P42 – Guiding RAFT Polymerisation with Molecular Simulations to Control Hydrophobic Mineral Surfaces
PhD Scholarship
Supervisor Associate Professor Alister Page & Laurate Professor Kevin Galvin - The ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals is seeking creative and innovative PhD applicants to join our national collaborative Centre, to develop transformational technologies to reduce energy and water consumption and increase metals recovery. This project aims to enhance mineral separation by controlling the hydrophobicity of mineral surfaces withnew RAFT polymers.
The Centre’s inclusive and equitable culture is supported by specific equity and diversity initiatives, which will support all members to achieve their career goals.
The industry needs to develop more efficient separation technologies in order to increase the product grade, and in turn reduce downstream energy consumption. One aspect of achieving this aim is tuning the hydrophobicity of mineral particles via grafting polymers to the particle surface. This project will develop and investigate the structure and properties of new RAFT polymers and biopolymers in free solution and at mineral surface interfaces, using molecular dynamics and quantum chemistry simulations. Simulation results will inform the synthetic development of new RAFT polymers and their experimental investigation for improved mineral separation processes, in collaboration with Prof. San Thang (Monash U.) and Prof. William Skinner (Uni SA).
For more information on our Centre please visit www.coeminerals.org.au
PhD Scholarship details
Funding: $33,092 per annum (2020 rate). For a PhD candidate, the living allowance scholarship is for 3.5 years and the tuition fee scholarship is for four years. Scholarships also include up to $1,500 relocation allowance and Overseas Student Health Cover at single rate, for an international candidate.
Supervisor: Associate Professor Alister Page
Available to: Domestic and International students
PhD
Eligibility Criteria
The applicant will need to meet the minimum eligibility criteria for admission.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should send an email expressing their interest along with scanned copies of their academic transcripts, CV, a brief statement of their research interests and a proposal that specifically links them to the research project.
Applications Close 31 December 2020 Apply Now
| Contact | Associate Professor Alister Page |
|---|---|
| Phone | +61 2 4033 9357 |
| Alister.Page@newcastle.edu.au |
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