Sustianable plastics Australian National University in Australia

This Project aims to design and develop compostable plastics. The project will utilise new and sustainable feedstocks to build new plastics alternatives. The team has already created compostable dynamic thermosets incorporating coffee waste. In collaboration with a new start-up company this project will look to further develop the fundamental chemistry to create sustainable plastics.

The student will have skills in organic and polymer chemistry and be passionate about the environment and have an entrepreneurial spirt as the work will be in close collaboration with a start-up company.

https://science.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/how-scientists-are-making-bioplastic-coffee

The Australian National University

ANU is a world leading university ANU was ranked 31 ^st in the world (1 ^st in Australia) by the 2024 QS World University Rankings, and 73rd in the world (fifth in Australia) by the 2024 Times Higher Education.

The Research School of Chemistry (RSC) is the home of chemistry at ANU and the breadth of our teaching and research activities mirrors the cross- and multi-disciplinary impacts of chemistry in our daily lives. The RSC accommodates over twenty world-class researchers who lead research groups comprising undergraduate and postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

The RSC is housed in new, state-of-the-art buildings with first-class infrastructure, instrumentation and teaching spaces. Research and teaching are supported and enabled by highly skilled professional and technical staff. Comprehensive pastoral care and learning support is provided for all students and the School is a collegial and cohesive community. The Research School of Chemistry offers the very best environment for studying and research in chemistry.

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To APPLY

Only students with a GPA above 8 out of 10, or 3.5 out of 4.0, or high distinction (HD), or equivalent are eligible to apply (degrees in Chemistry, Materials Science, Applied Science, Chemistry, or related disciplines)

If you meet the HDR admission requirements please send an email directly to Prof Luke Connal ith the following information:

o Email subject: Prospective PhD compostable plastics

o Email body: please provide:

- Your background, experience, and research interests.

- List of any other relevant research or industrially relevant achievements.

- When you expect to be able to start your PhD if successful.

o Attachments: CV, academic transcripts, and an additional PDF file which includes certificates of prizes, awards, recognitions or any other supporting evidence.

Funding Notes