Particulate Fluids Processing Centre A Special Research Centre of the Australian Research Council

2006 Annual Report

Particulate Fluids Processing CentreA Special Research Centre of the Australian Research Council

2006 Annual Report

The Particulate Fluids Processing Centre (PFPC) is a Special Research Centre of the Australian Research Council (ARC) based at the University of Melbourne, Australia. The PFPC explores interfacial science and engineering for the processing of particulate fluids and advanced materials. The PFPC brings together scientists and engineers across the Departments of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Mathematics and Statistics along with the School of Chemistry to form one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary research centres in interfacial science and engineering.

Contents

From the Director 2

Management Structure and Personnel 4

Research Program Highlights 6

Liquid-Liquid Systems 6

Sorption at Liquid-Liquid Interfaces 7

Ultrasonics 8

Emulsion Behaviour 10

Surfactant and Polymer Structure in Solution 11

Solid-Liquid Systems 13

Minerals – Processing and Materials 14

Controlled Porous Structures 15

Suspension Rheology 20

Surface Forces and Spectroscopy 23

Other Activities in the PFPC 27

Research Funding 28

Financial Summary 31

Networks and Visitors 32

Networks 32

Visitors 36

Awards and Achievements 38

Education and Training 41

Seminar Series 49

Presentations 52

Publications 58

Research Facilities 62

Mission Statement and Strategic Objective 65

Front Cover: Elastic scattering of evanescent waves (405 nm and 532 nm) by a silicon nitride atomic force microscope cantilever. This light may be used for localised refractive index measurements or for high resolution, near-field optical imaging.

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Centre Performance HighlightsPublications and Research Outcomes

PFPC researchers continued to be very prolific in publishing their research with 120 publications during 2006. These publications included 1 edited book, 3 book chapters, 109 journal articles and 7 international refereed conference papers.

Linkages, Visibility and Reputation

Our researchers have a high profile at national and international conferences with over 150 conference and meeting presentations given throughout the year. Eleven of these presentations were plenary or keynote lectures.

The Centre’s national and international network continues to expand. In 2006, 60% of publications involved either national or international collaboration (i.e. collaboration with researchers outside of the PFPC).

As highlighted in the Annual Report members of the Centre received a number of distinguished awards for research and services to the community.

They are highly regarded by their peers as highlighted by their 36 editorial board appointments held in 2006.

In addition to the ARC Special Research Centre grant our researchers received a further $4.4 million in nationally competitive peer reviewed project grants including those from the Australian Research Council and other Commonwealth funding as well as State funding. Researchers were also part of ARC Linkage – Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities grants totalling $3.8 million. Industry funding brought in over $1.3 million to the Centre during the year.

Education and Training

In 2006 25 students graduated and 19 new students started bringing the total of postgraduate students conducting research across the Centre to over 110. A key objective of the Centre is to attract the very best students and a significant proportion of our students attract competitive scholarships such as Australian Postgraduate Awards which cover stipends and tuition fees. This represents an additional unlisted income to the Centre of about $1.1 million this year.

Throughout the year the Centre had over 40 postdoctoral researchers in residence. Approximately 15% of these postdoctoral researchers were funding their own positions through fellowships that they had obtained, for example, from the Australian Research Council.

Without doubt our major strength is the people associated with the Centre. Our academics and research fellows have enormous enthusiasm for undertaking cutting-edge research. This enthusiasm engages the many students working with them in the Centre.

On behalf of the members of the PFPC I would like to thank the Australian Research Council, the University of Melbourne and our many research sponsors for their support of our research.

2006 was a great year for the Particulate Fluids Processing Centre and we look forward to 2007 with enthusiasm.

Professor Geoff Stevens Director December 2006

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From the DirectorThis year has been an excellent year for the Particulate Fluids Processing Special Research Centre. Our scientific and strategic directions have been clarified through a series of internal discussions and with help from our Science and Advisory Boards which provides us with a strong basis on which to look to the future.

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We have again seen a strong performance from all involved in the Centre with special recognition of Professor Tom Healy with his award of Nature’s Lifetime Award for Mentoring, an honour bestowed by the journal Nature for a lifetime of helping to develop top scientists. Other accolades for our members included Dr Rachel Caruso receiving a Victorian Young Tall Poppy Science Award. Professor Jannie van Deventer received the 2006 Exxon-Mobil Award, an award given jointly by the Institution of Chemical Engineers, the Institution of Engineers Australia and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute for a significant contribution to Chemical Engineering. Associate Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar was awarded the Grimwade Prize in Industrial Chemistry. A number of our postgraduate students received national and international awards for conference presentations. This recognition of the work of our members by the national and international community is important to us in our quest for excellence.

This year we welcome Dr Sally Gras to the Centre. Sally joins us from Cambridge where she worked on aspects of protein folding. Sally has a background in microbiology/biochemistry and in chemical engineering with a particular interest in interfacial phenomena in biological systems and will strengthen our work in the tissue engineering area. We have also expanded the number of senior industrial fellows associated with the Centre. These people are invaluable in supplying specialist advice and industrial relevance to our activities and we look forward to working with them over the coming years.

This year has seen the establishment of an important new initiative, the Australian Minerals Science Research Institute (AMSRI) this is a collaboration between the PFPC, the Centre for Multiphase Processes at the University of Newcastle, the Julius Kruttschnitt Research Centre

at the University of Queensland and the Ian Wark Research Institute at the University of South Australia and industrial partners Anglo Platinum, BHP Billiton, Orica, Phelps Dodge, RioTinto, Xstrata Technology and AMIRA. This has been set up to explore longer term issues for the minerals industry and to enhance the education of high quality graduates that have experience in minerals related problems. This is funded through the ARC Linkage Program and gives us an important opportunity to not only collaborate with the other key researchers in the area but also to receive important industrial guidance and involvement on long term issues for the mining and resources industry.

PFPC Core ExpertiseThe PFPC is the centre of a cluster that supplies basic key science to a variety of important commercial and applied enterprises, many of which have grown out of the PFPC.

The centre of this cluster illustrated in the figure is focused on the production of knowledge in the area of colloid and interfacial science. We have strong and ongoing research in surface force measurement and modelling as well as electrokinetics, nanoscience, ultrasonics, adsorption processes at interfaces, transport of molecules through interfaces, flow through porous materials, development of controlled porous materials and rheology. Emanating from the core research knowledge is a cluster of activities where the basic knowledge has been and is being applied.

This model enables us to concentrate on the core and fundamental science which is the heart and strength of the PFPC and find a direct link to application of much of our science in areas of relevance to Australia in a range of areas covering health, food, pharmaceutical, environmental cleanup, mining and metallurgy and applications

of nanotechnology. Issues that come from these applications also stimulate our scientists, engineers and students and in some cases drive the directions of our research.

This year we have seen considerable growth in the tissue engineering area with the award of a Science Technology and Infrastructure grant from the Victorian Government to establish the Australian Tissue Engineering Centre. It is a company set up to test new biomaterials and tissue engineering delivering systems. We are a collaborating partner with the Australian Stem Cell Centre, the Victorian Tissue Engineering Centre and being lead by the Bernard O’Brien Institute of Microsurgery at St Vincent’s Hospital.

We are also part of two CSIRO Flagship Cluster grants in the water and food areas and will be providing important science into both of these areas. We see all of these initiatives as important collaborations and a mechanism of ensuring that the fundamental science that we develop in the PFPC is translated into practice in Australia to support and develop Australian industry.

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ExecutiveThe Executive includes the Chief Investigators named on the ARC Special Research Centre grant as well as the Centre Manager and the (three) Federation Fellows associated with the Centre. The Executive meets on a fortnightly basis to discuss the administration and management of the Centre. Issues discussed at the Executive meetings throughout 2006 included planning related to the Centre’s research directions, development of equipment facilities, new research appointments and research funding applications. In 2006, the Executive members were:

Professor Geoff Stevens BE(Chem), PhD, FTSE, FIChemE, FAusIMM Director

Professor Derek Chan BSc (Hons), PhD Deputy Director

Professor Franz Grieser BSc, PhD, FAA Deputy Director & Liquid-Liquid Systems Program Leader

Professor Peter Scales BSc(Hons), PhD, FIChemE, MAusIMM Solid-Liquid Systems Program Leader

Dr Kate Drummond BSc(Hons), PhD Centre Manager

Professor Jannie van Deventer HonsBEng, HonsBCom, PhD, DCom, DEng

Professor Frank Caruso BSc(Hons), PhD

Professor William Ducker BSc(Hons), PhD

Professor Paul Mulvaney BSc(Hons), PhD

A/Professor John Sader BEng(Hons), PhD

Professor David Boger BS(ChemEng), MS(ChemEng), PhD, FAA, FTSE Chair, Advisory Board

Professor Tom Healy MSc, PhD, DSc(Hon), FRACI, FAA, FTSE, AO Chair, Science Board

Advisory BoardThe Centre’s Advisory Board is a key strategic group that advises on a range of issues including the governance of the Centre, resources, succession planning, the structure of the scientific and technological programs, interactions with customers, as well as assisting with the incorporation of the Centre’s activities into the strategic direction of academic, CSIRO and industry research and development.

A meeting between the Centre’s Advisory Board and Executive was held on Thursday 17 August 2006. The Advisory Board members during 2006 were:

Professor David Boger (Chair)* Particulate Fluids Processing Centre The University of Melbourne, Australia

Mr Tim Bowser* GlaxoSmithKline, Australia

Dr Richard Buscall* MSACT Consulting, United Kingdom

Professor Calum Drummond* CSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies, Australia

Professor Graeme Jameson* Centre for Multiphase Processes, University of Newcastle, Australia

Professor Wayne Morrison* Bernard O’Brien Institute of Microsurgery, Australia

Professor Brij Moudgil* ERC for Particle Science & Technology, University of Florida, United States

Professor John Ralston* Ian Wark Research Institute, University of South Australia, Australia

Dr Ray Shaw* Rio Tinto Limited, Australia

Dr Brian Smith* BHP Billiton, Australia

* Refers to members in attendance at the meeting held on the 17 August 2006

Science BoardThe Science Board acts as the scientific audit body, reporting to the Director on the current performance and ongoing potential of the Centre’s science and technology. The purpose of the Science Board is to ensure the attainment of high quality research across the Centre, strengthen internal and external science networks, support all staff and students to seek out and use the best research ideas, theories and techniques from around the world, as well as to help build a culture of quantitative thinking in all projects. The annual meeting of the Science Board was held from 17 to 18 July 2006. The members of the Science Board are as follows:

Professor Tom Healy (Chair)* Particulate Fluids Processing Centre The University of Melbourne, Australia

Professor Peter Andrews* Chief Scientist of Queensland, Australia

Dr Patrick Hartley* CSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies, Australia

Professor Alan Hatton* Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States

Professor Graeme Jameson* Centre for Multiphase Processing, University of Newcastle, Australia

Professor Kazue Kurihara* Tohoku University, Japan

Professor Luis Liz-Marzán University of Vigo, Spain

Mr Mark Pascoe* International Water Centre, Australia

Dr Ian Snape* Australian Antarctic Division, Australia

Professor Brian Vincent University of Bristol, United Kingdom

* Refers to members in attendance at the meeting held from 17 to 18 July 2006

Senior Industrial FellowsThe Centre’s Senior Industrial Fellows are appointed to provide specialist industrial advice to members of the PFPC. The role is varied for each Senior Industrial Fellow and may include participation in collaborative research projects, co-supervision of students, access to the Centre’s extensive infrastructure and a residency term in the Centre. In 2006, the following were appointed as Senior Industrial Fellows to the Centre:

Dr Robin Batterham Chief Technologist Rio Tinto Limited, Australia

Dr Mark Coghill Principal Technologist Rio Tinto Limited, Australia

Dr David Dixon Contractor Victoria, Australia

Dr Rob Eldridge Contractor Victoria, Australia

Mr David Parris Principal Parris Consulting Pty Ltd, Australia

Dr David Yates Principal Yates Technical Services Pty Ltd, Australia

Above: Senior Industrial Fellow Dr Rob Eldridge collaborates on a number

of projects across the PFPC.

Management Structure and Personnel

DIRECTORG Stevens

DEPUTY DIRECTORSD Chan, F Grieser

EXECUTIVEG Stevens, D Chan, F Grieser, F Caruso, K Drummond, W Ducker, P Mulvaney, J Sader, P Scales, J van Deventer, D Boger, T Healy

ADVISORY BOARDD Boger (Chair)

SENIOR INDUSTRIAL FELLOWS

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND TEACHING PROGRAMS

SOLID-LIQUID SYSTEMSPROGRAM LEADERP Scales

LIQUID-LIQUID SYSTEMS PROGRAM LEADERF Grieser

RESEARCH & TEACHINGM Ashokkumar, S Carnie, F Caruso, D Chan, R Dagastine, W Ducker, D Dunstan, G Franks, M Gee, S Gras, F Grieser, B Hughes, S Kentish, K Landman, A O’Connor, P Mulvaney, J Sader, P Scales, G Stevens, A Tordesillas, J van Deventer

RESEARCH ASSISTANTSD Fisher L KeyteA KilcullenJ LaneC Rigby

RESEARCH FELLOWSL Andrau, J Bosco, R Caruso, L Clasohm, R de Kretser, D Dixon, P Duxson, S Edwards, R Eldridge, D Feng, A Funston, G Gottoli, A Johnston, A Kabir, P Kanthale, A Khan, N Lawrence, J Lee, C Lilley, P Liovic, G Lukey, F Meiser, K Mueller, W Mulholland, L Nghiem, K Northcott, J Pacifico, J Perera, J Provis, A Quinn, J Quinn, M Simpson, P Starck, A Stickland, G Such, S Usher, I Vakarelski, S van Zijll de Jong, Y Wang, G Webber, H Xu, A Zelikin, X Zhang, M Zhou

PhD & MASTERS STUDENTSZ Abdul Hamid, C Anderson, R Anderson, A Angelatos, R Arun, P Asimakis, Y Auffret, J Bacus, S Balachandran*, A Becker, S Boskovic, R Brady, A Brotchie, E Button, A Cai, N Chan, T Chau, E Ciawi*, S Cook, D Cooling*, C Cortez, T Croll*, C Doherty, G Drisko, X Duthie, P Duxson*, D Fisher*, J Foong, J Franco, B Gladman*, S Glasson*, D Gómez, W Goodall*, A Gooding, C Green*, A Häbich, A Hajimohammadi, R Hasan, Y He, C Honig, F Huang, J Hulston*, C Isabella, J Jasieniak, L Keyte, A Kiviti-Manor, J Lee*, L Lee, E Lees, Q Li, F Lie, J Lim, C Lin, R Lloyd, J Looker*, A Lubansky*, C McKee, S McLean, R Manica, G Martin, B Mashford, F Meiser*, K Mensforth*, H Mielke, P Mornane, W Mosse, K Mumford, S Muthukumuran*, M Muthuswamy, H Nguyen, C Novo, E Nuhiji, J O’Shea, S Parcha, E Prime, J Provis*, W Ratanachaithong, C Rees, G Rice, L Rodd*, B Ruse, H Saha, C Scholes, Sindhunata*, R Singla*, J Slater, L Studer, A Sullivan, D Sunartio, T Ta, C Tan*, H Tan*, B Teo, E Tjipto, A Trewenack, D Triadis, J van Embden, D Verrelli, T Wade*, A Walewijk, R Wall, S Walsh*, X Wang, R Watson, Y Wei*, P Woodberry*, H Yap, N Yap, S Yong, K Yung*, S Zahirovic, J Zukan

* Submitted or Completed in 2006

SCIENCE BOARDT Healy (Chair)

CENTRE MANAGERK Drummond

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTT Cesnak

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Sorption at Liquid-Liquid Interfaces Research StaffProfessor Geoff Stevens Professor Franz Grieser A/Professor Michelle Gee Dr Jilska Perera Dr Andrea O’Connor Dr Sandra Kentish

Research StudentsRavi Arun Joannelle Bacus Sam Cook Patrick Mornane

CollaboratorsProfessor Yoshinari Baba, University of Miyazaki, Japan Dr Tim Bowser, GlaxoSmithKline Australia, Australia Professor Bob Cattrall and Dr Ian Potter, Latrobe University, Australia Professor Baruch Grinbaum, IMI(TAMI) Institute for Research & Development, Israel Professor Alan Hatton and Dr Lev Bromberg, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States Dr Peter Hetherington, Industrial Galvanizers, Australia Dr Spas Kolev, The University of Melbourne, Australia Professor Yu Komatsu, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Japan Professor Hitoshi Watarai, Osaka University, Japan

Research SponsorsARC PFPC GlaxoSmithKline Australia Industrial Galvanizers COGNIS Cytec Shell

OverviewThe role of the liquid-liquid interface is important in the separation of solutes using solvent extraction. Several studies have shown that for many systems the reaction site is the interface and that the physicochemical properties of the interfacial micro environment influence the rate of extraction. New techniques are being developed that enable the concentration of the species in the interfacial region to be monitored during the extraction process and thus direct evaluation of the reaction kinetics is possible.

Key areas of research undertaken in the Sorption of Liquid-Liquid Interfaces group include:

n development of spectroscopic techniques for the measurement of interfacial phenomena

n study of the effect of additives at the liquid-liquid interface

n emulsion stability studies by ellipsometry

n application of solvent extraction to wastewater treatment

n molecular dynamics simulations of the oil/water interface

The knowledge gained from such studies will enhance our understanding of the role of the interface in liquid-liquid extraction and assist in the development of new techniques for the study of interfacial phenomena.

Research Activities

Wetting Characteristics of Perforated Plate Columns Ravi Arun and Geoff Stevens

Pulsed perforated and reciprocating plate columns have been used in the solvent extraction industry for many years. Recent studies in our group have shown that changes in the surface properties of the plates directly influence the performance both in terms of the separation efficiency and also the throughput. Although studies have been undertaken on the effect of using different plate surfaces, different phases for dispersion and the influences of changing plate geometry on the hydrodynamics of the column, no qualitative studies have been reported on how hold up is influenced by plate ageing. The scope of this work will be to investigate in detail the effect of using different plate surfaces on the drop size diameter, hold up, mass transfer performance and axial dispersion. The onset of ageing for different plate surfaces will also be investigated.

Emulsion Stability in the Pharmaceutical Industry Joannelle Bacus, Geoff Stevens and Michelle Gee

Emulsion stability and coalescence rates of liquid-liquid systems are an important consideration in numerous large-scale processes including solvent extraction. This project examines the mechanisms that dominate in film drainage, a process that controls droplet coalescence and emulsion stability. A novel method employing imaging ellipsometry is used to study the thin film drainage between a silica surface and oil droplet in an aqueous phase. The effects of interfacial tension and mass transfer across the liquid-liquid interface have been the focus of recent studies. This project is also aimed at developing current experimental methods to study thin films between silica and a ‘free’ oil droplet in a continuous phase approaching the silica surface with known velocity.

The Effective Treatment of Hot Dip Galvanising Effluent Streams Sam Cook, Sandra Kentish, Geoff Stevens, Jilska Perera and Peter Hetherington

The hot-dip galvanising process produces a large quantity of acidic effluent high in iron, zinc and chloride ions. The recovery of pure zinc and iron(II) chloride from this effluent offers important benefits in terms of economics, safety and the environment. In this project a novel, membrane-based solvent extraction process is being developed for the selective recovery of zinc over iron(II). Using a laboratory scale hollow fibre contactor, the key operating parameters are being systematically analysed. This information will be used to develop an appropriate mass transfer model allowing the construction of a pilot-scale effluent treatment process to be used for on-site trials.

Above: Postgraduate student Ravi Arun shown here by small scale liquid extraction columns

Research Program Highlights

Liquid-Liquid SystemsThe core research themes in the Liquid-Liquid Systems program are:

n Sorption at Liquid-Liquid Interfaces

n Ultrasonics

n Emulsion Behaviour

n Surfactant and Polymer Structure in Solution

All the core themes in the Liquid-Liquid Systems Program have advanced significantly over the past year, with perhaps the most notable being the culmination of our work dealing with the measurement of forces between two deformable surfaces (Science 213: 210-213 (2006)). This particular work is an excellent example of the close and productive collaboration that exists between PFPC teams in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Chemistry and Mathematics and Statistics. The work fully describes, for the first time, the strong link between interfacial deformation, static surface forces and hydrodynamic drainage, that control dynamic droplet-droplet interactions over the length scale of nanometers and on a time scale set by Brownian motion. The quantitative detail that we have been able to extract from the study has provided enormous insight into the behaviour of suspended soft-matter systems, such as emulsion droplets. We would not have been able to achieve this outcome without the work from our long-time force measurement studies dealing with static interactions in colloidal suspensions. As a consequence of the experimental and theoretical developments in examining soft-matter systems, studies on several novel and challenging systems have been initiated and will be examined over the coming years.

Solvent extraction remains a strong and vibrant area of research for the PFPC. In a number of instances, problems that have been encountered in field applications of solvent extraction, have lead to fundamental studies in colloidal systems being prosecuted. One case in point is that emulsions formed in a solvent extraction process are often stable, and as such, undesirable. The nature of the stability requires detailed knowledge of the forces in play between droplets, hence the program briefly highlighted above. Also, the movement and complexation of ligands with metal ions in a solvent extraction system need to be understood and therefore

a number of subprograms have been, and continue to be, investigated into the dynamics of solutes in bulk and at the site of extraction, the oil/aqueous solution interface. The PFPC’s strength and excellence in solvent extraction research has been recognised on many occasions and most recently another accolade has come in the form of the appointment of the Shell Chair Professor at Tsinghua University, China, to Professor Geoff Stevens. This distinguished chair is in recognition of the significance of the collaboration between the PFPC and Tsinghua University. As I write this Geoff is presenting a series of lectures on solvent extraction to students in China.

Progress in the application of ultrasonics to chemical processes (particularly in environmental remediation of water borne organic contaminants), food extraction, and modification of food chemicals has developed substantially in 2006. Specific projects with Dairy Ingredients Group of Australia, Food Science Australia and CSIRO (Flagship Program) are now all well established. The basic knowledge that we have gathered over the past 10 years on sonochemical reactions, underpins the applied research currently being pursued. Separate to the applied subprograms, fundamental research continues with our collaborators in Britain, Japan and the United States. Staff and student exchanges, between Bath/London, Osaka/Nagoya and Seattle, ensure information flow and experimental developments keep us at the vanguard of sonochemistry research. In part, recognition of our high standing in this area of research has come with the appointment of A/Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar to the editorial board of the main international journal in sonochemistry, Ultrasonics Sonochemistry (Elsevier).

The judicious combination of rheology, light scattering and spectroscopy to investigate the characteristics of macromolecules in solution remains a powerful approach in gaining an

understanding of the idiosyncratic qualities/properties of polymer systems. Our pioneering work in this area has provided important information on bio-gels and explores their potential use as drug delivery vehicles. Complex fluids remain as one of the core areas of investigation by the PFPC and a number of subprograms continue to develop and will remain in that phase into the near future.

In 2006 we have seen many more applied projects come into being in the Liquid-Liquid Systems Program. This reflects the strong fundamental base that exists in the PFPC and the close connection of our previous research to an applied bent. We anticipate that in future years this leaning will continue, and this fits in nicely with the University’s own recognition for the need to have knowledge transfer reach a broader sector of our community.

Professor Franz Grieser Program Leader, Liquid-Liquid Systems

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Applied Ultrasonics

Sonochemical Degradation of Organic Pollutants in Aqueous Solutions Ritu Singla, Muthupandian Ashokkumar and Franz Grieser

Sonochemistry, an advanced oxidation technique, can be used for the degradation of toxic organic pollutants in aqueous solutions. In this PhD study, it has been shown that the complete degradation of parent organic molecules occurs through hydroxylation and/or pyrolysis. It has been observed that the sonochemical degradation rate of an organic solute is dependent on its physico-chemical properties such as, hydrophobicity, volatility, surface activity. A number of analytical techniques have been used in order to elucidate the mechanisms of the sonochemical degradation processes. The complexities of the sonochemical processes have been highlighted by the detection of various degradation intermediates and multiple degradation reaction pathways. The research findings from this PhD work will be useful for the development of large-scale sonochemical reactors for the treatment of organic pollutants in aqueous environment.

Degradation of Organic Pollutants in Aqueous Environment Using Combined Oxidation Techniques Yuanhua He, Muthupandian Ashokkumar and Franz Grieser

The simultaneous use of two or more advanced oxidation processes has attracted attention for the degradation of organic pollutants in aqueous solutions. The aim of this PhD project is to investigate the synergic effects of sonolysis and photocatalysis on the complete mineralisation of organic pollutants in aqueous solutions. In addition to the expected synergistic effect, the impregnation of TiO2 with precious metallic or bimetallic nanoparticles by a sonochemical method will be adopted in order to enhance the light absorption properties, stability and the photocatalytic efficiency of the photocatalyst. Ru/Pt bimetallic particles in the size range 5-10 nm have been synthesised for this purpose. Various experimental methods have been employed in order to systematically investigate the optimal operation conditions of the sonophotocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. The outcome of this study will be useful for the degradation of organic pollutants in aqueous environment.

Sonochemical Synthesis of Proteinaceous Microspheres Jasmina Zukan, Muthupandian Ashokkumar and Franz Grieser

Sonochemistry has been used for synthesising a variety of materials. The objective of this project is to synthesise air- and liquid-filled protein-shelled microspheres using specific proteins. The mechanism responsible for microsphere formation is a combination of two acoustically generated phenomena, namely, emulsification and cavitation. Ultrasonic emulsification creates a microscopic dispersion of the protein solution. The cross-linkage between protein molecules is induced by the heat and radicals, generated during the acoustic cavitation process. The results obtained to date indicate that the sonication of an aqueous solution containing dispersed proteins resulted in formation of proteinaceous microspheres in the size range of 1 to 5 µm in diameter. These proteinaceous microspheres have a wide range of biomedical applications, including microencapsulation of dyes, flavours, fragrances, as drug-delivery systems and ultrasound contrast agents.

Ultrasonic Processing of Dairy Ingredients to Control Aggregation and Promote Heat Stability Judy Lee, Muthupandian Ashokkumar, Sandra Kentish and Franz Grieser

It has been shown that the high temperatures and pressures associated with acoustic cavitation can generate free radicals and large turbulence in fluids. The aim of this research is to use these

acoustically generated chemical and physical effects to modify and improve the functional properties of dairy proteins. These modified dairy proteins can also be analysed for their potential as cross linked products for medical purposes such as hydrogels for bioactive carriers and protein microspheres for medical imaging and drug delivery. Results will have significant benefits for the Australian dairy processing industry.

Sonochemical Formation of Polymer Latex Boon Teo, Muthupandian Ashokkumar and Franz Grieser

This PhD project involves the use of ultrasound-induced cavitation process for synthesising polymer latex particles. By sonicating a mixture of monomer/water emulsion, polymer latex particles in the size range of 70-110 nm could be produced. The sonochemical polymerisation process is initiated by the reaction of primary radicals (H• and OH•) with free monomer molecules. The physical effects, such as the shear forces generated during the bubble collapse, are responsible for the narrow size of the polymer particles produced. A new experimental methodology for controlling the molecular weight of the polymer particles is also being developed. The expected outcome of this work is to provide an optimised sonochemical route for synthesising polymer latex particles with varying molecular weights. Such polymer particles could be used in paint industry and for calibrating analytical instruments that are used for particle size measurement.

Above: Postdoctoral research fellow Dr Judy Lee is examining the effect of ultrasonic processing on dairy proteins

Research Program HighlightsThe Removal of Mercury from Solution by Polymer Inclusion Membrane Extraction Patrick Mornane, Spas Kolev, Jilska Perera, Bob Cattrall, Ian Potter and Yoshinari Baba

Solvent extraction is used extensively in the hydrometallurgical industry as a means of separating metals from their pregnant liquors and also refining them by selective removal of impurities. Generally large quantities of flammable and toxic solvents and extractants are required making this process environmentally unfriendly and potentially unsafe. An alternative to solvent extraction is polymer inclusion membrane extraction. In this case polymeric membranes have extractants (or carriers) incorporated into them, which facilitate the transport of metals though them. In this configuration the free carrier is continuously regenerated allowing for the reagents to be used more efficiently.

UltrasonicsResearch StaffProfessor Franz Grieser A/Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar Dr Parag Kanthale Dr Sandra Kentish Dr Judy Lee Professor Geoff Stevens

Research StudentsAdam Brotchie Yuanhua He Ritu Singla Devi Sunartio Michelle Tchea (Hons) Boon Teo Jasmina Zukan

CollaboratorsProfessor Lawrence Crum and Dr Tom Matula, University of Washington, United States A/Professor Weilin Guo, Jinan University, China Dr Yasuo Iida and Dr Kyuichi Yasui, AIST, Japan Dr Raymond Mawson and Mr Lloyd Simons, Food Science Australia, Australia Dr Gareth Price, University of Bath, United Kingdom Professor K. Vinodgopal, Indiana University, NorthWest, United States

Research SponsorsARC PFPC CSIRO (Flagship Cluster) Dairy Ingredients Group of Australia Food Science Australia Victorian Government The University of Melbourne

OverviewThe ultrasound-induced acoustic cavitation process generates a number of physical and chemical effects in liquids. For example, the near-adiabatic and inertial collapse of cavitation bubbles heats the interior of these bubbles to a few thousand degrees; in addition to the generation of these micro hot spots, the collapse of these bubbles leads to radical production and several physical effects, such as shock wave formation, turbulent flow of the liquid surrounding the cavitation bubbles and microjet formation. Sonochemistry refers to the acoustic cavitation induced chemical reactions, where the radicals produced from the collapsing microbubbbles play a significant role. Cavitation is also accompanied by light emission, known as sonoluminescence (SL).

The Ultrasonics group investigates the use of the above-mentioned physical and chemical effects, generated by acoustic cavitation in the frequency range 20 kHz – 1 MHz, for the development of a range of industrial applications. The fundamental understanding of the cavitation phenomenon and how various solutes in solution can influence the cavitation bubble field and cavitation bubble temperature is crucial to improving the efficiency of sonochemical reactions as well as the effectiveness of ultrasonic applications, such as ultrafiltration, extraction of food chemicals and nanoparticle synthesis. The ultimate goal of the ultrasonics research is to improve our understanding of the fundamentals of the ultrasound-driven physical and chemical events for delivering economically viable ultrasonics technology for industrial processes.

Research Activities

Acoustic Cavitation

Investigation of the Correlation between Cavitation Bubble Field and Sonochemistry Devi Sunartio, Muthupandian Ashokkumar and Franz Grieser

The industry, in particular in the food science area, is increasingly looking into employing ultrasound to enhance the efficiency of their processes. This efficiency is influenced by various parameters, including the acoustic power, frequency and the presence of surface active solutes. Results to date have shown that both the applied acoustic power and frequency can dictate how the presence of surface active solutes affects the bubble field and thus the cavitation efficiency. Better understanding of

these factors will help in establishing optimum process conditions. In addition, investigations into the viability of using sonochemistry for hydroxylation of polyphenols are continuing to progress. If successful, this process can be used to enhance the antioxidant properties of certain food ingredients.

Control of Acoustic Cavitation in Complex Fluids Parag Kanthale, Muthupandian Ashokkumar and Franz Grieser

The major problems associated with the development of effective ultrasound reactors are (i) the lack of exact quantification of bubble dynamics under different operating conditions, (ii) the spatial variation of the cavitation activity inside the reactor and (iii) the lack of theoretical models for interpreting experimental results, in particular for multibubble systems. The aim of this project is to investigate these problems in detail and develop suitable design and scale up strategies, with the help of experimental and numerical data. The effects of acoustic frequency and power on bubble temperature, sonoluminescence and chemical yield have been studied both experimentally and numerically. The empirical correlations predicting temperature and sonoluminescence have been developed.

Sonoluminescence and Sonochemistry Under Dual-Frequency Conditions Adam Brotchie, Muthupandian Ashokkumar and Franz Grieser

Ultrasound has various applications in the chemical industry. The improvement of the efficiency of current sonochemical processes is a driving force of current research in this field. In this project, reactor design and the simultaneous action of multiple frequency ultrasound is investigated. The reactor efficiency is characterised by the intensity of ultrasound induced light emission, sonoluminescence, as well as numerous sonochemical reaction yields. In addition the cavitation bubble temperatures will be probed for the various systems studied. A focus is placed on relevant processes such as the ultrasonic degradation of pollutants and other radical initiated chemical reactions. The outcome of this project will be useful for the development of sonochemical reactors with high efficiency.

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interactions between a fluorocarbon liquid and another surface and/or between two fluorocarbon liquids is very important. In this study the atomic force microscope has been employed to directly measure the forces acting between a solid surface and a fluorocarbon liquid and between two fluorocarbon liquids, to help further our understanding of the behaviour of these fluids.

Hydrodynamic Interactions between a Silica Particle and a Deformable Oil Droplet – Effect of Particle/Droplet Size Ratio Grant Webber, Geoff Stevens, Franz Grieser and Raymond Dagastine

In many industrial applications such as froth flotation, foams and emulsions, the interactions between solid and deformable interfaces, or two deformable interfaces, is of critical importance. Understanding these micro-scale interactions is vital for the prediction and control of the macro-scale behaviour. This project specifically aims to investigate the existence, or otherwise, of a slip boundary between the two interacting surfaces. Experimental data will be collected using the atomic force microscope, and modeled using a mathematical model developed within the PFPC. This data will then be compared to the theoretical interactions, in which different slip lengths can be incorporated. The major challenge with this project is using the optimum parameter space, where the strength of the hydrodynamic interaction, and the theoretical effect of slip, are maximised. To this end, interaction profiles between large silica particles (>50µm diameter) and oil droplets of similar size or smaller have been measured, and will be compared to interaction profiles predicted by the mathematical model.

Emulsion Rheology

Interfacial Tension Study and Rheological Characterisation of Water in Oil Emulsion Explosives Sabina Zahirovic, Franz Grieser, David Boger, Raymond Dagastine and David Yates

Emulsifiers have an intrinsic role to play in the stability of emulsions. Deepening our understanding of their dynamics at the oil-water interface may provide further insight into the nature of these complex components. Determining whether the adsorption of the emulsifier to the oil-water interface is a diffusion driven or a mixed kinetic process can prove useful in the development of future emulsifiers. Developing correlations between the dynamics interfacial tension and the rheology of highly concentrated emulsions can add a fundamental understanding of how an emulsion behaves in formulation, processing and the final product performance.

Surfactant and Polymer Structure in SolutionResearch StaffA/Professor Dave Dunstan Professor Derek Chan

Research StudentsPeter Asimakis Nikko Chan Greg Martin Thu-Hang Ta Audrey Walewijk Richard Watson

CollaboratorsDr Joe Bertolini, David Eakins and Dr Chor Sing Tan, CSL Bioplasma, Australia A/Professor Justin Cooper-White, University of Queensland, Australia Dr Trevor Smith, The University of Melbourne, Australia Dr Roderick Williams, Food Science Australia, Australia

Research SponsorsARC CRC for Bioproducts PFPC CSL Bioplasma Unilever Dairy Ingredients Group of Australia

OverviewThe effective engineering of new materials and the production of most commercial products requires flowing or mixing of complex fluids. Complex fluids are composed of polymers and nanoparticles in solution. Under flow these fluids may undergo dramatic molecular and nanoparticle orientational and spatial ordering that gives rise to a fascinating range of rheological behaviour. The key physics is determined by the interparticle forces or polymer-polymer interactions and conformation which are determined by the surface forces. Fundamental understanding is paramount in controlling almost all flow behaviour of industrial importance.

The aim of this research is to understand the relationship between the macroscopic rheological behaviour and the molecular forces and structure of the suspensions and polymer solutions in flow. This understanding has been progressed through a collaborative theoretical and experimental approach using novel rheo-optic methods which have been developed to enable the orientation and spatial arrangement of the polymers, micelles and particles to be determined in controlled shear environments. In 2006, exciting results for a number of systems have been obtained which have been interpreted through detailed modelling. The results have been used to successfully assess the fundamental

assumptions upon which models on complex fluid flow are based. A further outcome from the work will be the understanding required to use controlled nano-assembly in flow for the production of novel advanced materials for opto-electronic and biosensor applications. Theoretical deficiencies in describing complex fluid flow have also be reconciled. The experimental insight gained will be exploited to produce novel complex fluid gels, targeted delivery platforms, protein therapeutics and novel conducting polymer devices.

Research ActivitiesSpectroscopy of Complex Fluids in Flow Richard Watson, Dave Dunstan and Elisabeth Hill

Complex fluids occur in all facets of modern life. The processing of polymer solutions usually involves the application of shear. The application of shear has been seen to impact upon polymer properties. This work utilises an optically accessable couette cell to study the impact that shear has upon the conformation of inherently fluorescent and fluorescently tagged polymers. A better understanding of the effect of shear on polymers in solution will improve polymer processing.

Structure Creation in Flow of Biopolymer Fluid Gels Audrey Walewijk, Dave Dunstan and Justin Cooper-White

This project combines two fields that have been previously intensively studied separately. This has been brought together by examining sheared gels made of alginate. The difficulty of the project lies in the long period of time needed to produce sheared gels compared to the fast kinetics of ion-induced alginate gels. The strength of sheared gels and therefore their mechanical properties relate to the adhesive forces between the gel particles. The adhesion has been investigated between two blocks of alginate gel – a macroscopic equivalent of an alginate sheared gel – using a texture analyser. A variety of parameters were investigated to quantify the influence these have on adhesion.

Research Program HighlightsEmulsion BehaviourResearch StaffProfessor Derek Chan Professor Franz Grieser Professor Geoff Stevens Professor David Boger Dr Steven Carnie Dr Raymond Dagastine Dr Lucy Clasohm Dr Grant Webber

Research StudentsThanh Tam Chau Rogério Manica Sabina Zahirovic

CollaboratorsProfessor Roger Horn, Ian Wark Research Institute, University of South Australia, Australia Dr Evert Klaseboer and Dr David Whyte, Institute of High Performance Computing, Singapore A/Professor Roger Tan, National University of Singapore, Singapore Professor Brian Vincent, University of Bristol, United Kingdom Dr David Yates, Yates Technical Services Pty Ltd, Australia

Research SponsorsPFPC Orica

OverviewEmulsion behaviour encompasses a wide range of phenomena that fundamentally differ from rigid particulate systems. The nature of deformable liquid-liquid interfaces coupled with surface forces and hydrodynamic drainage between droplets leads to emulsion behaviours that make these complex and useful systems across a range of industries.

This motivates both fundamental experimental studies and theoretical modelling on the interactions between emulsion droplets on the nanoscale under

the Emulsion Behaviour theme. This year has seen a significant expansion in the number of researchers studying droplet interactions on a variety of experimental systems using atomic force microscopy as well as an increase in the scale and types of theoretically analyses preformed on droplet-droplet interactions measurements.

The measurement of the hydrodynamic and equilibrium force measurements between two oil droplets using atomic force microscopy and the subsequent quantitative agreement with theoretical model calculations was published in Science 213: 210-213 (2006). This study has opened a number of new avenues for both experimental studies and modelling efforts. In addition, the understanding developed in modelling the AFM measurements was used to forge collaborations with both the Ian Wark Research Institute and the National University of Singapore on a range of modelling problems.

Emulsion rheology studies on systems as wide ranging as emulsion explosives and food emulsions have examined the effects of dynamic interfacial tension and the time dependent impact of formulation additives. The research on emulsion stability will ultimately draw connections between these industrial systems and the dynamic forces measured between oil droplets on the nanoscale.

Research Activities

Deformable Interfaces

AFM Study of Deformable Interfaces Thanh Tam Chau, Raymond Dagastine, Geoff Stevens, Franz Grieser and Derek Chan

Emulsions of one immiscible liquid dispersed in another are widely used in many industries. There is a strong

need to gain more understanding about interfacial forces, hence be able to control emulsion stability. One aspect of this project has been examining the effects of electrolytes on emulsion stability in the absence of stabilisers. The interaction between a colloidal silica sphere and an immobilised octyl acetate droplet was studied with an extensive series of electrolytes using atomic force microscopy. The observed force behaviours were dependent on the type of electrolyte present at low concentrations. Theoretical modelling using DLVO theory predicts repulsion, yet attraction was observed in some instances. This non-DLVO force is attributed to a specific ion interaction at the deformable droplet interface.

Modelling Hydrodynamic Interactions between Deformable Drops Rogério Manica, Derek Chan, Steven Carnie, Raymond Dagastine and Lucy Clasohm

Understanding deformations during interaction of colloidal or nanoparticles has important implications in a wide range of applications such as flotation collection and emulsion stability. This work developed a mathematical model for two different experiments: one was performed in the PFPC using the atomic force microscope to measure the interaction force between deformable oil drops, the other experiment was performed at the Ian Wark Research Institute using the surface force apparatus to obtain profiles of a mercury drop approaching a mica surface. The important feature of the model is the use of matched asymptotic expansions to derive a new boundary condition for moving drops to obtain results that are independent of the size of the computational domain. There is excellent agreement between both experiments and the theoretical model which allow us to understand the separate contributions of hydrodynamic interaction, surface force and drop deformation in giving rise to observed behaviour in such systems.

Study of the Interactions between Fluorocarbon Surfaces using an Atomic Force Microscope Lucy Clasohm, Franz Grieser, Geoff Stevens, Raymond Dagastine and Derek Chan

Fluorocarbon liquids have been widely applied in the electronics industry for years as their unique properties (i.e. extremely stable, chemical inert and practically non-toxic) made them ideal liquids for use in manufacturing, heat transfer and testing applications. Understanding the

Above: Postdoctoral research fellow Dr Lucy Clashohm is using an atomic force microscope to study the interactions between flurocarbon surfaces.

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It is perhaps appropriate after a number of years of research in the Solid-Liquid Systems Program that we review the key research themes and consolidate our research focus. To this end, the area has seen the development of the ‘controlled porous structures’ and ‘minerals processing and materials’ themes emerge as new foci for the next few years. This reflects a greater emphasis on materials and the manufacture and manipulation of macroscopic solids with either a porous surface structure or colloidal particles with a controlled permeability or porosity surface. The knowledge developed in this area is applied through a range of collaborative and other links, many with industrial sponsors.

The Minerals - Processing and Materials theme is a mature research area but there are still a wide variety of fundamental problems to explore. These include problems such as the flotation of coarse particles, the preg robbing of leached solutions and the measurement of the flow properties of coarse mineral suspensions. Examination of new modes of flotation such as loading the particles into a froth bed and allowing drainage to remove unwanted gangue is a concept being explored. This looks to overcome some of the physical constraints to the flotation of coarse particles. Similarly, examination of the use of the vane in infinite medium technique to measure the flow properties of coarse grained mineral suspensions that have often been inappropriately characterised using other rotational rheometry methods has produced some very encouraging results. It is hoped that this technique becomes widely used in the minerals industry. In the materials side of the minerals theme, extensive work on understanding the mechanism of geopolymerisation continues. This work involves both modelling and experimental studies and has the potential to produce a cost competitive and in the era of global warming, a more environmentally friendly alternative to Portland cement.

The Controlled Porous Structures theme has grown significantly in the past year. The research includes, for example, work on surface modification of polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering and

looking at ways of making these surfaces biocompatible. This is an important area of research as we take our traditional colloidal knowledge base towards the therapeutic and medical diagnostics arena. This is particularly the case in our work on nanostructured interfaces, that looks to exploit the layer by layer coating of particles as drug carriers and as active release agents or surfaces. There are a number of new release mechanisms being considered, including the use of radiation and pH as switches. In addition, the formation of nano-porous structures for photocatalytic and energy storage applications is a new area of research. Our work on zeolitic materials as biofinity and bioreactive surfaces has shown good progress with the first reactive barriers being installed in Antarctica. The last of the areas of research is the development and use of nano-porous carbon and polymeric membranes for CO2 separations to support work on the geo-sequestration of CO2.

The Suspension Rheology area has seen further developments in the measurement and understanding of the yielding behaviour of aggregated suspensions of nanoparticles and the compressional rheology of suspensions. Of interest here is the route to failure of coagulated and flocculated yielding suspensions. Good progress has been made in the development of oscillatory rheometry methods and the use of harmonics to establish the mechanism of failure in creep and at constant stress. A key finding is that these are not reversible for coagulated suspensions, even in the linear visco-elastic regime. In the compressional rheology area, work has continued on the development of new techniques for measurement of suspension permeability at low pressures using centrifugation and the modelling of industrially relevant dewatering processes. The role of shear in compressive failure and the utilisation of this phenomena in new modes of dewatering is also being examined.

The last of the themes is Surface Forces and Spectroscopy. Both measurement of forces and techniques development are key areas of research. Our work in both of these areas has been strengthened and expanded during the

past year. Key new research is in the role of peptides, brush like molecules and the effect of molecular chirality on the adsorption to and forces between surfaces. In the spectroscopy area, the relationship between surface passivation and photoluminescence in nanocrystals is of great interest, as is electron transfer in core-shell nanoparticles where the effect of shell thickness is still poorly established. This is an important issue in targeting studies. In the development of measurement techniques and the use of the Atomic Force Microscope, the measurement of the absolute separation between surfaces using an evanescent wave technique has shown good promise. The same technique has now been applied to the examination of boundary slip layers.

Professor Peter Scales Program Leader, Solid-Liquid Systems

Solid-Liquid Systems The core research themes within the Solid-Liquid Systems program are:

n Minerals - Processing and Materialsn Controlled Porous Structuresn Suspension Rheologyn Surface Forces and Spectroscopy

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Research Program HighlightsPhysico-Chemical Studies of Milk Proteins During Powder Rehydration Greg Martin, Dave Dunstan and Roderick Williams

Little is currently understood about the dynamics and mechanisms of establishing equilibrium during milk powder rehydration. Of particular interest are the calcium-laden casein aggregates which represent 80% of the protein in milk. This important polydisperse system of sub-micron-sized particles appears difficult to correctly reestablish from rehydrated powders. This project will employ various light scattering techniques to study the kinetics of powder rehydration and to extend current understanding of the casein aggregate system. It is hoped that this information can be used to direct process improvements resulting in powders with better rehydration properties.

Site Specific Drug and Vaccine Delivery Thu-Hang Ta and Dave Dunstan

Directed drug and vaccine delivery has a number of significant advantages over general administration. Controlled delivery allows reduced levels of drug to be administered for similar efficacy. In summary, controlled delivery has both improved patient outcomes and significant economic benefits in reduced drug requirements. Several different methods have been researched to control directed delivery. The aim of this project is to develop a novel biopolymer cross linking system which is liquid at room temperature and gelled at body temperature when injected subdermally or to tumour sites where the vaccine/drug is required. The project will quantify the release rates over a range of gel structural conditions.

Biophysics: Protein Aggregation Dave Dunstan

A number of human diseases are associated with protein misfolding. Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes and heart disease are three significant examples. Ageing of populations will increase the impact of these diseases on the community. The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease increases from 5% to 50% from age 60 to 85. Furthermore, protein therapeutics is the fastest growth area in biotechnology. Therapeutic proteins are currently produced for vaccines and immune disorders. Protein therapies and vaccines can be rendered useless or harmful by protein misfolding. The objective of the research is directed toward understanding the key factors which cause protein aggregation in processing and will be critical for the successful commercialisation and their

subsequent availability as therapies. Understanding the mechanism of amyloid formation will define cures for the associated diseases and optimise protein therapies.

Protein Aggregation During Processing Peter Asimakis, Dave Dunstan, Joe Bertolini, David Eakins and Chor Sing Tan

A wide range of biochemical processes involve the flow of proteins. The processing of blood plasma and food proteins is of particular interest. The processing of these proteins may cause aggregation to occur. This project will use rheofluorescence methods developed in the group in order to understand the mechanisms by which the aggregation occurs. Novel rheofluorescence and microfluidic methods will be used to identify critical flow and solution conditions that induce protein aggregation. An understanding of the mechanisms by which the aggregation occurs will be developed. The knowledge developed will be used to assess the effects of different unit operations used in the biotechnology industry to improve process efficiency, reduce product loss and improve product quality.

Nano-Assembly of Light Emitting Polymer Films Nikko Chan, Dave Dunstan and Trevor Smith

Since the invention of luminescent polymers, considerable effort has been made to produce viable flexible displays using the polymers in thin films. The luminescent properties of these films depend on the processing conditions of the polymers, and it has been established that the conformation of the luminescent polymer is directly related to the light emitting properties. This project studies the properties of MEH-PPV, a common luminescent polymer, by molecule orientation and single molecule spectroscopy, in order to gain a better understanding of how an ideal light emitting film can be produced.

Above: 3D excitation/emission plot of a luminescent MEH-PPV thin film.

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Geopolymers

Shrinkage of Geopolymers Linda Xu and Jannie van Deventer

Geopolymers have superior mechanical and chemical properties to ordinary Portland cement and concrete. These advantages have led to an increase in the number of studies into the synthesis of geopolymers and their application of geopolymeric products worldwide. However, the shrinkage of geopolymers has not been investigated in detail. The emphasis of this research during 2006 has been placed on investigating shrinkage of slag based geopolymers including collecting shrinkage data from slag based geopolymers synthesised under different conditions.

Modelling the Formation of Geopolymers John Provis and Jannie van Deventer

The development of a kinetic model for geopolymerisation and the application of novel and existing experimental techniques, including synchrotron-based techniques and thermal analysis, to the analysis of geopolymer structure and reaction form the basis of this ongoing work. In addition, working closely with fellow PFPC member Peter Duxson the analysis and quantification of aspects of geopolymer molecular structure is being examined.

The Role of Silicates in Geopolymer Gel Formation and Ageing Catherine Rees, Jannie van Deventer and Grant Lukey

Industrial wastes and solid silicate materials varying in mineral and organic content are investigated as potential raw materials for the production of aluminosilicate cementitious binders or “geopolymers”. The further development and understanding of geopolymer technology is of significant commercial interest because these materials are potentially a cost-competitive, environmentally friendly alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). A novel in situ kinetic analysis technique has been employed. Fundamental differences in the reaction mechanisms for gel formation and ageing have been identified between systems rich/poor in hydrolysed silicates. This has implications for the development of a one-part mix similar to OPC.

Adhesive Properties of Inorganic Polymers Syet Li Yong, Jannie van Deventer, Grant Lukey and Dingwu Feng

The geopolymeric material consists of essentially three phases, the unreacted aluminosilicate material, aggregates/substrate and gel binder. The interaction mechanisms between geopolymer and metal surfaces has been investigated using a range of analytical techniques. It has been observed that the growth of geopolymeric gel on metal surfaces is dependent on cations in the system, type of surface, concentration of [Si] and [Al] as well as the concentration of OH. This fundamental understanding of the interaction/mechanism of these phases is important in the improvement and optimisation of geopolymer as an alternative to cement or a protective coating.

The Effect of Coal Ash Composition on Properties of Waste-Based Geopolymers Louise Keyte, Jannie van Deventer and Grant Lukey

Numerous studies have investigated the effect of the Si/Al ratio and alkali concentration on macro-scale properties of a geopolymer; however few investigations have considered the effect of coal ash glass composition on reaction mechanism and final material properties. Coal ash, by virtue of how it is formed, is a heterogeneous material where individual particles may be very different to each other in glass composition and content as well as the type of crystalline matter present. The present work investigates a range of coal ash samples of similar particle size, but of a different glass chemistry to ascertain the relationship between mechanical properties and glass chemistry. The results of this work provide an understanding of how individual coal ash morphology, glass composition and other characteristics contribute differently to geopolymer gel formation and resulting microstructure of the final hardened material.

Controlled Porous StructuresResearch StaffProfessor Frank Caruso Professor Geoff Stevens A/Professor Michelle Gee A/Professor Kerry Landman A/Professor Barry Hughes Dr Sandra Kentish Dr Andrea O’Connor Dr Rachel Caruso Dr Guglielmo Gottoli Dr Sally Gras Dr Angus Johnston Dr Felix Meiser Dr Kathy Northcott Dr Jilska Perera Dr Anthony Quinn Dr John Quinn Dr Yajun Wang Dr Alexander Zelikin Dr Meifang Zhou Jeremy Lane Chris Rigby

Research StudentsClare Anderson Alexandra Angelatos Alisa Becker Sasha Boskovic Ryan Brady Anna Cai Christina Cortez Cara Doherty Glenna Drisko Xavier Duthie Julianna Franco Zuratul Hamid Raza Hasan Fuzhi Huang Lillian Lee Qi Li Ferry Lie Jason Looker Kathryn Mumford Hai Thanh Nguyen Emma Prime Widodo Ratanachaithong Elvira Tjipto Abbey Trewenack Xingdong Wang Heng Pho Yap

CollaboratorsProfessor Nicholas Abbott and Katie Cadwell, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States Dr Craig Buckley, Curtin University of Technology, Australia Dr Mike Connor, The University of Melbourne, Australia A/Professor Justin Cooper-White, University of Queensland, Australia Professor Tom Davis and Dr Chakravarthy Gudipati, University of New South Wales, Australia

Research Program HighlightsMinerals – Processing and MaterialsResearch StaffProfessor Jannie van Deventer Professor Peter Scales Professor David Boger A/Professor John Sader Dr Ray Dagastine Dr Peter Duxson Dr Dingwu Feng Dr Grant Lukey Dr John Provis Dr Linda Xu

Research StudentsEleanor Button Daniel Fisher Ailar Hajimohammadi Louise Keyte Redmond Lloyd Catherine Rees Hui Tan Nee San Yap Syet Li Yong

CollaboratorsProfessor Graeme Jameson, University of Newcastle, Australia Professor Waltraud Kriven, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States Professor Dionisios Vlachos, University of Delaware, United States Professor Virginia Ciminelli, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil Professor Frances Separovic, The University of Melbourne, Australia

Research SponsorsARC PFPC Haoma Mining US Air Force Office of Scientific Research

Overview The Minerals - Processing and Materials theme consists of two main topics: hydrometallurgy, and inorganic polymers (“geopolymers”). These topics are linked by the potential application of geopolymerisation as a means of stabilising and treating mining wastes, however the utilisation of geopolymers in other areas such as construction and beneficiation of other industrial wastes including coal fly ash is also of very significant interest.

The PFPC’s minerals processing research program focuses on improving the economic viability and environmental performance of metal leaching and particle separation (coarse particle froth flotation) through process innovation and an understanding of the underlying science controlling these complex processes. Development of alternatives to cyanide lixiviants in gold extraction is an

area of much interest, and PFPC work is focused on the use of thiosulphates in this area. Analysis of the rheology of minerals processing slurries is of great value in optimising the efficiency and economics of metal extraction. Development of effective flotation separation techniques for coarse particles provides the potential for highly significant energy and cost savings by reducing the extent of milling required, but relies on an understanding of the interactions occurring at a variety of different types of interface within the flotation system. Atomic force microscopy is therefore being applied to the analysis of interfaces such as those observed during flotation, to develop a firm understanding of the mechanisms controlling particle separation.

Inorganic polymer materials (geopolymers) are synthesised by alkaline activation of aluminosilicate powders including calcined clays, coal fly ash, or blast furnace slags. The PFPC has produced much world-leading research into these materials, for application as an environmentally beneficial cement replacement, for immobilisation of waste streams from minerals processing, or as a low temperature castable ceramic. Analysis of the structure and performance on a micro- to nano-structural level, by a variety of experimental and theoretical techniques, is currently providing a wealth of new understanding regarding the process of geopolymerisation and the final structure of geopolymers.

Research Activities

Minerals Processing

The Effect of Carbon Coatings on the Leaching and Preg-Robbing Behaviour of Gold Ores Hui Tan, Jannie van Deventer, Grant Lukey and Dingwu Feng

Poor gold recovery during cyanidation is due to the re-adsorption of leached gold onto ore constituents (mostly free carbonaceous matter and sulphide minerals). This re-adsorption process is referred to as preg-robbing. Research has shown that gold leaching behaviour varies considerably depending on whether the carbonaceous matter is coated on ore particles or in a free-state. The aim of this study is to determine the role that carbon coatings have on the leaching and preg-robbing behaviour of gold. Results to date have shown that carbonaceous coatings on the gold surface can affect the chemical, physical and electrochemical properties of the gold surface and therefore gold leaching. This indicates that carbonaceous coatings

play a much more significant role during cyanidation than previously thought.

Froth Flotation of Coarse Particles Nee San Yap, Jannie van Deventer, Dingwu Feng, Grant Lukey and Raymond Dagastine

Complications are faced in froth flotation in the recovery of coarse particles. Extensive grinding to reduce the size of ores to micron sizes is costly and redundant if the coarse mineral could be recovered without further size reduction. This research will lead to developing a new froth flotation method to separate coarse particles by loading the coarse particles onto a stabilised froth bed. The ultimate goal is to link the behaviour of the froth with both physical and chemical properties of the coarse and fine particles as well as the interactions between these particles and froth on the micro-scale. A comprehensive understanding of this mechanism will greatly benefit the mineral processing industries.

Nickel Laterite Rheology for Industrial Processing Applications Daniel Fisher, Peter Scales and David Boger

Due to currently high commodity prices and the high demand for stainless steel (of which nickel is a component) from China, there has been a recent increase in companies looking to develop laterite ore bodies. Lateritic nickel is more difficult to process than the more commonly mined nickel sulphide ore and relatively little is understood about the unusual flow characteristics of nickel laterite slurries. This project is looking at the reasons for this unusual flow behaviour as well as industrially relevant ways of characterising it using various rheological, particle sizing and mineral composition techniques.

Thin Film Flows Eleanor Button, John Sader and Graeme Jameson

The spreading of thin films on surfaces is key to a broad range of applications including coating flows, ink-jet printing and microfluidics. This project is studying the thin film flow generated when a vertically aimed liquid jet impacts on the underside of a horizontal plate, spreads radially to an abrupt point and then falls of its own accord. The nature and stability of these flows are being investigated and a number of analytical models are being developed. Outcomes from this project are expected to impact on characterisation and design of atomisation processes and coating techniques.

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and are actively interacting with antigent presenting stromal elements. Immature thymocytes out-number the stromal cells 200 to 1, and this raises the possibility of competition between cells for survival and maturation signals. The maturation of cells also depends on spatial signals in the thymus. A combination of systems of ordinary and partial differential equations are used to model T cell development.

Migrating and Settling Populations Abbey Trewenack and Kerry Landman

The aim of this work is to investigate the behaviour of two populations that are migrating and in the process of settling. Of interest is how the two populations might interact, and how this interaction affects the eventual steady-state distribution. A general continuum-model framework is being developed together with several possible mechanisms for the dispersal and settling processes. Solutions to the resulting systems of equations are found analytically, where possible, and numerically otherwise. The application currently being considered is the translocation of a threatened frog species, however it is anticipated that the work will be applicable to, other populations, for example other animal populations or cell populations.

Bioaffinity Adsorbents

Microemulsion Templated Mesoporous Silica for Affinity Separations Sasha Boskovic, Andrea O’Connor, Michelle Gee, Geoff Stevens and Terry Turney

In areas such as the production of protein-based pharmaceutics, the selective adsorption of biological macromolecules is an important step to achieving the required purities. Recently developed microemulsion templated mesoporous silica foams which consist of highly porous 3-dimensional networks, offer the potential to be adsorbents with both high selectivity and high capacity. The study has focused on the development of these materials for protein-A IgG bio-affinity separations and has involved both materials science aspects of synthesising, functionalising and characterising these materials, as well as the application side in demonstrating their use in the protein-A IgG bio-affinity separation. Significantly the work has shown that these materials have over twice the adsorption capacity of commercially available media, highlighting their potential in this area.

Development of Mesoporous Bioaffinity Adsorbents for Biological Applications Widodo Ratanachaithong, Andrea O’Connor, Geoff Stevens, Michelle Gee and Patrick Hartley

This study investigates potential application of mesocellular foam (MCF) for industrial bio-separations application. Several techniques are being explored such as a templating method, in-situ particle enlargement, as well as post synthesis enlargement. In the templating approach, a porous template of polyacrylamide was selected for the composite MCF adsorbent to form and retain its structure. Sedimentation polymerisation of polyacrylamide coupled with optimisation of calcination temperature were directed towards controlling the enlarged particles’ stability, for bio-separation application. Upon MCF particles size enlargement, reusability and adsorption kinetics of enlarged adsorbent will be studied as well as regeneration methods required to prolong the adsorbent lifetime in their application.

Porous Structures for Photocatalytic and Energy Storage Applications

Organic Functionalised Hierarchical Metal Oxide Materials for Radionuclide Sequestration Glenna Drisko, Rachel Caruso and Victor Luca

The overall aim of this project is to synthesise an organic functionalised porous inorganic material for selective capture of radionuclides or heavy metals. Sol-gel chemistry and two types of templating techniques have been used to construct bimodal pore sizes within a matrix of titania/zirconia.

Template Synthesis of Porous Titania for Photocatalysis and Photovoltaic Application Fuzhi Huang, Rachel Caruso and Yi-Bing Cheng

As a non-toxic and wide bandgap semiconductor, titania has been widely studied for photocatalysis and photovoltaic, especially dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs). In this project, templating techniques along with the sol-gel process have been applied to synthesise porous titania with controllable pore structure. Along with the designed structure a second metal has been introduced into the titania crystal lattice to change its properties, such as crystal size, specific surface area and band gap. Hence increasing the photovoltage of the titania in a DSSC application or shifting the absorption spectra towards the visible so that more light energy can be utilised for photocatalysis.

The Incorporation of Gold Nanoparticles in Porous Titanium Dioxide Materials for Photocatalytic Applications Xingdong Wang and Rachel Caruso

The addition of metal nanoparticles to a semiconductor or metal ions into the crystal lattice of a semiconductor influences its properties. Gold nanoparticle modification of TiO2 enhances the photocatalysis efficiency via decreasing the recombination rate of electron/hole pairs in titania. The template and sol-gel techniques have been combined to synthesise controlled structures of Au/TiO2 materials. The gold nanoparticles were initially incorporated in the template and then in the final well crystallised anatase

Above: A permeable reactive barrier installed during the 2005/06 summer season at Casey Station, Antarctica. This sequenced barrier aims to capture and degrade petroleum

hydrocarbons through the stimulation of naturally occurring micro organisms.

Dr David deMontigny, University of Regina, Canada Professor Calum Drummond, CSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies, Australia Mr Craig Dugan, Process Solutions, Australia Dr Peter Farlie, Royal Children’s Hospital, Australia Dr Damian Gore, University of Wollongong, Australia Dr Patrick Hartley, CSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies, Australia Dr Anita Hill, CSIRO Manufacturing and Infrastructure Technology, Australia Professor Stephen Kent, The University of Melbourne, Australia Dr Victor Luca, ANSTO, Australia Professor Wayne Morrison and Professor Tony Penington, Bernard O’Brien Medical Research Institute, Australia Professor Ian Ramshaw, Australian National University, Australia Dr Michelle de Silva, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Australia Dr Ian Snape, Australian Antarctic Division, Australia Professor David Solomon and Dr Greg Qiao, The University of Melbourne, Australia Professor Stanley Sandler, University of Delaware, United States A/Professor David Shallcross, The University of Melbourne, Australia Dr Terry Turney, CSIRO Manufacturing and Infrastructure Technology, Australia Dr Kim Wark and Fabio Turatti, CSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies, Australia Dr Colleen Witt, University of Texas at San Antonio, United States Professor Yi-Bing Cheng, Monash University, Australia

Research SponsorsARC PFPC Australian Antarctic Division Bernard O’Brien Institute of Microsurgery BP Alaska CSIRO Manufacturing and Infrastructure Technology CSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Melbourne National Health and Medical Research Council Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 (Fellowship to W Mulholland) Victorian Government

OverviewThe Controlled Porous Structures theme investigates the control of the morphology and surface chemistry of porous structures. Although there are a range of topics in this theme all involve the

building of structures from the bottom up i.e. either through templating of materials onto pre-formed structures in solution or layer by layer deposition onto structures.

The development of templated structures for use in tissue engineering has generated much interest in the regrowth of soft tissue including fat, muscle and a range of internal organs. This year we were part of a successful bid with the Bernard O’Brien Institute of Microsurgery, The Australian Stem Cell Centre and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in obtaining Victorian Government funding under the Science, Technology and Innovation Infrastructure grant scheme to start a separate company, The Australian Tissue Engineering Centre, whose aim is to set up testing facilities for tissue engineering.

Other work on how cells attach and migrate along surfaces is important in the identification of specific surface chemistries for given cell types. Templated structures are also used to make a range of electrodes and spacers. This finds application in the production of super capacitors, catalytic reactors and adsorbents for proteins, metal ions and hydrocarbons for soil remediation. Similarly, in the drug delivery area control of structure is important in development of effective vehicles for drug delivery. This is also a developing area in association with the Ludwig Institute.

Research on controlled porous structures has grown significantly over the last year finding exciting new challenges both theoretically and in breadth of application.

Research Activities

Surface Modification of Biosorbable Polymeric Scaffolds

Development of Biocompatible, Biodegradable Composite Scaffolds for Adipose Tissue Engineering Guglielmo Gottoli, Andrea O’Connor and Geoff Stevens

The aim of the research is to develop biocompatible, biodegradable composite materials (collagen/mesoporous silica) for adipose tissue engineering applications. These materials would constitute the ‘constructs’ onto which new vascularised adipose tissues may regenerate and repair tissue defects due to trauma (e.g. deep burns), tumour defects (e.g. breast cancer) or disease (e.g. Poland Syndrome). When realised, these scaffolds will constitute a significant advancement particularly in the field of plastic reconstructive surgery from which new clinical therapies could originate to enhance the lives of many patients afflicted by the aforementioned pathologies.

Investigation of the Coupling of Bio-active Groups to Biodegradable Polymers Emma Prime, Greg Qiao, David Solomon and Geoff Stevens

The synthesis of biodegradable polymers containing functional groups which can be utilised for further coupling reactions with bio-active molecules has uses in many different applications including tissue engineering, drug delivery and biosensors. These functional groups are incorporated into the polymer backbone through the synthesis of a functional monomer and subsequent co-polymerisation with a standard monomer. This project then investigates the efficiency of several different coupling techniques in attaching various bio-active molecules before looking at different properties that can be attained and some applications.

Bioactive Tissue Engineering Scaffolds Hai Thanh Nguyen, Geoff Stevens, Andrea O’Connor and Justin Cooper-White

3D biodegradable polymeric scaffolds play an important role in the development of tissue engineering. They must provide both an optimal physical and chemical template for cell attachment, migration, proliferation and tissue generation. In this project, 3D scaffolds with large and highly interconnected pores (> 300 µm) are fabricated from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) using thermally induced phase separation (TIPS). Scaffolds are tested for mechanical strength and in vitro cell attachment and proliferation. The scaffolds will be modified by incorporating basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for enhanced bioactive properties. The approach involves using a layer-by-layer (LbL) technique which allows the buildup of multilayer films via the alternate deposition of polycations and polyanions onto charged surfaces. The bFGF release kinetics will be determined by immunoassays. The modified scaffolds will be tested in vitro for cell attachment and proliferation. Finally, the promising scaffolds will be used for in vivo animal tests towards a potential new human applicable biomaterial scaffold.

Cell Migration Models Anna Cai, Kerry Landman, Barry Hughes, Andrea O’Connor and Geoff Stevens

T cell development occurs in the thymus throughout life. The seeding of the thymus by multipotent stem cells from the bone marrow is periodic (approximately every 3 weeks), however it is well known the output rate of cells from the thymus is constant. Imaging data of the thymus show immature T cells are highly motile

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Nanostructured Interfaces

Probing the Permeability of Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Capsules via a Molecular Beacon Approach Alexandra Angelatos, Angus Johnston and Frank Caruso

Polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) capsules show great potential as delivery vehicles in the areas of medicine, pharmaceutics, agriculture, and the food and cosmetics industries. However, in order to control both the loading of materials into such capsular delivery vehicles and their subsequent release, a detailed understanding of capsule permeability is essential. In this project, the permeability of various types of PEM capsules to DNA targets of different sizes and conformations is investigated via the molecular beacon approach recently developed.

Targeted Delivery of Nanostructured Capsules Alisa Becker, Frank Caruso, Alexander Zelikin, Angus Johnston, Kim Wark and Fabio Turatti

The targeted delivery of encapsulated drugs and genes to specific body parts is desirable because it can simultaneously improve the efficiency of the drugs and reduce unwanted side effects. The proposed research will focus on three aspects of nanostructured capsules for drug delivery: 1) the composition of the capsules to control the release properties of the capsule; 2) the selection of ligands to be presented at the surface to target the delivery of the capsule to specific sites; and 3) investigating different components (i.e. DNA and model drugs) for delivery. This research will involve aspects of chemical engineering and chemistry, to control the release properties of the capsules, and biochemistry, for the targeted delivery of the capsules to cells.

Biofunctionalisation of Nano- and Micro-Particles Christina Cortez and Frank Caruso

The project involves the preparation and characterisation of biologically-tagged nanoparticulate systems, including core-shell particles formed using the layer-by-layer self-assembly technique. These particles have an easily modifiable surface and a decomposable core which allows the production of hollow capsules with high loading capabilities. Strategies that enable the efficient coupling of biomolecules, in particular cell-targeting molecules, to the particles will be examined. The behaviour of these particles in biological systems will be investigated to evaluate their potential application in biology and/or medicine.

Controlled Macromolecular Architectures for Functional Nanomaterials Design John Quinn, Frank Caruso, Heng Pho Yap, Elvira Tjipto, Qi Li, Tom Davis and Chakravarthy Gudipati

The project examines the preparation of stimuli responsive (or “smart”) ultrathin films using the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique. Current work focuses on thin films assembled from polymers which are responsive to variations in different external conditions, such as pH, temperature and ionic strength, and their interactions with various biomolecules (e.g. proteins). A significant portion of the work focuses on block copolymers incorporating both weak polyelectrolytes (PEs) (in which the charge density of the PE is dependent on the pH of the local environment) and strong PEs (where the charge density is independent of pH). These materials are of interest because variation of the pH conditions can lead to tailorable film properties.

Colloid Surface Engineering via Deposition of Multilayered Thin Films from Polelectrolyte Blend Solutions Heng Pho Yap, John Quinn and Frank Caruso

Multilayer films were constructed on colloidal templates by depositing alternating layers of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and varying composition blends of poly(acrylic acid) and poly(styrene sulfonate). The resulting core-shell particles exhibit different properties, depending on the composition of the adsorption solutions. Fluorescently labelled polymers are used to compare the relative amount of adsorbed polymer under different experimental parameters. The templates are removed to produce hollow capsules made of various polyelectrolytes. Above: PhD student Christina Cortez

materials. The TiO2 surface area and crystal size were relatively constant for the different samples. Photocatalytic testing to ascertain improvement in photodegradation performance is currently being studied.

Ion Exchange and Bio-Reactive Barriers for the Adsorption of Solution Species

Use of Zeolites as Controlled Release Fertilisation Systems for Petroleum Hydrocarbon Remediation at Low Temperatures Kathryn Mumford, Geoff Stevens and Ian Snape

During the 2005/06 Casey Station Antarctic season a permeable reactive barrier was built and installed at the end of a hydrocarbon plume. The barrier contained a range of materials (zeolites, nutrient amended zeolite, granulated activated carbon, maxbac and sand), to both capture hydrocarbons and degrade them via microbial stimulation. The barrier was heavily sensored with twenty six temperature sensors, ten oxygen sensors and forty multiport strings. In addition, the barrier contained oxygen distributors and heat tracing. During the season the performance of the barrier was continually monitored and work is still continuing

In-Situ Remediation Technologies for Cold Regions Contaminated Sites Kathy Northcott, Kathryn Mumford, Geoff Stevens, David Shallcross and Jeremy Lane

This research is involved in development of in-situ remediation technologies for use at contaminated sites in Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic islands and the Arctic. This includes laboratory testing of sorbent materials for removal of heavy metals and hydrocarbons from contaminated groundwater at low temperature. The aim is to investigate the ion exchange / sorption characteristics of various materials, and develop binary and multicomponent system models to predict the behaviour of these materials at low temperature and variable salinity.

Porous Membranes for Carbon Dioxide Separations

The Use of Nanoporous Carbon Membranes for High Temperature Carbon Dioxide Separation Clare Anderson, Sandra Kentish and Geoff Stevens

Nanoporous carbon (NPC) membranes have tremendous, but presently largely untapped possibilities for the large scale separation of gases. The focus of this project is to investigate the viabiilty of these membranes

for the separation of carbon dioxide from both flue gas and natural gas streams. Over the past year, membranes with a CO2/N2 selectivity as high as 10 have been successfully synthesised from carbonising polyfurfuryl alcohol. The next phase of the project is focused on increasing the permeance of the NPC membranes whilst retaining a high CO2/N2 selectivity. This will be achieved by thinner unsupported membranes made from carbonising flat sheet polyimide. This project is a collaborative effort between the PFPC and the CRC for Greenhouse Gas Technologies.

Characterisation of Glassy Polyimide Gas Separation Membranes at Elevated Temperature Xavier Duthie, Sandra Kentish and Geoff Stevens

In response to growing concern over increases in globally averaged surface temperatures and associated global warming phenomena, there has recently been added interest in geosequestration of carbon dioxide as a possible short/medium term solution. This project investigates the use of polymeric membranes as a possible CO2 capture technology for geoseqestration. Specifically, this project considers polyimide membranes for the separation of carbon dioxide from the flue gases of coal-fired power stations, as well as from natural gas. Several facets of glassy polyimide membranes have been investigated, including the relationship between temperature and the CO2-induced plasticisation tendencies of such membranes. Enhancement of polyimide membrane performance with increasing temperature due to charge transfer complex formation has also been investigated. Recently completed work included examination of improved membrane stability through grafting of epoxy material into the membrane’s polymeric structure. This project is a collaborative effort between the PFPC and the CRC for Greenhouse Gas Technologies.

CO2 Recovery Using a Modified Polypropylene Gas Absorption Membrane Julianna Franco, Geoff Stevens, Jilska Perera, Sandra Kentish and Hiroaki Habaki

Membrane contactors have significant advantages over packed columns for CO2 separation from other gases using chemical absorption. The membrane offers a larger interfacial area between phases but must be compatible with the solvent. The extreme hydrophobicity of polytetrafluoroethylene makes this an ideal membrane material but it is expensive. While untreated polypropylene

is insufficiently hydrophobic for use with low surface tension amine based solvents, polypropylene membranes that are treated may provide a cheaper alternative. Different membranes are being developed and tested using both hollow fibre and flat sheet membrane configurations. This project is a collaborative effort between the PFPC and the CRC for Greenhouse Gas Technologies.

Impact of Impurities on Polyimide Membrane Performance Raza Hasan, Sandra Kentish and Geoff Stevens

Previous studies have shown that polyimide membranes exhibit high permeabilities and permselectivities for the removal of CO2 from both natural gas and flue gas streams. However, most of these studies have been conducted with pure gases in the absence of any contaminants. Contaminants such as hydrocarbons, water and sulphur compounds may restrict the performance of a membrane and result in premature membrane failures in the field. This research is aimed at understanding the impact of these contaminants on 6FDA-Durene and Matrimid 5218 membrane performance. Results will allow for the improved design of pre-treatment systems to remove these contaminants prior to the membrane system. The possibility of regeneration of the membrane to restore the original performance after it is exposed to contaminants will also be studied. This project is a collaborative effort between the PFPC and the CRC for Greenhouse Gas Technologies.

Capture of Carbon Dioxide From Flue Gas Using Potassium Carbonate Sjoerd van Zijll de Jong and Geoff Stevens

The absorption of carbon dioxide in chemical solvents has been extensively utilised for the capture of CO2. However, the capture of CO2 from coal-fired power plant flue gas streams presents new challenges to current absorption technologies. These are due mainly to the nature of these emissions, that being extremely large volumetric flows with low total and CO2 partial pressures. This project has been investigating various process flowsheet options and equipment designs to optimise the energy requirements of a process utilising a potassium carbonate solvent. To date detailed process simulations, experimental verification of simulations utilising a lab scale rig and preliminary design studies have been performed. This project is a collaborative effort between the PFPC and the CRC for Greenhouse Gas Technologies.

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industries is providing key insights into biomass sludges. Our first models of centrifugation are now available and a key paper has been published, co-authored with Professor Lee White from Carnegie Mellon University, United States. Although not representative of the most sophisticated centrifugal devices utilised industrially, it is a key first step in this area. It has allowed us to draw analogies between the operation of steady state thickeners and centrifuges that had not been previously realised. This is expected to form the basis of optimisation studies on centrifugation in the coming year.

Our work on suspension shear rheology has continued to explore the relationship between the charge characteristics of coagulated particles and the yielding behaviour of concentrated suspensions of these particles. The work has been extended to finer particles and has concentrated on the creep and yield failure of networks. This has utilised a new oscillatory technique in which Fourier Transform of the oscillatory signal can elucidate the harmonics created through the oscillatory shear. As a function of strain, the harmonics grow as the network fails. This has allowed us to explore creep and yielding where the technique also provides in-situ analysis of the presence or absence of slip, a key problem in rotational rheology of flocculated suspensions. The work has provided new insights into failure in the presence of molecules and changes to suspension behaviour as a function of pH.

Research Activities

Dewatering Suspensions

Practical Application of Solid-Liquid Separation Theory Ross de Kretser, Aslam Kabir, Anthony Stickland, Hemadri Saha and Peter Scales

Over the past 15 years, our fundamental theory of dewatering has been developed to a point where it is becoming useful in the practical arena. This has included development and validation of rigorous laboratory and field characterisation methods, test rigs and software tools, as well as mathematical models for optimising dewatering process equipment. Much of the work has been focussed on settlers and thickeners in the minerals industry, however a new ARC Linkage project commenced last year to resolve the challenges associated with application of the theoretical framework to minerals filtration operations. Significant progress has since been made in our understanding of the process of desaturation of compressible filter cakes

and the measurement of its underlying material properties, both of which are critical to the successful design and operation of many minerals filtration operations. The practical application of filtration theory to real-world process optimisation has also advanced significantly via industrial site work conducted over the past year.

Water and Wastewater Treatment Sludge Project Anthony Stickland, Peter Scales, David Dixon, Lindsay Studer and David Verrelli

The project aims to characterise the compressional dewatering properties of water and wastewater sludges and to develop models of dewatering devices such as filters and centrifuges. The sludge properties are used in the models to optimise the operating conditions in order to maximise final solids content (φF) and throughput and minimise the disposal costs. One significant outcome from the modelling is the benefit of increasing the feed solids (φ0) for dewatering devices. The figure below shows that the sludge throughput (<Q>) is independent of φ0 at high φF; therefore the solids throughput increases proportionally with φ0.

Application of Filtration Theory to the Minerals Industry Anthony Stickland, Ross de Kretser, Hemadri Saha and Peter Scales

This project aims to characterise the compressional dewatering properties of various mineral sludges for use in models of dewatering. As well as extending previous work on the thickening, filtration and centrifugation of sludges, the project requires the development of new theory and experimental techniques for investigating the vacuum filtration of sludges.

The Effect of Water Treatment Processes upon Sludge Production and Sludge Dewaterability David Verrelli, Peter Scales and David Dixon

Water treatment yields a by–product ‘sludge’ suspension of growing importance owing to stricter drinking water requirements, besides increasing disposal costs. Processing conditions must be established that can safely and reliably maximise the sludge ‘dewaterability’ or/and minimise its volume. Effects of raw water quality, coagulation/flocculation parameters (e.g. pH, chemical, dose), and further (physical) processing have been quantified by rheological characterisation of the material and analysed using models produced by the PFPC. This information can be employed to calculate sludge dewaterability and so optimise the operation: e.g. elevated pH and coagulant doses should be avoided for alum–based treatments.

Thickener Dewatering Optimisation in the Minerals Industry Anat Kiviti-Manor, Peter Scales and Phil Fawell

Gravity thickening is widely used in the mineral processing industry as the prime technology for solid-liquid separation. In the thickener, a dilute particulate suspension settles under gravity, creating a compact bed and at the same time producing clarified liquid. A raking mechanism is used in thickeners and serves two purposes. The first is to transport material to the discharge point, and the second is to improve dewatering in the sediment. The raking mechanism and other shear processes introduce a shear force which plays an important role in the thickening process and affects dewatering properties. Relatively little is known about how shear forces affect dewatering when applied to aggregates post flocculation, i.e. as they dewater. The aim of this work is to quantify the relationship between shear stresses and compressional dewatering for a range of flocs formation conditions and flocculant types.

Practical Application of Filtration Theory to the Minerals Industry Hemadri Saha, Ross de Kretser and Peter Scales

Optimisation of solids extraction from a suspension has been an important issue for the mineral, chemical, water and wastewater industry for a long time. Various unit operations such as plate and frame, belt press and vacuum filters, centrifuges and gravity thickeners are commonly used in industry to dewater solid-liquid mixtures. The size and

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Average Cake Solids, � F (v/v)

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Above: Sludge throughput as a function of cake solids for ferric water treatment sludge in a fixed-cavity plate-and-frame filter press.

Tailoring the Interfaces Between Liquid Crystals and Aqueous Phases with Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Films Elvira Tjipto, John Quinn, Angus Johnston, Frank Caruso, Katie Cadwell and Nicholas Abbott

Liquid crystals (LCs) are promising candidates in sensing applications because the ordering of molecules within the LCs is highly sensitive to interfacial interactions, and the orientations of the LCs at the interfaces can be observed using polarised microscopy. Such a method may ultimately be useful for the detection of trace compounds, including toxins, or in other biological assays. Our research has shown that LC emulsions can be coated with polyelectrolyte multilayers, which can be used to mediate the interaction of an analyte with the LC core.

Nanostructured Design Through Weak Polyelectrolytes Anthony Quinn, Elvira Tjipto and Frank Caruso

Polyelectrolyte multilayers incorporating weak polyelectrolytes offer a novel route to controlling packing density, thickness and structure. The present work correlates the multilayer structure and film properties with the assembly conditions, extending the fundamental understanding of the assembly process. This approach enables the precise control of surface properties via a simple and efficient method with potential applications from anti-fouling or anti-corrosion surface coatings, to capsule formation for use as drug delivery vehicles.

Preparation of Nanoporous Polymer Thin Films via Polyelectrolyte/Nanoparticle Templating Qi Li, John Quinn and Frank Caruso

Templating techniques are widely used for producing nanoporous materials with controlled pore structure. In this project, a hybrid layer-by-layer templating approach is used to fabricate nanoporous films. This is achieved by first preparing a three-component hybrid multilayer thin film using layer-by-layer assembly. Nanoporous polymer thin films are then fabricated by fixing two components and removing the third (as templates). Both polyelectrolytes and nanoparticles were used as templates in this project. Considering the variety of materials that have been assembled to form multilayers, this represents a versatile approach because templates with various molecular conformations may be used to induce well-defined pores or interconnected channels.

Ultrathin Biopolymer Films Lillian Lee and Frank Caruso

The properties of various DNA multilayer films assembled using the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique are examined in this project. The morphology of the films can be controlled by careful selection of the DNA strands used in the build-up. By understanding the permeability of these films, progress can be made towards DNA capsules, which have high potential as drug delivery systems due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility.

Template Synthesis of Nanoporous Polymer-Based Materials Yajun Wang and Frank Caruso

A new generation of nanoporous polymer-based materials are prepared via the sequential solution assembly of preformed polyelectrolytes and/or (bio)macromolecules in mesoporous silica templates, and subsequent removal of the silica matrixes. This novel technique offers an effective and versatile route to the preparation of nanoporous materials with widely tailored properties. Products of diverse morphology, composition and function can be prepared by varying the mesoporous silica templates (i.e. spheres, fibers) and the building-blocks used (i.e. polyelectrolytes, peptides, and proteins). Such materials are expected to find application in adsorption/separation, biosensing, and as enzymatic bioreactors and controlled drug delivery systems.

Suspension RheologyResearch StaffProfessor Peter Scales Professor David Boger Professor Tom Healy Professor Paul Mulvaney Professor Geoff Stevens A/Professor George Franks Dr David Dixon Dr Sandra Kentish Dr Andrea O’Connor Dr Rob Eldridge Dr Ross de Kretser Dr Nicole Lawrence Dr Shane Usher Dr Aslam Kabir Dr Anthony Stickland Daniel Fisher Adam Kilcullen

Research StudentsRory Anderson Daniel Fisher Jonathan Foong Anat Kiviti-Manor John-Paul O’Shea Gwynneth Rice Hemadri Saha

Rudi Spehar Lindsay Studer David Verrelli Rachael Wall

CollaboratorsDr Andrew Barber, Burra Foods, Australia Dr Richard Buscall, MSACT Consulting, United Kingdom Dr Phil Fawell, CSIRO Minerals, Australia Dr Peter Hillis, United Utilities, United Kingdom Ms Monika Limacher and Professor Ludwig Gauckler, ETH Zurich, Switzerland Dr Greg Qiao, The University of Melbourne, Australia Dr Murray Rudman, CSIRO Manufacturing and Infrastructure Technology, Australia Dr Martin Tillotson, Yorkshire Water, United Kingdom Professor Lee White, Carnegie Mellon University, United States Professor Mathais Bostrom, Linkoping University, Sweden Professor Simon Biggs, Leeds University, United Kingdom

Research SponsorsAMIRA ARC United Utilities, United Kingdom Yorkshire Water, United Kingdom Burra Foods Australia PFPC ICI Strategic Research Fund, United Kingdom Rio Tinto Limited Fonterra

OverviewThe area of compressional rheology has been the poor cousin of shear rheology for a large number of years but with the advent of measurement techniques developed in the PFPC, our ability to quantitatively describe processes that rely on compression rather than shear, including thickeners, filters and centrifuges, is increasing rapidly. The aim of these devices is to recover water in an effective manner for recycling as well as to produce a controlled rheology particulate product. A key development in this area over the past two years has been in the area of techniques that allow us to measure the dynamics of compression in the presence of shear. This is providing critical new insights into the role of shear in enhancing dewatering processes in thickeners and is expected to be important in centrifugation as well. Validation of the effects at a pilot and at full scale has been helped by funding in an AMIRA funded project on improving thickener technology in the minerals area. Industrial sponsorship in the water and waste water and dairy

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Stimulus Responsive Flocculants John-Paul O’Shea, George Franks and Greg Qiao

The importance of efficient separation of water from solid particles in slurries produced from mining or paper milling processes, is gaining emphasis with increasing environmental regulation and economic rationalisation. High molecular weight polymers, called flocculants, are commonly used to induce aggregation and settling of slurry particles. This project investigates the development and use of flocculants that respond to stimuli such as changes in temperature or acidity, to manipulate particle-particle interactions. Firstly, this manipulation allows enhanced aggregation/settling, thus providing clear water. Secondly it allows greater compaction of the settled aggregates, which reduces the water content and hence volume, of unsightly slurries pumped to drying ponds. Using this approach, the additional water expressed can be recovered and reused in the process reducing demand on the environment.

Nanoparticle Suspensions

Stabilisers for Nanoparticles and Their Use in Nanoparticle Synthesis Rob Eldridge, Peter Scales, Paul Mulvaney, Rory Anderson and Richard Buscall

Particles with diameters in the nanometre range are of interest for a wide variety of industrial applications but preventing such fine particles from growing or aggregating remains a challenge. The project is exploring ways of measuring and improving the stability of inorganic nanoparticles dispersed in fluids of industrial interest.

Yielding of Concentrated Nanoparticulate Suspensions Jonathan Foong and Peter Scales

The yield stress is a rheological property that had received much attention in the past. However, until today, the yielding phenomenon is still poorly understood. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and creep rheological experiments are used to further understand this yielding behaviour of concentrated nano-particulate suspensions. The use of Fourier Transform (FT) rheology has been successful as a very sensitive tool to determine the yield point of a material. FT rheology will enhance the sensitivity of the measurements in detecting failure in the structure of particulate networks. DMA analysis will also focus on the effect of time and rate of deformation in the attempt to determine the criterion for failure. The use of creep experiments and the DMA analysis is to determine the relationship if any between the elasticity and yielding of a material.

Surface Forces and SpectroscopyResearch StaffProfessor Derek Chan Professor William Ducker Professor Paul Mulvaney A/Professor Michelle Gee A/Professor Barry Hughes A/Professor John Sader Dr Raymond Dagastine Dr Laura Andrau Dr Scott Edwards Dr Alison Funston Dr Abbas Khan Dr Charles Lilley Dr Jessica Pacifico Dr Anthony Quinn Dr Pierre Starck Dr Ivan Vakarelski Dr Xuehua Zhang

Research StudentsDaniel Gómez Ann Gooding Annette Häbich Chris Honig Jacek Jasieniak Emma Lees Jiufu Lim Chien-Hua Lin Clayton McKee Scott McLean Benjamin Mashford Wade Mosse Carolina Novo Edin Nuhiji Shashi Parcha Colin Scholes Dimetre Triadis Joel van Embden

CollaboratorsProfessor Luis Liz-Marzán, University of Vigo, Spain Professor Greg Hartland, University of Notre Dame, United States Professor Jacob Israelachvili, University of California, Santa Barbara, United States Dr Andrew Clayton, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Australia Dr Michael Giersig, Caesar Institut, Germany Dr Trevor Smith, The University of Melbourne, Australia

Research SponsorsARC PFPC The University of Melbourne NHMRC National Science Foundation, United States Genera Biosystems Pty Ltd

Overview Throughout 2006, there has been a consistent strengthening of the AFM surface forces work as well as expansion of the spectroscopic studies. AFM provides direct information on surface forces as a function of the separation between surfaces and therefore provides information that can be compared directly with theory. However it is difficult to (i) measure the separation at subnanometre separations with accuracy, especially for soft or deformable surfaces. Hence a key new approach is the use of evanescent fields to provide an independent method of distance calibration. Researchers are also continuing to move towards more complex systems such as biological surfaces and liquid interfaces. Deformability and dissipation of the interaction energy in these systems has led naturally to more interest in nanomechanical phenomena and also the vexed issue of boundary layer lubrication. These themes are present in a significant number of surface studies. There is also continued use of spectroscopy to gain dynamic information about the structure of nanoscale materials, particularly thin films and small particles. LIEF funds sought from the ARC have been targeted at improving the arsenal of spectroscopic equipment available for interfacial studies. To answer many of these questions, the synthesis of more complex particles, polymers, surfactants and spectroscopic probes has become a core focus, and it is likely that there will be increased emphasis on the design and synthesis of tailor made molecules and structures to answer particular problems concerning interfacial phenomena.

Research Activities

Biological Systems and Surfactants

Direct Measurement of Nano-Mechanical Properties of Different Type of Cells In Vitro Shashi Parcha, Michelle Gee and Raymond Dagastine

The overall mechanical properties of a cell are dependant on the dynamic role of individual cytoskeleton elements. One can effectively probe the local structural and mechanical stability properties of the cell through direct interaction between the cell surface and the cantilever tip using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Localised elasticity properties can be determined with the use of an appropriate indentation model from an AFM force curve (force versus distance cycle) on a living cell. Initial studies have been completed on live 3T3 fibroblasts (in vitro).

other operating parameters of these unit operations can be optimised if fundamental dewatering theories are used in their design. Although a number of dewatering theories have been developed over the past few decades, they are seldom applied in this design and optimisation. This project was therefore set up to undertake a practical application of the dewatering characterisation and modelling framework developed within the PFPC to the prediction of full scale filter press performance and press throughput optimisation. A significant component of this work involves reconciliation of the non-idealities of model predictions with the realities of filter plant operation.

New Approaches to the Optimisation of Wastewater Dewatering and Processing Lindsay Studer and Peter Scales

Industrial-scale domestic wastewater treatment processes produce large volumes of sludge. Sludge dewatering is a critical step in this treatment process. If not satisfactorily achieved, the sludge volumes to be disposed of (i.e. sent to landfill or incinerated) are greatly increased. Industry is keen to optimise dewatering operations to limit sludge volumes. However, no mathematical tools are currently available to industry for describing or optimising sludge behaviour in common dewatering equipment (e.g. centrifuges, filter presses). The

Biosludge Characterisation Protocol, recently developed within the PFPC, allows the complete characterisation of the dewaterability of these sludges. This protocol is currently being used to characterise different sludge types and the effect of additives upon dewaterability. Once fully characterised, the behaviour of each sludge in common dewatering equipment can be predicted with mathematical models previously developed within the PFPC. This will provide the wastewater industry with a powerful new and unique tool, which will allow them to optimise their dewatering operations.

Dairy Sludge Dewatering Rachael Wall, Peter Scales and David Dixon

Research under the Dairy Sludge Dewatering Project has focused on understanding the factors that influence the rate and extent of dairy sludge dewatering, with the aim of developing a strategic focus to drive decisions relating to the treatment of dairy sludges in the future. The rate of dewatering and compressibility of a range of dairy sludges from plants in both Australia and New Zealand has been classified in terms of the hindered settling function, R((φ)), and compressive yield stress, Py((φ)), across a number of dewatering regimes. Visits to Virginia Tech in the United States and Aalborg University in Denmark in June 2006 provided valuable direction to work under this project to establish links between the chemical and biological composition of dairy sludges, operating and treatment conditions and the efficiency of sludge dewatering.

Production of Concentrated Fresh Milk Products Nicole Lawrence, Sandra Kentish, Andrea O’Connor, Geoff Stevens and Andrew Barber

A new application for microfiltration membranes in the dairy industry is in the separation of native casein micelles from whey proteins by processing skim milk. The production of casein in its natural state is expected to be extremely beneficial. The casein concentrate should result in better texture and yield in cheese manufacture, whilst the permeate produced is better for purifiying whey proteins than standard cheese whey. However, high fouling of the microfiltration membrane limits this process. This project investigated operating conditions and membrane configurations, materials and pore sizes in order to optimise the process in terms of processing flux, processing time and the separation characteristics.

Above: PhD student Rachael Wall is studying the dewatering of dairy sludges.

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Spectroscopy of Individual Quantum Dots: Surface Chemistry, Blinking and Spectral Diffusion Daniel Gómez and Paul Mulvaney

Optical studies of individual CdSe nanocrystals, reveal interesting properties otherwise hidden in conventional ensemble spectroscopy. It has been observed in these experiments, that the photoluminescence of a single nanocrystal randomly switches on and off (a process known as blinking) whilst its emission energy fluctuates (spectral diffusion). Both of these processes are proposed to be dominated by the degree of surface passivation of each nanocrystal. This passivation can lead to an enhancement of the photoluminescence of the nanocrystals while at the same time it decreases the extent of spectral diffusion. This passivation can be achieved by overcoating these small crystals with organic ligands or by the growth of an epitaxial shell of a semiconductor material.

Electron Transfer in Type I CdSe Semiconductor Core-Shell Systems Joel van Embden and Paul Mulvaney

The aim of this PhD research project is to further current knowledge on CdSe based core-shell materials. These materials are comprised of a CdSe core surrounded by a shell of a higher band gap semiconductor material. These shells are used to protect the quantum dot from photo-oxidation and improve luminescence. However, little is known about how the shell affects the electron dynamics within the quantum dot ‘core’.

The basis of this research is to investigate the effects of different shell thicknesses and types on electron transfer rates from the quantum dot to selected acceptor molecules in solution.

Developing a Novel Microsphere Colloid for Ultrasensitive Whispering Gallery Mode Biomolecular Detection Edin Nuhiji and Paul Mulvaney

This project aims to develop and characterise a nucleic acid specific, microsphere-based biosensor. The system utilises Whispering Gallery Modes (WGM) as a method of detection. Part of the work already done includes characterising the sensitivity of the system and investigating the behaviour of the WGM during assay stages and successful detection of target nucleic acid sequences. Key questions still to be answered include:

1. What is the threshold of the system, can it detect sub-picomolar concentrations of DNA?

2. What is the shelf life of the biosensor?

3. Can the current organic dye biosensing-system be established with CdSe nanocrystal technology?

Quantum Dot-Protein Conjugation for Cancer Cell Receptor Studies Emma Lees, Paul Mulvaney and Andrew Clayton

This project has focused on the development of a biocompatible ligand to specifically conjugate water soluble nanocrystals to target proteins on the surface of cancer cells, namely the

epidermal growth factor receptor. In parallel, the dependence of the epidermal growth factor receptor association states on growth factor stimulation and receptor conformation have been quantitatively explored using image correlation spectroscopy. Low non-specific binding of quantum dots in biological systems have been successfully demonstrated and currently the conjugation pathways for direct coupling of quantum dots to specific target sites are being examined.

Single Particle Spectroscopy of Gold Nanorods Carolina Novo and Paul Mulvaney

This project aims to collect spectra of single rods using dark field confocal microscopy. The aim is to look at the effects of polarisation, aspect ratio, alloying, solvent refractive index, and electric fields on the optical properties of the rods. Part of the work already completed includes studying the contribution from radiation damping and surface scattering to the spectra of nanorods with different widths and the effect of electron injection in the plasmon resonance and the morphology of rods in solution. Key questions still to be answered include:

1. Can the plasmon resonance of a single rod be altered by electron injection?

2. How does the refractive index of the medium affect the plasmon resonance of single particles?

3. Can single rods be aligned in an AC or DC electric field?

Above: Nanocrystals

Control of Surface Forces using Synthetic Peptides and Polymers Wade Mosse and William Ducker

In order to improve the stability and workability of colloidal suspensions it is desirable that there is a short-range repulsion between particles which impedes aggregation. It is widely known that the adsorption of a brush-like layer of polymer to particles results in repulsive steric forces, thus stabilising the suspension. The adsorption and force behavior of zwitterionic polymers are presently being studied, with plans to use rationally designed peptides in a similar role in the future.

Instabilities in Dispersions of Silica and Alumina Particles on Adding a Solvent-Miscible Zwitterionic Polymer Pierre Starck and William Ducker

The project consists in studying the rheology of colloidal silica or alumina in aqueous zwitterionic polymer solutions. The mixtures of polymer and particles were made at different polymer concentrations and different salt concentrations in order to investigate two particular interactions: bridging flocculation and steric stabilisation. Steady state measurements as well as dynamic (oscillatory) experiments were carried out to study the viscoelastic properties of such mixtures.

Flip-Flop in Adsorbed Lamellar Layers Abbas Khan and William Ducker

The maintenance of compositional differences between the inside and outside of biological membranes is necessary for cell function and is occurred through the process called, flip-flop. A systematic approach has been established to investigate flip-flop in adsorbed layers using a labeled (a deuterated version) and unlabeled version of double chain surfactants which posses close resemblance with phospholipids. The exchange of surfactant that forms an adsorbed bilayer structure and flip-flop were studied using an attenuated total internal reflection (ATR) FTIR technique. It has been found that exchange between layers at interfaces is much faster than in bulk solution.

Selective Adsorption of Chiral Molecules at Solid–Liquid Interfaces Annette Häbich and William Ducker

In this project, fundamental studies of the adsorption of chiral molecules to chiral surfaces will be performed. Chiral molecules will be tethered to solids and the selectivity of adsorption will be examined as a function of structure and orientation. Innovative technologies will be developed for measuring enantiomeric excess at surfaces using polarised attenuated total internal reflection (ATR) UV spectroscopy. The current methods for determining enantiomeric excess rely on differences in chromatographic retention times. These are based on multiple sequential adsorptions through confined geometries and are inherently slow. The proposed rapid technique of measuring surface enantiomeric excess should help in the prediction of chromatographic separation and may be useful in high through-put applications.

Patchy Surfactant Coatings and Long-Range Forces Scott Edwards, Derek Chan and Jacob Israelachvili

One of the most enduring controversies in colloid science is the origin of the so-called “hydrophobic interaction”, the anomalous long-ranged attraction measured between hydrophobic surfaces. It has been shown that the electrostatic interaction between surfaces with inhomogeneous charge distributions can lead to an extra attractive force, and this is a possible explanation for at least some manifestations of the hydrophobic interaction. So far, such calculations have only considered surfaces whose charge patches have a fixed size as the separation changes. It has been demonstrated that surfactants adsorbed on surfaces can undergo a transition from a uniform monolayer coating to bilayer patches, and that the size and arrangement of these patches can change as the separation changes. A complete analysis of the energetics of this transition is currently being carried out, with the aim of deriving a simple formula to predict whether the transition will occur depending on the surface charge density and salt concentration. These calculations will lead into further work on the size of the bilayer patches and the resulting forces between coated surfaces.

Origin of Life’s Homochirality: Asymmetric Adsorption of Amino Acids Surfactants on Enantiomorphic Quartz Laura Andrau and William Ducker

The origin of biochemical homochirality (the use in living organisms of only the configuration left-handed for amino acids (L-AA) and right handed sugars (D-sugars)) is a key question of the origin of life. Enantiomorphic crystals like quartz are widespread minerals on Earth. It is well known that such surfaces are capable of adsorbing biological molecules and therefore, they offer a possible scenario for the origin of life and asymmetry. Previous investigations have reported that very small enantioselectivities were obtained for the adsorption of simple amino acids by d- and l-quartz. In this project the experiment is being reviewed by using long alkyl chain amino acid surfactants. The enantiomeric excess obtained after their adsorption on quartz is being measured using HPLC. Different amino acid surfactants have been synthesised. DL-serine dodecylester and DL-serine decylester have shown to be adequate candidates to achieve the adsorption experiment. Their enantiomers have been successfully separated but the HPLC traces show the presence of contaminations. These compounds are decomposing. Other surfactants are currently being investigated.

Nanomaterials

Gain and Lasing in QD Waveguides Jacek Jasieniak and Paul Mulvaney

Luminescent CdSe-ZnS quantum dots (QDs) have been dispersed into zirconia and titania matrices and the effects of the matrix on the photophysics of the quantum dots has been studied. It has been found that the fluorescence stability in these functional composites is only achieved if the host matrix does not allow for any charge transfer processes. Furthermore, these composites have been studied under conditions where by the QDs were in a state of population inversion. With high quantum yield retained in the composite materials, the spontaneous emission stimulates the excited state to emit, with the stimulated radiation being amplified in a planar waveguide geometry. The CdSe-ZnS zirconia composite was found to possess the lowest reported amplified stimulated emission thresholds to date.

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Stochastically Evolving Networks Jennifer Slater, Barry Hughes and Kerry Landman

Many physical systems can be represented as networks with a variety of complex structures. When modelling such networks, simple rules governing the behaviour of individuals give rise to complex overall network structures. This project aims to understand the influence of various models for the birth, death and interaction of individuals on the resulting network structure. So far, mean field approximations to the coordination number distributions of networks generated with linear or connectivity-dependent birth and/or death rates have been found. An application of these techniques is found in modelling the development of the mammalian cerebral cortex. The lineages of neural and glial cortical cells may be represented as networks. The significance of the size and structure of experimentally observed networks to the division mechanisms of cells is being investigated.

Modelling Interneuron Migration in the Developing Neocortex Amy Sullivan, Kerry Landman and Barry Hughes External Collaborator: Dr Joanne Britto, Howard Florey Institute, Australia

The embryonic mouse and human brains contain a section called the telencephalon, which eventually forms the cerebral hemispheres, the major part of the adult human brain. Of interest is how the neurons in the part of this brain form the complex structures that allow us to function and think. Neurons are born in one part of the telencephalon and migrate along various intersecting paths to their final positions. By modelling the migration of these cells via mathematical models, and analysing the statistical behaviour of the results, it is hoped that it will provide a greater understanding of the adult human brain.

Uncovering the Secrets to Relieving Stress: Discrete Element Analysis of Force Chains Maya Muthuswamy and Antoinette Tordesillas External Collaborator: Dr John Peters, Engineer Research and Development Centre, US Army Corps of Engineers, United States

Interparticle contact friction, packing density and polydispersity are known to be major contributors to the macroscopic strength of particulate assemblies, that is, their bulk resistance to deformation. For example, when a solid object penetrates a particulate material, the penetration resistance (i.e. the force opposing the object) increases concomitantly with an increase in the degree of polydispersity, packing density and interparticle friction. To establish the underlying mechanisms by which these properties govern the macroscopic response, the quantitatively force propagation has been characterised at length scales beyond that of the interparticle contact region. Using data derived from discrete element simulations of a two dimensional granular assembly subject to indentation by a rigid flat punch, we have been examining the properties of force chains and the force chain network as they evolve during the course of the deformation. Findings indicate that increasing interparticle friction, packing density and degree of polydispersity promotes the formation of straighter chains and a greater degree of branching in the force chain network, resulting in a macroscopically stronger granular material. Currently, a discrete element technique is being used along with mathematical modelling to examine the mechanisms behind force propagation within a particulate material, with a focus on the behaviour of strong particle columns, or “force chains’’ (quasi-linear chains of load-bearing particles).

Other Activities in the PFPC Charge Injection into 2D Semiconductor Nanocrystal Arrays Ann Gooding and Paul Mulvaney

This research aims to determine the kinetics and thermodynamics of electron transfer between illuminated nanocrystals (NCs) and the metal electrodes that would form part of a practical solar cell. Furthermore, during operation, NCs will become electrically charged and it is unclear how this charge would influence the carrier recombination kinetics. It has been hypothesised that charged NCs will not emit photo-luminescence.

Nanocrystal Electronic Materials and Devices Benjamin Mashford and Paul Mulvaney

This research project will examine the structural and electronic properties of inorganic thin film materials incorporating colloidal nanocrystals. The transfer of electronic charge carriers between a nanocrystal and the host material depends on various factors including interface morphology, surface chemistry and energy band alignment. An understanding of these factors is critical in the design of nanocrystal optoelectronic components used in light emitting and photovoltaic devices. Nanocrystal materials will be studied using high resolution electron microscopy, confocal microscopy and spectroscopic techniques.

Rarefied Gas Modelling in Nanoscale Science Charles Lilley, John Sader and Paul Mulvaney

Cutting-edge advances in nanoscale science depend on computational simulations of rarefied gas flows. Essential to these advances are accurate physical models appropriately validated against experimental data, a process that poses formidable practical and scientific challenges. Using novel approaches, this project is developing and validating accurate models for simulating rarefied gas flows. The validated models will be applied in fundamental studies that will underpin advances in important emerging technologies, including atomic force microscopy and the design of nanoelectromechanical systems.

Fluid and Gas Behaviour in Microfluidic Environments - Scaling Laws for Nanomachines Jiufu Lim, Paul Mulvaney and John Sader

Microfluidic environments have the potential to revolutionise device applications, particularly in the areas of physical, chemical and biological sensing. At the core of these developments is the need to convert these signals into

measurable outputs. Microcantilevers offer an ideal platform due to their innate sensitivity to such stimuli. The aim of the project is to characterise and develop the dynamic response of microfabricated cantilevers, a prototype nanomechanical structure, in microfluidic environments. By establishing the role of slip, nanoscale fluid dynamics, surface viscosity and atomic friction on the behaviour of both the confined liquid and the moving cantilever, the foundations will be set for future developments of nanomechanics.

Mechanical Properties of Nanoparticles Using Ultrafast Laser Excitation Chien-Hua Lin, John Sader and Greg Hartland

Knowledge of the elastic properties of nano sized materials is essential for fabrication, design and characterisation of nanodevices. This project focuses on developing the theoretical framework for quantitative interpretation of ultrafast laser measurements on metal nanoparticles of arbitrary shape and composition. This newly developed technique enables the mechanical properties of nanoparticles to be probed through modulation of their optical response upon laser excitation. Current work is examining the dependence of size and shape on the anisotropic mechanical properties of nanomaterials and is being performed with collaborators at the University of Notre Dame, United States.

AFM and Other Near Field Technologies

Surface Forces in Atomic Force Microscopy and Related Systems Dimetre Triadis and Barry Hughes

Use of the surface force apparatus and the atomic force microscope involves indentation of elastic solids with varied geometries. Due to smooth interacting surfaces and the sensitivity of measurements, surface forces acting between materials often have a significant effect on cantilever deflection and force displacement curves. The aim of this project is to investigate the effects of surface forces on the indentation of elastic solids. Work underway seeks to bridge the gap between the established analytical mixed boundary value theory for half spaces and the more accurate explicit mathematical consideration of distance-dependent forces acting between adjacent surfaces. Research is also focussed on testing the applicable range of the linear theory by examining the significance of second order terms.

Evanescent Wave Atomic Force Microscopy Clayton McKee and William Ducker

An atomic force microscope is widely used to measure the forces between polymer coated solids. A fundamental limitation is that the separation between the solids is not measured explicitly; the separation is inferred from the force measurement. A new technique is being developed to measure the absolute separation between an AFM tip and solid substrate using scattered evanescent waves; this new technique has been termed evanescent wave atomic force microscopy. This technique is currently being used to measure the absolute separation between surfaces coated in an irreversible adsorbed polymer film, during force measurements.

Optical AFM Investigations of Mircofluidics Chris Honig and William Ducker

The Navier–Stokes equations provide the theoretical basis for the accurate description of many problems in fluid mechanics. Solution of these equations requires knowledge of the boundary conditions, and it is customary to assume a continuity of fluid velocity. Included in this assumption is continuity of fluid velocity across a solid–liquid interface, i.e. the no-slip boundary condition. The intuitive basis is that intermolecular forces cause the fluid molecules immediately adjacent to the solid surface to ‘stick’ to the solid and therefore adopt the same velocity as the solid. However, the no-slip boundary condition has not been derived from fundamental principles; it is justified through agreement with experiment and has been reported to fail in sufficiently sensitive experiments. An evanescent-wave AFM colloid probe technique is being used to investigate the nature of this boundary condition, with high precision.

The Adsorbed Gas State Xuehua Zhang, Anthony Quinn and William Ducker

The possible existence of nanoscale gas bubbles at solid/water interface has drawn wide interest in surface science. No direct evidence has been provided for the gaseous state at the interface. Nanobubbles were created by the exchange of CO2 saturated liquids. These nanobubbles, observed by tapping mode atomic force microscopy, were typically 10-20 nm high and 800 nm wide. After the formation of the nanobubbles by the exchange process, the infrared spectrum from gaseous CO2 was detected by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. These results provide convincing evidence for the gaseous state at the solid/water interface.

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Enhanced micro-raman and fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging facility for biosystems and materials (LE0668403) Chief Investigators: D McNaughton, H Schmidt, J Beardall, G Deacon, L Spiccia, B R Wood, P Heraud, S J Langford, M Clayton, A Trounson, K Murray, P Junk, T Smith, P Mulvaney, M Rowley, M Forsyth and M Gee $570,000 (Administered by Monash University)

ARC Linkage - International

The separation of carbon dioxide from industrial sources using nanoporous carbon (LX0560759) Chief Investigators: S E Kentish and S Sandler $6,800

The development of low cost sorbents for removal of contaminants in ground water at cold regions contaminated sites (LX0774792) Chief Investigators: G W Stevens, J M Perera, Y Baba and K A Northcott $6,000

ARC materials world research network nanostructured polymer templating of liquid crystals (LX0668851) Chief Investigators: F Caruso and N Abbott $100,000

ARC Linkage - Projects

Ultrasonic processing of dairy ingredients to control protein aggregation and promote heat stability (LP0561887) Chief Investigators: M Ashokkumar, F Grieser, S E Kentish, M Augustin and R F Mawson Industry Partner: Dairy Ingredients Group of Australia Ltd ARC Contribution: $90,000 Industry Contribution: $35,000

Process induced protein aggregation (LP0562318) Chief Investigators: D E Dunstan, G Rosengarten, A Mitchell, J Bertolini, P Gomme and B M Hunt Industry Partner: CSL Bioplasma ARC Contribution: $80,000 Industry Contribution: $30,000

Production of concentrated fresh milk products (LP0348954) Chief Investigators: S E Kentish, A J O’Connor, G W Stevens and A R Barber Industry Partner: Burra Foods Australia ARC Contribution: $101,666 Industry Contribution: $92,594

The effective treatment of hot dip galvanising effluent streams (LP0453483) Chief Investigators: S E Kentish and G W Stevens Industry Partner: Industrial Galvanizers Corporation ARC Contribution: $23,556 Industry Contribution: $5,000

Thickener dewatering optimisation in the minerals industry (LP0561978) Chief Investigators: P J Scales, M Rudman and P D Fawell Industry Partner: AMIRA International Ltd ARC Contribution: $237,500 Industry Contribution: $250,000

Advanced waste slurry processing in the dairy industry (LP0560854) Chief Investigators: P J Scales and D R Dixon Industry Partner: Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd ARC Contribution: $92,826 Industry Contribution: $30,000

Practical application of filtration theory to the minerals industry (LP0560656) Chief Investigators: P J Scales and R de Kretser Industry Partner: Rio Tinto Limited ARC Contribution: $80,000 Industry Contribution: $40,000

Emulsion stability and solvent extraction equipment design in the pharmaceutical industry (LP0347302) Chief Investigators: G W Stevens, M L Gee and J D Ritchie Industry Partner: GlaxoSmithKline Australia ARC Contribution: $46,066 Industry Contribution: $10,000

Characterisation of bioadhesives from marine diatom slimes and their interactions with different substrata; developing environmentally friendly, foul-release coatings (LP0454982) Chief Investigators: R Wetherbee, P C Mulvaney and J A Lewis Industry Partner: Akzo Nobel (Aust.) Pty Ltd ARC Contribution: $76,614 Industry Contribution: $17,500

Australian mineral science research institute: Transformation of resource-based industries through the generation and application of new technologies (LP0667828) Chief Investigators: J Ralston, T W Healy, G J Jameson, D V Boger, D Y C Chan and T J Napier-Munn ARC Contribution: $452,031 (University of Melbourne node) Industry Contribution: $274,151 (University of Melbourne node)

Next generation of separation equipment for natural product extraction (LP0669452) Chief Investigators: G W Stevens and M P Choong ARC Contribution: $35,500 Industry Contribution: $16,000

Other Competitive Grants

Constraints on hydrocarbon adsorption and nutrient release from zeolites at low temperatures for hydrocarbon remediation in Antarctica Chief Investigator: G W Stevens Australian Antarctic Science Grant $27,000

Development and application of technologies for the removal of heavy metal contaminants from run-off associated with abandoned waste disposal sites Chief Investigator: G W Stevens Australian Antarctic Science Grant $26,400

Understanding how neural cells populate the gut (237144) Chief Investigators: D Newman, K Landman and P Farlie NHMRC Project Grant $61,000

Adaptive behaviour of the arteriolar wall (350961) Chief Investigators: M Hill and M L Gee NHMRC Project Grant $130,000

Innovative foods centre: Advanced processing and innovative foods program Chief Investigators: M Ashokkumar, S E Kentish and F Grieser (PFPC participants) in collaboration with lead institute Food Science Australia Science, Technology and Innovation Infrastructure Grant, Victorian Government $80,000

Separation of bioactives Chief Investigators: M Ashokkumar, S E Kentish and F Grieser (PFPC participants) in collaboration with Monash University CSIRO-Food Future Flagship Cluster Grant $125,000

Determination of adsorbed polymer thin film thickness and water content (AINGRA06259) Chief Investigators: E Wanless, G Webber and P Fitzgerald AINSE Grant $18,045

Research FundingResearchers associated with the PFPC obtain funding for their research from nationally competitive research funding schemes, including the Australian Research Council (ARC) and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), host institutional grants (the University of Melbourne), grants from the Victorian government through the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) program, as well as financial and in-kind support from industry. The ARC Special Research Centre grant does not provide cash to support these additional research grants although the research projects listed below use the research facilities established by the Centre.

The following lists research funding received by PFPC members in 2006.

ARC Discovery – Projects

Spectroscopy of single quantum dots (DP0451651) Chief Investigators: E J Bieske and P C Mulvaney $225,000

Nanoscale coating and biomodification of colloids for biological applications (DP0343840) Chief Investigator: F Caruso $225,000

Controlled macromolecular architectures for functional nanomaterials design (DP0556609) Chief Investigators: F Caruso, T P Davis and J F Quinn $250,000

Novel inorganic nanostructures fabricated using polymeric supports and templates for environmental and catalytic applications (DP0344565) Chief Investigator: R A Caruso $127,000

Chemical and morphological engineering of semiconductor electrodes for high efficiency solar cells (DP0664112) Chief Investigators: R A Caruso and Y-B Cheng $200,000

Mastering the microenvironment - integrated, functional, biosynthetic scaffolds for tissue engineering (DP0557990) Chief Investigators: J J Cooper-White, D I Leavesley, A J O’Connor and K A Landman $145,000 (Administered by University of Queensland)

Artificial proteins for the control of colloid and surface properties (DP0664051) Chief Investigators: W A Ducker, K E Van Cott and R M Davis $250,000

Probing membrane rafts using surface-selective multi-dimensional microscopy (DP0557718) Chief Investigators: M L Gee, A Clayton and E C Nice $130,000

Control of acoustic cavitation in complex fluids (DP0556117) Chief Investigators: F Grieser, M Ashokkumar, G J Price, T J Matula and K Yasui $115,000

New extraction membranes and beads for use in industrial separation (DP0557575) Chief Investigators: S D Kolev, R W Cattrall and J M Perera $120,000

Multi-scale modelling of cell migration in development biology (DP0662804) Chief Investigators: K A Landman, B D Hughes and M J Simpson $94,000

Design of advanced geopolymeric materials based on nanostructural characterisation and modelling (DP0556660) Chief Investigators: G C Lukey and J S J van Deventer $78,000

Nanotribology - the chemical rolling resistance of single nanocrystals (DP0558608) Chief Investigators: P C Mulvaney, J E Sader, L M Liz-Marzán, G V Hartland and M Giersig $195,000

Nanoporous bioaffinity adsorbents for separations in the pharmaceutical industry (DP0451387) Chief Investigators: A J O’Connor, M L Gee and P G Hartley $105,000

Towards nano-assembled light emitting polymer films (DP0663889) Chief Investigators: T A Smith, D E Dunstan, J E Sader, E K Hill, D J Birch and P Burn $165,000

The role of the interface in solvent extraction (DP0209186) Chief Investigator: G W Stevens $67,000

Seeing the discrete in a continuum: An integrated numerical-rheological-experimental approach towards high resolution micromechanical continuum models of granular media (DP0558808) Chief Investigator: A Tordesillas $58,000

ARC Linkage - Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities

Membrane protein structure and interaction facility (LE0668017) Chief Investigators: F Separovic, M Aguilar, L Tilley, J S Van Deventer, G C Lukey, P R Gooley, G J Bryant, A Clayton and S Rochfort $1,047,000

Biomedical engineering sensing and imaging facility (LE0668435) Chief Investigators: T Sridhar, W P Anderson, F Caruso, K Hourigan, J F Bertram, J R Friend, I S Harper, L Y Yeo, R G Evans, G M Forde, H C Parkington, R P Jagadeeshan, B J Oldfield, J Carberry, J Pearson, J Sheridan, M C Thompson, K A Gross, G G Qiao, R Wetherbee $1,300,000

Foundational national nanotechnology infrastructure (LE0668381) Chief Investigators: C Y Kwok, F Ladouceur, D N Jamieson, S Prawer, W A Ducker, A S Dzurak, R G Clark, G-D Peng, P N Johnston, D G McCulloch, H Rubinsztein-Dunlop, A G White, A V Buryak $750,000 (Administered by University of New South Wales)

Advanced surface and porosity characterisation facility (LE0668449) Chief Investigators: S Donne, G Lawrance, R Burns, E Kennedy, B Dlugogorski, G Franks, P Lye, T Brown, P Thomas and A Ray $158,000 (Administered by University of Newcastle)

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Financial Summary

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Salaries $649,209Equipment $48,180Travel $69,927 Maintenance/Consumables $166,813 Other Expenditure $43,531

Total Expenditure $977,660

In 2006, the total expenditure of the ARC Special Research Centre grant was $977,660. The salary component includes research fellows and research assistants who are employed to work on projects across the Centre. The grant also covers some of the travel costs associated with a number of our research staff and students presenting at national and international conferences, visiting and working with our collaborators both here in Australia and overseas. The other expenditure component includes funding support for postgraduate students in the form of studentships.

Expenditure of ARC Special Research Centre Grant

Host Infrastructure Support 17%

Host Institution Support 7%

Industry 11%

State Government Funds 1%

Other ARC Grants 53%

ARC Centre Grant 8%

Other Commonwealth Funds 3%

Other Income <1%

Maintenance & Consumables 17%

Equipment 5%Salaries 66%

Other 5%

Travel & Conference 7%

Sources of Income

During 2006 the Particulate Fluids Processing Centre received $977,660 from the Australian Research Council’s Special Research Centre grant scheme. The total income for the Centre was $11.8 million, including infrastructure support from the University of Melbourne.

Cation substitution in titanium-rich mixed oxides (AINGRA06205) Chief Investigators: M Zhou, R A Caruso and M Elcombe AINSE Grant $13,000

The incorporation of gold nanoparticles in porous titanium dioxide materials for photocatalytic applications (AINGRA06027P) Chief Investigators: R A Caruso and K Prince AINSE Grant $13,600

The transdermal microarray incorporating a switchable surface Chief Investigators: K K Zadeh, A Holland, A Mitchell and S Gras Nanovic grant $23,000

Ultrasonic emulsification of food ingredients Chief Investigators: M Ashokkumar, S E Kentish, T Wooster and L Simons University of Melbourne-CSIRO Collaborative Research Support Scheme $29,990

Modelling of dynamic processes in soft matter interacting on the nanoscale Chief investigators: S Edwards and D Y C Chan External partner: Jacob Israelachvili, University of California Santa Barbara University of Melbourne Joint Research Project Grant $10,000

Non-equilibrium forces on the nano-scale Chief Investigators: D Y C Chan, R R Dagastine and S L Carnie Melbourne Research Grants Scheme $24,000

Hierarchically designed materials for the separation of food bioactive components Chief Investigator: A O’Connor University of Melbourne-CSIRO Collaborative Research Support Scheme $29,990

Partial support for the construction of a total internal reflection microscocpe Chief Investigator: R Dagastine Melbourne University Engineering Faculty Equipment Fund Grant $27,000

Application for an automated fluorescent plate reader Chief Investigator: S Gras Major Equipment Fund, The University of Melbourne $23,000

Probing protein interactions on the nanoscale to enhance protein crystallisation Chief Investigator: R Dagastine Melbourne University Early Career Researcher Grant $25,000

Biodegradable mesoporous silica-collagen composites for soft tissue engineering Chief Investigator: G Gottoli University of Melbourne Early Career Researcher Grant Scheme $23,000

Optimising the design of biomimetic protein fibrils for nanotechnology Chief Investigator: S Gras University of Melbourne Early Career Researcher Grant Scheme $30,000

Nanoscale forces - foundations in atomic force microscopy Chief Investigator: J E Sader Melbourne Research Grants Scheme $25,000

Self-assembled biodegradable delivery systems for adipose tissue engineering Chief Investigators: A O’Connor, K Abberton and S Gras Melbourne Research Grants Scheme $23,982

Front cover illustration Chief Investigator: R A Caruso Internal Publications Grant $1,000

Nanostructured materials as both separations media and transmutation hosts for minor actinides in advanced fuel cycle reprocessing solutions Chief Investigators: R A Caruso and V Luca ANSTO/University of Melbourne Collaborative Support Scheme $30,000

Novel inorganic morphologies via structured organic templates Chief Investigators: R A Caruso and P Hartley University of Melbourne-CSIRO Collaborative Research Support Scheme $22,000

Incorporating direct force measurements of particle-bubble interactions into computational fluid dynamics modelling flotation processes for ore separation Chief Investigators: R Dagastine, J van Deventer, P Koh and P Schwarz University of Melbourne-CSIRO Collaborative Research Support Scheme $20,000

Industry

Nanoparticle stabilisers Chief Investigators: P J Scales and P Mulvaney Industry Partner: ICI Strategic Research Fund, UK $165,000

New concepts in sludge dewatering Chief Investigators: P J Scales and D R Dixon Industry Partners: Yorkshire Water, UK and United Utilities, UK $176,000

Polymers and surfactants Chief Investigator: R Dagastine Industry Partner: Unilever, UK Funding confidential

Rheology and structure of fluid gels Chief Investigator: D E Dunstan Industry Partner: Unilever, UK $50,000

Rehydration of milk powders Chief Investigator: D E Dunstan Industry Partner: Dairy Ingredients Group of Australia Ltd $45,000

Tape irrigation for the dairy industry Chief Investigators: S Barlow, R Wrigley, J Styles and P J Scales Industry Partner: Gardiner Foundation $30,000

Prize grant Chief Investigator: S Gras Industry Partner: Selby Scientific Foundation Prize $10,500

Income from Rheological Consulting Services Chief Investigators: P J Scales, D V Boger and F Sofra Industry Partner: Various $42,594

Nb. Underline refers to PFPC members

Above: Postdoctoral research fellow Dr Guglielmo Gottoli is the recipient of an Early Career Researcher grant from the University of Melbourne.

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Links with National Publicly Funded Research OrganisationsTissue Engineering, Bernard O’Brien Institute for Microsurgery, Australia

PFPC researchers Professor Geoff Stevens and Dr Andrea O’Connor have a strong collaboration in the area of tissue engineering with a multidisciplinary team of researchers led by Professor Wayne Morrison at the Bernard O’Brien Institute for Microsurgery. This research focuses on engineering of soft tissues, such as fat, muscle and pancreas tissue, for reconstructive surgery or to restore organ function. It has the potential to alleviate the shortage of donor organs for transplant and provide safe long-term methods of tissue replacement after cancer, trauma or genetic defects.

The research has led to well controlled methods of producing biodegradable scaffolds for tissue engineering with different porous architectures and surface chemistry. A range of tissue engineering models have been developed and tested, furthering our understanding of the factors controlling tissue formation and scale up. Current collaborative research includes development of methods to improve the formation of fat tissue for breast reconstruction and design of new nanoparticle delivery systems for controlled release of growth factors to enhance tissue engineering outcomes. This research, involving many PhD students and postdoctoral research fellows, has attracted funding from the ARC and NHMRC as well as a Science, Technology and Innovation Infrastructure grant from the Victorian Government of close to $12 million to establish the Australian Tissue Engineering Centre.

Bioactives Separation, Monash University and CSIRO Food Futures Flagship, Australia

Bioactives are molecules that possess a biological activity in addition to their intrinsic nutritional value. Omega-3, for example, is thought to play a role in brain development and as an anti-inflammatory. The CSIRO Food Futures Flagship has recently established a Bioactives Separations Cluster to facilitate collaborative research into the extraction and purification of a selected range of these bioactive agents. The cluster has a major contribution from the ARC Special Research Centre for Green Chemistry, led by Professor Milton Hearn at Monash University, who are focusing on the use of molecularly imprinted polymers for this purpose.

PFPC researchers Dr Muthupundian Ashokkumar and Dr Sandra Kentish are contributing with a research program that considers ultrasound assisted foaming and atomisation as alternative separation technologies. A postdoctoral fellow, Dr Hung Si Vo has recently been recruited to assist with this research program. A number of CSIRO researchers are also actively involved including Drs Kirthi de Silva and Jay Sellahewa from Food Science Australia and Dr Robert Seymour from CSIRO Livestock Industries.

Links with IndustryProcess Induced Protein Aggregation, CSL Bioplasma, Australia

Protein therapeutics is the fastest growth area in biotechnology. Therapeutic proteins are currently produced for vaccines, immune disorders, haemophilia, wound healing and respiratory disorders. A further three hundred different proteins are currently in clinical development. Understanding the key factors which cause protein instability in processing will be critical for the successful commercialisation and their subsequent availability as therapies. CSL Bioplasma currently generate sales in excess of $1.5 billion p.a. Improved therapeutic quality and availability, reduced product loss and increased export revenue combined with the development of key enabling intellectual property for biotechnology innovation will result. Blood plasma is a valuable source of therapeutic proteins for the biotechnology industry. Commercial scale processes have been developed to separate the proteins from plasma. Current pumping and filtering operations cause instability and aggregation in the products.

In PFPC research led by A/Professor Dave Dunstan novel rheofluorescence and microfluidic methods are being developed to identify critical flow and solution conditions that induce deleterious protein aggregation. The knowledge developed will be used to assess the effects of different unit operations used by CSL Bioplasma in blood processing to improve process efficiency, reduce product loss and improve product quality. Australia’s international competitiveness in biotechnology will be advanced. PFPC postgraduate students in this program will have the opportunity to work closely with researchers at CSL Bioplasma to develop the rheofluorescence and microfluidic methods. This program is funded by the ARC Linkage Projects program with infrastructure support provided by the PFPC.

Australian Mineral Science Research Institute (AMSRI), Australia

Members of the PFPC are involved in this ARC Linkage Project grant, which involves the ARC Special Research Centre for Particle and Material Interfaces at the Ian Wark Research Institute (the University of South Australia), the Julius Kruttschnitt Research Centre at the University of Queensland and the Centre for Multiphase Processes at the University of Newcastle. The Institute further strengthens Australian technological and scientific leadership in particle science and engineering. The Australian Government (through the ARC) is providing $8.6 million over 5 years with major minerals and chemical companies brokered by AMIRA International including Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Anglo Platinum, Phelps Dodge and Orica contributing $7.5 million bringing together the total funding to over $16 million. AMSRI is headed by Professor John Ralston of the University of South Australia.

The Institute’s research will focus on energy efficiency, frugal water use and efficient waste management, innovative processing, material and interface science, advanced in-situ and ex-situ analysis and high level mathematical modelling in minerals processing. AMSRI-Vic, the University of Melbourne node, led by PFPC members Professors Healy, Boger and Chan will be involved in research programs that have the potential to reduce and eliminate tailings dams from many mine sites, preventing environmental damage particularly from dam failures and potentially re-use all the waste from the mining process.

Networks and Visitors

NetworksThe PFPC has an extensive network of collaborators across universities, industry and publicly funded research organisations. Many of these collaborations have resulted in student and staff exchanges, sharing of research facilities, joint research publications and research funding. In a number of instances this network has assisted with the recruitment of postdoctoral research fellows and employment of PFPC graduates. The following pages highlight active collaborations and illustrate the breadth of the Centre’s network within Australia and around the world.

Several examples of our collaborations are summarised below.

Links with AcademiaMonolayer-Bilayer Transitions in Adsorbed Charged Lipids, University of California, Santa Barbara, United States

A collaborative program between PFPC members and Professors Jacob Israelachvilli and Gary Leal in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Research Laboratory at University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) has been initiated to model the energetics of monolayer-bilayer transitions in adsorbed charged lipids with a view to develop and quantify a mechanism that may provide a physical explanation of long-ranged forces involving such systems. Recent advances developed within the PFPC of a quantitative framework to describe interactions of deformable bodies will also be applied to experimental studies of droplet coalescence studies conducted at UCSB. PFPC members involved in the collaborative program include Professor Derek Chan, Drs Scott Edwards and Steven Carnie along with PhD student Rogério Manica.

Shell Chair Professor, Tsinghua University, China

PFPC Director Professor Geoff Stevens was invited to be one of the distinguished Shell Chair Professors for 2006 at Tsinghua University, China. The program sponsored by Shell Company aims to increase the international interactions of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University. During 2006 Geoff spent one month at Tsinghua University where he delivered a range of lectures in solvent extraction, separation processes and research related topics. This was a very positive interaction and has further strengthened the strong ties between the PFPC and Tsinghua University. There is now an active student exchange in the areas of absorption, column design and heavy metal recovery from waste water that will strengthen even further over the next few years.

Remediation of Petroleum Contaminated Soils, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Japan

Professor Geoff Stevens holds an Adjunct Professorial appointment at Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Japan where he collaborates with Professor Yu Komatsu in the Environmental Engineering Department. In 2006, PFPC PhD student Joannelle Bacus spent 3 months at Kanazawa Institute of Technology to produce hydrophobic zeolites for use in permeable reactive barriers in Antarctica to stop petroleum migration and to deliver nutrients to enhance biodegradation. Also in 2006, Dr Miakawa spent 6 months within the PFPC working on a project to characterise these new materials. This is part of an ongoing collaboration between the two groups.

Above: Professor Geoff Stevens, a recipient of a Shell Chair Professorship, is shown here with long term collaborator, Professor Weiyang Fei at Tsinghua University, China.

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20. United StatesAsylum ResearchCarnegie Mellon UniversityMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyUniversity of DelawareUniversity of Illinois, Urbana-ChampaignUniversity of Madison-WisconsinUniversity of Notre DameUniversity of Washington, SeattleUniversity of California, BerkeleyUniversity of California, Santa BarbaraStanford UniversityUniversity of HoustonUS Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development CentreUS Air Force Office of Scientific ResearchUniversity of FloridaVirginia Tech

21. CanadaUniversity of VictoriaUniversity of Regina

22. New ZealandFonterraMassey University

1. Victoria AMIRA (27 companies)Austin HospitalBernard O’Brien Institute of MicrosurgeryBurra Foods LimitedCSIRO Health Sciences & NutritionCSIRO Manufacturing and Infrastructure TechnologyCSIRO MineralsCSIRO Molecular and Health TechnologiesCSIRO Petroleum ResourcesCSIRO Textile and Fibre TechnologyCSL LimitedDairy Ingredients Groups of AustraliaFood Science AustraliaGlaxoSmithKline AustraliaLa Trobe UniversityLudwig Institute for Cancer ResearchMonash UniversityMurdoch Children’s Research InstituteOricaRio Tinto LimitedRoyal Children’s HospitalSt Vincent’s Hospital

2. ACTAustralian National University

3. New South WalesCentre for Multiphase Processes, University of NewcastleCSIRO Molecular and Health TechnologiesUniversity of New South WalesUniversity of Wollongong

4. QueenslandBHP Billiton LtdIndustrial GalvanizersShellUniversity of Queensland

5. Northern TerritoryEnergy Resources of Australia Ltd

6. Western Australia AlcoaCurtin University of TechnologyCSIRO MineralsAJ Parker CRCHaoma Mining NL

7. South AustraliaIan Wark Research Institute, University of South AustraliaUniversity of Adelaide

8. TasmaniaAustralian Antarctic Division

1. IrelandSligo InstituteTrinity College

2. EnglandUniversity of BathNational Physical LaboratoryYorkshire WaterUnilever, UKUnited UtilitiesUniversity of BirminghamUniversity of BristolImperial CollegeUniversity CollegeLeeds UniversityCranfield University

3. WalesUniversity of Wales

4. AustriaUniversity of Leoben

5. GermanyUniversity of FrieburgCaesar Institut Hahn-Meitner InstituteMax-Plank Institute for Colloids and Interfaces Duisburg University

University of KaiserSlauternPhilipps University

6. NetherlandsUnilever, Netherlands

7. FranceUniversity of Grenoble

8. SpainUniversity of VigoUniversidad Politecnica de ValenciaInstituto Eduardo Torraja

9. ItalyUniversity of Padua

10. SwedenLund University

11. DenmarkAalborg University

12. UkraineKyiv National University

13. IsraelThe Hebrew University of JerusalemIMI (Tami) Institute for Research & Development

14. South AfricaUniversity of Stellenbosch

15. SingaporeNanyang Technological UniversityNational University of SingaporeInstitute of High Performance Computing

16. ChinaJiangxi Textile Research & Design InstituteZhejiang University of TechnologyTsinghua UniversityHong Kong University of Science and Technology

17. Japan

Kanazawa Institute of TechnologyNational Institute for Materials ScienceNational Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology NARA Institute of Science and TechnologyMiyazaki UniversityMeiji UniversityOsaka Prefecture UniversityOsaka UniversityTohoku UniversityTokyo Institute of Technology

18. KoreaChonbuk National University

19. BrazilUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais

International National

Networks

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Dr Gerd BachmannVDI Technologiezentrum, Germany (Mar)

Professor Dr Andreas LesonFraunhofer-Institut für Werkstoff und Strahltechnik Dresden, Germany (Mar)

Dr Peter SchuetzUnilever, United Kingdom (Mar)

Dr Eric AmisNational Institute of Standards and Technology, United States (Mar)

Dr Dudley ShallcrossBristol University, United Kingdom (Mar)

Mr Sudipta BasakPurdue University, United States (Mar)

Dr Ian SnapeAustralian Antarctic Division, Australia (Apr, Jul & Sep)

Dr John RaynerAustralian Antarctic Division, Australia (Apr)

Dr Damien GoreMacquarie University, Australia (Apr & Sep)

Mr Alistair MerrifieldUniversity of Sydney, Australia (Apr)

Professor Michael TamNanyang Technological University, Singapore (Apr)

Dr Pierre SchuckFrench National Institute for Agronomic Research, France (May)

Dr Erica WanlessUniversity of Newcastle, Australia (May)

Professor Miao ChenLanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academia of Sciences, China (May)

Professor Sir Michael PepperCavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (Jun)

Professor Martyn PembleTyndall National Institute, University College Cork, Ireland (Jun)

Mr Tim BowserGlaxoSmithKline, Australia (Jun & Aug)

Mrs Marianne ChoongGlaxoSmithKline, Australia (Jun & Aug)

Professor Kazue KuriharaTohoku University, Japan (Jul)

Dr Patrick HartleyCSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies, Australia (Jul)

Professor Graeme JamesonCentre for Multiphase Processes, University of Newcastle, Australia (Jul & Aug)

Mr Mark PascoeInternational Water Centre, Australia (Jul)

Professor Alan HattonMassachusetts Institute of Technology, United States (Jul)

Dr Robin BatterhamRio Tinto Limited, Australia (Jul)

Professor Ivan Marusic University of Minnesota, United States (Jul)

Professor Heinrich HofmannEcole Polytechnique Fédéral Lausanne, Switzerland (Jul)

Professor Ned SeemanNew York University, United States (Jul)

Professor Yu KomatsuKanazawa Institute of Technology, Japan (Aug)

Professor Kaoru FujinagaKanazawa Institute of Technology, Japan (Aug)

Dr Ken-ichi IshikawaKanazawa Institute of Technology, Japan (Aug)

Dr Hisashi KadoKanazawa Institute of Technology, Japan (Aug)

Mr Kenji FukudaKanazawa Institute of Technology, Japan (Aug)

Dr Jun FudanoKanazawa Institute of Technology, Japan (Aug)

Professor Abraham LenhoffUniversity of Delaware, United States (Aug)

Dr Richard BuscallMSACT Consulting, United Kingdom (Aug)

Professor Wayne MorrisonBernard O’Brien Institute of Microsurgery, Australia (Aug)

Professor Calum DrummondCSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies, Australia (Aug)

Professor Brij MoudgilUniversity of Florida, United States (Aug)

Professor John RalstonIan Wark Research Institute, University of South Australia, Australia (Aug)

Dr Ray ShawRio Tinto Limited, Australia (Aug)

Dr Brian SmithBHP Billiton, Australia (Aug)

Professor Steven FranklinUniversity of Saskatchewan, Canada (Aug)

Professor Nic AbbotUniversity of Madison-Wisconsin, United States (Aug)

Professor Raphael SemiatTechnion - Israel Institute of Technology, Israel (Aug)

Professor Yoshinari BabaMiyazaki University, Japan (Aug & Sep)

Dr Yulii ShikhmurzaevUniversity of Birmingham, United Kingdom (Aug)

Dr Craig BullenSwinburne University, Australia (Sep)

Dr Sean O’Shea and Dr William BirchInstitute of Materials Research and Engineering, Singapore (Sep)

Professor Minoru MiyaharaKyoto University, Japan (Sep)

Professor Michitaka SuzukiUniversity of Hyogo, Japan (Sep)

Professor Jun OshitaniOkayama University, Japan (Sep)

Professor Yasushige Mori and Professor Yoshiyuki ShirakawaDoshisha University, Japan (Sep)

Mr Paul FeronTNO Science & Industry, The Netherlands (Oct)

Dr Victor LucaANSTO, Australia (Oct)

Dr David SnoswellUniversity of Bristol, United Kingdom (Oct)

Dr Yasuo IidaNational Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Japan (Oct)

Dr Melanie BradleyUniversity of Bristol, United Kingdom (Nov)

Dr Aaron OlsenBristol University, United Kingdom (Nov)

Mr Craig SmithGlaxoSmithKline, Australia (Nov)

Dr Cait MacPheeEdinburgh University, United Kingdom (Nov)

Dr Will GoodallMinAssist Pty Ltd, Australia (Dec)

Dr Bill WilliamsMassey University, New Zealand (Dec)

Dr Vincent CraigAustralian National University, Australia (Dec)

Dr Alan Davey and Dr Russell Walker State Government of Victoria, Australia (Dec)

Extended VisitsProfessor Baruch GrinbaumIMI(TAMI) Institute for Research and Development, IsraelSpent several months on sabbatical leave within the PFPC working in the area of solvent extraction from November 2005 to March 2006.

Professor Stan Sandler University of Delaware, United StatesHeld collaborative research discussions with several groups within the PFPC and also led summer courses during the month of January, including a design course using the Aspen Simulation package.

Professor Greg Hartland University of Notre Dame, United StatesVisited the PFPC for 6 months from January to July. Collaborating with Professor Paul Mulvaney and A/Professor John Sader he worked on research examining the material properties of nanomaterials.

Dr Fabien Gaboriaud CNRS Nancy, FranceConducted sabbatical leave on AFM related projects within the PFPC between January and August 2006.

Ms Monika Limacher Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland Postgraduate student from Switzerland who worked with A/Professor George Franks on a project from January to February 2006.

Mr Jakob Munster Technical University of Munich, GermanyOverseas student working on a project titled “Synthesis of polymeric microspheres for metal ion extraction” under the supervision of Dr Jilska Perera from October 2005 to March 2006.

Mr Martin Knoll Technical University of Munich, GermanyOverseas student conducting research on a project titled “Fabrication and characterisation of polymeric microspheres for metal ion extraction” under the supervision of Dr Jilska Perera from October 2006 to March 2007.

Assistant Professor Timothy Raymond Bucknell University, United StatesSpent a three week period in May this year collaborating with Dr Ray Dagastine on the development of methods for the generation, capture and imaging of aerosol nanoparticles using AFM in realistic atmospheric conditions. The travel costs associated with this trip were supported by a Tewksbury Bequest Fellowship through the Faculty of Engineering.

Assistant Professor Yujiro Watanabe Kanazawa Institute of Technology, JapanConducted work on the synthesis of hydrophobic zeolite for hydrocarbon capture from ground water for use in permeable reactive barriers in collaboration with Professor Geoff Stevens during July. His visit to Melbourne resulted in an opportunity for PFPC PhD student Joannelle Bacus to visit Kanazawa Institute of Technology for 12 weeks between November 2006 and February 2007 to carry out research into hydrophobic zeolite.

Mr Kiyokazu Miyakawa Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Japan Visiting Student from Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Japan who carried out a short research program looking at the adsorption characteristics of mesoporous silicates for water treatment applications. He worked in the solvent extraction group from June through to the August under the supevision of Professor Geoff Stevens and Dr Kathy Northcott.

Professor Angel Palomo Instituto Eduardo Torroj, Spain Visited the geoploymers group for 3 months from July to September.Jianguo Zhang Beijing Research Institute of Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy, ChinaUndertaking research on geopolymers for 12 months from August 2006.

Professor Phil Singer University of North Carolina, United StatesVisiting consultant from 28 October to 25 November.

Associate Professor Weilin Guo Jinan University, ChinaConducting his sabbatical within the PFPC from September 2006 to February 2007. Weilin is an expert in the area of sonochemical synthesis of nanomaterials. His project involves the sonochemical synthesis of Ru/Pt alloy, which could be used as catalysts in fuel cells. During his visit a collaboration will be established between his research group and the PFPC sonochemistry research group. His visit is supported by Jinan University, PFPC and a Visiting Researcher Award from the University of Melbourne.

Short Term VisitsDr Tim SendenAustralian National University, Australia (Jan)

Professor Gordon WallaceUniversity of Wollongong, Australia (Jan)

Associate Professor Francois LedouceurUniversity of New South Wales, Australia (Feb)

Associate Professor John BrennanMcMaster University, Canada (Feb)

Mr Paul Hamilton-Brown University of New South Wales, Australia (Feb)

Dr Hans RieglerMax Planck Institute of Colloids & Interfaces, Germany (Mar)

Mr Harry BuskesState Government of Victoria, Australia (Mar)

Above: PFPC member A/Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar (left) with

A/Professor Weilin Guo (right) from Jinan University, China. Weilin is undertaking his

sabattical in the PFPC.

VisitorsDuring 2006 the PFPC hosted a number of national and international visitors. These visits promote the Centre and help to create new collaborations and strengthen existing ones. The Centre’s world wide reputation means that international researchers in the field of interfacial science and engineering visit the PFPC whilst in Australia. The PFPC also acts as host for visiting researchers on sabbatical or extended study leave. These visits are a great opportunity for PFPC members to interact with some of the world’s leading scientists and engineers.

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ExecutiveDavid BogerSelected to present the Donald L. Katz Lectureship at the University of Michigan, United States.

Tom HealyAwarded a Senior Fellowship from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. Tom will spend one month in Japan during 2006-2007 visiting the Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials at Tohoku University as well as presenting lectures at a range of institutes including Kyoto University, the Science University of Tokyo, the Tokyo Institute of Technology and the Frontier Research RIKEN Institute in Tokyo.

Research FellowsRachel CarusoResearch highlighted on the front cover of the Journal of Material Chemistry. The article illustrates porous structures of two metal oxides formed using a templating technique. For further details refer to Issue 16: 15 (2006).

Will MulhollandMet His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh as part of the Royal Commission of 1851 Palace Reception and presented to him (and approximately 450 distinguished guests including Fellows of the Royal Exhibition of 1851 and Fellows of The Royal Society) a poster presentation of research undertaken at the University of Melbourne. This occasion was associated with Will’s Exhibition of 1851 Research Fellowship.

Postgraduate StudentsAnna CaiRecipient of a Postgraduate Overseas Research Experience scholarship from the University of Melbourne to travel to the United States to work with Dr Colleen Witt on modelling T cell development at the University of Texas, San Antonio from March to July.

Thanh Tam ChauWon Best Poster Award at the 6th EU Foams, Emulsions and Applications, Potsdam, Germany.

Christina Cortez Awarded a $4,000 prize by Nanotechnology Victoria (NanoVic) for her work in using core shell particles and capsules with ligands to target specific cancer cells. Christina also received an ARC Nanotechnology Network Overseas Travel Fellowship.

Cara DohertyAwarded a Postgraduate Overseas Research Experience scholarship from the University of Melbourne which has allowed her to travel to Germany to conduct research at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces from November 2006 to February 2007.

Julianna FrancoReceived a University of Melbourne Postgraduate Overseas Research Experience scholarship to conduct research at the University of Regina’s International Test Centre for Carbon Dioxide Capture, Canada from January to June 2006.

Daniel GómezRecipient of the T W Healy Award from the University of Melbourne’s School of Chemistry. Daniel used the $2000 prize to help cover the costs associated with his attendance at the American Physical Society March Meeting, in Baltimore, United States.

Ann GoodingReceived a Best Scientific Poster Prize at the 2006 International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Queensland. The poster detailed her PhD research into the electrochemical charging of self-assembled monolayers of CdSe nanoparticles on a gold surface.

Qi LiRecipient of a travel bursary of $300 from the International Association of Colloid and Interface Scientists (IACIS) Standing Committee of Council for attending the 12th IACIS International Conference on Surface and Colloid Science, Beijing, China, 15-19 October, 2006.

Rogério ManicaReceived a Postgraduate Overseas Research Experience scholarship from the University of Melbourne to visit the National University of Singapore, Singapore.

Maya MuthuswamyAwarded a Melbourne Abroad Travelling Scholarship from the University of Melbourne ($900).

Emma PrimeReceived the 2006 Treloar Prize for the Best Oral Presentation by a young polymer scientist at the 28th Australasian Polymer Symposium, Rotorua, New Zealand from 5th to 9th February 2006.

Devi SunartioAwarded a Postgraduate Overseas Research Experience Scholarship from the University of Melbourne to support her research conducted in the laboratories of collaborators in Germany and Japan ($3500).

Hang Thu TaAwarded a Eugen Singer Scholarship from the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Engineering ($3,000).

Rachael WallRecipient of a Melbourne Abroad Travelling Scholarship from the University of Melbourne for travel to Aalborg University, Denmark and Virginia Polytechnic and State University, United States in June 2006.

Academic PromotionsPaul MulvaneyAppointed to Professor

Shane UsherAppointed to Research Fellow (Level B)

Serving the Scientific CommunityConference Organisation

Muthupandian AshokkumarOrganising Committee Member and Session Chair for the 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia, 6-10 February 2006.

Rachel CarusoSession Chair of “Functional Materials”, 4th International Conference on Advanced Materials and Processing, Hamilton, New Zealand, 10-13 December 2006.

Ray DagastineCo-Chair, “Fundamentals of Interfacial Phenomena I,II & III”, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California, United States, November 2006.

Session Co-Chair, “Drops and Bubbles”, Australian Colloid & Interface Symposium, Coogee Beech, New South Wales, Australia, 4–8 February 2007.

Kate DrummondChair of the Organising Committee for the 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia, 6-10 February 2006.

Awards and Achievements

HighlightsTom Healy Wins Nature’s Lifetime Award for Mentoring Professor Tom Healy has been awarded the journal Nature’s inaugural lifetime award for mentoring excellence. Tom, the Chair of the PFPC’s Science Board, has been a major influence in the development of the colloidal surface science community in Australia. He was the founding Director of the AMPC (the predecessor of the PFPC) and together with Bob Hunter started the Australian Colloid and Surface Science Student Conference almost 40 years ago. The format of this conference series has been replicated around the globe.

Victorian Young Tall Poppy Science Award to Australian Research FellowDr Rachel Caruso, an Australian Research Fellow working in the PFPC School of Chemistry, has won the prestigious Victorian Young Tall Poppy Science Award. The Tall Poppy Campaign was created by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science in 1998 to recognise and celebrate Australian scientific and intellectual excellence. The Young Tall Poppy award identifies and acknowledges outstanding young Australian researchers.

PFPC Director Appointed Shell Chair Professor at Tsinghua University, China The Shell Company has sponsored a program with the Department of Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University to support visiting Professors chosen from across the world to spend time at Tsinghua, to deliver lectures and interact with young and developing academic

staff and postgraduates. PFPC Director Professor Geoff Stevens was invited to be one of the distinguished Shell Chair Professors for 2006. Geoff spent one month at Tsinghua University where he delivered a range of lectures in solvent extraction, separation processes and research related topics.

ExxonMobil Award for PFPC Executive MemberThe ExxonMobil Award for 2006 has been won by PFPC Executive Member Professor Jannie van Deventer. The ExxonMobil Award is presented jointly from the Engineers Australia Chemical College, Institution of Chemical Engineers (Australia), Society of Chemical Engineers New Zealand and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. This award is in recognition of Jannie’s contribution to the field of chemical engineering.

Grimwade Prize for Industrial Chemistry The University of Melbourne’s Grimwade Prize in Industrial Chemistry has been awarded to Dr Muthupandian Ashokkumar for his research activities on the industrial applications of ultrasound, in particular for his recent collaborative activities with Food Science Australia and Dairy Ingredients Group of Australia. The Grimwade Prize in Industrial Chemistry

was established to promote the study of industrial chemistry for the best original research embodying the results of an investigation pursued in Victoria in connection with some branch of industrial chemistry.

Fresh Science Selection Highlights PFPC ResearchDr Ray Dagastine was selected to participate in the national program Fresh Science. This event which promotes research brings together Australia’s brightest young scientists, the media and the public. As one of 16 scientists chosen in this year’s program Ray had the opportunity to highlight PFPC research that is examining the behaviour of oil droplets. Fresh Science is hosted by the Melbourne Museum and sponsored by the Federal and Victorian governments, New Scientist, The Australian and Quantum Communications Victoria.

Nobel Laureate Meeting for PhD StudentPFPC PhD student Jack Jasieniak attended a meeting in Germany featuring Nobel Laureates of Chemistry. Jack was one of 500 outstanding students and young scientists selected from around the world to attend a series of lectures and round table discussions on interdisciplinary topics.Above: Professor Tom Healy is the

inaugural winner of Nature’s lifetime award for mentoring excellence.

Above: The 2006 Grimwade Prize was awarded to Dr Ashokkumar by Professor Ken Ghiggino (Head, School of Chemistry) in the Dean’s Awards Ceremony.

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Education and TrainingDuring 2006 the PFPC welcomed 19 new postgraduate students bringing the total number of postgraduate students in the Centre to over 110. These students are undertaking projects across the various research areas of the Centre, including liquid-liquid interfaces, ultrasonics, suspension rheology, controlled porous materials, nanomaterials and surface forces. During the year we also farewelled 25 students who completed their postgraduate studies. These students have accepted many varied appointments across academia and industry both within Australia and overseas. By the end of 2006 a further 3 students had submitted their theses for examination.

Our students are a major strength of the Centre with 55% of them receiving competitive scholarships, including 33% as Australian Postgraduate Awards and 22% as University of Melbourne Research Scholarships. A further 14% are funded by the ARC Linkage Project grants scheme. This is a credit to the Centre’s senior researchers who attract some of the brightest students to conduct research within the PFPC.

A major focus of the Centre is to ensure that our students are well prepared for a career in research, technology and/or education. A number of students are either co-supervised by research staff across more than one Department or co-supervised by one of our collaborators. Students are encouraged to participate in the Centre’s Seminar Series where they have the opportunity to be exposed to a broad range of research topics in interfacial science and engineering. The PFPC encourages and financially supports students to attend national and international conferences and to visit our collaborators whilst interstate or overseas. Students have the opportunity to conduct part of their research project in the laboratories of our collaborators. Whilst this is incredibly beneficial to our students it also highlights the Centre and our research activities on a national and international scale.

The Centre also has a number of undergraduate students working on research projects in the final year of their undergraduate degree throughout the year. During 2006, approximately 40 undergraduate students worked on projects within the Centre. This brings the total number of students working on research projects within the Centre to over 150 either in progress or completed in 2006.

Glossary of Acronyms

AAD Australian Antarctic DivisionAFM Atomic Force MicroscopyAPA Australian Postgraduate AwardAPA(I) Australian Postgraduate Award (Industry)ARC Australian Research CouncilCO2CRC Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas TechnologiesCRC Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre for BioproductsCSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationDCES Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Melbourne ScholarshipDIGA Dairy Ingredients Group of AustraliaFulbright Australian-American Fulbright Postgraduate ScholarshipGovt GovernmentGSK GlaxoSmithKline AustraliaIPRS International Postgraduate Research ScholarshipMEngSc Master of Engineering ScienceMIFRS Melbourne International Fee Remission ScholarshipMIRS Melbourne International Research ScholarshipMRS Melbourne University Research ScholarshipMSc Master of ScienceNSF(USA) National Science Foundation, United StatesPFPC Particulate Fluids Processing CentrePhD Doctor of PhilosophyUni Melb The University of Melbourne

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Awards and AchievementsWilliam DuckerSession Chair of “Self-Assembling Systems I: Molecular Assembly” and “Self-Assembling Systems III: Surfactants at Interfaces”at the 80th ACS Colloid and Surface Science Symposium, Boulder, Colorado, United States, 18–21 June 2006.

Session Organiser, “Self-Assembling Systems I: Molecular Assembly”, “Self-Assembling Systems II: Surfactants in Solution”, “Self-Assembling Systems III: Surfactants at Interfaces”,“Self-Assembling Systems IV: Biomolecular Assembly”, “Self-Assembling Systems V: Particles”, 80th ACS Colloid and Surface Science Symposium, Boulder, Colorado, United States, 18-21 June 2006.

George FranksSession Co-Chair, “Inorganic Oxide Surfaces”, Australian Colloid & Interface Symposium, Coogee Beech, New South Wales, Australia, 4–8 February 2007.

Michelle GeeSession Co-Chair, “Surface Forces, Nanotribology and Biological Interactions”, Australian Colloid & Interface Symposium, Coogee Beech, New South Wales, Australia, 4–8 February 2007.

Sandra KentishOrganising Committee, 3rd Innovative Foods Centre Conference, Melbourne, October 2006.

Organising Committee, Australian Institute of Energy National Conference, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 27–29 November 2006.

Co-Convenor of the session on “Acoustics” of the Australian Workshop on Fluid Mechanics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, December 2006.

Antoinette TordesillasCo-Chair, Special Session on “Granular Materials for Lunar and Martian Exploration”, Earth & Space Conference 2006, Houston, Texas, United States, 5–8 March 2006.

Co-Chair, Australian Particulate Science and Technology 2006, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 4-8 December 2006.

Editorial Board Appointments

Muthupandian AshokkumarUltrasonics Sonochemistry

David BogerAdvances in Transport Processes Chemical Engineering Journal Journal of Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics Applied Rheology Tribology and Interface Engineering Book Series (Advisory Board) Korea-Australia Rheology Journal (Australian Editor)

Frank CarusoChemistry of Materials (Editor) Advanced Functional Materials International Journal of Nanomedicine Nanoscale Research Letters

David DixonWater Research (Editor) Virtual Journal of Industrial Effluents (Editor) International Water Association Publications (Publications Committee Member)

Dave DunstanFood Hydrocolloids Carbohydrate Polymers International Journal of Food Science and Technology Food Biophysics

George FranksJournal of the American Ceramic Society (Associate Editor) Advisory Board for Advanced Powder Technology

Franz GrieserResearch on Chemical Intermediates

Tom HealyColloids and Surfaces A (Founding Editor) Current Opinion in Colloid and Interface Science

Barry HughesBulletin of the Australian Mathematical Society

Paul MulvaneyAdvanced Functional Materials Royal Society of Chemistry Journal: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics

Peter ScalesColloids and Surfaces A (Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects) Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology (Regional Editor) Transactions of the Filtration Society

Geoff StevensChemical Engineering Research and Design: Transactions of the IChemE (International Editor) Hydrometallurgy Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange (Associate Editor) The Chemical Engineering Journal

Antoinette TordesillasThe ANZIAM (Australia and New Zealand Industrial and Applied Mathematics) Journal (Associate Editor)

Jannie van DeventerHydrometallurgy Minerals Engineering

Editorial Roles

David DixonCo-Editor of the book Interface Science in Drinking Water Treatment: Theory and Applications (Interface Science and Technology, Vol. 10), G Newcombe and D R Dixon (Eds.), Elsevier, ISBN 13: 978 0 12 088380 6 (2006).

Sandra KentishSub-Editor for the Special Issue of the Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies journal (published by Elsevier Science, Oxford, UK) covering the papers presented at the Food Innovation: Emerging Science Technologies and Applications (FIESTA) Conference.

Grant LukeyCo-Editor of a Special Edition of Journal of Materials Science on Advances in Geopolymer Science and Technology.

John Provis Co-Editor of a Special Edition of Journal of Materials Science on Advances in Geopolymer Science and Technology.

Jannie van Deventer Co-Editor of a Special Edition of Journal of Materials Science on Advances in Geopolymer Science and Technology.

Other Roles

Barry HughesExecutive Director, National Strategic Review of Mathematical Sciences Research in Australia, 2005-2006.

Antoinette TordesillasAppointed to the Australian Academy of Science, National Committee for the Mechanical Sciences, 2005-2008.

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Sarah Glasson (PhD completed, APA) Effect of Modifiers on the Kinetics of Solvent Extraction Supervisors: Geoff Stevens, Jilska Perera and Franz Grieser

Solvent extraction is an important part of hydrometallurgical processes, used to separate and purify required metal ions. With the recent push to move to smaller, shorter residence time contactors, an understanding of the extraction mechanism and reaction kinetics is necessary to ensure these new contactors are used efficiently. This project investigates the kinetics of copper extraction by the active ingredient in Acorga P50 (5-nonyl salicylaldoxime) using spectroscopic techniques. The kinetics of this system are studied in a non-ionic micellar system, using a stopped flow technique, as well as the classical two-phase system, using total internal reflectance spectroscopy. In the case of the two-phase oil/water system, the effect of commonly used modifiers, nonylphenol and tridecanol, on the extraction kinetics have been investigated, with a detailed study of interfacial tension conducted to assist in the analysis of the kinetic data.

Will Goodall (PhD completed, Haoma Mining) New Techniques in the Characterisation of Complex Gold Ores Supervisor: Peter Scales

New techniques were investigated for use as quantitative tools in determination of mineralogy, gold associations and distribution within complex ores from the Pilbara, Western Australia. The aim of this study was to utilise these techniques in the analysis of complex ores. Techniques investigated are complementary and provide a comprehensive overview of ore behaviour. They include diagnostic leaching, Quantitative Evaluation of Mineralogy by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Proton Induced X-ray Emission. These methods used together allow accurate and comprehensive characterisation of complex ores.

Christopher Green (PhD completed, APA) Dynamics of Atomic Force Microscope Cantilever Beams in Fluids Supervisor: John Sader

Operation of the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is reliant on the dynamic behaviour of its microcantilever, which in turn depends strongly upon the fluid in which it is immersed. It is important to understand this phenomenon as AFM experiments are often conducted in fluid. This research has focussed on providing theoretical

models capable of predicting the behaviour of AFM cantilevers immersed in viscous fluids. The effect of a planar surface on the frequency response of AFM cantilevers immersed in viscous fluids has been investigated, as many applications of the AFM involve a cantilever beam vibrating in the vicinity of a surface. The frequency response of a cantilever beam immersed in a viscous fluid and vibrating near a solid surface, has been calculated in an a priori manner for the first time. This allows for the possibility of customising AFM cantilevers for specific operating conditions to minimise errors due to thermal noise, for example.

Janine Hulston (PhD completed, APA) Effect of Flocculation Conditions on the Dewaterability of Hematite and Red Mud Suspensions Supervisors: Peter Scales and Tom Healy

Flocculants are utilised in the Bayer process as a means of separating valuable aqueous sodium aluminate from an insoluble residue known as ‘red mud’. The objective of the investigation was to optimise the solid-liquid separation process by gaining a clearer understanding of how physical and chemical variables affect the flocculation process and how this in turn affects suspension dewaterability and thickener behaviour. A test protocol was set up, whereby suspensions were flocculated under varying conditions in a baffled vessel and the suspension dewaterability monitored by measuring the gel point, compressive yield stress and hindered settling function. Utilising a 1-D thickener model developed within the PFPC, the findings were then used to predict the effects of flocculation conditions on thickener behaviour. In addition, a floc size and density measurement device was built and validated to establish how the flocculation process affects floc structure and how this in turn influences suspension dewaterability. Due to the complex chemical matrix of red mud suspensions, the majority of the work was carried out on hematite suspensions, which was found to be a suitable model system for red mud. Suspension dewaterability and hence thickener behaviour was found to be significantly affected by factors such as flocculant dose, type, shear regime and temperature.

Judy Lee (PhD completed, DCES) The Behaviour of Ultrasound Generated Bubbles in the Presence of Surface Active Solutes Supervisors: Sandra Kentish and Muthupandian Ashokkumar

Bubbles generated ultrasonically can facilitate degassing, cleaning and chemical reaction processes. Often,

surface active solutes are present and an understanding of how these bubbles behave in the presence of these solutes will greatly improve future ultrasound applications. In this project, various experimental techniques were used to investigate the influence of surface active solutes on the dissolution, growth and coalescence of ultrasound generated bubbles. The major outcomes are: (i) surface active solutes inhibit bubble-bubble coalescence in an ultrasonic field, which results in much smaller cavitation bubbles and a narrower bubble size distribution and (ii) the rate of growth of a single bubble in an ultrasonic field (referred to as rectified diffusion) is enhanced by surface active solutes.

Jason Looker (PhD completed, APA) The Electrokinetics of Porous Colloidal Particles Supervisor: Steven Carnie

The state of charge of micron-sized particles found in industrial slurries and used in paints, ceramics, foods and pharmaceuticals can be determined by measuring the motion of the particles in an electric field, either a static field (electrophoresis) or an oscillating field (electroacoustics). Interpretation of these measurements is aided by theory which is well-understood for solid spherical particles. It is now possible to make similar measurements on particles that are sufficiently porous to allow significant ionic current and fluid flow through them as they respond to the electric field. However, theory in this case is undeveloped. The aim of this research is to develop theory for the electrophoretic mobility of a porous colloidal particle. As part of this program, a simple expression has been developed for the hydrodynamic drag on an oscillating, weakly permeable sphere. Transport equations have also been derived describing the coupled flow of ions and fluid through a porous particle. The final theory was built for the electrophoretic mobility of a spherical porous colloidal particle.

Alex Lubansky (PhD completed, Industry) The Extensional Properties of Food Emulsions Supervisors: Justin Cooper-White and David Boger

During food processing, there are many different situations involving flow of products with a significant extensional component, such as during the homogenisation processes to break up fat droplets in a food emulsion. The objective of this project was to improve our understanding of the extensional properties of food emulsions, such as milk

proteins and a consequent strong foreign body response in vivo. With the goal of large-volume soft tissue reconstruction in mind, a method has been developed to modify the internal surfaces of PLGA scaffolds of almost arbitrary size, shape and structure via layer-by-layer deposition of hyaluronic acid and chitosan. This process creates a coherent, strongly bound non-adhesive (and hence presumably non-inflammatory) surface on the PLGA structure, which can be easily activated to allow the covalent attachment of extracellular matrix molecules.

Peter Duxson (PhD completed, ARC) The Structure and Thermal Evolution of Metakaolin Geopolymers Supervisors: Jannie van Deventer and Grant Lukey

Geopolymers have often been touted as a semi-refractory material, but no fundamental measurement or understanding of the thermal properties and changes the material undergoes during heating have been published. During this study research has moved firstly from a complete rethink about the structure of geopolymers, to understanding their mechanical strength, microstructure and how two properties are related by gel and solution chemistries. Using this newly developed base as a starting point, it has been possible to characterise the physical and structural evolution during heating and link these phenomena with the molecular structure and microstructural aspects determined earlier.

Brendan Gladman (PhD completed, APA(I)) The Effect of Shear on Dewatering of Flocculated Suspensions Supervisors: Peter Scales and Murray Rudman

Gravitational thickeners are common in the chemical, water, wastewater and mineral industries to meet solid-liquid separation requirements. In thickening, dilute particulate suspensions settle under gravity to form a compact bed while producing simultaneously clarified liquor. Thickeners are usually a conical shaped vessel with a raking mechanism to transport sediment to the outlet. It is known that raking affects the dewatering properties of the sediment, through the introduction of an additional shear force. The mechanism of shear enhancement is not well understood. The aim of this study was to attain a better understanding of the role of shear in sediment under compression and develop laboratory techniques to characterise the effect.

Graduates of 2006

Congratulations to the following students who completed their postgraduate studies during 2006.

Sreeraj Balachandran (PhD completed, IPRS and MIRS) Mass Transfer Enhancement of Supercritical Fluid Extraction from a Model Herb Supervisors: Sandra Kentish and Raymond Mawson

The use of ultrasound to enhance extraction in supercritical conditions for the food industry has received little attention. This research investigated two different methods to increase the extraction rate and also to diversify the applicability of supercritical extraction. The influence of substrate moisture content on the extraction kinetics of ginger herb has been examined. When new season water rich fresh ginger samples are used, higher extraction yields resulted relative to both the oven dried and freeze dried samples. Mathematical modelling confirms that this yield enhancement results from an enhancement in the effective diffusivity within the ginger particle. In addition, the use of ultrasound for further enhancement of mass transfer rate has been examined. A power ultrasonic transducer with an operating frequency of 20 kHz is used and the extraction of gingerols from freeze dried ginger particles (4–8 mm) is monitored. In the presence of ultrasound, it has been found that both the extraction rate and the yield increase. The higher extraction rate is attributed to disruption of the cell structures and an increase in intra-particle diffusivity.

Envi Ciawi (MSc completed, MRS) Cavitation Bubble Temperatures in Aqueous Solutions Containing Surface Active Solutes Supervisors: Muthupandian Ashokkumar and Franz Grieser

The aim of this MSc project was to investigate the effect of volatile surface active solutes on cavitation bubble temperatures (CBT) measured by the Methyl Radical Recombination (MRR) method. Sonoluminescence (SL) intensity has a correlation with bubble temperature and for this reason, SL intensities have been measured and the trends have been compared with the CBTs measured by the MRR method. The main findings of this investigation were (i) the MRR method is not a suitable method for temperature measurements in the volume region of the bubble where SL occurs; the MRR method provides a temperature at which sonochemistry takes place, and (ii) the MRR method can only be used for

specific solutes that have a direct source for methyl radicals. These findings will be useful for optimising the efficiency of sonochemical reactions.

David Cooling (PhD completed, Alcoa of Australia) Improving the Sustainability of Bauxite Residue Management: Evaluation of Bauxite Residue Carbonation Supervisor: David Boger

Through detailed monitoring of the full-scale residue carbonation prototype unit and parallel laboratory testing, it has been shown that residue carbonation offers a cost effective means of treating residue slurry to reduce its pH and hence the hazardous nature of the slurry normally attributed to the causticity of the residue. The effectiveness of the treatment at an operational scale was dependent on the level of solid alkalinity present in the slurry as tri-calcium aluminate (TCA-6), which is slow to react. It was shown that this can be overcome by ensuring adequate retention time in the reaction vessels and through the production of sufficient buffering, in the form of bicarbonate and dawsonite, for any residual unreacted TCA-6. It was demonstrated that a stable residue deposit pH of below 10.5 can be maintained, and the resulting leachate has the same pH. It is believed that residue carbonation offers a unique opportunity to make a significant positive change to the properties of the residue, reducing its potential to impact on the surrounding environment, reducing the long term liabilities being accrued through the ongoing storage of a residue which contains large volumes of leachable alkalinity, much of which is still in the form of NaOH, and opening opportunities for re-use of the residue into the future. The overall aim was to show that residue carbonation offers the next logical step down a path toward a more sustainable residue management system.

Tristan Croll (PhD completed, Loxton and PFPC) Surface Modification of Biodegradable Polymeric Scaffolds for the Purpose of Soft Tissue Engineering Supervisors: Justin Cooper-White, Andrea O’Connor and Geoff Stevens

The use of synthetic polymers such as the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) family for tissue engineering applications has to date been hampered by their surface properties. These polymers are generally relatively hydrophobic, leading to irreversible adsorption and denaturation of

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Tim Wade (PhD completed, cap-XX) High Power Carbon-Based Supercapacitor Supervisors: Calum Drummond, Franz Grieser and Derek Chan

Energy storage devices are generally evaluated on two main requirements; power and energy. In supercapacitors these two performance criteria are altered by the capacitance, resistance and voltage. This work investigated the ways in which the separator affects the resistance and effective capacitance. There are five identified structural features which can be altered in the separator. These are pore size, pore size distribution, porosity, thickness and tortuosity. For the membranes in current commercial use as separators it is very difficult to isolate the individual contributions of structural features to the supercapacitor performance characteristics. This is due to the method of manufacture. Track etched membranes, by contrast, are made with a different technique which allowed for the alteration of each of the parameters to be studied independently.

Stuart Walsh (PhD completed, APA) A Thermomechanical Approach for Micromechanical Continuum Models of Granular Media Supervisor: Antoinette Tordesillas

When modelling granular materials – materials like sands and powders that are composed of a number of smaller particles – it is often advantageous to consider constitutive relations based on Cosserat or micropolar continua. A micropolar continuum differs from the classical continuum in that each point has extra degrees of freedom, namely the ability to rotate independently of its neighbours. During this project a micropolar model was developed for granular assemblies undergoing small deformations; and a finite element program, “C-FEM”, written to obtain numerical solutions for this and other models based on micropolar continua. The new micropolar model has been used to simulate a number of benchmark engineering problems. Micromechanical continuum models of this kind provide a practical means of modelling particle-scale behaviour in large-scale engineering problems. The current model has been used to simulate the evolution of a sixteen-particle-wide failure zone within an assembly of over half a million particles.

Yalin Wei (PhD completed, MRS) Rheo-Optical Studies of Polymer Solutions Supervisor: Dave Dunstan

Polymers are macromolecules made up of many repeating monomer units. Due to the flexibility of the polymer chain, a very important behaviour of polymer liquids is viscoelasticity. Rheo-optics has been developed to study the microstructure of fluids in flow where an optically measurable change has occurred. The rheo-optical techniques have become a powerful tool to study the dynamics and structure of complex polymeric and particulate suspensions in flow. The novel rheo-optical method developed here is to use UV-Visible and fluorescence anisotropy in shear to study the microstructure of the polymer solutions in flow. The UV-Visible spectra of the polymer solutions as a function of shear rate have been used to analyse molecular orientation and deformation under linear steady shear. For polymer in semi-dilute concentration, a distortion of polymer backbone was found during shear. The orientation properties vary with different shear rate. The orientation and deformation of the rod-like polymer has also been examined. The polymer in rigid-rod form shows limiting orientational behaviour in shear.

Penny Woodberry (MEngSc, AAD) Assessment of an Iminodiacetic Acid Ion-Exchange Resin for the Treatment of Contaminated Waters in Antarctica Supervisors: Geoff Stevens, Ian Snape and Mike Connor

The main objective of this project was to obtain an understanding of the behaviour and performance of the chelating ion exchange resin, Amberlite IRC748 (an iminodiacetic acid (IDA) chelating cation exchange resin on a macroporous styrene divinylbenzene matrix) in the removal of dissolved metal contaminants from water. This resin has been used during the clean-up of the Thala Valley tip at Casey Station, Antarctica for the treatment of contaminated surface waters discharged from the tip site. Site characteristics for the proposed application at Casey include variable salinity and low temperatures, therefore these factors have been investigated in laboratory batch equilibrium and column breakthrough tests. The operation of the ion exchange columns during the clean-up was considered as a field trial for the resin. Based on these findings a model was developed to predict the performance of the ion exchange columns.

Kelly Yung (PhD completed, APA(I)) Study of Alternative Solvents for Extraction of Alkaloids Supervisors: Geoff Stevens and Jilska Perera

Many industries utilise volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to facilitate separation, purification and concentration of natural products of interest. Increasing environmental and occupational health and safety concerns have prompted a search for new, benign solvents in the hope of replacing the VOCs currently in use. A class of compounds that is of interest is the room temperature ionic liquid. This research aims to investigate the potential of these “green solvents” as replacements for the present VOC system for the recovery of alkaloids. Two different dialkylimidazolium ionic liquids as well as a range of complexing agents such as tributylphosphate have been investigated. The physical properties of these systems have been determined and compared to some of the conventional VOCs. A trial of ionic liquids in pilot scale equipment has also been conducted.

experiments far exceeds that of its macroscale counterpart.

Sindhunata (PhD completed, ARC) A Conceptual Model of Geopolymerisation Supervisors: Jannie van Deventer, Grant Lukey and Linda Xu

In order to successfully commercialise geopolymer technology, it is essential to understand how changing concentration of reactants and/or processing conditions affect the mechanism, kinetics and physico-chemical properties of geopolymers. In this project, the effect of various parameters, such as concentration of alkaline-silicate solution, curing temperature and time, has been studied by measuring the heat of reaction and final pore structure of geopolymers. It has been shown that the rate and amount of heat increases as the silicate, alkaline concentration and temperature are increased. The subsequent heat release is associated with the crystallisation of various zeolites. The pore structure of the geopolymeric gels has been found to resemble that of porous aluminosilicate gel, with a mesoporous characteristic (2-50 nm). The development of these pores was found to be dependent on the silicate, alkaline concentration, reaction temperature and time.

Chor Sing Tan (PhD completed, MRS) Thermally Responsive Hydrogel for Electrophoretic Separation of Protein Supervisors: Geoff Stevens, Andrea O’Connor, Alan Hatton and Lev Bromberg

This project aims to investigate the transport of proteins through Pluronic-(Poly(acrylic acid)s(PAA)) responsive hydrogel and to integrate the hydrogel into an electrophoretic separation rig for enhanced protein separation. Pluronic-PAA hydrogel has been found to undergo molecular conformation changes by aggregation and forms micelle-like structures at temperatures above 25 °C. This indicates that the microenvironment of the diffusing solutes becomes more hydrophobic at these temperatures, which is ideal for protein separation. The molecular conformation changes were found to hinder the diffusion of proteins in the hydrogel and the uptake of proteins due to the formation of these aggregates. The Pluronic-PAA gel has been integrated into an in-house designed electrophoretic-responsive hydrogel separation apparatus. The results have shown temperature and pH-dependence of protein transfer across the Pluronic-PAA hydrogel under the influence of electric field.

and ice-cream. A model food emulsion system containing polysaccharides, which are typically used as thickeners in food products, has been developed. The rheological behaviour of this model emulsion system was studied.

Felix Meiser (PhD completed, MIFRS) Fluorescent, Rare-earth-doped Nanoparticles as Biolabels Supervisor: Frank Caruso

Fluorescently-labelled biomolecules have numerous uses in life sciences, particularly in cell imaging and biosensing. A novel type of fluorescent nanoparticles, based on rare-earth-doped lanthanum phosphates, has potential uses in these applications. The surface of these nanoparticles was modified to allow coupling with the protein avidin, to form nanoparticle-protein bioconjugates. The size and composition of these bioconjugates was characterised using various techniques. They showed binding affinity with biotin-labelled molecules including immunoglobulin G, as successfully tested in microarray binding-assays.

Kathryn Mensforth (PhD completed, APA(I), GSK) Performance and Scale-up of Karr Reciprocating Plate Extraction Columns Supervisor: Geoff Stevens

The main objective of this project was to improve the performance of large scale liquid extraction columns. This was achieved by studying the production columns in operation at GlaxoSmithKline’s alkaloids plant in Victoria, Australia. Operating data on the hydrodynamic and mass transfer performance has been obtained for three columns of varying diameter and can now be compared with pilot plant studies completed on small-scale equipment in the PFPC. This data was used to develop a reliable method for relating small scale trials to full scale column performance which will not only result in a more efficient and optimised plant for GlaxoSmithKline but it will also benefit other industries where scale-up of solvent extraction columns has been a major problem.

Shobha Muthukumaran (PhD completed, APA) Ultrasonic Enhancement of Dairy Ultrafiltration Membrane Processes Supervisors: Sandra Kentish, Muthupandian Ashokkumar, Geoff Stevens and Raymond Mawson

The frequent fouling and the subsequent cleaning of dairy whey ultrafiltration membranes significantly affect the economics of such processes. In this

study, the influence of ultrasound on both the flux rate during the production cycle and cleaning efficiency during the cleaning cycle of whey ultrafiltration has been investigated under a range of experimental conditions. The mechanical effects induced by power ultrasound have been found to be effective in both minimising fouling and improving the cleaning process. It has also been found that ultrasonic irradiation does not affect either the membrane integrity or the whey solution composition under the conditions studied. The outcomes from this project are very significant and will address a major issue (i.e. fouling) within the Australian dairy industry.

John Provis (PhD completed, APA, Fulbright) Modelling the Formation of Geopolymers Supervisor: Jannie van Deventer

Aluminosilicate geopolymers (cementitious alkali-aluminosilicate gel binders) have been the subject of empirically-based research for over 30 years, but very little theoretical or computational background for this work has previously been developed. In this thesis, groundwork was laid for the development of a theoretically rigorous description of geopolymerisation by the study and mathematical description of model systems. Both structural and reaction kinetic aspects of geopolymerisation were addressed, with synchrotron-based experimentation used in support of modelling techniques.

Lucy Rodd (PhD completed, APA, PFPC) Planar Entry Flow of Low Viscosity Elastic Fluids in Micro-Fabricated Contraction Geometries Supervisors: Justin Cooper-White and David Boger

The behaviour of non-Newtonian fluids in microfluidic devices is important in designing lab-on-a-chip devices, which are used to transport and process fluids containing proteins or dilute solutions of DNA. In this project non-Newtonian fluid behaviour has been explored by tuning the levels of inertia and elasticity in polymer solutions flowing through micro-fabricated contraction geometries. The small length scales and high deformation rates inherent to microfluidic devices make it possible to induce strong non-Newtonian effects even in dilute polymer solutions; a phenomenon that is not achievable in the equivalent macro-scale experiment using the same fluid. In addition, it has been shown that the experimental parameter space that is accessible through micofluidic

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Yuanhua He M Ashokkumar, F Grieser

PhD IPRS Degradation of organic pollutants in aqueous environment using combined oxidation techniques

Chris Honig W Ducker

PhD APA Optical AFM investigations of microfluidics

Fuzhi Huang R Caruso

PhD MIFRS, Faculty of Science

Template synthesis of porous titania for photocatalysis and photovoltaic application

Christine Isabella J van Deventer, G Lukey, H Xu

PhD ARC The reactivity of solids in geopolymeric gels

Jacek Jasieniak P Mulvaney

PhD APA Gain and lasing in QD waveguides

Louise Keyte J van Deventer, G Lukey

PhD ARC The effect of coal ash composition on properties of waste-based geopolymers

Anat Kiviti-Manor P Scales

PhD APA(I) Thickener dewatering optimisation in the minerals industry

Peck Ling (Lillian) Lee F Caruso

PhD MRS Ultrathin biopolymer films

Emma Lees P Mulvaney

PhD APA Quantum dot-protein conjugatation for cancer cell receptor studies

Qi Li J Quinn, F Caruso

PhD MIFRS, ARC Preparation of nanoporous polymer thin films via polyelectrolyte/nanoparticle templating

Ferry Lie C Drummond, R Caruso, T Healy

PhD CSIRO Nano-structured materials for energy storage devices

Jiufu Lim P Mulvaney, J Sader

PhD ASF Fluid and gas behaviour in microfluidic environments - scaling laws for nanomachines

Chien-Hua Lin J Sader

PhD IPRS, MIRS Mechanical properties of nanoparticles using ultrafast laser excitation

Redmond Lloyd J van Deventer

PhD ARC The durability of geopolymeric cements

Clayton McKee* W Ducker

PhD NSF(USA), ARC

Evanescent wave atomic force microscopy

Scott McLean M Gee

PhD APA Surface interactions between adsorbed poly(2-vinylpyridine)-poly(ethylene oxide)

Rogério Manica D Chan, S Carnie

PhD MIRS, MIFRS Modelling hydrodynamic interactions between deformable drops

Greg Martin D Dunstan

PhD DIGA Physico-chemical studies of milk proteins during powder rehydration

Ben Mashford P Mulvaney

PhD APA, CSIRO Nanocrystal electronic materials and devices

Heide Mielke D Dunstan, A Bacic, M-L Liao

PhD APA(I) Novel methods for the characterisation of weak gels

Patrick Mornane S Kolev, J Perera, B Cattrall

PhD APA The removal of mercury from solution by polymer inclusion membrane extraction

Wade Mosse W Ducker

PhD APA Control of surface forces using synthetic peptides & polymers

Kathryn Mumford G Stevens

PhD APA, AAD Use of zeolites as controlled release fertilisation systems for petroleum hydrocarbon remediation at low temperatures

Maya Muthuswamy A Tordesillas

PhD Pratt Foundation

Uncovering the secrets to relieving stress: Discrete element analysis of force chains

Hai Thanh Nguyen G Stevens, A O’Connor, J Copper-White

PhD APA Bioactive tissue engineering scaffolds

Carolina Novo P Mulvaney

PhD MIRS, MIFRS Single particle spectroscopy of gold nanorods

Edin Nuhiji P Mulvaney

PhD MRS Developing a novel microsphere colloid for ultrasensitive whispering gallery mode biomolecular detection

John-Paul O’Shea G Franks

PhD APA(I) Stimulant responsive flocculants

Shashi Parcha M Gee, R Dagastine

PhD MIRS, MIFRS Direct measurement of nano-mechanical properties of different type of cells in vitro

Student & Supervisors Degree Scholarship Thesis Title

* Enrolled Viginia Tech, USA

Ongoing Postgraduate Projects in 2006

Student & Supervisors Degree Scholarship Thesis Title

Zuratul Ain Abdul Hamid G Qiao, G Stevens

PhD Malaysian Govt Biodegradable polymers for medical applications

Clare Anderson S Kentish, G Stevens

PhD CO2 CRC The use of nanoporous carbon materials for high temperature carbon dioxide separation

Rory Anderson P Scales, P Mulvaney

PhD ICI Concentrated nanoparticle stabilisation using novel dispersants

Alexandra Angelatos A Johnston, F Caruso

PhD APA, ARC Probing the permeability of polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules via a molecular beacon approach

Ravi Arun G Stevens

MEngSc APA Wetting characteristics of perforated plate columns

Peter Asimakis D Dunstan

PhD APA(I) Protein aggregation during processing

Joannelle Bacus G Stevens, M Gee

PhD APA(I) Emulsion stability in the pharmaceutical industry

Alisa Becker F Caruso, A Zelikin, A Johnston

PhD APA Targeted delivery of nanostructured capsules

Sasha Boskovic A O’Connor, M Gee, G Stevens, T Turney

PhD APA, CSIRO Microemulsion templated mesoporous silica for affinity separations

Ryan Brady A O’Connor, M Gee, B Woonton

PhD MRS Molecular recognition adsorbents for food bioactive components

Adam Brotchie M Ashokkumar, F Grieser

PhD APA Sonoluminescence and sonochemistry under dual-frequency conditions

Eleanor Button J Sader

PhD APA Thin film flows

Anna Cai K Landman, B Hughes

PhD APA Cell migration models

Yik On (Nikko) Chan D Dunstan

PhD APA Nano-assembly of light emitting polymer films

Thanh Tam Chau G Stevens, R Dagastine, F Grieser

PhD PFPC AFM study of deformable interfaces

Sam Cook S Kentish, G Stevens, J Perera, P Hetherington

PhD APA(I) The effective treatment of hot dip galvanising effluent streams

Christina Cortez F Caruso

PhD ARC Biofunctionalisation of nano- and micro-particles

Cara Doherty C Drummond, R Caruso, T Healy

PhD CSIRO Nano-structured metal oxides as electrode materials for high power energy storage devices

Glenna Drisko R Caruso

PhD MIRS Organic functionalised hierarchical metal oxide materials for radionuclide sequestration

Xavier Duthie S Kentish, G Stevens

PhD CO2CRC Characterisation of glassy polyimide gas separation membranes at elevated temperature

Daniel Fisher P Scales, D Boger

MEngSc PFPC Nickel laterite rheology for industrial processing applications

Jonathan Foong P Scales

PhD MRS Yielding of concentrated nanoparticulate suspensions

Julianna Franco G Stevens, J Perera, S Kentish

PhD APA, CO2CRC CO2 recovery using a modified polypropylene gas absorption membrane

Daniel Gómez P Mulvaney

PhD MIFRS, MIRS Spectroscopy of individual quantum dots: Surface chemistry, blinking and spectral diffusion

Ann Gooding P Mulvaney

PhD APA Charge injection into 2D semiconductor nanocrystal arrays

Annette Häbich W Ducker

PhD PFPC Selective adsorption of chiral molecules at solid-liquid interfaces

Ailar Hajimohammadi J van Deventer

PhD ARC A thermochemical model for geopolymeric solid-gel reactions

Raza Hasan S Kentish, G Stevens

MEngSci C02CRC Impact of impurities on polyimide membrane performance

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Seminar SeriesThe PFPC Seminar Series brings together staff, students and visitors to present and discuss their research. The Seminar Series provides members with the opportunity to keep up to date with the research activities and overall direction of the Centre as well as current research developments around Australia and the world from visitors to the Centre.

PFPC SpeakersJohn ProvisModelling the formation of geopolymers (Feb)

Dr Guglielmo GottoliEvaluation of the biological potential of NiTi-TiC composites produced by combustion synthesis reactions (Feb)

Jason LookerThe electrophoretic mobility of porous colloidal particles with thin double layers (Feb)

SindhunataThe mechanisms and kinetics of fly ash based geopolymerisation (Mar)

A/Professor George FranksInnovative applications of controlled particle interactions (Mar)

Yuanhua HeSonochemical synthesis of Pt & Ru bimetallic nanoparticles (Mar)

William McMaster Template/sol-gel synthesis of aluminium, gallium and indium-modified titanium dioxide structured materials (Mar)

Anat Kiviti-ManorThickener dewatering optimisation in the minerals industry (Mar)

Frederic CortatDeformation limits of the air-water interface (Mar)

Abbey TrewenackModelling the migration and settling of a threatened species of frog (Apr)

Clayton McKeeThe refractive index of thin aqueous films between hydrophobic surfaces studied using evanescent wave atomic force microscopy (Apr)

Dr Anthony SticklandCompressional dewatering properties of sludges (Apr)

Chris HonigAn atomic force microscope tip as a light source (Mar)

Gaurav AroraThermodynamic and transport properties of N2/O2 separation by carbon nanotubes and nanoporous carbon membranes (Apr)

Sam CookThe selective recovery of zinc and iron from hot-dip galvanising effluent streams by membrane-based solvent extraction (Apr)

Rachael WallDairy sludge dewatering (Apr)

Lucy RoddRheology and morphology of liquid-liquid and liquid-vapour interfaces (Apr)

Ritu SinglaSonochemical degradation of organic pollutants in aqueous solution (Apr)

Jennifer SlaterStochastic modelling of vertebrate neural lineage trees (May)

Thanh Tam ChauInteraction forces between oil droplets stabilised with Pluronics in aqueous solutions (May)

Elvira TjiptoTailoring the interfaces between thermotropic liquid crystals and aqueous phases via layer-by-layer assembly (May)

Ann GoodingCharge injection into 2D semiconductor nanocrystal arrays (May)

Greg MartinPhysico-chemical studies of milk proteins during powder rehydration (May)

Catherine ReesGeopolymer gel formation and gel ageing (May)

Amy SullivanInterneuron migration in the embryonic forebrain (May)

Dr Angus JohnstonNanoengineering of DNA films (May)

Tim WadeHigh power carbon based supercapacitors (May)

Carolina NovoElectron-surface scattering and radiation damping in individual gold nanorods (Jun)

Daniel GómezSpectral diffusion of single semiconductor nanocrystals: The influence of the dielectric environment (Jun)

Hemadri SahaPractical application of filtration theory to the mineral industry (Jun)

Ravi ArunWetting characteristics of perforated plate column (Jun)

Chor Sing TanThermally responsive hydrogel for electrophoretic separation of protein (Jun)

Dimetre TriadisA closer look at JKR theory (Jul)

Maya MuthuswamyForce propagation in granular assemblies: From measurement to characterisation to statistics (Jul)

Dr Nicole LawrenceFractionation of skim milk via microfiltration (Jul)

Dr Kathy NorthcottMaterials and methods for water treatment at contaminated sites in Antarctica (Jul)

Dr Scott EdwardsPatchy surfactant coatings and long-range forces (Aug)

Fuzhi HuangTemplate synthesis of porous Al/TiO2 networks for dye-sensitised solar cell application (Aug)

Sarah GlassonEffect of modifiers on the kinetics of solvent extraction (Aug)

Hui TanEffect of carbonaceous matter on gold extraction (Aug)

Neesan YapEffect of fine particles in froth flotation of coarse particles (Aug)

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Emma Prime G Qiao, J Cooper-White, D Solomon

PhD ARC Investigation of the coupling of bio-active groups to biodegradable polymers

Widodo Ratanachaithong A O’Connor, M Gee, G Stevens, P Hartley

PhD APA Development of mesoporous bioaffinity adsorbents for biological applications

Catherine Rees G Lukey, J van Deventer

PhD DCES The role of silicates in geopolymer gel formation and ageing

Gwynneth Rice A O’Connor, S Kentish, G Stevens

PhD APA(I) Membrane separation of calcium salts from ultrafiltration dairy permeates

Briony Ruse D Boger

PhD PFPC Sustainable management of mining waste

Hemadri Saha P Scales

PhD APA(I) Practical application of filtration theory to the minerals industry

Colin Scholes M Gee, T Smith

PhD APA Conformational aspects of macromolecular adsorption through time-resolved fluorescence

Jennifer Slater B Hughes, K Landman

PhD APA Stochastically evolving networks

Rudi Spehar P Scales

PhD APA(I) Improving thickener technology

Lindsay Studer P Scales

PhD APA New approaches to the optimisation of wastewater dewatering and processing

Amy Sullivan K Landman, B Hughes

PhD APA Modelling interneuron migration in the developing neocortex

Devi Sunartio M Ashokkumar, F Grieser

PhD APA Investigation of the correlation between cavitation bubble field and sonochemistry

Thu-Hang Ta D Dunstan

PhD MIRS, MIFRS Site specific drug and vaccine delivery

Hui Tan J van Deventer, G Lukey, D Feng

PhD APA(I) The effect of carbon coatings on the leaching and preg-robbing behaviour of gold ores

Boon Teo M Ashokkumar, F Grieser

PhD MIRS Sonochemical formation of polymer latex

Elvira Tjipto F Caruso, J Quinn, A Johnston

PhD MIFRS, MIRS Tailoring the interfaces between liquid crystals and aqueous phases with polyelectrolyte multilayer films

Abbey Trewenack K Landman

PhD APA Migrating and settling populations

Dimetre Triadis B Hughes

PhD APA Surface forces in atomic force microscopy and related systems

Joel van Embden P Mulvaney

PhD APA Electron transfer in type I CdSe semiconductor core-shell systems

David Verrelli P Scales, D Dixon

PhD APA The effect of water treatment processes upon sludge production and sludge dewaterability

Audrey Walewijk D Dunstan

PhD Unilever Structure creation in flow of biopolymer fluid gels

Rachael Wall P Scales, D Dixon

PhD APA(I) Dairy sludge dewatering

Xingdong Wang R Caruso

PhD MIFRS, IPRS The incorporation of gold nanoparticles in porous titanium dioxide materials for photocatalytic applications

Richard Watson D Dunstan, E Hill

PhD DCES, CRC Bioproducts

Spectroscopy of complex fluid in flow

Heng Pho Yap J Quinn, F Caruso

PhD MRS Colloid surface engineering via deposition of multilayered thin films from polelectrolyte blend solutions

Nee San Yap J van Deventer, G Lukey, D Feng, R Dagastine

PhD ARC Froth flotation of coarse particles

Syet Li Yong D Feng, G Lukey, J van Deventer

PhD ARC Adhesive properties of inorganic polymers

Sabina Zahirovic F Grieser, D Boger, R Dagastine

PhD APA(I) Interfacial tension study and rheological characterisation of water in oil emulsion explosives

Jasmina Zukan M Ashokkumar, F Grieser

PhD Faculty of Science & ARC

Sonochemical synthesis of proteinaceous microspheres

Student & Supervisors Degree Scholarship Thesis Title

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Visiting SpeakersMr Paul Hamilton-Brown University of New South Wales, AustraliaA surface forces and protein adsorption study of grafted PEO layers (Feb)

Professor Baruch GrinbaumIMI (Tami) Institute for Research & Development, IsraelIntegrated approach to the development of solvent extraction flow sheets (Feb)

Dr Eric Amis National Institute of Standards and Technology, United StatesHigh throughput characterisation for polymer physics and chemistry (Mar)

Dr Fabien GaboriaudCNRS Nancy, FranceThe relationship between microscopic and macroscopic physicochemical properties of microbial cells (Mar)

Dr Dudley Shallcross Bristol University, United KingdomGround level air pollution: Recent insights from the DAPPLE field measurement campaign in London, UK (Mar)

Dr Hans Riegler Max-Planck-Institut für Kolloid- und Grenzflaechenforschung, GermanyMolecularly thin films of long-chain alkanes at solid/vapour interfaces: Transport mechanisms, wetting dynamics and structure formation (Mar)

Professor Greg Hartland University of Notre Dame, United StatesVibrational spectroscopy and energy relaxation in nanoparticles of different shapes and sizes (Mar)

Alistair Merrifield University of Sydney, AustraliaAn investigation of mathematical models for animal group movement, using classical and statistical approaches (Apr)

Professor Michael Tam Nanyang Technological University, SingaporeRheology and dynamics of pH-responsive microgel systems (Apr)

Dr Pierre Schuck French National Institute for Agronomic Research, FranceWater dynamics during the concentration, spray drying and rehydration of milk products (May)

Professor Miao Chen Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academia of Sciences, ChinaDesign of chemically functionalised surfaces at the nano-scale and their applications to new materials (May)

Dr Yujiro Watanabe Kanazawa Institute of Technology, JapanSynthesis of a new hybrid material using zeolite and apatite to catch harmful and radioactive ions (Jul)

Professor Kazue Kurihara Tohoku University, JapanResonance shear measurement study of confined liquids between solid surfaces (Jul)

Professor Nadrian Seeman New York University, United StatesDNA: Not merely the secret of life (Jul)

Dr Yulii Shikhmurzaev University of Birmingham, United KingdomSome paradoxes in the mathematical modelling of free-surface flows (Aug)

Dr Craig Bullen Swinburne University, AustraliaThe chemistry of bright semiconductor nanocrystals and brilliant gold nanorods (Sep)

Dr Sean O’Shea and Dr William Birch Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, SingaporeThree topics in scanning microscopy and surface functionalisation (Sep)

Dr David Snoswell University of Bristol, United KingdomDynamic control of diffraction within colloidal photonic crystals (Oct)

Dr Yasuo Iida National Institute of Advanced IndustrialScience and Technology, Japan Sonochemistry in a microreactor (Oct)

Dr Melanie Bradley University of Bristol, United KingdomSynthesis and properties of polymer gels (Nov)

Dr Aaron Olsen University of Bristol, United KingdomHeterogeneous colloids: Building blocks for novel crystalline structures? (Nov)

Professor Phil Singer University of North Carolina, United StatesCoagulation of disinfection by-products precursors - bridging theory and practice (Nov)

Dr Will Goodall MinAssist Pty Ltd, AustraliaAutomated image analysis by SEM: Recent developments in the QEMSCAN (TM) system (Dec)

Dr Bill WilliamsMassey University, New Zealand Nature’s nanotech: Designing soft materials from the bottom up (Dec)

Colin ScholesConformational studies of oligonucleotide adsorption to silica through evanescent wave induced fluorescence spectroscopy (Aug)

Devi SunartioMultibubble sonoluminescence from aqueous SDS solutions: The effect of ultrasonic frequency and the role of SDS (Sep)

Daniel FisherThe bucket rheometer for the viscosity characterisation of yield stress suspensions (Sep)

Rogério ManicaModelling hydrodynamic interactions between a mica surface and a mercury drop (Sep)

Audrey WalewijkAdhesion measurements between two blocks of alginate gel (Sep)

Dr Alison FunstonPolaron delocalisation and transport in p-conjugate polymers (Sep)

Jennifer SlaterStochastic modelling of vertebrate neural lineage trees (Oct)

Lillian LeePermeability of DNA multilayer films (Oct)

Dr Ivan VakarelskiSingle nanoparticle terminated tips for scanning probe microscopy (Oct)

Daniel GómezSpectroscopy of individual semiconductor nanocrystals (Oct)

Cara DohertyLithium iron phosphate – advanced materials for lithium ion batteries (Oct)

Julianna FrancoRecovering carbon dioxide using a hybrid membrane-absorption process (Oct)

Richard WatsonSpectroscopy of complex fluids in flow (Oct)

Qi LiLayer-by-layer assembled smart multilayer films and capsules (Oct)

Gwynneth RiceAnalysis of charge properties of nanofiltration membranes for application in dairy demineralisation (Oct)

Patrick MornaneThe characterisation of Aliquat® 336 chloride by LC-MS and GC (Oct)

Alessandra Sutti Molecular beacon functionalised Au nanoparticles for in-capsule ss-DNA detection (Oct)

Ferry LieAssembly of nanostructured Li4Ti5O12 (Nov)

Xingdong WangSynthesis, characterisation and photocatalytic application of porous Au/TiO2 hybrid materials (Nov)

Emma LeesImage correlation spectroscopy: The effect of receptor conformation on association states (Nov)

Catherine ReesKinetics and mechanisms of gel formation in geopolymers (Nov)

Sasha BoskovicMicroemulsion templated mesoporus silica for affinity separation (Nov)

Widodo RatanachaithongParticle size enlargements of mesoporous silica (Nov)

Anna CaiModelling T cell development: Cell migration and differentiation in the thymus outer region (Nov)

Edin NuhijiDevelopment of a single particle whispering gallery mode based ultra-sensitive biosensor for unlabelled oligonucleotide target detection (Nov)

Elvira TjiptoSelf-assembled functional nanomaterials (Nov)

Emma PrimeSynthesis of functionalised, biosorbable biopolymers with novel architecture for soft tissue engineering (Dec)

Xavier DuthieA study of polyimide gas separation membranes: Carbon dioxide-induced plasticisation and the influence of temperature (Dec)

Above: PhD student Yuanhua He

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E Ciawi, M Ashokkumar and F Grieser, “The methyl radical recombination method for cavitation bubble temperature measurements” (Poster Presentation), Radiation 2006, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Apr)

L Y Clasohm, I U Vakarelski, R R Dagastine, G W Stevens, D Y C Chan and F Grieser, “An atomic force microscope (AFM) study of the van der Waals interactions between a solid surface a liquid drop”, 12th IACIS International Conference on Colloid and Surface Science, Beijing, China (Oct)

S Cook, S Kentish, J Perera and G W Stevens, “Selective recovery of zinc from hot dip galvanising effluent streams by membrane-based solvent extraction” (Poster Presentation), 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

C Cortez, E Tomaskovic-Crook, S Cody, A Johnston, B Radt, E Nice, J Heath and F Caruso, “Biofunctionalisation of core/shell particles for cell targeting“, 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

C Cortez, E Tomaskovic-Crook, A Johnston, B Radt, S Cody, A Scott, E Nice, J Heath and F Caruso, “Targeting and uptake of multilayered particles to cancer cells”, 2006 International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Jul)

C Cortez, E Tomaskovic-Crook, A Johnston, B Radt, S Cody, A Scott, E Nice, J Heath and F Caruso, “Targeting and uptake of multilayered particles to cancer cells” (Poster Presentation), Gordon Research Conference on Biointerface Science, Les Diablerets, Switzerland (Oct)

R R Dagastine, T T Chau, D Y C Chan, G W Stevens and F Grieser, “Measurements of static and hydrodynamic interaction forces between Pluronic stabilised oil droplets”, 2006 Materials Research Society Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California, United States (Apr)

R R Dagastine, “Nanoscale interaction forces in emulsions”, 6th Seminar of Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science - Advanced Particle Handling Science Young Researchers’ Meeting, Kyoto, Japan (Dec)

C Doherty, C J Drummond, R A Caruso and T W Healy, “Mesoporous lithium iron phosphate as an electrode material for high powered energy storage devices” (Poster Presentation), 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

W A Ducker and C Honig, “Hydrodynamic forces in thin aqueous films”, 80th ACS Colloid and Surface Science Symposium, Boulder, Colorado, United States (Jun)

W A Ducker, V Lulevich and C Honig, “Near field optical imaging of interfaces using AFM tip photoluminescence,” 80th ACS Colloid and Surface Science Symposium, Boulder, Colorado, United States (Jun)

W A Ducker, A Khan, S Clark and M Mao, “Kinetics of amphiphile exchange in adsorbed lamellar layers”, 80th ACS Colloid and Surface Science Symposium, Boulder, Colorado, United States (Jun)

W A Ducker and C Honig, “Hydrodynamic forces in aqueous solution”, 13th International Conference in Surface Forces, Moscow, Russia (Jun)

W A Ducker and C Honig, “Hydrodynamic forces in thin aqueous films probed using evanescent waves”, 12th IACIS International Conference on Surface and Colloid Science, Beijing, China (Oct)

T M Dugdale, R R Dagastine, A Chiovitti, P Mulvaney and R Wetherbee, “Modular proteins assemblies in diatom adhesive mucilage studied using AFM”, 80th ACS Colloid and Surface Science Symposium, Boulder, Colorado, United States (Jun)

D E Dunstan, “Extensional rheofluorescence of MEHPPV” (Poster Presentation), 5th ICSM Conference, Dublin, Ireland (Jul)

P Duxson, J L Provis, G C Lukey and J S J van Deventer, “The role of inorganic polymer technology in the development of ‘green concrete’”, Advances in Cement and Concrete X: Sustainability, Davos, Switzerland (Jul)

P Duxson, J L Provis, G C Lukey and J S J van Deventer, “The structure and thermal evolution of geopolymers”, International Workshop on Geopolymer Binders – Interdependence of Composition, Structure and Properties, Weimar, Germany (Sep)

P Duxson, J L Provis, G C Lukey and J S J van Deventer, “Factors affecting the thermal evolution of geopolymers at elevated temperatures”, Materials Science & Technology 2006, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (Oct)

D Feng and J S J van Deventer, “An electrochemical study of the effect of sulphur species on the thiosulphate leaching of gold”, XXIII International Mineral Processing Congress, Istanbul, Turkey (Sep)

D T Fisher, P J Scales and D V Boger, “The complex rheological characteristics of nickel laterite slurries” (Poster Presentation), 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

J Foong and P J Scales, “Yielding of concentrated nano-particle suspensions”, 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

J A Franco, G W Stevens, J M Perera and S E Kentish, “Membrane gas absorption using an ultrahydrophobic polypropylene membrane”, 231st ACS National Meeting, Fuel Chemistry Division, Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Mar)

J A Franco, S E Kentish, J M Perera and G W Stevens, “The production of ultrahydrophobic polypropylene membranes”, 20th Conference of the European Colloid and Interface Society, Budapest, Hungary (Sep)

J A Franco, D deMontigny, G W Stevens, J M Perera and S E Kentish, “Using membrane gas absorption for carbon dioxide separation”, Australian Institute of Energy, National Conference, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Nov)

J A Franco, J M Perera, G W Stevens and S E Kentish, “Using membrane gas absorption for carbon dioxide separation”, 3rd Annual CO2CRC Research Symposium, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia (Nov)

G V Franks, “Solid/liquid separation using temperature sensitive flocculation”, Chemeca 2006, Auckland, New Zealand (Sep)

G V Franks, “Development of near net shape forming processes of ceramic parts by colloidal processing”, CIMTEC 2006, Acireale, Sicily, Italy (Jun)

B Gladman, S P Usher and P J Scales, “Understanding the thickening process”, 9th International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Perth, Western Australia, Australia (Apr)

B Gladman, S P Usher and P J Scales, “Compressive rheology of aggregated particulate suspensions”, 7th International Seminar on Applied Rheology, Seoul, Korea (May)

D Gómez, J van Embden and P Mulvaney, “Spectral diffusion of single semiconductor nanocrystals: The influence of the dielectric environment”, American Physical Society March Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Mar)

D Gómez, J van Embden and P Mulvaney, “Spectral diffusion of single semiconductor nanocrystals: The influence of the dielectric environment”, 2006 International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Jul)

A Gooding and P Mulvaney, “Charge injection into 2D nanocrystal arrays”, 2006 International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Jul)

S Gras, “Functionalised amyloid fibrils for bionanotechnology”, 2006 International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Jul)

F Grieser, Y He, K Vinodgopal and M Ashokkumar, “Sonochemical synthesis of metal nanocolloids”, 10th Meeting of the European Society of Sonochemistry, Hamburg, Germany (Jun)

H I Hadisaputra, A J O’Connor and J J Cooper-White, “PEG-alginate hydrogels: Can we make strong hydrogels with large pores?” (Poster Presentation), Australasian Society for Biomaterials Conference, Rotorua, New Zealand (Feb)

Y He, K Vinodgopal, M Ashokkumar and F Grieser, “Sonochemical synthesis of Pt/Ru composite nanoparticles” (Poster Presentation), 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

Y He, K Vinodgopal, M Ashokkumar and F Grieser, “Sonochemical synthesis of Pt/Ru composite nanoparticles”, Radiation 2006, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Apr)

T W Healy, “Electrostatic interactions in flotation of sulphides and non-sulphides”, 23rd International Mineral Processing Congress, Istanbul, Turkey (Sep)

Presentations

Plenary and Keynote Lectures

D V Boger, “Predicting the possible reduction and elimination of tailings dams” (Keynote Lecture), Mine Tailings 2006, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Feb)

F Caruso, “Polymer nanotechnology: Nanostructered polymer materials” (Plenary Presentation), 3rd International Symposium on Advanced Materials in Asia-Pacific Rim, Ulsan, Korea (May)

F Caruso, “Bio-inspired nano-engineered polymer colloids” (Plenary Presentation), 9th UNESCO/IUPAC Conference on Macromolecules: Polymers for Advanced Applications, Stellenbosch, South Africa (Nov)

R A Caruso, “Morphological control of materials for environmental applications and energy generation” (Plenary Lecture), Australian Research Network for Advanced Materials 2006 Workshop, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Jun)

F Grieser and M Ashokkumar, “The sonochemical decomposition of water borne organic pollutants” (Plenary Lecture), Environmental Applications of Advanced Oxidation Processes, Chanis, Greece (Sep)

P J Scales, “Understanding the thickening process” (Keynote Speaker), Paste and Thickened Tailings 2006, Limerick, Ireland (Apr)

P J Scales, “Compressional rheology of aggregated particulate suspensions” (Keynote Speaker), Seventh International Seminar on Applied Rheology, Seoul, Korea (May)

G W Stevens, “Interfacial properties in liquid-liquid systems and their influence on solvent extraction processes” (Keynote Lecture), Symposium on Solvent Extraction 2006, Kanazawa, Japan (Nov)

J S J van Deventer, P Duxson, J L Provis and G C Lukey, “Recent progress in the development of geopolymer cements” (Keynote Lecture), International Forum on Waste Utilisation in the Cement and Concrete Industries, China Building Materials Industry Association, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, Beijing, China (Mar)

J S J van Deventer, J L Provis, P Duxson and G C Lukey, “Technological, environmental and commercial drivers for the use of geopolymers in a sustainable materials industry” (Keynote Lecture), International Symposium on Advanced Processing of Metals and Materials: Principles, Technologies and Industrial Practice, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society, Littleton, Colorado, United States (Aug)

J S J van Deventer, “Engineering esteem: Leadership challenges in higher education” (Keynote Lecture), Engineering Leadership Conference 2006, Engineers Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Aug)

Conferences and Meetings

C Anderson, S Kentish, G Arora, A Russo, T Carter, G Stevens and S Sandler, “Carbon membranes for CO2 capture”, 3rd Annual CO2CRC Research Symposium, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia (Nov)

A Angelatos, A P R Johnston, Y Wang, J F Quinn and F Caruso, “Polymer nanotechnology: Advanced polymer nanoarchitectures via sequential self-assembly”, 28th Australian Polymer Symposium, Rotorua, New Zealand (Feb)

M Ashokkumar, J Lee, S Kentish and F Grieser, “Bubbles in an acoustic field: An overview”, 10th Meeting of the European Society of Sonochemistry, Hamburg, Germany (Jun)

M Ashokkumar, “Sound-bubbles-chemistry-applications”, Australia-Japan Core to Core Program, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Sep)

M Ashokkumar, D Sunartio, S Kentish, R Mawson, L Simons and K Vilkhu, “Modification of food ingredients by ultrasound to improve functionality”, Food Innovation: Emerging Science, Technologies and Applications (FIESTA), 3rd Innovative Foods Centre Conference, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Oct)

M Ashokkumar, “Frequency effects in sonochemistry and sonoluminescence”, COST D32 Meeting – Chemistry in High-Energy Microenvironments, Goettingen, Germany (Oct)

J Bacus, M Gee and G W Stevens, “A study of the film drainage between solid silica and an approaching oil droplet using imaging ellipsometry”, 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

S Boskovic, A Hill, F Separovic, T Turney, G W Stevens, M L Gee and A J O’Connor, “Characterisation of a hierarchically porous silica-organic functional hybrid”, 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

S Boskovic, T W Turney, M L Gee, G W Stevens and A J O’Connor, “Mesocellular foam as a support for protein-A immunoglobulin G affinity separation” (Poster Presentation), 5th International Mesostructured Materials Symposium, Shanghai, China (Aug)

A Brotchie, M Ashokkumar and F Grieser, “Acoustic cavitation under dual frequency conditions” (Poster Presentation), Radiation 2006, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Apr)

A Brotchie, P Kanthale, M Ashokkumar and F Grieser, “Experimental and numerical investigations of cavitation phenomena under dual frequency field” (Poster Presentation), Indian Chemical Engineering Congress: 56th Annual Session, CHEMOCON 2006, Bharuch, India (Dec)

F Caruso, “Bridging the life science and materials science divide”, Australian National Science Graduate Conference, International College of Management (ICMS), Manly, New South Wales, Australia (May)

F Caruso, “Nanoengineered, bioinspired colloidal systems”, 80th ACS Colloid and Surface Science Symposium, Boulder, Colorado, United States (Jun)

R A Caruso, J H Schattka, E H M Wang and M Antonietti, “Metal oxide porous films fabricated from sol-gel chemistry conducted within organic membrane templates”, 2006 International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Jul)

R A Caruso, X D Wang, M F Zhou and J F Zhou, “Porous gold/titanium dioxide nanocomposites synthesised by a templating technique”, 5th International Conference on Inorganic Materials, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Sep)

R A Caruso, J H Schattka, E H M Wang and M Antonietti, “Organic membrane templates for the formation of thick, porous, metal oxide films” (Poster Presentation), 5th International Conference on Inorganic Materials, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Sep)

R A Caruso, F Z Huang, M F Zhou, D Menzies and Y-B Cheng, “Increasing the efficiency of dye-sensitised solar cells by modification of the titanium dioxide electrode”, 2006 Materials Research Society Fall Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Nov)

R A Caruso, X D Wang, M F Zhou and J F Zhou, “Porous titanium dioxide materials containing gold nanoparticles for the photodegradation of pollutants”, 4th International Conference on Advanced Materials and Processing, Hamilton, New Zealand (Dec)

D Y C Chan, “Modelling and comparisons with direct experimental measurements of forces involving deformable drops and interfaces”, SFAC 2006: Bridging Nanoscale Forces and Interfacial Phenomena to the Macroscopic World, Cancun, Mexico (May)

D Y C Chan, S Carnie, R Manica, S Edwards and R Dagastine, “Hydrodynamic and surface forces involving deformable interfaces: AFM experiments and theory”, 80th ACS Colloid and Surface Science Symposium, Boulder, Colorado, United States (Jun)

T T Chau, F Greiser, G W Stevens and R R Dagastine, “The static and hydrodynamic interaction forces between Pluronics stabilised oil droplets using AFM”, 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

T T Chau, D Y C Chan, G W Stevens, R R Dagastine and F Grieser, “Interaction forces between oil droplets stabilised with Pluronics in aqueous solutions” (Poster Presentation), 6th EU Foams, Emulsions and Applications, Potsdam, Germany (Jul)

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54 55

S B Parcha, R R Dagastine and M L Gee, “Imaging the different types of cells by AFM in the contact mode and the generation of elasticity contour map”, 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

E L Prime, G G Qiao and J J Cooper-White, “Adding biological functionality to biodegradable polymers for biomedical uses”, 28th Australasian Polymer Symposium, Rotorua, New Zealand (Feb)

J L Provis, P Duxson, G C Lukey and J S J van Deventer, “Modeling geopolymer formation”, Novel and Emerging Ceramics and Composites, Engineering Conferences International, Kona Coast, Hawaii, United States (Jun)

J L Provis, P Duxson, G C Lukey and J S J van Deventer, “Modeling the formation of geopolymers”, 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California, United States (Nov)

A Quinn, E Tjipto and F Caruso, “Polyelectrolyte blend nanostructured films”, 2006 International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Jul)

G Rice, S E Kentish, A J O’Connor, G W Stevens, N Lawrence and A Barber, “Dairy nanofiltration fouling”, 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (February)

G Rice, S E Kentish, A J O’Connor, G W Stevens, N Lawrence and A Barber, “Fouling behaviour during the nanofiltration of dairy ultrafiltration permeate”, Euromembrane 2006, Taormina, Italy (Sep)

H K Saha, R De Kretser and P J Scales, “Comprehensive dewaterability characterisation of incompressible materials” (Poster Presentation), 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

P J Scales, “Compressional rheology of aggregated particulate suspensions”, 7th International Seminar on Applied Rheology, Seoul, Korea (May)

C A Scholes, T A Smith and M L Gee, “Conformational studies of oligo-nucleotide adsorption to silica through evanescent wave induced absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy”, 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

J Slater, “Stochastic modelling of vertebrate neural lineage trees”, 42nd ANZIAM (Australian and New Zealand Industrial and Applied Mathematics), Mansfield, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

G W Stevens, “Solvent extraction models and practice”, 2006 Parker Centre Hydrometallurgy Conference - Modelling of Hydrometallurgical Processes: From Fundamentals to Applications, Swan Valley, Western Australia, Australia (May)

G W Stevens, “Removal of toxic metals by ion exchange from ground and surface water at Antarctic contaminated sites”, Contaminants in Freezing Ground 5 Conference, Oslo, Norway (May)

G W Stevens, K Yung and J Perera, “Room temperature ionic liquids as replacements for volatile organic solvents in pharmaceutical solvent extraction”, 2nd Australasian Symposium on Ionic Liquids, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (May)

G W Stevens, “Water treatment to prevent contaminate dispersal in Antarctica”, 30th International Symposium on Separation Chemistry, Kanazawa, Japan (Nov)

G W Stevens, J M Perera, H Habaki, S van Zijll de Jong, J Franco, M Simioni and D Wappel, “Absorption of CO2”, 3rd Annual CO2CRC Research Symposium, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia (Nov)

L Studer, S Usher and P J Scales, “New approaches to the optimisation of wastewater dewatering and processing”, 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

A Sullivan, K A Landman and B Hughes, “Interneuron migration in the embryonic forebrain”, 42nd ANZIAM (Australian and New Zealand Industrial and Applied Mathematics), Mansfield, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

D Sunartio, M Ashokkumar, F Grieser, L Simons and R Mawson, “Sonochemical hydroxylation of food chemicals”, 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

D Sunartio, K Yasui, Y Iida, M Ashokkumar and F Grieser, “Multibubble sonoluminescence from aqueous SDS solutions: The effect of ultrasonic frequency and the role of SDS”, 10th Meeting of the European Society of Sonochemistry, Hamburg, Germany (Jun)

T Ta and D Dunstan, “Thermally chitosan/orthophosphate gelling system” (Poster Presentation), 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

H Tan, D Feng, G C Lukey and J S J van Deventer, “An electrochemical study of gold dissolution in cyanide in the presence of carbonaceous coatings”, XXIII International Mineral Processing Congress, Istanbul, Turkey (Sep)

B Teo, S Prescott, M Ashokkumar and F Grieser, “Synthesis of metal/polymer core-shell nanoparticles by ultrasonic irradiation” (Poster Presentation), Radiation 2006, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Apr)

E Tjipto, J Gupta, K Cadwell, N Lockwood, J F Quinn, N L Abbott and F Caruso, “Tailoring the interfaces between thermotropic liquid crystals and aqueous phases via layer-by-layer assembly”, 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

E Tjipto, K D Cadwell, J F Quinn, A P R Johnston, N L Abbott and F Caruso, “Tailoring the interfaces between nematic liquid crystal emulsions and aqueous phases via layer-by-layer assembly”, 2006 International Conference of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Jul)

D Triadis and B Hughes, “Non-classical boundary conditions for indentation problems”, 42nd ANZIAM (Australian and New Zealand Industrial and Applied Mathematics), Mansfield, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

I U Vakarelski, K Higashitani, S C Brown and B M Moudgil, “Single nanoparticle terminated tips for scanning probe microscopy” (Poster Presentation), 12th IACIS International Conference on Surface and Colloid Science, Beijing, China (Oct)

I U Vakarelski, K Higashitani, S C Brown and B M Moudgil, “Nanoparticles and nanotubes modified scanning probe microscopy tips”, 6th Seminar of Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science - Advanced Particle Handling Science Young Researchers’ Meeting, Kyoto, Japan (Dec)

I U Vakarelski, “Silica surfaces nanotribology in electrolyte and surfactant solutions”, 7th Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science Advanced Particle Handling Science Seminar, Kyoto, Japan (Dec)

J S J van Deventer, J L Provis, P Duxson and G C Lukey, “Drivers for the commercial adoption of geopolymeric concrete”, 2006 Xi’an International Conference of Architecture and Technology: Architecture in Harmony, Xi’an, China (Sep)

J S J van Deventer, J L Provis, P Duxson and G C Lukey, “Technological, environmental and commercial drivers for the use of geopolymers in a sustainable materials industry”, 2006 TMS Fall Extraction & Processing Meeting: Sohn International Symposium, San Diego, California, United States (Aug)

D Verrelli, D Dixon and P J Scales, “Drinking water sludge: The influence of coagulant dose and coagulation pH”, 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

A Walewijk, J J Cooper-White and D E Dunstan, “Adhesion measurements between alginate gel surfaces via texture analysis”, 8th International Hydrocolloids Conference, Trondheim, Norway (Jun)

R C Wall, P J Scales and D R Dixon, “Dairy sludge dewatering: A novel approach” (Poster Presentation), 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

X Wang and R A Caruso, “Preparation of porous Au/TiO2 nanocomposite using an agarose gel template” (Poster Presentation), 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

E K Hill, B Krebs, D G Goodall, G J Howlett and D E Dunstan, “Shear flow induces amyloid precursor in ß-lactoglobulin”, 8th International Hydrocolloids Conference, Trondheim, Norway (Jun)

C Honig and W Ducker, “An AFM tip as a light source” (Poster Presentation), 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

F Huang, M Zhou, Y-B Cheng and R A Caruso, “Al-containing porous titanium dioxide networks: Template/sol-gel synthesis and photocatalytic activity” (Poster Presentation), 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

B D Hughes, “The national strategic review of mathematical sciences research”, 42nd ANZIAM (Australian and New Zealand Industrial and Applied Mathematics), Mansfield, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

A Johnston, A S Angelatos, L Lee and F Caruso, “Assembling DNA into three-dimensional thin films and particles”, 80th ACS Colloid and Surface Science Symposium, Boulder, Colorado, United States (Jun)

A Johnston, “Measuring the permeability of thin films using DNA molecular beacons”, 232nd ACS National Meeting, San Francisco, California, United States (Sep)

A Johnston, “Nanocapsules for targeted drug delivery”, 232nd ACS National Meeting, San Francisco, California, United States (Sep)

A Johnston, “Structural engineering of DNA multilayer films”, 232nd ACS National Meeting, San Francisco, California, United States (Sep)

P Kanthale, M Ashokkumar, F Grieser and A B Pandit, “Correlation between cavitation bubble temperature, sonochemistry and sonoluminescence: Experimental and numerical investigation”, Indian Chemical Engineering Congress: 56th Annual Session, CHEMOCON 2006, Bharuch, India (Dec)

S E Kentish, T Wooster, M Ashokkumar, S Balachandran, R Mawson and L Simons, “The use of ultrasonics for nano-emulsion preparation” (Poster Presentation), Food Innovation: Emerging Science, Technologies and Applications, 3rd Innovative Foods Centre Conference, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Oct)

S E Kentish, B Hooper, G W Stevens, J M Perera and G Qiao, “An overview of technologies for carbon capture”, Australian Institute of Energy, National Conference, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Nov)

A Kiviti-Manor and P J Scales, “Thickener dewatering optimisation in the minerals industry” (Poster Presentation), 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

K A Landman, “Experiments, movies and models: A biased walk through the world of cell migration”, 42nd ANZIAM (Australian and New Zealand Industrial and Applied Mathematics), Mansfield, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

J Lane, K A Northcott and G W Stevens, “Chitosan coated sorbent for removal of heavy metals from water”, 5th International Conference on Contaminants in Freezing Ground, Oslo, Norway (May)

J Lee, M Ashokkumar, S E Kentish and F Grieser, “Determination of the size distribution of sonoluminescence bubbles in a pulsed acoustic field” (Poster Presentation), 10th Meeting of the European Society of Sonochemistry, Hamburg, Germany (Jun)

Q Li, J Quinn and F Caruso, “Nanoporous polymer thin films via polyelectrolyte/nanoparticle templating”, 28th Australasian Polymer Symposium, Rotorua, New Zealand (Feb)

Q Li, J F Quinn, A N Zelikin, Y Wang and F Caruso, “Assembly of multilayer thin films and capsules for nanoporous film fabrication and drug delivery”, 12th IACIS International Conference on Surface and Colloid Science, Beijing, China (Oct)

F Lie, C J Drummond and R A Caruso, “Assembly of nanostructured Li4Ti5O12 via sol-gel templating” (Poster Presentation), 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

C Lilley and M Macrossan, “Applying the macroscopic chemistry method to dissociating oxygen”, 25th International Symposium on Rarefied Gas Dynamics, Saint Petersburg, Russia (Jul)

C Lilley and M Macrossan, “A decoupled rotational relaxation scheme for DSMC calculations” (Poster Presentation), 25th International Symposium on Rarefied Gas Dynamics, Saint Petersburg, Russia (Jul)

S A Lim, A J O’Connor and J J Cooper White, “The effect of scaffold morphology on enhancing cell growth”, Australasian Society for Biomaterials Conference, Rotorua, New Zealand (Feb)

C T McKee and W A Ducker, “Evanescent wave AFM”, 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

C T McKee, W K Mosse and W A Ducker, “Measurement of the absolute separation for AFM measurements in the presence of adsorbed polymer”, 80th ACS Colloid and Surface Science Symposium, Boulder, Colorado, United States (Jun)

S C McLean and M L Gee, “Surface interactions between silica-adsorbed poly(2-vinylpyridine)-poly(ethylene oxide): The effects of di-block micellisation”, 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

W A McMaster and R A Caruso “Template/sol-gel synthesis of aluminium, gallium, and indium oxide-modified titanium dioxide structured materials” (Poster Presentation), 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

R Manica, R Horn, S L Carnie and D Y C Chan, “Modelling hydrodynamic interactions between a mica surface and a mercury drop”, 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

R Manica, J N Connor, R R Dagastine, R G Horn, S L Carnie, G W Stevens, F Grieser and D Y C Chan, “Dynamical interactions involving deformable surfaces”, 12th International Association of Colloid and Interface Science Conference, Beijing, China (Oct)

G Martin and D Dunstan, “Physico-chemical studies of milk proteins during powder rehydration” (Poster Presentation), 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

M Muthuswamy and A Tordesillas, “Multiscale analysis of the effects of changing gravity on force propagation in a material subject to indentation by a rigid flat punch”, Earth and Space 2006 (2nd NASA/ARO/ASCE Workshop on Granular Materials in Lunar and Martian Exploration), Houston, Texas, United States (Mar)

M Muthuswamy and A Tordesillas, “Micro-level validation of discrete element simulations with experiments: A focus on force propagation” (Poster Presentation), 5th World Congress on Particle Technology, Orlando, Florida, United States (Apr)

W K Mosse, C T McKee and W A Ducker, “Adsorption of zwitterionic polymers” (Poster Presentation), 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

K A Mumford, G W Stevens, I Snape and J Rayner, “Use of zeolites as controlled release fertilizers for hydrocarbon degradation at low temperatures” (Poster Presentation), 5th International Conference on Contaminants in Free zing Ground, Oslo, Norway (May)

H T Nguyen, J J Cooper-White, G W Stevens and A J OConnor, “Interaction of basic fibroblast growth factor with surfaces of varying chemical nature” (Poster Presentation), Australasian Society for Biomaterials Conference, Rotorua, New Zealand (Feb)

K A Northcott, I Snape, K A Mumford, A Woinarski and G W Stevens, “The management and treatment of ground and surface waters at Antarctic contaminated sites”, 5th International Conference on Contaminants in Freezing Ground, Oslo, Norway (May)

K A Northcott, K Mumford, I Snape and G W Stevens, “Materials and methods for water treatment at contaminated sites in Antarctica”, The XXIX SCAR Meeting and Open Science Conference, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia (Jul)

K Northcott, S Oshima, J Perera, G W Stevens and Y Komatsu, “Synthesis, characterisation and evaluation of mesoporous silicates for removal of heavy metals from water”, 6th Seminar of Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science - Advanced Particle Handling Science Young Researchers’ Meeting, Kyoto, Japan (Dec)

56 57

F Grieser and M Ashokkumar, “Sonochemical formation of nanoparticles”, Singapore-Australia Collaborative Chemistry Symposium, Singapore (Nov)

F Grieser and M Ashokkumar, “The chemical and physical effects in fluids on the collapse of acoustic bubbles”, Australian Workshop on Fluid Mechanics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Dec)

C Honig, “An atomic force microscope tip as a light source”, Postgraduate Association of Chemical Engineers, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Apr)

S E Kentish, T Wooster, M Ashokkumar, S Balachandran, R Mawson and L Simons, “The use of ultrasonics for nano-emulsion preparation” (Poster Presentation), Australian Workshop on Fluid Mechanics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Dec)

A Kiviti-Manor, “Thickener dewatering optimisation in the minerals industry”, Postgraduate Association of Chemical Engineers, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Mar)

J Looker, “The electrokinetics of porous colloidal particles”, Continuum Mechanics Group, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

W Mulholland and F Caruso, “Powdered Prime-Boost vaccines for single shot needle-free immunotherapy”, Exhibition of 1851 Science Evening, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (Feb)

W Mulholland and F Caruso, “Nano-engineered Prime-Boost vaccines for single-shot needle-free immunisation”, Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 Palace Reception, Buckingham Palace London, London, United Kingdom (Feb)

W Mulholland, G Costigan, Y Liu, B Bellhouse, J Cornhill, Z Cui and U Tirlapur, “Insights into PMED vaccines revealed through non-invasive 3D-resolved multiphoton imaging”, DNA vaccination by Gene Gun, Magdalen College, Oxford, United Kingdom (Mar)

K A Mumford, “Use of zeolite as a controlled release fertilisation system for petroleum hydrocarbon remediation at low temperatures”, Postgraduate Association of Chemical Engineers, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Aug)

H T Nguyen, “Interaction of basic fibroblast growth factor with surfaces of varying chemical nature”, Postgraduate Association of Chemical Engineers, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Sep)

K Northcott and R de Kretser, “Water treatment at Antarctic contaminated sites”, Commercialisation Expo 2006, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Jun)

G Rice, “Analysis of charge properties of nanofiltration membranes for application in dairy demineralisation”, Postgraduate Association of Chemical Engineers, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Oct)

J E Sader, “Dynamics of microcantilevers in fluids”, International Workshop on Nanomechanical Sensors, Copenhagen, Denmark (May)

H Saha, “Practical application of filtration theory to the mineral industry”, Postgraduate Association of Chemical Engineers, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Jun)

P J Scales, “Compression rheology of aggregated particulate suspensions - analogies to shear rheology”, Levich Institute at City University, New York, New York, United States (Feb)

P J Scales, “Thickening, filtration, clays”, Dorr-Oliver Eimco, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (Feb)

P J Scales, “Compressional rheology of aggregated suspensions”, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States (Mar)

P J Scales, “Compressional rheology of aggregated suspensions”, University of Delaware, Delaware, United States (Mar)

P J Scales, “Fine clay dewatering: The way forward”, Florida Phosphate Institute Workshop, Bartow, Florida, United States (Mar)

P J Scales, “Compressional rheology of aggregated suspensions”, Inaugural Core-to-Core Workshop on Particulate Systems, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan (Apr)

P J Scales, “Dewatering from first principles: Can it really help us to design and operate equipment more effectively?” (Keynote Lecture), Particle Engineering Research Centre, Industry Advisory Board Meeting, University of Florida, Florida, United States (Feb)

P J Scales, “Sludges, slimes and the environment”, Frontier Lecture Series, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom (Jul)

P J Scales, “What should we do with our nuclear waste?”, The Power and the Passion – Does nuclear power have a place in Australia’s energy mix?, Deans Lecture Series, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Aug)

P J Scales, “Water and waste water, processing, recyle and dewatering”, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Oct)

P J Scales, “Water and waste water, processing, recycle and dewatering”, Environmental Protection Bureau of Shandong Province, Jinan, China (Oct)

P J Scales, “Water treatment sludge dewatering”, Annual Review Meeting, United Utilities and Yorkshire Water, Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia (Nov)

G W Stevens, “Water treatment to prevent contaminant dispersal during remediation of cold regions contaminated sites”, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Kanazawa, Japan (Feb)

G W Stevens, “Biomaterials and tissue engineering: The bio-revolution”, Department of Plastic & Maxillofacial Surgery, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Mar)

H T Ta and D E Dunstan, “Thermo-sensitive and pH-dependent chitosan/orthophosphate hydrogel system for controlled drug delivery”, Postgraduate Association of Chemical Engineers, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (May)

A Trewenack, “Modelling the migration and settling of the Maud Island frog”, Dynamical Systems and Numerical Analysis One-Day Meeting, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand (Jun)

A Trewenack, “Modelling the migration and settling of the Maud Island frog”, Ecology and Evolution Seminar Series, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand (Jun)

J S J van Deventer, “From merchant bankers to managing directors: Engineers today”, Studies in Australia Exhibition, Jakarta, Indonesia (Mar)

J S J van Deventer, “The future of higher education in Australia”, Public Lecture, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Jakarta, Indonesia (Mar)

J S J van Deventer, “The engineer as manager”, Institute Technology Bandung (ITB), Bandung, Indonesia (March)

J S J van Deventer, “Engineers as effective managers”, IDP Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia (Mar)

J S J van Deventer, “Fundamentals of geopolymer science” and “Pathways to commercialisation of geopolymers”, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an, China (Mar)

J S J van Deventer, “Engineers into the future: Commodities or competitive entrepreneurs?”, Melbourne University Young Engineers’ Annual Industry Night 2006, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Apr)

J S J van Deventer, “Will research intensive universities in Australia remain internationally competitive? A view from the inside and implications for South Africa’s universities”, Public Lecture, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (May)

A Walewijk, “Alginate sheared gels”, Postgraduate Association of Chemical Engineers, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

R Wall, “Dairy sludge dewatering”, Postgraduate Association of Chemical Engineers, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Mar)

Y J Wang and F Caruso, “Template preparation of porous polymer-based materials via sequential self-assembly”, Materials Research Society Spring Meeting, San Francisco, United States (April)

Y J Wang and F Caruso, “Preparation of nanoporous polymeric materials via sequential self-assembly”, 2006 International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Jul)

R Watson, E Hill and D Dunstan, “Shear impacts upon luminescent rod-coil block copolymers”, 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

H P Yap, J F Quinn, S M Ng, J Cho and F Caruso, “Colloid surface engineering via deposition of multilayered thin films from polyelectrolyte blend solutions”, 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

A Zelikin, “Biodegradable hollow capsules: Assembly, loading with model drugs and release”, 28th Australasian Polymer Symposium, Rotorua, New Zealand (Feb)

X Zhang, “Nanobubbles: A nanoscale gaseous state”, 12th IACIS International Conference on Surface and Colloid Science, Beijing, China (Oct)

J Zukan, J Lee, M Ashokkumar, S E Kentish and F Grieser, “Sonochemical cross linking of proteins in aqueous solutions” (Poster Presentation), 25th Australian Colloid & Surface Science Student Conference, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia (Feb)

J Zukan, M Ashokkumar and F Grieser, “Synthesis of proteinaceous microspheres by ultrasound irradiation” (Poster Presentation), Radiation 2006, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Apr)

Lectures and Seminars

M Ashokkumar, “Ultrasonics research at the University of Melbourne in relation to STI3”, Advanced Processing and Innovative Program Workshop, Food Science Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Apr)

M Ashokkumar, “Frequency effects in sonochemistry and sonoluminescence”, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany (Oct)

M Ashokkumar, “Bubbles in an acoustic field: An overview of physical and chemical processes”, University of Twente, The Netherlands (Oct)

D V Boger, “From macroscopic to microscopic flows: Something old, something new, and something very new”, 4th General Colloquium 2006, Department of Mathematics & Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Apr)

D V Boger, “From macroscopic to microscopic flows: Something old, something new, and something very new” (Invited Lecture), Donald L Katz Lectureship 2006, Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (Apr)

D V Boger, “Environmental practice in the resources and energy industries: Sustainability and the triple bottom line”, Donald L Katz Lectureship 2006, Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (Apr)

D V Boger, “Commencement address to the class of 2006”, Kutztown Area School District Graduation, Kutztown, Pennsylvania, United States (Jun)

F Caruso, “Polymer nanotechnology - structured polymer materials”, 7th Australasian Polymer Summer School, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia (Jan)

F Caruso, “Bridging the materials and life science divide: Bioinspired colloidal systems”, CSIRO Molecular and Health Technologies, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (Jul)

F Caruso, “Bridging the materials and life science divide: Bioinspired colloidal systems”, School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Aug)

F Caruso,”Where nanotechnology and drug delivery meet”, Botany Department, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia (Oct)

F Caruso, “Nanostructured biomaterials for medicine”, School of Applied Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Oct)

F Caruso, “Bridging the materials and life science divide”, Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Oct)

F Caruso, “Bridging the materials and life science divide: Bioinspired colloidal systems”, Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Singapore (Oct)

F Caruso, “Structured nanomaterials for biomedical applications”, Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Melbourne/Bionic Ear Institute, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Dec)

R A Caruso, F Huang, M Zhou, D Menzies and Y-B Cheng, “Increasing the efficiency of dye-sensitised solar cells by Al-doping the titanium dioxide electrode”, Industrialisation of DSC from Research to Product, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia (Feb)

R A Caruso, “Synthesis, characterisation and application of porous materials”, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Berlin, Germany (Sep)

D Y C Chan, “Interactions involving deformable surfaces”, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, United States (Mar)

N Chan, “Nano-assembly of light emitting polymer films”, Postgraduate Association of Chemical Engineers, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Nov)

T T Chau, “Interaction forces between oil droplets stabilised with Pluronics in aqueous solutions”, Postgraduate Association of Chemical Engineers, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Apr)

S Cook, “The selective recovery of zinc and iron from hot-dip galvanising effluent streams by membrane-based solvent extraction”, Postgraduate Association of Chemical Engineers, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Mar)

S Cook, S E Kentish, J Perera, G W Stevens and P Hetherington, “Selective recovery of heavy metals from hot-dip galvanizing”, Environmental Research Event 2006, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Dec)

C Cortez, “Targeting and uptake of multilayered particles to cancer cells” Postgraduate Association of Chemical Engineers, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Jun)

R R Dagastine, “Experimental studies and theoretical modeling of dynamic forces between deformable oil droplets on the nanoscale”, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States (Apr)

R R Dagastine, “Measurements in nanotechnology: How to use a “nano-ruler”,” National University of Singapore, Singapore (Aug)

R R Dagastine, “Dynamics interactions forces using AFM”, National University of Singapore, Singapore (Aug)

R R Dagastine, “Experimental studies and theoretical modeling of dynamic forces between deformable oil droplets on the nanoscale”, National University of Singapore, Singapore (Aug)

R R Dagastine, “Interactions forces in dynamic systems measured using AFM”, CSIRO Minerals, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (Sep)

R R Dagastine, “Dynamic interaction forces measured using AFM”, Department of Chemical Engineering, Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdom (Nov)

R R Dagastine, “Dynamic interaction forces measured using AFM”, Unilever, Port Sunlight, United Kingdom (Nov)

R R Dagastine, “Dynamic interaction forces in emulsions at the nanoscale”, Department of Chemistry, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan (Dec)

W Ducker, “Shedding light on the dark side of surfaces forces”, Bridging Nanoscale Forces and Interfacial Phenomena to the Macroscopic World, International Workshop, Cancun, Mexico (May)

D E Dunstan, “Balls to rubber elasticity”, CRANN seminar, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland (Jul)

J A Franco, G W Stevens, J M Perera and S E Kentish, “Capturing carbon dioxide using membrane gas absorption”, University of Regina Graduate Students’ Research Conference, Regina, Canada (Apr)

F Grieser, “Sonochemical formation of gold nanoparticles”, Freshmen Seminar, National University of Singapore, Singapore (Sep)

59

Y Gan and G V Franks, “Charging behavior of the gibbsite basal (001) surface in NaCl solution investigated by AFM colloidal probe technique”, Langmuir 22: 6087-6092 (2006)

D E Gómez, J van Embden and P Mulvaney, “Spectral diffusion of single semiconductor nanocrystals: The influence of the dielectric environment”, Appl. Phys. Lett. 88: 154106 (2006)

D E Gómez, J van Embden, J Jasieniak, T A Smith and P Mulvaney, “Blinking and surface chemistry of single CdSe nanocrystals”, Small 2: 204-208 (2006)

D B Gore, E S Heiden, I Snape, G Nash and G W Stevens, “Grain size of activated carbon, and untreated and modified granular clinoptilolite under freeze-thaw: Applications to permeable reactive barriers”, Polar Record 42(221) 121-126 (2006)

C P Green and J E Sader, “Erratum: Frequency response of cantilever beams immersed in viscous fluids near a solid surface with applications to the atomic force microscope”, J. Appl. Phys. 100: 029901 (2006)

Y He, K Vinodgopal, M Ashokkumar and F Grieser, “Sonochemical synthesis of ruthenium nanoparticles”, Res. Chem. Intermed. 32: 709-715 (2006)

A Heidelberg, L T Ngo, B Wu, M A Phillips, S Sharma, T I Kamins, J E Sader and J J Boland, “A generalized description of the elastic properties of nanowires”, Nano Lett. 6: 1101-1106 (2006)

M J Higgins, J E Sader and S P Jarvis, “Frequency modulation atomic force microscopy reveals individual intermediates associated with each unfolded I27 titin domain”, Biophys. J. 90: 640-647 (2006)

M J Higgins, R Proksch, J E Sader, M Polcik, S McEndoo, J P Cleveland and S P Jarvis, “Noninvasive determination of optical lever sensitivity in atomic force microscopy”, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 77: 013701 (2006)

M J Higgins, M Polcik, T Fukuma, J E Sader, Y Nakayama and S P Jarvis, “Structured water layers adjacent to biological membranes”, Biophys. J. 91: 2532-2542 (2006)

E K Hill, B Krebs, D G Goodall, G J Howlett and D E Dunstan, “Shear flow induces amyloid fibril formation”, Biomacromolecules 7(1): 10-13 (2006)

F Huang, M Zhou, Y-B Cheng and R A Caruso, “Al-containing porous titanium dioxide networks: Sol-gel synthesis within agarose gel template and photocatalytic activity”, Chem. Mater. 18(25): 5835-5839 (2006)

J Jianbing, K H Mensforth, J M Perera and G W Stevens, “The role of kinetics in the extraction of zinc with DEHPA in a packed column”, Hydrometallurgy 84: 139-148 (2006)

A P R Johnston, H Mitomo, E S Read and F Caruso, “Compositional and structural engineering of DNA multilayer films”, Langmuir 22(7): 3251-3258 (2006)

A P R Johnston, C Cortez, A S Angelatos and F Caruso, “Layer-by-layer engineered capsules and their applications”, Curr. Opin. Colloid Interface Sci. 11: 203-209 (2006)

A P R Johnston, A N Zelikin, L Lee and F Caruso, “Approaches to quantifying and visualizing polyelectrolyte multilayer film formation on particles”, Anal. Chem. 78: 5913-5919 (2006)

K Katagiri, A Matsuda and F Caruso, “Effect of UV-irradiation on polyelectrolyte multilayered films and hollow capsules prepared by layer-by-layer assembly”, Macromolecules 39: 8067-8074 (2006)

S E Kentish, A G Sharkey, J L Gravina and D C Shallcross, “The development of appropriate generic skills in research intensive higher degree students”, Educ. Chem. Eng. 1: 60-65 (2006)

S E Kentish and D C Shallcross, “An international comparison of final year design project curricula”, Chem. Eng. Educ. Fall, 275–280 (2006)

S E Kentish, J Lee, M Davidson and M Ashokkumar, “The dissolution of a stationary spherical bubble beneath a flat plate”, Chem. Eng. Sci. 61: 7697-7705 (2006)

A Khan, W A Ducker and M Mao, “Flip-flop in adsorbed bilayers”, J. Phys. Chem. B 110: 23365-23372 (2006)

B Krebs, G Howlett, D G Goodall, E K Hill and D E Dunstan, “Shear flow induces amyloid formation by ß–lactoglobulin”, Biomacromolecules 7: 10-13 (2006)

N Lawrence, J M Perera, M Iyer, M W Hickey and G W Stevens, “The use of streaming potential measurements to study the fouling and cleaning of ultrafiltration membranes”, Sep. Purif. Technol. 48: 106-112 (2006)

N Lawrence, S E Kentish, A J O’Connor, G Stevens and A Barber, “Microfiltration of skim milk for casein concentrate manufacture”, Desalination 200: 305-306 (2006)

J Lee, S Kentish, M Ashokkumar and F Grieser, “Effect of alcohols on the initial growth of multibubble sonoluminescence”, J. Phys. Chem. B 110: 17282-17285 (2006)

Q Li, J F Quinn, Y J Wang and F Caruso, “Preparation of nanoporous polyelectrolyte multilayer films via nanoparticle templating”, Chem. Mater. 18 (23): 5480-5485 (2006)

N A Lockwood, K D Cadwell, F Caruso and N L Abbott, “Formation of polyelectrolyte multilayer films at interfaces between thermotropic liquid crystals and aqueous phases”, Adv. Mater. 18: 850-854 (2006)

J R Looker and S L Carnie, “Homogenisation of the ionic transport equations in periodic porous media”, Transport Porous Med. 65: 107-131 (2006)

C T McKee, W K J Mosse and W A Ducker, “Measurement of the absolute separation for atomic force microscopy measurements in the presence of adsorbed polymer”, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 77: 053706-1-053706-6 (2006)

R Manica, J N Connor, S L Carnie, R G Horn and D Y C Chan, “Dynamics of interactions involving deformable drops: Hydrodynamic dimpling under attractive and repulsive electrical double layer interactions”, Langmuir, LA0620760, (2006)

P J Molino, O M Hodson, J F Quinn and R Wetherbee, “Utilising QCM-D to characterise the adhesive mucilage secreted by two marine diatom species in-situ and in real-time”, Biomacromolecules 7(11): 3276-3282 (2006)

K Muller, J F Quinn, A P R Johnston, M Becker, A Greiner and F Caruso, “Polyelectrolyte functionalization of electrospun fibers”, Chem. Mater. 18: 2397-2403 (2006)

S Muthukumaran, S E Kentish, G W Stevens and M Ashokkumar, “Applications of ultrasound in membrane separation processes: A review”, Rev. Chem. Eng. 22: 155-194 (2006)

M Muthuswamy and A Tordesillas, “How do interparticle contact friction, packing density and degree of polydispersity affect force propagation in particulate assemblies?”, J. Stat. Mech.-Theory Exp. P09003 (2006)

M Muthuswamy, J F Peters and A Tordesillas, “Uncovering the secrets to relieving stress: Discrete element analysis of force chains in particulate media”, ANZIAM J. 47: C355-C372 (2006)

L D Nghiem, P Mornane, I D Potter, J M Perera, S D Kolev and R W Cattrall, “Extraction and transport of metal ions and small organic compounds using polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs)”, J. Membr. Sci. 281: 7-41 (2006)

K A Northcott, H Kokusen, Y Komatsu and G W Stevens, “Synthesis and surface modification of mesoporous silicate SBA-15 for the adsorption of metal ions”, Separ. Sci. Technol. 41(9): 1829-1840 (2006)

S Oshima, J M Perera, K A Northcott, H Kokusen, G W Stevens and Y Komatsu, “Adsorption behaviour of cadmium(II) and lead(II) on mesoporous silicate MCM-41”, Separ. Sci. Technol. 41(8): 1635-1643 (2006)

J Pacifico, J Jasieniak, D E Gómez and P Mulvaney, “Tunable 3D arrays of quantum dots: Synthesis and luminescence properties”, Small 2: 199-203 (2006)

J M Perera and G W Stevens, “Techniques for the measurement of kinetics in solvent extraction systems”, Solvent Extr. Res. Dev. 13: 1-7 (2006)

H Petrova, J Perez Juste, I Pastoriza-Santos, G V Hartland, L M Liz-Marzán and P Mulvaney, “On the temperature stability of gold nanorods: Comparison between thermal and ultrafast laser-induced heating”, PCCP 8: 814-821 (2006)

E L Prime, J J Cooper-White and G G Qiao, “Coupling hydrophilic amine-containing molecules to the backbone of poly(ε-Caprolactone), Aust. J. Chem. 59: 534-538 (2006)

PublicationsBook

Interface Science in Drinking Water Treatment: Theory and Applications (Interface Science and Technology, Vol. 10), G Newcombe and D R Dixon (Eds.), Elsevier, ISBN 13: 978 0 12 088380 6 (2006)

Book ChaptersD V Boger, F Sofra and P J Scales, “Rheological concepts”, Paste and Thickened Tailings - A Guide (Second Edition), R J Jewell and A B Fourie (Eds.), Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Western Australia, Section 3: 25-38, ISBN 0 9756756 4 8 (2006)

R F Considine, D R Dixon and C J Drummond, “Cryptosporidium/sand interactions during filtration”, Interface Science in Drinking Water Treatment: Theory and Applications (Interface Science and Technology, Vol. 10), G Newcombe and D R Dixon (Eds.), Elsevier, 207-224, ISBN 13: 978 0 12 088380 6 (2006)

P J Scales, “Dewatering of water treatment plant sludges”, Interface Science in Drinking Water Treatment: Theory and Applications (Interface Science and Technology, Vol. 10), G Newcombe and D R Dixon (Eds.), Elsevier, 225-243, ISBN 13: 978 0 12 088380 6 (2006)

Journal Articles

A S Angelatos, K Katagiri and F Caruso, “Bioinspired colloidal systems via layer-by-layer assembly”, Soft Matter 2(1): 18-23 (2006)

M Ashokkumar and F Grieser, “Sonochemical preparation of colloids”, Encyclopedia of Surface and Colloid Science, Second Edition; Taylor & Francis, New York, 5685–5699 (2006)

A A A Aziz, D R Dixon, S P Usher and P J Scales, “Electrically enhanced dewatering (EED) of particulate suspensions”, Colloids Surf., A 290: 194-205 (2006)

S Balachandran, S E Kentish and R Mawson, “The effects of both preparation method and season on the supercritical extraction of ginger”, Sep. Purif. Technol. 48(2): 94-105 (2006)

S Balachandran, S E Kentish, R Mawson and M Ashokkumar, “Ultrasonic enhancement of supercritical extraction”, Ultrason. Sonochem. 13(6): 471-479 (2006)

S Boskovic, A J Hill, T W Turney, M L Gee, G W Stevens and A J O’Connor, “Probing the microporous nature of hierarchically templated mesoporous silica via positron annihilation spectroscopy”, Prog. Solid State Chem. 34: 67-75 (2006)

E Blomberg, E Poptoshev and F Caruso, “Surface interactions during polyelectrolyte multilayer build-up. 2. The effect of ionic strength on the structure of preformed multilayers”, Langmuir 22(9): 4153-4157 (2006)

A Q Cai, K A Landman and B D Hughes, “Modelling directional guidance and motility regulation in cell migration”, B. Math. Biol. 68(1): 25-52 (2006)

Y Cao, G Mitchell, A Messina, E Thompson, A Penington, W Morrison, A J O’Connor, G W Stevens and J J Cooper-White, “The influence of architecture on degradation and vascularisation of three dimensional poly(lactic-co-glycolic) scaffolds in vitro and in vivo”, Biomaterials 27(14): 2854-2864 (2006)

Y Cao, T I Croll, A J O’Connor, G W Stevens and J J Cooper-White, “Systematic selection of solvents for the fabrication of 3D combined micro- and macroporous polymeric scaffolds for soft tissue engineering”, Biomaterials Sci., Polym. Ed. 17(4): 369-402 (2006)

D Y C Chan, T W Healy, T Supasiti and S Usui, “Electrical double layer interactions between dissimilar oxide surfaces with charge regulation and Stern-Grahame layers”, J. Colloid Interface Sci. 296: 150-158 (2006)

J Cho, H Jang, B Yeom, H Kim, R Kim, S Kim, K Char and F Caruso, “Modulating the pattern quality of micropatterned multilayer films prepared by layer-by-layer self-assembly”, Langmuir 22(3): 1356-1364 (2006)

J Cho, J Hong, K Char and F Caruso, “Nanoporous block copolymer micelle/micelle multilayer films with dual optical properties”, J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 128: 9935-9942 (2006)

E Ciawi, J Rae, M Ashokkumar and F Grieser, “On the limitations of the methyl radical recombination method for acoustic bubble temperature measurements in aqueous solutions”, J. Phys. Chem. B 110: 9779-9781 (2006)

E Ciawi, J Rae, M Ashokkumar and F Grieser, “Determination of temperatures within acoustically generated bubbles in aqueous solutions at different ultrasound frequencies”, J. Phys. Chem. B 110: 13656-13660 (2006)

C Cortez, E Tomaskovic-Crook, A P R Johnston, B Radt, S H Cody, A M Scott, E C Nice, J K Heath and F Caruso, “Targeting and uptake of multilayered particles to colorectal cancer cells”, Adv. Mater. 18: 1998-2003 (2006)

T I Croll, A J O’Connor, G W Stevens and J J Cooper-White, “A blank slate? Layer-by-layer deposition of hyaluronic acid and chitosan onto various surfaces”, Biomacromolecules 7(5): 1610-1622 (2006)

R Crone, R R Dagastine, L R White, P M Jones and Y-T Hsia, “Van der Waals interactions between the air-bearing surface and a lubricated glass disk: A comparative study”, Appl. Phys. Lett. 88: 022509/1-022509/3 (2006)

R R Dagastine, R Manica, S L Carnie, D Y C Chan, G W Stevens and F Greiser, “Dynamic forces between two deformable oil droplets in water”, Science 313: 210-213 (2006)

V Deinz, M Bostrom, G V Franks and B W Ninham, “Extended DLVO: Electrostatic and non-electrostatic forces in oxide suspensions”, Adv. Colloid Interface Sci. 123-126: 5-15 (2006)

G L Devlin, T P J Knowles, A M Squires M G McCammon, S L Gras, M R Nilsson, C V Robinson, M E Welland, C M Dobson and C E MacPhee, “The component polypeptide chains of bovine insulin nucleate or inhibit the aggregation of the parent protein in a conformation dependent manner”, J. Mol. Biol. 360(2): 497-509 (2006)

T M Dugdale, R R Dagastine, A Chiovitti and R Wetherbee, “Diatom adhesive mucilage contains distinct supramolecular assemblies of a single modular protein”, Biophys. J. 90: 2987-2993 (2006)

P Duxson, G C Lukey and J S J Van Deventer, “Thermal conductivity of metakaolin geopolymers used as a first approximation for determining gel interconnectivity”, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 45(23): 7781-7788 (2006)

P Duxson, G C Lukey and J S J van Deventer, “Thermal evolution of metakaolin geopolymers: Part 1 – physical evolution”, J. Non-Cryst. Solids 352(52-54): 5541-5555 (2006)

D Feng and J S J van Deventer, “Ammoniacal thiosulphate leaching of gold in the presence of pyrite”, Hydrometallurgy 82(3-4): 126-132 (2006)

D Feng, J S J van Deventer and C Aldrich, “Ultrasound defouling of reverse osmosis membranes used to treat wastewater effluents”, Sep. Purif. Technol. 50(3): 318-323 (2006)

D T Fisher, D V Boger and P J Scales, “Measurement errors in yield stress rheometry that arise from torque auto zero”, Appl. Rheol. 16: 206-209 (2006)

G V Franks, B Moss and D Phelan, “Chitosan tissue scaffolds by emulsion templating”, J. Biomater. Sci., Polym. Ed. 17: 1439-1450 (2006)

G V Franks, C V Sepulveda and G J Jameson, “pH-sensitive flocculation: Settling rates and sediment densities”, AIChE J. 52: 2774-2782 (2006)

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J Franco, J Perera, G W Stevens and S E Kentish, “Membrane gas adsorption using a chemically modified polypropylene membrane”, Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies, CD ISBN 0-08-046407 (2006)

H Habaki, J Perera, S E Kentish and G W Stevens, “Absorption behaviour of a CO2- MEA system in a packed column with a novel packing”, Proceedings of The 8th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies, CD ISBN 0-08-046407 (2006)

H Petrova, C-H Lin, S De Leijer, M Hu, J M McLellan, A R Siekkinen, B J Wiley, M Marquez, Y Xia, J E Sader and G V Hartland, “Vibrational spectroscopy and energy relaxation of nanocubes, nanoboxes, and nanocages”, Proceedings of SPIE International Society for Optical Engineering, 6325: 632507 (2006)

P J Scales, B J Gladman, S P Usher and M J Rudman, “New approaches to dewatering of suspensions in the minerals industry”, Proceedings of XXIII International Mineral Processing Congress, ´G Önal, N Acarkan, M S Çelik, F Arslan, G AteS, ok, A Güney, A A Sirkeci, A E Yüce and K T Perek (Eds), 2: 1637-1642, ISBN 975 7946 27 3 (2006)

H Tan, D Feng, G C Lukey and J S J van Deventer, “An electrochemical study of gold dissolution in cyanide in the presence of carbonaceous coatings”, Proceedings of the XXIII International Mineral Processing Congress (IMPC), G Önal, N Acarkan, M S Çelik, F Arslan, G AteS, ok, A Güney, A A Sirkeci, A E Yüce and K T Perek (Eds), 1567-1572, ISBN 975 7946 27 3 (2006)

J L Provis and D G Vlachos, “Silica nanoparticle formation in the system TPAOH-TEOS-H2O: A population balance model”, J. Phys. Chem. B 110(7): 3098-3108 (2006)

J F Quinn and F Caruso, “Multivalent-ion-mediated stabilisation of hydrogen-bonded multilayers”, Adv. Funct. Mater. 16 (9): 1179-1186 (2006)

G Rice, S E Kentish, A J O’Connor, G W Stevens, N Lawrence and A Barber, “Fouling behaviour during the nanofiltration of dairy ultrafiltration permeate”, Desalination 199: 239-241 (2006)

J E Sader and S P Jarvis, “Coupling of conservative and dissipative forces in frequency modulation atomic force microscopy”, Phys. Rev. B 74: 195424 (2006)

K Sakai, E G Smith, G B Webber, C Schatz, E J Wanless, V Butun, S P Armes and S Biggs, “Comparison of the adsorption of cationic diblock copolymer micelles from aqueous solution onto mica and silica”, Langmuir 22(12): 5328-5333 (2006)

K Sakai, E G Smith, G B Webber, C Schatz, E J Wanless, V Bütün, S P Armes and S Biggs, “pH-responsive diblock copolymer micelles at the silica/aqueous solution interface: Adsorption kinetics and equilibrium studies”, J. Phys. Chem. B 110(30): 14744-14753 (2006)

K Sakai, E G Smith, G B Webber, M Baker, E J Wanless, V Bütün, S P Armes and S Biggs, “Characterising the pH-responsive behavior of thin films of diblock copolymer micelles at the silica/aqueous solution interface”, Langmuir 22(20): 8435-8442 (2006)

K Sakai, E G Smith, G B Webber, E J Wanless, V Bütün, S P Armes and S Biggs, “Effects of copolymer concentration and chain length on the pH-responsive behavior of diblock copolymer micellar films”, J. Colloid Interface Sci. 303(2): 372-379 (2006)

J H Schattka, E H-M Wong, M Antonietti and R A Caruso, “Sol-gel templating of membranes to form thick porous titania, titania/zirconia and titania/silica film”, J. Mater. Chem. 16: 1414-1420 (2006) (Inside Cover Image of Issue)

M J Simpson, K A Landman and D F Newgreen, “Chemotactic and diffusive migration on a non-uniformly growing domain: Numerical algorithm development and applications”, J. Comput. Appl. Math. 19: 282-300 (2006)

M J Simpson and K A Landman, “Characterising and minimising the operator split error for Fisher’s equation”, Appl. Math. Lett. 19: 612-620 (2006)

M J Simpson, K A Landman, B D Hughes and D F Newgreen, “Looking inside an invasion wave of cells using continuum models: Proliferation is the key”, J. Theor. Biol. 243: 343-360 (2006)

Sindhunata, J S J van Deventer, G C Lukey and H Xu, “Effect of curing temperature and silicate concentration on fly-ash-based geopolymerization”, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 45(10): 3559-3568 (2006)

J L Slater, B D Hughes and K A Landman, “Evolving mortal networks”, Phys. Rev. E 73: 066111 (2006)

A M Squires, G L Devlin, S L Gras, A K Tickler, C E MacPhee and C M Dobson, “X-ray scattering study of the effect of hydration on the cross-beta spine of amyloid fibrils”, J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 128(36): 11738-11739 (2006)

A Stella, H R C Pratt, K H Mensforth, G W Stevens and T Bowser, “Backmixing in Karr reciprocating plate extraction columns”, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 45(19): 6555-6562 (2006)

G W Stevens, “Interfacial phenomena in solvent extraction and its influence on process performance”, Tsinghua Science and Technology 11(2): 165-170 (2006)

A D Stickland, L R White and P J Scales, “Modeling of solid-bowl batch centrifugation of flocculated suspensions”, AIChE J. 52: 1351-1362 (2006)

A D Stickland, R G deKretser, P J Scales, S P Usher, P Hillis and M R Tillotson, “Numerical modelling of fixed cavity plate and frame filtration: Formulation, validation and optimisation”, Chem. Eng. Sci. 61: 3818-3829 (2006)

A D Stickland, R G de Kretser and P J Scales, “Non-traditional constant pressure filtration behaviour”, AIChE J. 52: 1972-1973 (2006) (Comments on Articles)

A D Stickland, P J Harbour, D R Dixon and P J Scales, “Scaling filtration time initial dependencies of wastewater sludges”, Water Res. 41: 206-216 (2006)

G S Such, J F Quinn, A Quinn, E Tjipto and F Caruso, “Assembly of ultrathin polymer multilayer films by click chemistry”, J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 128(29): 9318-9319 (2006)

H Tan, D Feng, J S J Van Deventer and G C Lukey, “An electrochemical study of gold cyanidation in the presence of carbon coatings”, Hydrometallurgy 84(1-2): 14-27 (2006)

H Tan, D Feng, J S J Van Deventer and G C Lukey, “An electrochemical study of pyrite oxidation in the presence of carbon coatings in cyanide medium”, Int. J. Miner. Process. 80(2-4): 153-168 (2006)

E Tjipto, K D Cadwell, J F Quinn, A P R Johnston, N L Abbott and F Caruso, “Tailoring the interfaces between nematic liquid crystal emulsions and aqueous phases via layer-by-layer assembly”, Nano Lett. 6(10): 2243-2248 (2006) (Featured in Nature, 2006, 443, 275.)

S P Usher, P J Scales and L R White, “Prediction of transient bed height in batch sedimentation at large times”, AIChE J. 52: 986-993 (2006)

K Vinodgopal, Y He, M Ashokkumar and F Grieser, ”Sonochemically prepared platinum-ruthenium bimetallica nanoparticles”, J. Phys. Chem. B 110: 3849-3852 (2006)

Y Wang and F Caruso, “Nanoporous protein particles through templating mesoporous silica spheres”, Adv. Mater. 18: 795 (2006)

Y J Wang and F Caruso, “Template synthesis of stimuli-responsive nanoporous polymer-based spheres via sequential assembly”, Chem. Mater. 18(17): 4089-4100 (2006)

D B Warren, F Grieser, J M Perera and G W Stevens, “The effect of surfactants on the kinetics of nickel (II) extraction by 2-hydroxy-5-nonylacetophenone oxime (LIX84) at the n-heptane/water interface”, Langmuir 22: 213-218 (2006)

A Z Woinarski, G W Stevens and I Snape, “A natural zeolite permeable reactive barrier to treat heavy-metal contaminated waters in Antarctica: Kinetic and fixed-bed studies”, Trans IChemE, Part B 84(B2): 109-116 (2006)

P Woodberry, G W Stevens, I Snape and S Stark, “Removal of metal contaminants by ion-exchange resin columns, Thala Valley Tip, Casey Station, Antarctica”, Solvent Extr. Ion Exch. 24(4): 603-620 (2006)

B Wu, A Heidelberg, J J Boland, J E Sader, X M Sun and Y D Li, “Microstructure-hardened silver nanowires”, Nano Lett. 6: 468-472 (2006)

A Yu, I Gentle, G Lu and F Caruso, “Nanoassembly of biocompatible microcapsules for urease encapsulation and their use as biomimetic reactors”, Chem. Commun. 20: 2150-2152 (2006)

A N Zelikin, J F Quinn and F Caruso, “Disulphide cross-linked polymer capsules: En route to biodeconstructible systems”, Biomacromolecules 7(1): 27-30 (2006)

A N Zelikin, Q Li and F Caruso, “Degradable polyelectrolyte capsules filled with oligonucleotide sequences”, Angew. Chemie Int. Ed. 45: 7743-7745 (2006) (Featured as a “Hot Paper” for its importance in a rapidly evolving field of high current interest.)

J F Zhou, M F Zhou and R A Caruso, “Agarose template for the fabrication of macroporous metal oxide structures”, Langmuir 22: 332-336 (2006)

Y Zhou and G V Franks, “Flocculation mechanism induced by cationic polymers investigated by light scattering”, Langmuir, 22: 6775-6786 (2006)

Conference Publications

J Besida, D E Dunstan, J Fawcett, C Henderson, S A Khoo and G V Franks, “Novel aqueous tape casting process”, Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Ceramic Society, CD ISBN 1-57498-230-3 (2006)

D Feng and J S J van Deventer, “An electrochemical study of the effect of sulphur species on the thiosulphate leaching of gold”, Proceedings of the XXIII International Mineral Processing Congress (IMPC), G Önal, N Acarkan, M S Çelik, F Arslan, G AteS, ok, A Güney, A A Sirkeci, A E Yüce and K T Perek (Eds), 1573-1577, ISBN 975 7946 27 3 (2006)

Research FacilitiesThe Centre has built extensive state-of-the-art research facilities over 16 years of continuous funding from the Australian Research Council’s Special Research Centre scheme (SRC). The SRC grant is leveraged with other research funding which enables the purchase of a range of instrumentation for chemical analysis, rheological characterisation, particle size analysis as well as surface and microscopic analysis. The following lists major instrumentation that is available within the PFPC.

Microscopy, Particle and Surface AnalysisAsylum MFP-3D Atomic Force Microscope

Digital Instruments Multimode Atomic Force Microscope

Digital Instruments Dimension 3100 Atomic Force Miacroscope

DataPhysics OCA20 Tensiometer

FTA Dynamic IFT Tensiometer

Surface Force Apparatus

Ellipsometer

Leica Time Correlated Single Photon Counting Confocal Fluorescence Microscope

Micromeritics Tristar Surface Area and Porosity Analyser

Malvern Autosizer 4700 Dynamic Light Scattering / Photon Correlation Spectrometer

Malvern Mastersizer 2000

Olympus Confocal Microscope FV500

Olympus IX71 Digital Widefield Fluorescence Microscope

Inverted Microscope with CCD Digital Camera and Image Processing Software

Nikon PSM-2150 Microscope and Light Source-Optical Fibre

Colloid Dynamics AcoustoSizer

Malvern HPPS Particle Sizer

Micromeritics Elzone 5380 Particle Size Analyser

Malvern Mastersizer 2000

Brookhaven Electrokinetic Analyser

Malvern Zetasizer 2000

Brookhaven ZetaPALS

Renishaw RM2000 Raman Microscope

Spectroscopic Analysis Agilant 8453 UV-Visible Spectrophotometer

Varian CARY IE UV-Visible Spectrophotometer

Varian Cary 3 UV-Visible Spectrophotometer

Varian Cary 4000 UV-Visible Spectrophotometer

Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectrometer

Hewlett Packard UV-Visible Spectrophotometer

Varian Cary Eclipse Fluorimeter

Fluorolog Horiba Fluorescence Spectrophotometer

Varian 7000 Fourier Transform-IR Spectrophotometer

Varian Cary 50Bio Spectrophotometer

Applied Photophysics Stopped-Flow Spectrometer

Thermal AnalysisPerkin-Elmer Differential Scanning Calorimeter

Perkin-Elmer Differential Thermal Analyser

Perkin-Elmer Thermomechanical Analyser

Mettler Toledo Thermogravimetric Analyser

RheometryRheometrics ARES Controlled Strain Rheometer

Rheometrics SR5 Controlled Stress Rheometer

Carri-Med Controlled Stress Rheometer

Haake Controlled Strain Rheometer

Custom made Capillary Rheometer

Schott ViscoDoser AVS 20 Intrinsic Viscometer

GeneralQuartz Crystal Microbalance (Frequency and Q-sense)

Dionex Ion Chromatograph

Compressive Strength Testing Machine

Hot Disk Thermal Property Measurement System

Shimadzu TOC-VCSH Total Carbon Analyser

Shimadzu GC-17A Gas Chromatograph

Shimadzu LC-10AT High Performance Liquid Chromatograph

Brookhaven Light Scattering Apparatus

Stratosequence VI Robotic Dipper

LUMifuge

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Mission Statement“To perform basic science in nano and colloid chemistry and interfacial continuum mechanics all set within a process engineering framework.”

Strategic Objective“Development, in Australia, of scientific and engineering expertise and personnel that will ensure that value added advanced particulate fluid and material products are produced from Australian resources.”

Contact DetailsProfessor Geoff Stevens Director, Particulate Fluids Processing Centre Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering The University of Melbourne Victoria 3010, Australia

Telephone: 61 3 8344 6621 Facsimile: 61 3 8344 8824 Email: gstevens@unimelb.edu.au

Website: www.pfpc.unimelb.edu.au

www.pfpc.unimelb.edu.au