Removal of nanoparticles from solid surfaces of arbitrary textures for experimental applications in microgravity

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Project Detail:
Currently UK is involved in European Space Agency project ELIPS-4. MAP project is a part of this Framework project. MAP EU project is on investigations of droplet evaporation under conditions of microgravity, that is, inside space crafts. The most challenging part of this project is kinetics of simultaneous spreading and evaporation of nano-fluid droplets, that is, aqueous suspensions of nanoparticles. All the operations inside a space craft must be made without input from astronauts.

Unfortunately, at the moment, it is impossible because there is no method of removing nano-particles from surfaces: in the course of spreading/evaporation of the nano-particle containing suspensions inside a space craft residual nano-particles will be left on the solid substrate. The project addresses removal of nano-particles from solid surfaces during space flights. In the course of spreading/evaporation of nano-particle containing suspensions inside a space craft residual nano-particles will be left on the solid substrate. It is necessary to develop a method of removing nano-particles from the solid surfaces (i) without interference of astronauts, (ii) that is reliable and repeatable, (iii) provides high cleaning efficiency.

The method suggested is: a new secondary droplet of aqueous surfactant solution or oil surfactant solution of a slightly bigger size will be deposited on the solid surface to be cleaned. Proper surfactants will be selected for all possible combinations inside a space craft: hydrophobic-hydrophilic particles and surfaces. As a result nano-particles deposited on the solid surface in the course of evaporation will be solubilised by the surfactant and suspended inside the secondary droplet. After that, using the same syringe the droplet with suspended nano-particles will be sucked, which will result in a completely clean solid surface available for the next spreading/evaporation experiment.

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry.

Contact details:
Name: Dr Anna Trybala
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: 01509222523

How to apply:
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select Chemical Engineering

Please quote reference number: CG-AT-1704

Application details:
Reference number: CG-AT-1704
Start date: April or July 2017
Closing date: 20th March 2017
Interview date: Shortly after the closing date.

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Dr Anna Trybala
Secondary supervisor: Professor Victor Starov