PhD Studentship on Interfacial Phenomena for Agrichemical Formulations

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The studentship is part of the EPSRC funded project SusAgriChem – Sustainable Formulation of Agri-Chemicals via Dynamic Molecular Interfaces. The project aims to develop the fundamental science and the predictive capabilities for agrichemical surfactant formulations that improve emulsification, adhesion and enhanced transport of the active ingredients. A multidisciplinary approach will be followed where numerical simulations will be combined with experimental studies to relate the molecular structure of surfactants and absorbance to interfaces to the final product performance.

The aim of the PhD project is to characterise experimentally the effects of surfactants on the interfacial properties and the adhesion and spreading of the agrichemical emulsions. Both surface tension instruments and microfluidics approaches will be implemented to characterise equilibrium and dynamic interfacial properties and wettability. The project is in collaboration with Innospec, a leading chemicals company. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to share ideas and results with the industrial partner.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated graduate with knowledge of interfacial phenomena and emulsion systems and an interest on microfluidics and flow diagnostics. The candidate should have or is expected to soon obtain an excellent first degree in engineering or sciences. Strong analytical, organisation and communication skills, creativity and an aptitude for experimental work are essential. The applicant will have an opportunity to work across two research groups in the Department of Chemical Engineering, the ThAMeS Multiphase https://www.ucl.ac.uk/chemical-engineering/thames-advanced-multiphase-systems) and the Molecular and Engineering Thermodynamics (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/chemical-engineering/research/core-research-groups/molecular-and-engineering-thermodynamics) with an established record of research into interfacial phenomena and two-phase systems and training and mentorship of early career researchers.

ELIGIBILITY:

This funding is available to UK and EU (non-UK) nationals subject to EPSRC student eligibility requirements. 

APPLICATION

To discuss this position please email Prof Panagiota Angeli (p.angeli@ucl.ac.uk) or Prof Alberto Striolo (a.striolo@ucl.ac.uk).

To apply please submit you application through the following link

(specifying Prof Panagiota Angeli as academic supervisor):

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/adminsys/search/

We expect the successful candidate to start in July 2021.