Remediation of contaminated sites in cold regions (Antarctica)
Nanocrystals
Biological Cell & Polymeric Micelle Adsorption
- Polymeric micelles for targeted drug delivery
- Fluorescence anisotropy for probing macromolecular structure & protein interactions
Atomic Force Microscopy
Ultrasonics
No projects available
Emulsion Behaviour
Project: Coalescence phenomena and liquid-liquid systems
We are seeking a PhD student to conduct a research project in the area of emulsion behaviour and coalescence phenomena. Applicants should have recently completed a degree in chemical engineering or chemistry with honours (H2A or H1).
This project investigates the interfacial forces between oil-water interfaces using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). AFM methods will be used to measure both static and hydrodynamic forces between two deformable interfaces (i.e. oil droplets). The affect of electrolytes, surfactants, (zwitterionic, anionic or cationic) and polymers in aqueous solutions on the interaction between droplets will be the focus of this investigation.
Emulsion systems are of great importance in areas such as: food technology, petroleum science, solvent extraction, chemical manufacturing and cosmetics. Understanding the interfacial forces is crucial in controlling the stability in these colloidal systems.
For more information about the project, please contact Professor Geoff Stevens. To apply, please send a resume including a transcript of your academic results to date and contact details for at least two referees as soon as possible to:
Professor Geoff Stevens
Director, Particulate Fluids Processing Centre
Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
University of Melbourne Vic 3010 AUSTRALIA
For information on other projects available in this area please contact:
G Stevens, M Gee, R Dagastine, F Grieser, D Chan, S Carnie
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Project: Dynamic interactions in emulsions and "soft colloids"
Emulsions of one liquid dispersed in another are prevalent in materials processing in industries as varied as food processing and hydrometallurgy. At the same time “soft colloids” or solid particle with soft bio-films or polymeric coatings are common nanotechnology, advanced materials, and bio-technology applications. In all of these cases controlling and understanding the inter-droplet or inter-particle interactions on the scale of nanometers is crucial to process improvement and new developments. Traditionally, this has been accomplished through a collection of indirect methods to predict their behaviour. This project will study these interactions directly using a novel method employing atomic force microscopy to gain new insights into the interactions in theses systems. This approach will be coupled with complementary indirect methods to discern correlations between several types of molecular structures and the inter-droplet interaction forces in systems with clear industrial relevance.
The successful candidate will be a member of the Particulate Fluids Processing Centre, and will interact with staff and students in the Chemistry, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Applied Mathematics departments.
For more information please contact: Dr Ray Dagastine
Surfactant & Polymer Structure in Solution
Project: Protein deformation and aggregation in shear
A wide range of biochemical processes involve the flow of proteins. Of particular interest is the processing of blood plasma undertaken by CSL Bioplasma. The processing of the blood plasma results in aggregation of the blood proteins. This project will use rheofluorescence methods developed in the group in order to understand the mechanisms by which the aggregation occurs. A number of other protein systems related to human diseases which involve protein aggregation will also be studied. Blood plasma is a valuable source of therapeutic proteins for the biotechnology industry. Commercial scale processes have been developed to separate the proteins from plasma. Current pumping and filtering operations cause instability and aggregation in the products. This research programme will use novel rheofluorescence and microfluidic methods to identify critical flow and solution conditions that induce deleterious protein aggregation. Key understand of the mechanisms by which the aggregation occurs will be developed. A number of protein systems related to human diseases which have been observed to show protein aggregation will also be studied.
The knowledge developed will be used to assess the effects of different unit operations used by CSL Bioplasma in blood processing to improve process efficiency, reduce product loss and improve product quality.
The successful candidate will be a member of the Particulate Fluids Processing Centre, and will interact with staff and students across the Departments of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Mathematics & Statistics and the School of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne.
Applicants should have an honours (H2A or H1) degree in Chemical Engineering or Physical Chemistry. Application should include a Resume, the names and contact details of two referees and a copy of your academic record.
Supervisors: A/Prof Dave Dunstan and Dr Elisabeth Hill
Dept of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
University of Melbourne Victoria 3010 AUSTRALIA
Tel : +61 3 8344 8261
Fax: +61 3 8344 4153
Project: Luminescent polymers
Since the invention of luminescent polymers, considerable effort has been made to produce viable flexible displays using the polymers in thin films. In doing this a number of workers have observed that the flow conditions under which the film is formed effects the luminescent properties of the film dramatically. It is well established that the conformation of the luminescent polymer is directly related to the light emitting properties. We have developed a rheofluorescence cell which is designed to measure the fluorescence properties of materials in flow. The project will measure the polymers in a range of shear conditions and copolymers matrices in order to develop optimal systems and processing conditions for the manufacture of displays from luminescent polymer films. Improved device efficiency and new material properties will result from the project through understanding the ability to control film formation using flow, physical chemistry and synthesis.
The successful candidate will be a member of the Particulate Fluids Processing Centre, and will interact with staff and students across the Departments of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Mathematics & Statistics and the School of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne.
Applicants should have an honours (H2A or H1) degree in Chemical Engineering or Physical Chemistry. Application should include a Resume, the names and contact details of two referees and a copy of your academic record.
Supervisors: Dr Elisabeth Hill and A/Prof Dave Dunstan
Dept of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
University of Melbourne Victoria 3010 AUSTRALIA
Tel : +61 3 8344 8261
Fax: +61 3 8344 4153
Project: Re-hydration kinetics of powdered milk products
To date there exist a limited number of publications relating to the important area of the rehydration of dried milk powders. A number of key issues relating to the solubilisation of dried milk powders will be addressed in this project. Of direct importance is the rate at which the powder rehydrates. Secondly, the extent to which the powders resolubilise upon rehydration has not been determined. Both these key parameters will be studied using light scattering to assess the effect of processing conditions on these properties will be determined. Process optimisation with regard to temperature, time and the presence of ionic species will be examined. This information will be used to develop better powders. Separation of the milk prior to processing will allow for a detailed understanding of the interaction between the components and its effect on rehydration to be determined.
The successful candidate will be a member of the Particulate Fluids Processing Centre, and will interact with staff and students across the Departments of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Mathematics & Statistics and the School of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne.
Applicants should have an honours (H2A or H1) degree in Chemical Engineering or Physical Chemistry. Application should include a Resume, the names and contact details of two referees and a copy of your academic record.
Benefits and condition will be as offered under APA (industry) program (currently including a tax-free stipend of $25,000 pa). Dairy Ingredients Group Australia (DIGA) funded scholarship.
Supervisors: A/Prof Dave Dunstan, Dr Roderick Williams and Prof. Douglas Dalgleish
Dept of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
University of Melbourne Victoria 3010 AUSTRALIA
Tel : +61 3 8344 8261
Fax: +61 3 8344 4153
Project: Controlling interaction in complex fluids with application to nanomaterial processing
Complex fluids are mixtures of polymers, particles and liquids that interact to form structure in the fluid imparting unique properties unlike bulk fluids. The size and interactions between there structures is on the scale of nanometers. Complex fluids are commonly the precursors in producing novel materials used in nanotechnology applications. Understanding and controlling the interactions of these particulate and polymer additives is crucial in advance materials development and processing. One class of polymers called polyelectrolytes, or polymers with individual charges on each monomer unit, exhibit structuring in fluids, which can be exploited to control particle interactions in complex fluids. The goal in this research is to better understand how polyelectrolytes mediate these interactions to illuminate new methods for material development or improve existing nano-material processing approaches. This project will employ a variety of sate of the art in force measurement techniques including optical tweezers and microscopy method called total internal reflection microscopy and atomic force microscopy.
The successful candidate will be a member of the Particulate Fluids Processing Centre, and will interact with staff and students across the Departments of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Mathematics & Statistics and the School of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne.
For more information please contact: Dr Ray Dagastine
Minerals - Processing & Materials
Project: Nanostructural characterisation of advanced geopolymeric materials
The search for an advanced construction material that will both match the durability of ancient concrete and lead to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions by the cement industry has stimulated interest in geopolymer technology in recent times.
Geopolymers are formed by the reaction of industrial waste materials (coal fly ash and/or metallurgical slags) or naturally-occuring reactive aluminosilicate materials with an alkaline solution, generating a product which performs comparably to Portland cement in many ways but with around an 80% reduction in Greenhouse emissions. The role of nanostructure in determining the physical properties of geopolymers is an area of much speculation, and which holds the key to the widespread utilisation of these materials as high-performance and low-cost ceramic matrices.
The basis of the proposed project is the fundamental nanostructural exploration of the relationships between zeolites, traditional cements and geopolymers, with a view towards optimisation of a geopolymer synthesis process. The proposed work forms part of an extensive research effort, and will make use of the new experimental facilities at the Australian Synchrotron and the OPAL Reactor to conduct X-ray and neutron-based characterisation of geopolymers and related materials. The specific nature of a particular PhD project could be designed by taking the background and aptitude of the candidate into account. For example, it is possible to design a project with a more engineering focus, or with more emphasis on inorganic chemistry and mechanisms. International collaboration is also a large part of the work of our research group, and opportunities to spend time working overseas may become avaiable through the course of the project.
The successful candidate will be a member of the Particulate Fluids Processing Centre, and will interact with staff and students across the Departments of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Mathematics & Statistics and the School of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne.
For more information please contact: Dr John Provis
Controlled Porous Materials
Project: Porous metal oxide structures produced using templating techniques
For information on projects currently available in this area please contact Dr Rachel Caruso.
Project: Mastering the microenvironment - Scaffolds for tissue engineering
The Tissue Engineering Group in the Particulate Fluids Processing Centre, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Melbourne is seeking a student to commence a PhD project with us.
The Tissue Engineering Group conducts a range of research projects related to tissue engineering and biomaterials. Our major focus is on development of polymer scaffolds for engineering of soft tissues to replace tissue which is missing or damaged through disease, trauma or genetic abnormalities. Synthetic biodegradable polymers are formed into 3D constructs with the appropriate tailored morphology and surface chemistry to encourage growth of healthy tissue of the target type. This project will study ways to tailor the surfaces of the scaffolds for improved tissue response. It forms part of our major collaborative effort with the Bernard O’Brien Institute of Microsurgery in Melbourne and the Tissue Engineering and Microfluidics Group at the University of Queensland . This collaboration brings together engineers, surgeons, cell biologists and mathematicians and includes both in vitro and in vivo studies of the developed biomaterial constructs.
Applicants should have an honours (H2A or H1) degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline. Experience in the biological sciences would be an advantage. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team are also vital.
For more information or a casual discussion about the project, please contact Dr Andrea O’Connor.
If you are interested, send a resume including a transcript of your academic results and contact details for at least two referees to:
Dr Andrea O’Connor
Dept of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
University of Melbourne Victoria 3010 AUSTRALIA
Project: Development of nanoporous materials for bioseparations
We are seeking a PhD student to commence a project on the development of nanoporous materials for bioseparations. Applicants should have recently completed a degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry with honours (H2A or H1).
The successful applicant would join a team of researchers in the Particulate Fluids Processing Centre across the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and the School of Chemistry, at the University of Melbourne. This research is developing new high performance adsorbents for bioprocess engineering based on templated nanoporous silica materials. It will lead to significant advances in advanced materials and adsorbent technology, downstream processing for the biotechnology industries, and understanding of highly specific affinity interactions used for difficult bioseparations. It will have important benefits for processes involving protein purification, such as bioplasma processing, as well as flow on effects to other applications of adsorbent technology such as food processing and water treatment. The new adsorbents will lead to reductions in the costs, energy usage and waste generation of Australian industries.
For more information or a casual discussion about the project, please contact Dr Andrea O’Connor. To apply, please send a resume including a transcript of your academic results to date and contact details for at least two referees as soon as possible to:
Dr Andrea O’Connor
Dept of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
University of Melbourne Vic 3010 AUSTRALIA
Remediation of contaminated sites in cold regions (Antarctica)
We are seeking up to two PhD students in the area of remediation of heavy metals contaminated sites in cold regions. Applicants should have recently completed a degree in chemical engineering or chemistry with honours (H2A or H1).
The successful applicant/s would join a team of researchers in the Particulate Fluids Processing Centre in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Melbourne. There will also be significant co-operation with researchers at the Australian Antarctic Division as well as commercial industry partners. There are two complimentary areas of research which will be studied. The first research topic is the use of zeolites for nutrient release and removal of heavy metals from ground water. This research is divided into two areas;
1. Develop zeolite media for use in permeable reactive barriers for metal adsorption and long-term remediation in seasonally frozen ground.
2. Develop a controlled release system for nutrient (particularly nitrogen) enhancement using zeolites for the revegetation of contaminated sites.
The second research topic is the development of chemical stabilisation techniques for the in-situ immobilisation of metals at contaminated sites. These research projects will have important benefits for the effective remediation of contaminated sites in cold regions such as the Arctic, sub-Antarctic islands and Antarctica . It is envisaged there will be a field component of the research either in Canada , at Casey station in Antarctica or sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island.
For more information about the project, please contact Professor Geoff Stevens. To apply, please send a resume including a transcript of your academic results to date and contact details for at least two referees as soon as possible to:
Professor Geoff Stevens
Director, Particulate Fluids Processing Centre
Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
University of Melbourne Vic 3010 AUSTRALIA
Nanomaterials
Project: Single quantum dot spectroscopy
For details on this project please contact A/Professor Paul Mulvaney.
Project: Diffusion studies of nanocrystals
For details on this project please contact A/Professor Paul Mulvaney.
Biological Cell & Polymeric Micelle Adsorption
Project: Polymeric micelles for targeted drug delivery
For details on this project please contact A/Professor Michelle Gee.
Project: Fluorescence anisotropy for probing macromolecular structure & protein interactions
For details on this project please contact A/Professor Michelle Gee.
Atomic Force Microscopy
Project: Dynamic AFM force measurements
For details on this project please contact A/Professor Paul Mulvaney or Professor Franz Grieser.
Project: Theoretical foundations of micromechanical sensors and applications
For details on this project please contact A/Professor Paul Mulvaney.