Three-year funded PhD studentship available in the School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Materials and Chemical Engineering

Over the last two decades, the nanotechnology has undergone a fascinating resurgence of interest and enthusiasm with an increasing emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of the field, which may include different research areas such as biology, medicine, catalysis, energy, etc. One of the most important and difficult tasks for researchers and engineers in the field of nanotechnology is to produce nanoparticulate materials with perfectly tailored end-use properties. This means a perfect control of the physical, chemical, and morphological characteristics such as particle size distribution (PSD), particles morphology, glass transition temperature (Tg), and in the particular case of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs): molecular weight distribution (MWD) and polymer microstructure.

The PhD project is aimed at producing monodisperse nanoparticles using different techniques and operating strategies. Potential techniques include but not limited to microemulsion and membrane assisted processes recently developed within our research group. The main objective is to optimize the operating conditions to produce monodisperse nanoparticles with targeted end-use properties. The project will investigate several applications, particularly drug delivery (nanodelivery) and environmental remediation. Besides the experimental investigation, which represents the main part of the project, the later offers the opportunity to explore, lea
and implement mathematical modelling and optimisation technics that could potentially be used to predict and select the optimal operating conditions.

As a research student you will become involved in leading edge research, and provided with research skills training and support from inte
ationally recognised academics. This fully funded PhD studentship will be supervised by Dr. Brahim Benyahia and Dr. Goran Vladisavljevi?.

Applications are now invited from exceptionally well qualified students who want to embark on a full-time research degree programme commencing in Spring Term 2014. Due to funding restrictions, this studentship is only open to students who are eligible to pay home fees. Each studentship is valued at £13,726 plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. Non UK applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements, details available here: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/inte
ational/englang/index.htm

For an informal discussion please contact Dr B. Benyahia, Department of Chemical Engineering, Email: B.Benyahia@lboro.ac.uk, Tel: 01509 222530

Deadline for applications 30 April 2014