An in-built depolymerisation solution for polyethylene waste. This project aims to design enzymes that can be embedded into polyethylene, and later activated by the elevated temperatures of a compost heap, to depolymerise the plastic to small molecules. There are no good options available for the controlled decomposition of polyethylene waste at present, and instead researchers have focussed on solutions that rely on modifications to the underlying chemistry of the backbone and or collection to ....An in-built depolymerisation solution for polyethylene waste. This project aims to design enzymes that can be embedded into polyethylene, and later activated by the elevated temperatures of a compost heap, to depolymerise the plastic to small molecules. There are no good options available for the controlled decomposition of polyethylene waste at present, and instead researchers have focussed on solutions that rely on modifications to the underlying chemistry of the backbone and or collection to a central facility. Our approach would result in an in-built decomposition that does not require collection and recycling in a central facility. Since it is based on a depolymerisation mechanism it does not result in the production of harmful, partially disintegrated microplastics.Read moreRead less
Gas-enriched slippery surfaces. This project will exploit novel experimental and simulations approaches to investigate gas enrichment at liquid-liquid interfaces, and its effect on interfacial slip. The outcomes of the project will be a deeper understanding of oil-water interfaces capturing the presence of interfacial gas layers, slippery surfaces with superior drag reducing and fouling reducing properties, and control over nanobubble formation under flow. The new surfaces will have potential ap ....Gas-enriched slippery surfaces. This project will exploit novel experimental and simulations approaches to investigate gas enrichment at liquid-liquid interfaces, and its effect on interfacial slip. The outcomes of the project will be a deeper understanding of oil-water interfaces capturing the presence of interfacial gas layers, slippery surfaces with superior drag reducing and fouling reducing properties, and control over nanobubble formation under flow. The new surfaces will have potential application in improving the energy efficiency of microfluidic and multiphase flow. Benefits are expected in terms of reduced emissions, fuel cost and pollution related to transport of goods by sea, and extraction of oil from rocks.Read moreRead less
Deciphering ion specificity in complex electrolytes . This project aims to understand how ions influence the behaviour and properties of complex electrolytes (solutions containing either multiple ions, solvent mixtures, high electrolyte concentrations or a variety of interfaces, solutes or polymers). Complex electrolytes are ubiquitous in colloidal and particle technologies and underpin industrial and natural processes. Our team will combine experiment, simulation and theory to deliver a univers ....Deciphering ion specificity in complex electrolytes . This project aims to understand how ions influence the behaviour and properties of complex electrolytes (solutions containing either multiple ions, solvent mixtures, high electrolyte concentrations or a variety of interfaces, solutes or polymers). Complex electrolytes are ubiquitous in colloidal and particle technologies and underpin industrial and natural processes. Our team will combine experiment, simulation and theory to deliver a universal framework for understanding and predicting specific ion effects in complex electrolytes. The project outcomes are expected to deliver new understanding for researchers, robust rules of thumb for technologists and a public resource for data-driven solutions in applications utilising salt solutions. Read moreRead less
Engineering Hybrid Materials with Functional Bioactivity in the GI Tract. This project aims to use an advanced particle engineering approach to develop novel biomaterials with multifunctional activities in the gastrointestinal tract. The project expects to generate new fundamental knowledge of the key interfacial processes that control digestion and identify new pathways for modulating gut microbiome composition. By establishing structure-activity relationships through mechanistic in vitro and i ....Engineering Hybrid Materials with Functional Bioactivity in the GI Tract. This project aims to use an advanced particle engineering approach to develop novel biomaterials with multifunctional activities in the gastrointestinal tract. The project expects to generate new fundamental knowledge of the key interfacial processes that control digestion and identify new pathways for modulating gut microbiome composition. By establishing structure-activity relationships through mechanistic in vitro and in vivo models, the knowledge gain will help guide material design for optimised bioactivity. Technology transfer of the lead formulation through quality by design manufacturing practice is anticipated to position the industry partner for future commercial opportunities within the nutraceutical sector.Read moreRead less
Safe Emulsion Explosives for High Temperature Deep Level Mining. This project aims to develop a new class of emulsion explosives, which are not susceptible to hot and reactive rock conditions in very deep-level ore mines. These emulsions will contain a tuneable polymer network to prevent collapsing of the emulsion columns in hot upholes in high temperature mines, along with additives to eliminate the exothermic reaction with the rocks. If not prevented the reaction can cause premature detonation ....Safe Emulsion Explosives for High Temperature Deep Level Mining. This project aims to develop a new class of emulsion explosives, which are not susceptible to hot and reactive rock conditions in very deep-level ore mines. These emulsions will contain a tuneable polymer network to prevent collapsing of the emulsion columns in hot upholes in high temperature mines, along with additives to eliminate the exothermic reaction with the rocks. If not prevented the reaction can cause premature detonation or deflagration of the emulsion causing fatal injuries and generation of toxic NOx gases. Increase in economically and safely extractable deep-level ore volume that generates greater export earnings and more jobs are expected project outcomes, as is reduced atmospheric pollution.Read moreRead less