P46 – The Adsorption of RAFT Polymer Collectors for Selective Flotation of Specific Minerals
PhD Scholarship
Supervisor: Professor Erica Wanless - 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. In this project the adsorption of novel surface active polymers at aqueous-mineral interfaces will be assessed for their prospects as selective collectors (low molecular weight) or flocculants (high molecular weight). This will enhance value mineral flotation.
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.
Our collaborators at Monash University will synthesise new polymers containing key functional groups via RAFT. Two classes of polymers will be characterised in this project: low molecular weight polymers as novel collectors, and high molecular weight polymers as novel flocculants. Our approach will be to assess the adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherms of these polymers at aqueous-mineral interfaces using key surface chemical techniques such as ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy, light scattering and spectroscopy. In collaboration with partners at the University of Queensland the collectors will be assessed for their selectivity in flotation of target metal value minerals.
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: Professor Erica Wanless
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 | Professor Erica Wanless |
|---|---|
| Phone | +61 2 4033 9355 |
| Erica.Wanless@newcastle.edu.au |
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