AI-Assisted Characterisation of Triboelectrification of Powders

Triboelectrification, the process by which particles acquire an electric charge through contact and separation, is crucial in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and materials science. This phenomenon significantly impacts powder flow, adhesion, and segregation, affecting manufacturing efficiency and product quality. Understanding and controlling triboelectrification is essential for optimising processes and ensuring the consistency of powder-based products.<br /> <br /> This research project aims to utilise the advanced particle characterisation capabilities at the University of Leeds to map a comprehensive array of physical, chemical and electrical properties of powders, including particle size, shape, density, surface roughness, surface resistivity, and dielectric constant. These characterisation data will serve as the foundation for training an artificial intelligence (AI) model designed to predict the tribocharging tendencies and behaviours of different powders. The AI model will analyse the influence of these properties on triboelectrification, identifying the critical factors that affect charging behaviour. By establishing a clear relationship between particle properties and triboelectrification, this research will provide valuable insights for tailoring particles with desired tribocharging characteristics. This capability has wide ranging implications to any industry that handles powders, such as pharmaceutical industry, where the triboelectrification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), food industry and additive manufacturing, as the phenomenon can adversely affect the processability, leading to challenges in manufacturing and product consistency.<br /> <br /> The outcomes of this project will not only advance the fundamental understanding of triboelectrification but also offer practical solutions for industries reliant on powder processing. By harnessing AI to predict and control triboelectrification, we aim to enhance the efficiency and reliability of powder-based manufacturing processes, ultimately contributing to improved product quality and performance. Additionally, there is a parallel ongoing project focusing on characterising the flowability of powders, and the work from both projects is complementary. The combined insights from these studies will enhance our understanding of powder behaviour, leading to more efficient and reliable manufacturing processes.<br />

<p>Please visit the <a href="https://ghadiri-group.leeds.ac.uk/">Ghadiri Research Group</a> website to find out more about our current Research activities.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Chemical & Process Engineering</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>AI-Assisted Characterisation of Triboelectrification of Powders</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemical-engineering/staff/201/dr-xiaodong-jia">Dr Xiaodong Jia</a> as your proposed supervisor. Please state clearly in the Finance Section that the funding source you are applying for is <em><strong>School of Chemical & Processing Engineering Studentship (EPSRC Grant: Modelling, Validation and Application of Triboelectrification).</strong></em></p> <p>Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 25 April 2025:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>A highly competitive School of Chemical & Process Engineering Studentship, in support of the EPSRC Research Grant: Modelling, Validation and Application of Triboelectrification (Grant Number: EP/X023389/1), providing the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate of £20,780 per year for 3.5 years. </p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Wei Pin Goh by email to <a href="mailto:W.P.Goh@leeds.ac.uk">W.P.Goh@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p>