PhD Scholarship in Advanced Formulations for Fluorine-Free Firefighting Foams to Improve Fire Performance and Environmental Safety Charles Darwin University in Australia

This PhD project aims to enhance the fire performance and environmental safety of fluorine-free firefighting foams (F3). Traditional firefighting foams contain PFAS chemicals, which pose significant environmental and health risks due to their persistence and potential toxicity. Replacing these with F3, however, presents challenges, particularly in maintaining the same level of fire suppression effectiveness, especially in high-risk settings like fuel and aircraft fires.

The research will focus on developing new F3 formulations with improved resistance to ignition by optimizing fuel pick-up and emulsification properties. The project will investigate advanced surfactants and emulsifiers that enhance fuel separation and foam stability at high temperatures, critical factors for safe and effective firefighting. Using both experimental and computational approaches, the candidate will analyze fuel interaction at the molecular level, conduct flammability testing, and refine foam rheology to improve deployment and effectiveness.

The scholarship offers hands-on experience in experimental design and molecular dynamics modeling, as well as collaboration with leading industry experts. This research holds the potential to set new standards for environmentally safe firefighting foams, bridging the gap between performance needs and environmental responsibility, and contributing to critical advancements in fire safety.

Please send your CV and transcripts to Prof [email protected] , with cc to Dr [email protected] . Your CV needs to include names of two professional referees. To apply you must have IELTS of 6.5 or better, with no band scores below 6.

You will need to relocate to Darwin, Australia to undertake the project.