Bio-plastic film from cotton wastes

Cotton is the most used and economically the most important natural fibre in the world. During the ginning (cleaning) process and after textile fabrication, huge amounts of cotton motes, gin trash and textile wastes are produced. The short fibre of cotton wastes reaming after ginning and/or textiles processing are sources of cellulose and lignocellouse. They are commonly piled, and later disposed of at added cost. This proposal focuses on a green scalable method of turning cotton waste into bio-plastic for a wide range of applications. This PhD program seeks to develop a novel biopolymer formulation and method from cotton wastes for fabrication of bioplastic for wide range of applications. This also includes understanding the requirements for a biodegradable waterproof polymer film, where it can withstand the load for packaging or other applications.

The successful candidate will gain skills and knowledge in a broad range of techniques and scientific areas in this interdisciplinary project on the interface of chemistry, polymer and materials science. In addition they will gain knowledge of a range of characterisation techniques for polymers and polymer processing.

Candidate specification

Essential

•                    Expertise and practical experience of polymer chemistry and processing

•                    Demonstrated experience of safe working practises in a chemical laboratory.

•                    A curious mind and a willingness to learn

•                    Good communication, presentation and writing skills

•                    Excellent team skills and able to work in a multi-cultural research group

Desirable

•                    A knowledge of biomass chemistry

•                    Familiarity with some of techniques for nanomaterial and characterisation

Duration: Typically 3 years (full-time)

Important Date: Applications will remain open until a candidate has been appointed.