Development of Specialised Hyphenated Methodologies for Quantifying New Halogenated Plastic Materials

Project:

High production volume plastics, such as polyolefins, have thus far been the most intensively studied and shown to contaminate all environmental spheres, therefore posing a planetary-scale threat. Other classes of plastics, such as those that are halogenated to increase durability and thermal stability have generally been overlooked. Halogenated plastics may not be as widely used as conventional plastics; however, they are often extremely persistent with emissions associated with their production, use and disposal. This has led to significant environmental concern around the use of these materials, in particular fluorinated and brominated plastics. Informing the debate around environmental emissions of halogenated plastics and their environmental safety requires environmental measurements. Thermal decomposition (pyrolysis) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS - Shimadzu) is a potential approach for halogenated plastics. In this ICHDR project, increased sensitivity and specificity would be explored utilising negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry. The outcome of this project will be validated quantitative techniques for the assessment of environmental exposure to the most persistent plastic materials in use

Selection Criteria

To be eligible to apply, you must meet the entry requirements for Higher Degrees by Research at UQ.

Enquiries

For further information, please contact Prof Kevin Thomas

How to apply

Please submit your cover letter, CV, academic transcript and English proficiency score (if applicable) to Prof Kevin Thomas