Staff Profile
Career Summary
Biography
Although only a junior academic, I have made significant contributions to the fields of polymeric surface coatings and atomic force microscope (AFM) colloid probe force measurements, as evidenced by my solid record of publishing in international journals of high impact factor. I pioneered the use of AFM to image in-situ the development of films of polymer micelles adsorbed from aqueous solution onto solid substrates. I was the lead author of the first report to observe in-situ morphological changes in an adsorbed film of copolymer micelles in response to a change in aqueous solution pH. A subsequent article, again as lead author, was the first-ever report of reversible stimulus-responsive behaviour of micellar thin-films where the behaviour was in reaction to a simple aqueous solution based trigger. The novelty of this work in the context of coatings for controlled surface interactions cannot be underestimated. My research methodolgy for understanding the properties of polymer adsorption is the combined application of a number of specialised scientific methods, such as atomic force microscopy, quartz crystal microbalance, electrophoretic mobility, contact angle and surface tension, and dynamic and static light scattering. This holistic approach has extracted significant new knowledge on the fundamental processes of polymer adsorption, and has enabled rigourous investigation of the link between microscopic changes in the morphology of polymer films and macroscopic properties such as wettability.
I have recently started investigating ionic liquids. Ionic liquids are composed entirely of ions, and yet are liquid at room temperature, offering intriguing properties such as a wide solubility window and a high degree of molecular ordering when confined at a solid interface. Along with Dr Rob Atkin, for the Chemistry department at the University of Newcastle, we are investigating the properties of colloidal dispersions is ionic liquids, and probing important frictional and hydrodynamic forces.
Previous work at the University of Melbourne focused on the use of atomic force microscopy to measure the interactions between deformable interfaces. Here I overcame the extreme technical difficulties of using an oil drop as a colloid probe, demonstrating my skills as an experimentalist. I am skilled in atomic force microscopy, both imaging and colloidal probe force measurements, quartz crystal microbalance, dynamic light scattering, and electrophoretic mobility and rheological measurements.
My current H-Index is 8, I have over 230 citations, and I have three articles with 40 or more citations (ISI Web of Science, February 2010). Below is a shortlist of some of my most important publications:
1. Webber, Grant B., Wanless, Erica J., Armes, Steven P., Baines, Fiona L., Biggs, Simon, Adsorption of Amphiphilic Diblock Copolymer Micelles at the Mica/Solution Interface. Langmuir, 17, 5551-5561 (2001)
2. Webber, Grant B., Wanless, Erica J., Bütün, Vural, Armes, Steven P., Biggs, Simon, Self-Organized Monolayer Films of Stimulus-Responsive Micelles. Nano Letters, 2, 1307-1313 (2002)
3. Webber, Grant B., Wanless, Erica J., Armes, Steven P., Tang, Yiqing, Li, Yuting, Biggs, Simon, Nano-anemones: Stimulus-responsive copolymer-micelle surfaces. Advanced Materials, 16, 1794-1798 (2004)
4. Webber, Grant B., Manica, Rogerio, Edwards, Scott A., Carnie, Steven L., Stevens, Geoffrey W., Grieser, Franz, Dagastine, Raymond R., Chan, Derek Y. C., Dynamic Forces between a Moving Particle and a Deformable Drop. Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 112, 567-574 (2008)
5. Smith, Jacob A., Werzer, Oliver, Webber, Grant B., Warr, Gregory G. and Atkin, Rob, Surprising particle stability and rapid sedimentation rates in an ionic liquid. Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, 1, 64-68 (2010)
Qualifications
- PhD, University of Newcastle, 03/09/2004
- Bachelor of Science (Honours), University of Newcastle, 09/12/1998
- Bachelor of Mathematics, University of Newcastle, 01/05/1998
- Bachelor of Science, University of Newcastle, 01/05/1998
Research
Research keywords
- Atomic Force Microscope
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Colloid
- Functional
- Interface
- Particle
- Surface
Research expertise
My research uses engineered surfaces and interfaces to control material properties. By combining the disciplines of chemical engineering and physical chemistry my research aims to solve real-world problems through the application of fundamental science. I have an extensive track record in the production and characterisation of stimulus-responsive polymer thin-film coatings. These coatings change their structure at a molecular level in response to external stimuli such as solution pH, temperature or salt concentration. The nanoscale switches in morphology impact macroscale behaviour, such as contact angle and wettability. Recent research has investigated the production of stimulus-responsive polymer coatings via a process known as surface initiated polymerisation. This process is water-based, has low energy requirements, and offers enhanced control of the three-dimensional structure of the coating. In this way we are able to better engineer a surface or interface to meet a specific end-use application, such as a temperature dependent rheology modifier. Another are of research is examining the effect of mixed stabilisers on the stability and rheology of emulsions, in particular highly-concentrated emulsions. Here, a combination of surfactant and particles are used to stabilise the oil-water interface. We are using dynamic and equilibrium surface tension measurements to characterise structure of the interface and relating this to emulsion stability during shear. I have recently started working in an exciting emerging field; ionic liquids. Ionic liquids have quite unusual physical and chemical properties, and are seen by many as ideal designer solvents for a range of industrial applications. My research is investigating the properties of dispersions of microscale solid particles in ionic liquids; a proposed application of ionic liquids is as solvents for catalytic reactions. We have discovered some unusual behaviour, such as high stability in conjunction with rapid settling, and are using a combination of friction, hydrodynamic and rheological measurements to further understand these remarkable class of materials.
My research spans a wide range of length scales, from the nano- to micro- and up to the macroscale. As such I use an array of instruments and techniques in the course of my research:
- atomic force microscopy for imaging, including soft-contact imaging in fluids, and force work
- quartz crystal microbalance and optical reflectometry techniques to quantify adsorption of material at solid interfaces
- dynamic and static light scattering for measuring particle sizes
- electrophoretic techniques to measure particle surface charge (zeta potential)
- surface and interfacial tension
- contact angle
- rheology
Languages
- English
Fields of Research
| Code | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 030603 | Colloid And Surface Chemistry | 50 |
| 091400 | Resources Engineering And Extractive Metallurgy | 40 |
| 090406 | Powder And Particle Technology | 10 |
Collaboration
My research uses engineered surfaces and interfaces to control material properties. By combining the disciplines of chemical engineering and physical chemistry my research aims to solve real-world problems through the application of fundamental science. I have an extensive track record in the production and characterisation of stimulus-responsive polymer thin-film coatings. These coatings change their structure at a molecular level in response to external stimuli such as solution pH, temperature or salt concentration. The nanoscale switches in morphology impact macroscale behaviour, such as contact angle and wettability. Recent research has investigated the production of stimulus-responsive polymer coatings via a process known as surface initiated polymerisation. This process is water-based, has low energy requirements, and offers enhanced control of the three-dimensional structure of the coating. In this way we are able to better engineer a surface or interface to meet a specific end-use application, such as a temperature dependent rheology modifier. Another are of research is examining the effect of mixed stabilisers on the stability and rheology of emulsions, in particular highly-concentrated emulsions. Here, a combination of surfactant and particles are used to stabilise the oil-water interface. We are using dynamic and equilibrium surface tension measurements to characterise structure of the interface and relating this to emulsion stability during shear. I have recently started working in an exciting emerging field; ionic liquids. Ionic liquids have quite unusual physical and chemical properties, and are seen by many as ideal designer solvents for a range of industrial applications. My research is investigating the properties of dispersions of microscale solid particles in ionic liquids; a proposed application of ionic liquids is as solvents for catalytic reactions. We have discovered some unusual behaviour, such as high stability in conjunction with rapid settling, and are using a combination of friction, hydrodynamic and rheological measurements to further understand these remarkable class of materials.
My research spans a wide range of length scales, from the nano- to micro- and up to the macroscale. As such I use an array of instruments and techniques in the course of my research:
- atomic force microscopy for imaging, including soft-contact imaging in fluids, and force work
- quartz crystal microbalance and optical reflectometry techniques to quantify adsorption of material at solid interfaces
- dynamic and static light scattering for measuring particle sizes
- electrophoretic techniques to measure particle surface charge (zeta potential)
- surface and interfacial tension
- contact angle
- rheology
Administrative
Administrative expertise
Since starting at the University of Newcastle in late 2007 I have been a member of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FEBE) Marketing Committee. I see this role as an important component of my job as a Chemical Engineering academic, as I believe there is great scope for increasing the profile of chemical engineering in the wider community. I am particularly dedicated to educating secondary students of the role of chemical engineers in todays society. To this I organise regular visits of my academic colleagues to high schools, as well as attending larger events, such as Careers Days, where I am able to reach a broader range of potential students.
I have recently become a member of the FEBE Research Committee, which meets regularly to discuss issues that impact on research-active members of the Faculty.
Teaching
Teaching keywords
- Chemical Engineering
- Laboratory
- Particle Processing
Teaching expertise
I am course coordinator and sole lecturer for the 2nd year chemical engineering course Particle Processing. This course covers are range of topic related to particle and mineral processing, from small scale inter-particle interactions to industrial scale unit operations. I introduce students to the fundamental processes that control the interactions between two particles, such as the Deryagin-Landau and Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory that quantifies the effect of surface charge and van der Waals forces. We also examine the effect of surfactant and polymer adsorption at surfaces and interfaces, and discuss the stability and application of emulsions. The course also details unit operations important to particle processing, such as crushing and grinding, pneumatic conveying, storage hopper design, and fluidised beds.
I am also strongly committed to ensuring that our chemical engineering students have adequate laboratory and practical skills, coupled with the ability to prepare coherent technical reports. To this I am course coordinator of the 2nd year laboratory course. This course uses bench-scale equipment to give the student practical demonstrations of theories they have learnt in lecture courses. These experiments include a forced air cooling tower, fluidised bed, and concentric tube heat exchanger. In this course the students are also expected to prepare technical reports, from which extensive feedback is provided so that the students are able to improve their skills in this often underrated component of engineering.
Grants and Funding
Summary
| Number of grants | 12 |
|---|---|
| Total funding | $1,277,861 |
For project grants received where the lead institution is other than the University of Newcastle, details are shown in italics.
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
2013 (2 grants)
Functional mesostructured materials in ionic liquids$180,000
Funding Body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Gregory Warr, Associate Professor Rob Atkin, Doctor Grant Webber | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Discovery Projects | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $180,000 | 2013 | 2015 |
| GNo:G1300041 | ||
Nano-Optical Microscopy, Characterization and Fabrication Facility$155,000
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Andrew Fleming, Doctor John Holdsworth, Doctor Grant Webber, Professor Erich Kisi, Professor Dirk Van Helden | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Equipment Grant | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $155,000 | 2013 | 2013 |
| GNo:G1200167 | ||
2012 (1 grants)
International Association of Colloid and Interface Scientists (IACIS) Conference, Sendai, Japan, 13 - 18 May 2012$1,200
Funding Body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Grant Webber | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Travel Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $1,200 | 2012 | 2013 |
| GNo:G1200614 | ||
2011 (6 grants)
Next-generation polymer films for control of material interactions$300,000
Funding Body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Erica Wanless, Doctor Grant Webber, Dr Steve Edmondson | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Discovery Projects | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $300,000 | 2011 | 2013 |
| GNo:G1000042 | ||
Interfacial Mapping Facility$180,000
Funding Body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Paul Dastoor, Laureate Professor Graeme Jameson, Professor Erica Wanless, Doctor Grant Webber, Associate Professor Rob Atkin, Professor Ewa Goldys, Professor Deborah Kane, Dr James Downes, Dr Gregory Wilson, Doctor Chris Fell | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Linkage Infrastructure Equipment & Facilities (LIEF) | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $180,000 | 2011 | 2011 |
| GNo:G1000635 | ||
Interfacial Mapping Facility$90,000
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Paul Dastoor, Professor Erica Wanless, Doctor Grant Webber | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Equipment Grant | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $90,000 | 2011 | 2011 |
| GNo:G1000466 | ||
Interfacial Mapping Facility$40,000
Funding Body: CSIRO - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Paul Dastoor, Laureate Professor Graeme Jameson, Professor Erica Wanless, Doctor Grant Webber, Associate Professor Rob Atkin, Professor Ewa Goldys, Professor Deborah Kane, Dr James Downes, Dr Gregory Wilson, Doctor Chris Fell | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Linkage Infrastructure Equipment & Facilities (LIEF) Partner funding | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $40,000 | 2011 | 2011 |
| GNo:G1100411 | ||
Interfacial Mapping Facility$30,000
Funding Body: Macquarie University
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Paul Dastoor, Laureate Professor Graeme Jameson, Professor Erica Wanless, Doctor Grant Webber, Associate Professor Rob Atkin, Professor Ewa Goldys, Professor Deborah Kane, Dr James Downes, Dr Gregory Wilson, Doctor Chris Fell | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Linkage Infrastructure Equipment & Facilities (LIEF) Partner funding | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $30,000 | 2011 | 2011 |
| GNo:G1100872 | ||
UK Colloids, Canary Wharf, London UK, 4 - 6 July 2011$800
Funding Body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Grant Webber | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Travel Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $800 | 2011 | 2012 |
| GNo:G1100777 | ||
2010 (3 grants)
A Step Change in Fine Particle Beneficiation - Inverse Flotation$136,400
Funding Body: Australian Coal Research Limited
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Kevin Galvin, Doctor Grant Webber, Professor John Ralston, Dr Catherine Whitby | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $136,400 | 2010 | 2011 |
| GNo:G1000115 | ||
Soft matter and responsive materials characterisation facility$135,535
Funding Body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dr Raymond Dagastine, Laureate Professor Graeme Jameson, Doctor Grant Webber, Associate Professor Rob Atkin, Professor Erica Wanless | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Linkage Infrastructure Equipment & Facilities (LIEF) | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $135,535 | 2010 | 2010 |
| GNo:G1000397 | ||
A new combined Atomic Force Microscopy and computer-simulation approach for improved modelling of particulate solids behaviour
$28,926
Funding Body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Roberto Moreno-Atanasio, Doctor Grant Webber | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Pilot Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $28,926 | 2010 | 2010 |
| GNo:G0900065 | ||
Research Supervision
| Number of current supervisions | 4 |
|---|---|
| Total current UoN PhD EFTSL | 1.8 |
For supervisions undertaken at an institution other that the University of Newcastle, details are shown in italics, and the institution name is listed below the program name.
Current Supervision
| Commenced | Proposed Completion | Program | Supervisor Type | Research Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 2017 | PhD (Chemistry) | Co-Supervisor | Next-Generation Polymer Films for Control of Material Interactions |
| 2012 | 2015 | PhD (Chemical Engineering) | Principal Supervisor | The Impact of Surface-Induced Molecular Ordering on the Friction and Fluid Dynamics in Ionic Liquid Systems |
| 2012 | 2014 | PhD (Chemical Engineering) | Co-Supervisor | Fine Particle Beneficiation through Inverse Flotation |
| 2010 | 2014 | PhD (Chemistry) | Co-Supervisor | Particle Stability and Settling Rates in Ionic Liquids |
Dr Grant Webber
| Work Phone | (02) 4033 9067 |
|---|---|
| Fax | (02) 4033 9095 |
| Grant.Webber@newcastle.edu.au | |
| Position | Senior Lecturer School of Engineering Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment |
| Focus Area | Chemical Engineering |
| Office | A308, NIER - A Block, Callaghan University Drive Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia |
| URL: | www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/grant-webber |
