This project is no longer listed in the FindAPhD database
and may not be available.
Commercial washing powders are often formulated to contain enzymes. Dr Patterson’s group have recently immobilised lipases onto fabrics under laboratory conditions. In an extension to this work, we propose to use the washing machine as a reactor, and treat fabrics on first use using a formulation containing the lipases, thereby improving the fabric’s subsequent cleanability over a large number of wash / wear cycles.
In previous work in our laboratory sponsored by P&G and the EPSRC, we have constructed apparatus to examine the mechanisms occurring when fabrics covered in oils and other foulants are bent, stretched, twisted and had water and cleaning agents passed through them. We have also visualised the process using a state of the art microscope and image capture system. This new project will build on our previous work using excellent facilities, which are readily available. This project offers the exiting possibility of helping reduce the environmental impact of an everyday process, potentially affecting the lives of hundreds of millions of people.
The project is offered by the University of Bath, within the Department of Chemical Engineering. The lead supervisor, Dr Darrell Patterson (www.bath.ac.uk/chem-eng/people/patterson/index.html) is a Senior Lecturer in Biochemical Engineering. Please feel free to email Dr Patterson (D.Patterson@bath.ac.uk) for additional information prior to making an application. The co-supervisor of the project is Dr Mike Bird (www.bath.ac.uk/chem-eng/people/bird/index.html)).
The studentship will start in April 2012; please apply as soon as possible.
Funding Notes:
Funding Notes
This will cover the University tuition fees for up to three years with a stipend of £13,600 (tax free) in the first year with an increase in years 2 and 3 for students. This is available for students with British citizenship, UK Settled status, or who are ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK for three years prior to the start of the grant. Only University tuition fees can be covered for EU citizens. Candidates should be expecting, or already holding, a first class or upper second class degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science or Physics.