Overview
Polymers have been an important component of detergent and cleaner formulations for many years, where their purpose is to improve product performance. Many of these polymers, however, are petrochemical-based with their worldwide consumption > 130,000 tonnes per year. Concerns regarding depletion of fossil resources, disposal and related issues, as well as evolving government policies, are driving the search for alternatives, and there is now an urgent need to develop bio-based and biodegradable alternatives to petrochemical-based polymers in formulations. In this regard, polysaccharides are of considerable potential. The aim of this project is to develop new polysaccharide biopolymers derived from sustainable feedstocks that create novel functionalities including polymers that entrap hydrophobic guests within their 3D structures and as flexible amphiphilic polymers (beneficial for anti-redeposition). Work will also focus on developing detailed structure-performance relationship of bio-based and/or biodegradable polymers, as well as better understanding their mechanisms of action. This work will involve the modification of polysaccharides and the determination of their abilities to complex dyes, stabilize soil suspensions and bind to fabrics. The project will appeal to those interested in applying organic, polymer and supramolecular chemistries to real world problems, and will benefit from close collaboration with scientists at Procter & Gamble Newcastle Innovation Centre.
Number Of Awards
1
Start Date
19th September 2023
Award Duration
4 Years
Sponsor
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Procter & Gamble
Supervisors
Dr David A Fulton (Newcastle University)
Dr Gang Si (Procter & Gamble)
Eligibility Criteria
A Master’s level degree in chemistry (Merit or distinction or equivalent) is required.
Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.
For international students, ATAS clearance may be required.
How To Apply
You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal
Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.
Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:
- search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8100F
- Research area: Chemistry
- select ‘PhD Chemistry (full time) - Chemistry as the programme of study
You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Questions’ section:
- a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form
- the studentship code SNES249 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field
- when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.
Contact Details
For informal enquiries and further details, contact [Email Address Removed]
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