2008

Yielding, linear and non-linear viscoelastic behaviour of concentrated coagulated suspensions

Jonathan studied the yield failure of networked suspensions of fine particulates in water. The work has demonstrated the mechanism of the transition to flow of this important class of materials. It has profound implications for the design of mixing and pumping processes and particulate suspension products across a broad range of industries.

Carbon dioxide separation using a modified polypropylene gas absorption membrane

Julianna studied the capture of CO2 from power station flue gases to reduce greenhouse gas emission. She developed a novel membrane gas adsorption device which has significant potential to reduce the cost of CO2 separation and hence make greenhouse gas remediation economically viable.

Briony investigated why improved mine tailings disposal methods are not widely adopted. She found that, despite environmental regulations, financial accounting practices promote deferral of expenditure rather than encouraging planning, transparency and accountability. The study suggests changes to financial accounting and bonding requirements to promote best practice tailings management.

What's wrong with Tarong? The importance of coal fly ash glass chemistry in inorganic polymer synthesis

Louise showed for the first time the critical role played by different components of coal fly ash in forming environmentally sustainable inorganic polymer cements. Her work opens new avenues for the use of coal ashes to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry. 

The durability of inorganic polymer cements

Redmond developed for the first time a detailed understanding of the relationship between microstructure and durability of inorganic polymer cements. These materials are increasingly being seen as a greener alternative to traditional construction materials, and the ability to understand and improve their durability is of great importance.

Physico-chemical studies of milk proteins during powder manufacture, reconstitution and rennet coagulation

Greg investigated how milk proteins are affected during production of dairy powders. New insights were gained into the influence of processing conditions on interactions between milk minerals and proteins. This knowledge has implications on commercial manufacture and reconstitution of dairy powders and on their use in cheese-making processes.  

Membrane separation of calcium salts from dairy ultrafiltration permeates

Gwynneth studied the fouling and separation behaviour during nanofiltration of skim milk dairy fluids. The goal was to develop a process that gave a lactose product that was high in natural calcium but low in salt. A model of the salt equilibria and rejection behaviour was developed.

Segregation and flow of material in a rotating dish

Lisa studied flow behaviour of solids in rotating dishes and in the process pioneered the use of multiple tracers with Positron Emission Particle Tracking to study segregation. Her work has improved the understanding of this system which is widely used in forming large conglomerates from fine particles.

The synthesis of polymers with pendant aldehyde functionality; their antimicrobial properties and their conjugation to polypeptides

Sarah studied the synthesis and biological applications of aldehyde polymers. These polymers were synthesized from various precursors, and a novel reaction mechanism was discovered in one pathway. Films of the polymers were used as reactive scaffolds to conjugate the polypeptide insulin. Certain formed aldehyde polymers also exhibited antimicrobial properties.

Design and
synthesis of star macromolecular architectures with degradable functionality

James investigated the synthesis of novel functionalized macromolecules with complex architectures. He developed a range of selectively degradable star polymers which have shown significant potential for applications in the biomedical field as drug delivery devices with biodegradable, biocompatible and targeting functionalities.