PhD Process Development for New Formulation Products with Nanoparticles
PhD @Loughborough University posted 1 week agoJob Description
Project details
Products that contain nanoparticles in their formulation are finding increasing applications in a wide range of industries, varying from pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, food to coatings, paints and inks due to their unique properties- greater reactivity, strength and conductivity.
Some examples in current use include high performance coatings, lubricants, transparent sunscreens, packaging with superior barrier properties, reinforced rubber products such as car tyres. In order for nanoparticles to be highly functional, it is essential that a fine and stable dispersion is achieved.
The manufacturing process therefore requires the incorporation of nanoparticle powders into a liquid and subsequently deagglomeration of these particle clusters to achieve a fine dispersion. Often several process devices are used for the different stages and process design relies to a great extent on trial and error prolonging the time to market of newly formulated products. This project aims to address this challenge.
The study will build on previous work of the supervisor and make use of high shear process devices. The objectives will be to establish the effects of particle properties and hydrodynamic conditions on the kinetics of incorporation and deagglomeration.
The knowledge developed will provide guidelines for industrial practice applicable to a wide range of products. You will have the opportunity to make use of a large installation which can process 100- 200 litres, i.e. pilot to manufacturing scale as well as analytical techniques such as particle sizing, rheology, and electron microscopy.
The knowledge and skills developed should enhance your employability in a wide range of industries. It is anticipated that there will be the opportunity to present and discuss findings during international conferences and also network with other researchers in the field.
Selected publications
Utomo, A.; Alderman, N.; Pardon, G.A.; Özcan-Taşkın, N. G. (2023) A Comparative Study on Emulsification in the Presence of a Nanoclay (Pickering emulsion) or a Surfactant Using High-Intensity Mixing. Accepted for publication in Chem Eng Res Des- in press. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2023.07.041
Yu, H.; Tsokataridou, S.; Parsons, K.; Grenville, R.; Kehn, R.; Rielly, C.D.; Özcan-Taşkın, N.G. (2023) Design and Scale-up of a Mixing Process for the Manufacture of a Novel Automotive Coating. 17th European Conference on Mixing · Jul 4, 2023, Porto, Portugal.
Utomo, A, Alderman, NJ, Padron, GA, Ozcan-Taskin, N.G. (2023) Effects of particle concentration and dispersion rheology on the breakup of nanoparticle clusters through ultrasonication, Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 191, pp.301-312, ISSN: 0263-8762. DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2023.01.041.
Krzosa, R, Makowski, Ł, Orciuch, W, Özcan-Taşkın, G, Adamek, R, Wojasiński, M. (2023) Characterization of structures and properties of TiO2 powders, Powder Technology, 421, ISSN: 0032-5910. DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2023.118437.
Padron, G.A., Özcan-Taşkın, N.G. (2018) “Particle De-agglomeration with an In-Line Rotor-Stator Mixer at Different Solids Loadings and Viscosities” Chem Eng Res Des, Volume 132, p: 913-921; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2018.01.041
Kamaly, S.W.; Tarleton, A. C.; Özcan-Taşkın, N. G. (2017) Dispersion of clusters of nanoscale silica particles using batch rotor-stators. Advanced Powder Technology, Vol. 28, Issue 9, p: 2357- 2365 //doi.org/10.1016/j.apt.2017.06.017
Engineering has seen 100% of its research impact rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (REF, 2021)
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Dr N G Ozcan-Taskin
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Applicants should have or are expected to have at least a 2:1 in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2024-25 entry
UK fee
£4,786 Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£27,500 Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2024-25 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2024, January 2025, April 2025 and July 2025.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
The project is self-funded so applicants will be required to cover the cost of tuition fees and their own cost of living. Please see our research degree funding page for ways to fund your research degree.
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under the programme name, select ‘Chemical Engineering’. Please quote the advertised reference number CG-GO-2127 in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.
