Postgraduate Opportunities
IRIS welcomes enquiries from academically strong and motivated students wanting to undertake a postgraduate degree at Swinburne.
At IRIS we offer you:
- Exciting projects, in the areas of rapid prototyping, biointerface engineering, deposition technologies and robotics and non-contact inspection
- Well-equipped, modern laboratories, including electron microscopy and characterisation facilities
- Your own up-to-date computer and office space
Swinburne offers a number of scholarship opportunities, and interested students are encouraged to apply. To fill out the scholarship application form, you need to contact a potential supervisor from the list below, and include the project in the application.
Further registration process information is available from the Faculty's Postgraduate Information pages and scholarship information from the university's Scholarship website.
IRIS Topics for Prospective Ph.D Students
- Mathematical Modelling of Complex Materials
- Manufacture of Nanostructured Materials by Sol Gel Methods
- Optimization of Processes for Advanced Manufacturing
- Protection of Concrete Structures via Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
- Influence of Nanoscale Surface Characteristics of Nanostructrured Calcium Phosphate coatings on Bacterial Retention
- Microstructure, Morphology, Surface Adhesion Strength, and Biosolubility of Nanostructured Calcium Phosphate Coatings on Austenitic Stainless Steel
- Object Recognition in Industrial Environments
- Ultrasonic Sensor Based Defect Detection & Characterisation of Composite Structures
- Artificial Intelligence Approach to Zero Defect Manufacturing
- Ultrasonic Inspection System for Sub-surface Defect Identification
- Material Characterisation and Meltflow Behaviour in Fused Deposition Modelling Rapid Prototyping
- Computer Modelling of Functionally Graded Materials for Direct Metal Deposition
- Tissue Engineering Applications using Direct Metal Deposition
- Surface Modification of Microfluidic Devices and Bioarray Technologies
- Creating robust cell membrane mimics: what role does the glycocalyx play?
- In situ monitoring of plasma polymerisation
- Microstructural Relationships during the Elastic-Plastic Failure of Complex Composites
- Manufacture of Intelligent Polymeric, Nano-Composited Structures and Coatings
- High-Definition, Three-Dimensional Manufacture of Solids
- Dip Pen Nanolithography (DPN) for Patterning Plasma Polymer Arrays
- Development of Non Destructive Assessment of Concrete Infrastructure Using Ultrasonic Methods
- Controllable colloidal crystal assemblies on surfaces
- Colloidal lithography for nanobiotechnology applications
- Highly controllable porous scaffolds from sacrificial self-assembled colloidal crystals
- Switchable nanofiber matrices from electrospinning for presenting biosignals to cells
- Polymeric brushes as "non-stick" surfaces in biointerface science
- Use of proteomics approaches to understanding complex protein adsorption to biomaterial surfaces.
- Biomimetic coating to enhance corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys
- Nanostructured surfacing for titanium alloys for biomedical applications
- Development of new biocompatible shape memory alloy implant materials
- Multimodal Nanostructured Metals and Alloys
- Novel nanolaminates produced sputtering with specific material properties
- High performance electrode materials for secondary batteries in electric vehicles
- Titanium alloy scaffolds by laser sintering for biomedical applications
- Residual stress optimisation of pulsed laser deposited Stellite 6 coatings on mild steel
- Free Space Metal Deposition
- Process control of laser additive manufacturing for improved material quality
PhD Topic Outlines
- Topic:
- Mathematical Modelling of Complex Materials
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Christopher Berndt
- Description:
-
Complex materials will be modelled in terms of mesh structures that can then be subjected to virtual testing. Various morphological features of a microstructure; e.g., phase boundaries and porosity, will be incorporated into potential macrostructures that can then be meshed for advanced analysis by mechanical engineering concepts.
- Skills:
-
Computer modelling, verification via experiments, understanding of meshes and computer codes, simulation of material properties.
- Possible Co-Supervisor(s):
- Topic:
- Manufacture of Nanostructured Materials by Sol Gel Methods
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Christopher Berndt
- Description:
-
Sol gel methods will be employed to create deposits and bulk materials that have controlled nano-structured attributes. These materials will be analysed via microscopy and appropriate mechanical property methods to determine "processing-property-microstructure" relationships.
- Skills:
-
Laboratory experiments involving chemical methods, ceramics processing, theoretical analyses.
- Possible Co-Supervisor(s):
- Topic:
- Optimization of Processes for Advanced Manufacturing
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Christopher Berndt
- Description:
-
Processing in advanced manufacturing requires the control of many variables. The traditional "trial and error" method has been superseded by mathematical concepts that are statistically based. In this project, the aim will be to optimize powders of certain size distributions so that they deposit onto substrates with maximum efficiency.
- Skills:
-
Mathematical understanding of fuzzy logic and neural networks, modelling and optimization of processing, laboratory experiments.
- Possible Co-Supervisor(s):
- Topic:
- Protection of Concrete Structures via Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Christopher Berndt
- Description:
-
Concrete is degraded upon exposure to salt and chemicals within industrial and coastal environments. Thus, coating technology strategies must be employed to mitigate the evolution of failure processes. In this project, novel coatings will be designed and then applied to concrete. The simulated aging and post-application testing of these coatings will enable understanding of their relative performance to be linked to the known theory.
- Skills:
-
Laboratory experiments, concrete formulations, coating technologies, understanding of electrochemistry, mathematical modelling and simulation.
- Possible Co-Supervisor(s):
-
CSI
- Topic:
- Influence of Nanoscale Surface Characteristics of Nanostructrured Calcium Phosphate coatings on Bacterial Retention
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Elena Ivanova | Prof. Christopher Berndt
- Description:
-
The effect of nanoscale surface characteristics (surface roughness, and topography) of nanostructured calcium phosphate coatings on attachment of human pathogenic bacteria will be investigated. Calcium phosphate coatings will be prepared onto austenitic stainless steel using electro-deposition or HV sputtering deposition technique. The chemical composition, microstructure, surface topography, and wettability of the prepared calcium phosphate coatings will be characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and contact angle measurements, respectively. Meanwhile, three dimensional interactive visualization will be performed with a custom C-code and the S2PLOT graphics library to visualize viable bacterial cells retained on the surfaces as well as the production of extracellular substances. The objective of this study is to investigate whether nanoscale surface characteristics of the nanostructured calcium phosphate coatings affect the non-specific attachment of some bacterial species.
- Skills:
-
Laboratory experiments involving physical vapour deposition, and various characterisation techniques, and theoretical analyses.
- Possible Co-Supervisor(s):
- Topic:
- Microstructure, Morphology, Surface Adhesion Strength, and Biosolubility of Nanostructured Calcium Phosphate Coatings on Austenitic Stainless Steel
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Christopher Berndt | Prof. Elena Ivanova
- Description:
-
Calcium phosphate is regarded as one of the third generation biomaterials with the properties similar to those of living bones. Calcium phosphate coated on metal implants (Ti, Ti-6Al-4V, CoCrMo, and stainless steel 316 L) has opened up new opportunities for surface modification of bioimplants and prosthetic devices providing necessary porosity for bone ingrowth, while the underlying metal substrates support the load. The objective of this study is to investigate microstructure, morphology, surface adhesion strength, and biosolubility of nanostructured calcium phosphate coatings prepared onto austenitic stainless steel either by eletro-deposition or high vacuum sputtering deposition technique. The chemical composition, microstructure, surface topography, crystal structure, and adhesion strength of the prepared calcium phosphate coatings will be characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and scratch tests, respectively. The cellular response of pre-osteoblasts to the nanostructured calcium phosphate coatings will also be investigated.
- Skills:
-
Laboratory experiments involving physical vapour deposition, and various characterisation techniques, and theoretical analyses.
- Possible Co-Supervisor(s):
- Topic:
- Object Recognition in Industrial Environments
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Romesh Nagarajah
- Skills:
-
Computer Vision, Software Engineering
- Possible Co-Supervisor(s):
- Topic:
- Ultrasonic Sensor Based Defect Detection & Characterisation of Composite Structures
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Romesh Nagarajah
- Skills:
-
Electronic Engineering / Instrumentation, Software Engineering
- Possible Co-Supervisor(s):
- Topic:
- Artificial Intelligence Approach to Zero Defect Manufacturing
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Romesh Nagarajah
- Description:
-
Statistical Process Control (SPC) has been extensively used in the monitoring of discrete manufacturing systems. This research involves the use of artificial intelligence tools, specifically neural networks and support vector machines in the identification of patterns in process control charts for purposes of eliminating defects in products manufactured using discrete manufacturing processes.
- Topic:
- Ultrasonic Inspection System for Sub-surface Defect Identification
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Romesh Nagarajah
- Description:
-
Porosity type defects are often found in aluminium castings manufactured for the automotive industry. Ultrasonic sensing has the potential to be used to detect these porosity type defects. The challenge is to analyse these ultrasonic signals which exhibit significant noise to obtain accurate information regarding location and dimensions of these porosity type defects. Project involves investigation of ultrasonic sensing approaches and use of various artificial intelligence tools to analyse ultrasonic signals to characterise porosity type defects in aluminium castings with varying grain size.
- Topic:
- Material Characterisation and Meltflow Behaviour in Fused Deposition Modelling Rapid Prototyping
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Syed Masood
- Description:
-
Fused deposition modelling (FDM) rapid prototyping process is increasingly used for functional, medical and tooling applications. Sufficient knowledge base of mechanical, thermal and meltflow properties of the FDM materials does not seem to exist as it is affected by a host of FDM process parameters and melt flow behaviour. Project involves an extensive study of mechanical and thermal properties of various FDM materials and an investigation of melt flow characteristics of the materials in the liquefier head to completely characterise the FDM process for developing new materials and new applications.
- Topic:
- Computer Modelling of Functionally Graded Materials for Direct Metal Deposition
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Syed Masood
- Description:
-
This project aims at investigating the fundamental issue of computer modelling of functionally graded materials in a CAD environment with the objective of fabricating the modelled functionally graded objects on the direct metal deposition facility available at Swinburne. Such a modelling system will involve development of techniques, algorithm and methodologies to define and represent the geometry as well as the material variation within the object. The scope of the research will be restricted to variation of thermal and mechanical properties within the material, compositions consisting of two different materials and objects consisting of basic primitive shapes.
- Topic:
- Tissue Engineering Applications using Direct Metal Deposition
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Syed Masood
- Description:
-
The advances and capability of rapid manufacturing (RM) technologies in developing human anatomical parts have boosted the production of medical prototypes and tissue engineering scaffolds. RM in biomedical sciences is making progress, enabling the manufacturing of porous scaffolds, implants, dental implants, orthopedic prosthesis, and models for surgery planning. This research will focus on the application of Direct Metal Deposition (DMD) process for acquisition of porous structures for tissue engineering applications with in depth investigation on DMD process parameters, DMD materials, scaffolds characteristics and microfluid flow characteristics of human body system relevant to tissue engineering.
- Topic:
- Surface Modification of Microfluidic Devices and Bioarray Technologies
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Sally McArthur
- Description:
-
Surface modification is critical in the development of microfluidic devices and arrays for biomedical applications. On the most fundamental level, modification of surface charge and hydrophobicity can be used to influence the flow characteristics of the channel. By combining techniques such as plasma polymerisation with wet chemistry, modification of the devices can be spatially and chemically controlled, enabling different regions of the device to have specific surface properties.
The complex nature of the device geometry presents a challenge in terms of spatial control and surface coverage. This project aims to develop methods for optimising the performance of immobilized biomolecules and developing surfaces that will enable proteins and cells to be captured from complex mixtures and released at a defined time via a range of stimuli. The project will also explore methods for using microfludic devices to develop and study complex surface and fluid phase protein-protein, protein-sugar and protein-cell interactions using fluid phase and surface gradients.
- Skills:
-
General interest in biological systems, background in chemistry, physics, engineering or biosciences
- Topic:
- Creating robust cell membrane mimics: what role does the glycocalyx play?
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Sally McArthur
- Description:
-
Cell membranes are the central functional units in living organisms, controlling cell-cell and intra-cellular communication. Cell membranes consist of a large number of components, including a lipid bilayer, membrane proteins and the glycocalyx, a carbohydraterich layer that decorates the outermost surface of the membrane. Mimicking the cell membrane provides opportunities to study and test fundamental membrane related biological processes in vitro. It is only by presenting membrane proteins in their native environment that we can hope to develop our understanding of the routes by which cells communicate and relay the information that promotes positive events such as tissue regeneration and growth and negative events like the proliferation of cancer cells.
The introduction of a glycocalyx to the outer surface of the engineered cell membranes creates the opportunity to explore the effect of these complex sugars on the mobility of the supported lipid bilayers. It also provides a platform for a more detailed analysis of the role of these layers in cell-surface signalling. Within this project, studies on the immobilisation of a glycocalyx will explore a range of lipid, protein, proteoglycan and polysaccharide combinations. The aim will be study the influence of the glycocalyx on protein and ligand signalling and bilayer stability.
A key question to be addressed within this project is: Does the introduction of a more biologically realistic glycocalyx influence protein and bilayer stability and enable membrane mimetic surface to be stored for extended periods in air prior to use? This information is critical if we are to engineer polymeric systems capable of reproducing cell membrane functions and cost effectively incorporate these coatings into mass produced devices.
- Skills:
-
General interest in biological systems, background in chemistry, physics, engineering or biosciences
- Topic:
- In situ monitoring of plasma polymerisation
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Sally McArthur
- Co-Supervisor(s):
- Description:
-
Thin films deposited by plasma polymerization have a number of exciting biomedical and industrial applications. The ability to monitor the formation of a plasma polymer as it is being deposited is essential if these techniques are going to be incorporated into engineered objects on a large scale. In situ methods for monitoring the thickness of the coating are well established, but currently the chemical composition can only be identified after the coating is completed. The focus of this project will be on developing novel techniques for chemically characterising the deposit as it forms. This may be achieved using a range of approaches, including IR and Raman spectroscopies. The project will involve designing and building a system for incorporation into existing reactors within IRIS and then comparing and validating results with the same techniques ex situ as well as additional methods including XPS and ToF-SIMS.
- Skills:
-
General interest materials, physics and or chemistry. Willingness to build equipment and develop vacuum and optical fibre based systems.
- Topic:
- Microstructural Relationships during the Elastic-Plastic Failure of Complex Composites
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Christopher Berndt
- Description:
-
The aims of this research are summarized as:
- To create mathematical models to make possible the microstructural design of materials prior to their actual manufacture.
- To work on practical problems of significance; e.g., for turbine components, to better understand materials properties.
- Incorporate object oriented finite element methods (i.e., “OOF”) into the discovery phase of futuristic materials development.
- Devise models for strain tolerant coatings that permit operation at high temperatures in corrosive environments. These coatings will have industrial relevance.
- Discover new materials structures and combinations of materials that can exhibit enhanced performance under highly-demanding conditions.
The intent of this research will be to design complex, multi-phase materials that demonstrate inhomogeneous properties that suit arduous environments; i.e., high temperatures or corrosive environments. It is also necessary to have a good understanding of the stress levels at which damage will initiate from a known defect or damage level and from that point on propagate, ultimately leading to structural failure.
- Topic:
- Manufacture of Intelligent Polymeric, Nano-Composited Structures and Coatings
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Christopher Berndt
- Description:
-
The aims of this research are summarized as:
- To manufacture “polycer” composites; i.e., combinations of polymers and ceramics.
- Determine the maximum loading of various ceramics; e.g., conventional morphology and nanoclusters of alumina, zirconia etc.
- To examine the adhesion mechanism between the particulate and matrix phases with the notion of controlling interfacial shear strength.
- Look at the role of porosity and how this can be controlled so that either isolated pockets or contiguous ensembles can be created.
This research will fabricate new materials that are (i) easy to manufacture; potentially on-site, (ii) demonstrate porosity that can be controlled from 15% to near-theoretical density, and (iii) permit enhanced extrinsic material properties that include fracture toughness and corrosion characteristics. The fundamental theory within this project relates to the science of composites in a three-dimensional space field and how different levels of fractal geometries can be intertwined.
- Topic:
- High-Definition, Three-Dimensional Manufacture of Solids
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Christopher Berndt
- Description:
-
The aims of this research are summarized as:
- Manufacture three-dimensional solids that exhibit an inhomogeneous, designed architecture.
- Create patterns of sub-solids that are contained within the whole free-form.
- Define the minimum dimension of phase resolution that is needed for component functionality.
- Establish how porosity can be controlled during the manufacturing process; especially with regard to maximizing porosity yet still retaining mechanical integrity.
The need revolves around applications that use (i) surfacing, joining and mating technologies to fabricate components, and (ii) combinorial technologies that are used to measure and sense operational conditions. Examples of class (i) needs would be hard, wear resistant coatings for mining equipment; thermal and electrical materials applied to load bearing structures; and re-building and repair of engineering components. Class (ii) examples are embedded sensors for thermal, electrical, and chemical environments; and materials that can respond to species-selective, catalytic environments in an active, self-regulating and responsive fashion.
- Topic:
- Dip Pen Nanolithography (DPN) for Patterning Plasma Polymer Arrays
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Sally McArthur
- Co-Supervisor(s):
- Description:
-
The ability to produce surfaces with spatially defined surface chemistry is central to the development of biological arrays, diagnostics and a range of sensors.
Dip Pen Nanolithography (DPN) is an AFM based technology that enables the rapid nanoscale patterning of surfaces. At present the systems uses polymers as inks to decorate gold surfaces and create high resolution nanoscale arrays for the immobilisation of DNA and other biomolecules. Swinburne is home to one of only two Dip Pen Nanolithography (DPN) systems in Australia and with this project we aim to significantly expand the range of both substrate materials and inks that can be used in DPN.
Plasma polymers are thin film coatings that can be applied to a variety of substrates to produce a wide range of chemical functionalities. We aim to explore the use of plasma polymers as substrates for a variety of different inks from polymer and biomolecules (proteins, lipids, sugars). By combining photolithography and DPN, we aim to develop new methods for multi-scale patterning of surfaces for biotechnology applications including cell culture, bioarrays and sensors.
Support: Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication (MCN) Biointerface Engineering Hub @ Swinburne
- Topic:
- Development of Non Destructive Assessment of Concrete Infrastructure Using Ultrasonic Methods
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Romesh Nagarajah
- Description:
-
Concrete is the most widely used material for major infrastructure worldwide.Currently the nation's major infrastructure (ports, harbours, bridges, tunnels, buildings) is ageing with many of them exceeding the intended life span. Widespread deterioration of concrete infrastructure is common place and asset owners are examining ways to extend the life of these structures through repair and rehabilitation. Non destructive evaluation using ultrasonic methods has the potential to contribute to developing effective repair and rehabilitation strategies for these concrete structures. This research will investigate the potential for using ultrasonic sensing methods in combination with the latest advancements in data mining techniques to extend the life of concrete structures
- Topic:
- Controllable colloidal crystal assemblies on surfaces
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Peter Kingshott
- Description:
-
Colloidal crystals are ordered arrays of particles that form from colloidal particles that are suspended in solution. They have the potential to be used in many applications including photonic bandgap devices, chemical sensors and biosensors, data storage, capillary columns for chromatography, tissue engineering and biomaterials.
The project will modify surfaces with colloid crystal layers (Figure 1) of made of particles of different size and different chemistries, e.g. with polystyrene and silica particles, layer thickness and the number of particle types. The role played by the particle and substrate surface chemistry, and the solution conditions (concentration, pH, temperature, solvent) in the assembly process will be determined. Characterisation of crystals will be performed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Figure 1: Process to generate highly-ordered colloidal crystals on surfaces. Controlling the solvent evaporation after drop-casting a suspension of particles in a confined area generates an ordered crystal array.
References
- G. Singh, S. Pillai, A. Arpanaei, P. Kingshott, Highly–Ordered Mixed Protein Patterns over Large Areas from Self–Assembly of Binary Colloids, Adv. Mater. 24(13), 1519–1523 (2011).
- G. Singh, S. Pillai, A. Arpanaei, P. Kingshott, Multicomponent Colloidal Crystals that are Tunable over Large Areas, Soft Matter 7(7), 3290–3294 (2011).
- G. Singh, S. Pillai, A. Arpanaei, P. Kingshott, Layer–by–Layer Growth of Multicomponent Colloidal Crystals over Large Areas, Adv. Funct. Mater. 21, 2556–2563 (2011).
- G. Singh, S. Pillai, A. Arpanaei, P. Kingshott, Electrostatic and capillary force directed tunable 3D binary micro– and nanoparticle assemblies on surfaces, Nanotechnology 22, 225601 (2011).
- Topic:
- Colloidal lithography for nanobiotechnology applications
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Peter Kingshott
- Description:
-
Colloidal particles (micro- and nanometer in size) can be assembled on surfaces in a controllable way and used as masks to create chemical patterns. The technique is called colloidal lithography.
This approach to chemical patterning has many applications in nanobiotechnology including use as biosensors, for tissue engineering and cell culture surfaces, and for platforms for making novel multifunctional biomaterials.
The project will utilise different sized particles and develop ways of assembling them on surfaces in a controllable fashion. They will then be used as masks against deposition of thin organic films, e.g. using plasma polymerisation, or metals, e.g. gold.
The patterns will be post modified with chemical groups for such as those that prevent proteins from sticking. Characterisation of crystals will be performed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
Figure 1: Process of using colloidal crystals to as templates for chemical patterning (a-c). (d-f) Chemical modification of patterns with protein resistant and biomolecules Self-assembly process. (g) Pattern made from plasma polymerization, and gold deposition (h,i) through the crystals.
References
- G. Singh, S. Pillai, A. Arpanaei, P. Kingshott, Highly–Ordered Mixed Protein Patterns over Large Areas from Self–Assembly of Binary Colloids, Adv. Mater. 24(13), 1519–1523 (2011).
- G. Singh, V. Gohri, S. Pillai, A. Arpanaei, M. Foss, P. Kingshott, Large Area Protein Patterns Generated by using Ordered Binary Colloidal Assemblies as Templates, ACS Nano, 5(5), 3542–3551 (2011).
- G. Singh, H.J. Griesser, K. Bremmell, P. Kingshott, Highly–ordered nanopatterns by plasma polymerisation through masks of self–assembled binary colloid crystals, Adv. Funct. Mater. 21, 540–546 (2011).
- R. Ogaki, M.A. Cole, D.S. Sutherland, P. Kingshott, Micro–cup Array Patterns of Four Chemical Regions with Nanoscale Precision, Adv. Mater. 23, 1876–1881 (2011).
- R. Ogaki, F. Lyckegaard, P. Kingshott, High Resolution Surface Chemical Analysis of a Trifunctional Pattern Made by Sequential Colloidal Shadowing, ChemPhysChem. 11, 3609–3616 (2010).
- Topic:
- Highly controllable porous scaffolds from sacrificial self-assembled colloidal crystals
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Peter Kingshott
- Description:
-
Porous scaffold materials are utilized in tissue engineering applications for controlled cellular infiltration and growth by providing different chemical and topographical cues over nano- to microscale length scales.
The exact properties needed for scaffold materials necessary for regeneration of healthy tissues remains elusive. One approach is to utilise highly-ordered complex colloidal particles (micro- and nanometer in size) that can self-assemble into crystals on surfaces with highly controllable dimensions. Assemblies consisting of mixtures of polymeric and inorganic particles in multilayers can be used as templates to create ordered 3D porous materials by selective removal of one or more particle type. Due to the controllable dimensions, morphology and chemistry, this approach offers a new avenue for the study of cellular behaviour in 3D microenvironments.
The project will modify surfaces with colloid crystal layers made of particles of different size and type of material, e.g., with polystyrene and silica particles, and layer thickness, followed by selective etching processes to generate 3D porous scaffolds of controllable dimensions. Cell migration and growth on the surfaces will be studied using time-lapse video microscopy.
Figure 1. Examples of 3D and porous structures made from colloidal self-assembly and more complex structures for creating of hierarchical scaffolds.
References
- G. Singh, S. Pillai, A. Arpanaei, P. Kingshott, Multicomponent Colloidal Crystals that are Tunable over Large Areas, Soft Matter 7(7), 3290–3294 (2011).
- G. Singh, S. Pillai, A. Arpanaei, P. Kingshott, Layer–by–Layer Growth of Multicomponent Colloidal Crystals over Large Areas, Adv. Funct. Mater. 21, 2556–2563 (2011).
- G. Singh, S. Pillai, A. Arpanaei, P. Kingshott, Electrostatic and capillary force directed tunable 3D binary micro– and nanoparticle assemblies on surfaces, Nanotechnology 22, 225601 (2011).
- Topic:
- Switchable nanofiber matrices from electrospinning for presenting biosignals to cells
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Peter Kingshott
- Description:
-
Polymer nanofibers made by electrospinning are attracting great attention as one of the most promising materials in nanotechnology. They are particularly powerful when remarkable features such as very large surface area to volume ratios and pore sizes in the nano range are combined with unique chemical, physical and mechanical functionalization provided by adding other components with ease and control. It has been shown that the outstanding properties and multi-functionality of nanofibers make them a highly versatile platform for a broad range of applications in widely different areas such as wound healing dressings, tissue engineered scaffolds, membranes/filters, composites and sensors.
The focus of this project is to develop nanofibers with multifunctionality consisting of a core component and a surface component with switchable surface properties, e.g. changing from hydrophilic to hydrophobic under the influence of an external stimulus such as a temperature change.
Such fibrous materials would be useful in cell therapy, for example allowing simultaneous grow on a hydrophobic substrate and delivery of factors that can control cellular processes such as differentiation. However, to develop the next generation nanofibers several major challenges still remain, including: 1) design of new materials through precise control of the synthetic components in the spinning solutions, and 2) characterization (morphology, surface functionality) of the resultant nanofibers. These issues will be addressed and aspects of their utilization to direct cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation explored.
Figure 1: A) The electrospinning process. B) Example of nanofibre produced. C) Schematic of a functional fibre with hydrophilic sheath and hydrophobic core made from electrospinning a polymer blend.
References
- T. Uyar, R. Havelund, Y. Nur, A. Balan, J. Hacaloglu, L. Toppare, F. Besenbacher, P. Kingshott, Cyclodextrin functionalized poly(methyl methacrylate) electrospun nanofibres for organic vapors waste treatment, J. Membr. Sci. 365(1–2), 409–417 (2010).
- M. Chen, M. Dong, R. Havelund, F. Besenbacher, P. Kingshott, Thermo responsive core–sheath electrospun nanofibers from poly(N–isopropylacryl amide)/polycaprolactone blends, Chem. Mater. 22(14), 4214–4221 (2010).
- T. Uyar, R. Havelund, Y. Nur, J. Hacaloglu, F. Besenbacher, P. Kingshott, Formation and characterization of cyclodextrin functionalized polystyrene nanofibres produced by electrospinning. Nanotechnology 20,125605 (2009).
- T. Uyar, P. Kingshott, F. Besenbacher, Electrospinning of Cyclodextrin Pseudopolyrotaxane Nanofibers, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 47, 9108–9111 (2008).
- Topic:
- Polymeric brushes as "non-stick" surfaces in biointerface science
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Peter Kingshott
- Description:
-
New surfaces are desperately needed to overcome the problems associated with the failure of many medical devices. For example, many devices used to treat and diagnose cardiovascular disease come into contact with blood that contains proteins, which spontaneously and irreversibly adsorb or stick to surfaces triggering adverse cellular responses and subsequent device failure. Polymeric brushes (Figure 1) attached to surfaces have shown a lot of promise at providing barriers against proteins, cells and bacteria sticking to surfaces.
The project will use biomimetic concepts to understand and prevent the complex process of protein adsorption to surfaces. The project is inspired by the heterogeneity of surfaces present within mammalian systems, which naturally resist non-specific protein interactions. This includes nano-phase separated chemical domains similar to those present in the lipid layers of cell membranes, and the molecular weight dispersity of natural polymers that make up the glycocalyx present on epithelial surfaces. Use of mixed hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymer layers with systematically controlled architectures and domain sizes that are hypothesised to prevent irreversible protein binding by stimulating switching properties in response to protein interactions. In addition, use of large and small hydrophilic protein resistant molecules on one substrate to create hierarchical molecular layers will also be exploited to prevent adhesion by having optimised steric stabilisation and hydration properties. Applying advanced highly sensitive and specific chemical surface analysis instrument to probe surface chemistry of molecular layers, and study protein adsorption under hydrated conditions will be an important part of the project.
Figure 1: Concept of using polymer brushes on surfaces to prevent proteins and cells sticking to surfaces. In this instance the polymer chain length (L) and chain density are critical properties that determine the effectiveness of the brushes at preventing sticking.
References
- T.E. Andersen, Y. Palarasah, M.–O. Skjødt, R. Ogaki, M. Benter, M. Alei, H.J. Kolmos, C. Koch, P. Kingshott, Low–energy plasma polymerized poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) decreases material–activation of the complement system, Biomaterials 32, 4481–4488 (2011).
- H. Thissen, T. Gengenbach, R. du Toit, D. Sweeney, P. Kingshott, H.J. Griesser, L. Meagher, Clinical observations of biofouling on PEO coated silicone hydrogel contact lenses, Biomaterials 31, 5510–5519 (2010).
- Z. Ademovic, B. Holst, R.A. Kahn, I. Jørring, T. Brevig, J. Wei, B. Winter–Jensen, P. Kingshott, The method of surface PEGylation influences leucocyte adhesion and activation, J. Mater. Sci.: Mater. Med. 17(3), 203–211 (2006).
- P. Kingshott, J. Wei, D. Bagge–Ravn, N. Gadegaard, L. Gram, Covalent attachment of poly(ethylene glycol) to surfaces is critical for reducing bacterial adhesion. Langmuir 19(17), 6912–6921 (2003).
- Topic:
- Use of proteomics approaches to understanding complex protein adsorption to biomaterial surfaces.
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Peter Kingshott
- Description:
-
Precise control of protein adsorption remains elusive due to a lack of understanding of the molecular processes involved in protein-surface and protein-protein interactions, particularly in complex protein solutions such as human plasma. There are very few, if any, techniques with the desirable specificity and sensitivity to simultaneously detect multiply adsorbed proteins, where detection limits of a few ng/cm2 are desirable. This is exacerbated by the fact that there are 1000’s of proteins in blood that are potential adsorbates that could influence blood biocompatibility. Protein adsorption from complex solutions is a dynamic, surface dependent process that requires detection at both the very early stages (a few seconds) of surface exposure, and during the adsorption process, where the composition of the protein adlayer changes. These key processes are when the surface gets pre-conditioned for subsequent biological surface reactions, and new techniques for investigating proteins at interfaces and new knowledge about the precise mechanisms of protein adsorption is highly desirable to assist in the development of new materials with enhanced biocompatibility. The project will use the highly specific technique of surface-matrix assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (surface-MALDI-ToF-MS) as a direct method for investigating adsorption of proteins with different surface affinities. Surfaces will different chemistries in different formats, e.g. on particles, and fibers, will be fabricated using plasma polymerization. The extent of protein adsorption will be verified using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, classical electrophoresis, including SDS-PAGE, will be combined with mass spectrometry to identify key proteins.
Figure 1: Concept behind using surface-MALDI-ToF-MS to identify proteins adsorbed onto surfaces from complex solutions. The adsorbed proteins get encapsulated inside matrix crystals after a solution is applied to the surface. During laser irradiation the matrix absorbs the laser light resulting in desorption and ionization of the protein molecules, which are then analysed by mass spectrometry and identified according to their mass.
References
- A. R. Boyd, G.A. Burke, H. Duffy, M. Holmberg, B.J. Meenan, P. Kingshott, Sputter Deposited Bioceramic Coatings: Surface characterisation and initial protein adsorption studies using Surface–MALDI–MS, J. Mater. Sci.: Mater. Med. 22, 71–84 (2011).
- B. Clarke, P. Kingshott, Y. Rochev, X. Hou, A. Gorelov, W. M. Carroll, Effect of Nitinol Wire Surface Properties on Albumin Adsorption, Acta Biomat., 3(1), 103–111 (2007).
- H.J. Griesser, P. Kingshott, S.L. McArthur, K.M. McLean, G.R. Kinsel, R.B. Timmons, Surface–MALDI mass spectrometry in biomaterials research, Biomaterials 25, 4861–4875 (2004).
- P. Kingshott, H.A.W. St John, R.C. Chatelier, H.J. Griesser, Surface–MALDI mass spectrometry detection of proteins adsorbed in vivo onto contact lenses, J. Biomed. Mater. Res.49, 36–42 (2000).
- Topic:
- Biomimetic coating to enhance corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Cuie Wen
- Description:
-
Magnesium and its alloys are increasingly used in aerospace, automotive industry and biomaterial applications due to their ultra lightness and high strength to weight ratio with a density that is two thirds of aluminum and one fourth of iron.
Unfortunately, magnesium has high chemical affinity and reacts with atmospheric oxygen and water resulting in the formation of porous oxide carbonate film on the surface which does not offer protection. The metal corrodes even in moist air and distilled water.
The situation is even more complex for magnesium alloys in a physiological environment for biomedical applications.
The present project is aimed at developing a biomimetic coating on magnesium alloys to enhance their corrosion resistance.
- Skills:
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Laboratory experiments involving corrosion testing, metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering, materials engineering or chemistry
- Possible Co-Supervisor(s):
- Topic:
- Nanostructured surfacing for titanium alloys for biomedical applications
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Cuie Wen
- Description:
-
The need to replace, or repair bone in the body becomes increasingly important with age since bones and joints degrade and are more prone to fracture due to a decrease in bone density and strength from the age of thirty onwards.
Meanwhile, the implant surface plays an extremely important role in the response of the biological environment in the body and metallic implants do not bond to living bone directly after implantation due to their lack of biointeraction and the formation of fibrous encapsulation at the implant/bone interface.
This may lead to earlier failure of the implants. It has been reported that nanostructured surface could promote osseointegration that is critical to the clinical success of orthopaedic/dental implants. Osteoblast proliferation has been observed to be significantly higher on nanophases of alumina, titania, and hydroxyapatite (HA) in comparison with their conventional counterparts.
The present study will develop new nanostructured surface and surfacing techniques to improve the biocompatibility, bioactivity and osseointegration of Ti-based implant materials.
The composition, morphology, electronic states and the bioactivity of the biomaterials after surface modification will be characterised and evaluated.
- Skills:
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Laboratory experiments involving metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering, materials engineering
- Possible Co-Supervisor(s):
-
Prof. Sally McArthur | Prof. Elena Ivanova
- Topic:
- Development of new biocompatible shape memory alloy implant materials
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Cuie Wen
- Description:
-
The interest in using shape memory alloys (SMAs) as implant materials has been growing in recent years due to the combinations of their unique mechanical and functional properties such as shape memory effect and superelasticity, low elastic modulus combined with high strength.
The shape memory effect of SMAs provides a possibility to prepare self-expanding, self-compressing, and other functional implants. Furthermore, the superelasticity of SMAs will be able to provide an unique bone-mimicking property of a recoverable strain of ~2%. Currently Ni-Ti based SMAs are the most frequently used alloys in commercial applications but nickel is reported to be a hypersensitive metal.
This project will develop new biocompatible shape memory alloys, alloy scaffolds and composite materials for implant applications.
- Skills:
-
Laboratory experiments involving metallurgical engineering and materials engineering.
- Possible Co-Supervisor(s):
- Topic:
- Multimodal Nanostructured Metals and Alloys
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Cuie Wen
- Description:
-
It has been well established that bulk nanostructured metals and alloys have strengths much higher than those of coarse-grained metals and alloys of the same compositions, often by several times.
However, their tensile ductility and fracture toughness are still low, and this can prevent them from being used in a wide range of practical applications.
It has been demonstrated that, in materials with multimodal microstructures, i.e., micrometer-sized grains embedded into nanostructured matrix will be able to provide high strength and uniform tensile deformation over a large range of plastic deformation simultaneously.
The aim of this project is to develop the science that will facilitate the development of new advanced multimodal nanostructured metals and alloys with a unique combination of high tensile ductility, high strength and excellent fracture toughness.
This project will also develop the manufacturing techniques for fabricating such advanced metals and alloys, and to elucidate the deformation mechanism of this new type of materials.
- Skills:
-
Laboratory experiments involving metallurgical engineering and materials engineering.
- Possible Co-Supervisor(s):
- Topic:
- Novel nanolaminates produced sputtering with specific material properties
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Cuie Wen
- Description:
-
Nanolaminates are a new frontier in materials science because nanolaminates can offer significantly different properties than their constituents and these properties are not simply determined by the rule of mixtures.
Nanolaminates are multilayer films made from alternating layers of different materials with nanometer scale thicknesses.
The aim of this project is to develop novel nanolaminates materials with specific material properties such as exceptional high mechanical strength, hardness and elastic modulus, extremely low thermal conductivity, high surface quality, and excellent corrosion resistance and so on.
This project shall also look into the interaction at interfaces between different nanolayers and the transition from nanostructured laminates to microstructured laminates in terms of material properties, in particular the layer thickness.
- Skills:
-
Laboratory experiments involving metallurgical engineering and materials engineering
- Possible Co-Supervisor(s):
- Topic:
- High performance electrode materials for secondary batteries in electric vehicles
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Cuie Wen
- Description:
-
Li-ion batteries are becoming the major power sources for modern electronic devices. Present day commercial Li-ion batteries employ LiCoO2 as the cathode and carbon-based intercalation compound such as graphite as anode.
However, graphite has a capacity limited to a theoretical value of 327mAh/g and suffers from a significant irreversible loss in capacity on the first cycle. Also, mechanical stability is one of the most important parameters which effects electrode performance. Large volume change during charge and discharge generates severe stresses which results in cracks and crumbling of the particles and finally poor cycle life. To overcome this problem, intermetallic compounds, active/inactive nano composite materials and sub microcrystalline materials have been studied.
There are metal electrodes also used as anodes. Recently, carbides dispersed Al/Mg electrodes are given attention due to their higher mechanical stability and cyclic performance.
The present proposal is aimed to manufacture light metal-carbon (CNT, graphite) or carbide (SiC, B4C, TiC, FeC) composites billets as electrodes for Li-ion batteries and metal-air batteries. - Skills:
-
Laboratory experiments involving metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering and materials engineering.
- Possible Co-Supervisor(s):
- Topic:
- Titanium alloy scaffolds by laser sintering for biomedical applications
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Cuie Wen
- Description:
-
A potential therapy to enhance healing of bone tissue is to deliver isolated stem cells to the site of a lesion to promote bone formation.
A key issue within this technology is the development of scaffold materials for supporting cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation.
Therefore, development of new scaffold materials to act as a system for controlled growth of large volumes of stem cells is a hot topic in biological engineering. Various scaffold materials, such as polymeric materials, ceramics and composites are being explored for the cell culture purpose.
However, these scaffold materials suffer from the problems of insufficient mechanical strength. Moreover, the existing dense metallic biomaterials do not have the appropriate space inside for the ingrowth, proliferation and differentiation of cells, nor canals for body fluid transportation which is necessary for the metabolic support of cells. Therefore they are not suitable for scaffolding biomaterials.
This project is aimed at the development of a new class of titanium alloy scaffolds with bone mimicking properties (architecture and mechanical properties of cancellous bones).
The scaffolds are characterised by precisely controlled pore size, porosity, and pore-distribution as being manufactured by laser selective sintering. These scaffolds should be suitable for many biomedical applications such as implants, tissue engineering, stem cell biotechnologies, cell-based sensors etc.
- Skills:
-
Laboratory experiments involving metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering and materials engineering.
- Possible Co-Supervisor(s):
-
Prof. Syed Masood | Prof. Elena Ivanova
- Topic:
- Residual stress optimisation of pulsed laser deposited Stellite 6 coatings on mild steel
- Supervisor(s):
- Dr. Yat Choy Wong
- Co-Supervisor(s):
- Description:
-
The hard facing of components that are subjected to wear with Stelite 6 and other types of hard facing materials is a field of research that is relevant to the Australian mining industry.
The residual stress that forms in and adjacent to the coating can have a deleterious effect on the life of the component, hence methods of reducing the level of theses stress is advantageous. Pulsed laser cladding is a technique that can offer such reductions in residual stresses, but finding the optimum combination of laser processing parameters is not trivial.
In this project a mathematical model of the pulsed laser cladding will be developed to optimise the process. These and several other modelling parameters will be trialled to evaluate the residual stress produced by laser cladding.
This PhD topic is ideal for a mechanical/materials engineer with mathematical modelling experience/interest. - Skills:
-
Materials preparation and characterisation, mathematical modelling, MATLAB, FEA
- Topic:
- Free Space Metal Deposition
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Romesh Nagarajah
- Co-Supervisor(s):
- Description:
-
Additive manufacturing is a rapidly growing field of research. Free space metal deposition is the latest of these technologies and allows metal to be deposited in free space.
Utilising surface tension effects of a molten pool, metal can be shaped in three dimensions even overhanging features can be formed (a large draw back for many additive manufacturing processes).
The process is in its infancy and someone with a mechanical engineering background that has an interest in materials would be in a prime position to develop the technology further during the course of a PhD.
IRIS has well developed expertise in the field of additive manufacture and this project would complement this strength. - Skills:
-
Robotics, materials characterisation, design and process optimisation
- Topic:
- Process control of laser additive manufacturing for improved material quality
- Supervisor(s):
- Prof. Romesh Nagarajah
- Co-Supervisor(s):
- Description:
-
Additive manufacturing is a rapidly growing field of research and has a promising future as an advanced manufacturing technology.
The technology to build three dimensional parts is established, while control over the material properties/quality has received little attention.
This project will utilise process monitoring of temperature and shape through infrared emissivity measurements and CCD cameras respectively to develop relationships between melt pool temperature, melt pool shape and the resulting mechanical properties of simple builds. These relationships will be used to optimise mechanical properties for selected material systems.
This is a new approach to process control in additive manufacture and is an opportunity to lead the field in this area.
The candidate should have a strong background in process control and an interest in laser processing and process optimisation. - Skills:
-
Process control, computer programming, materials characterisation and process optimisation
