UK: PhD Studentship in Physics, Chemistry and Material Science
School of Materials – research projects 2009 / 10
Project title: Fundamental Facets of Time/Humidity/Temperature Superposition for the Viscoelastic Properties of Hair Keratins
Reference number: To be supplied by the Postgraduate Team
Supervisor: Prof.Franz J Wortmann
Admissions qualifications / requirements:
BSc or MPhil/MSc in biology-related areas of physics, chemistry and material science. Grades 1 & 2.1
The project is suited for a candidate, who has an interest in biological materials as well as mechanics, analytics, and physical chemistry. Integral part of the project will be the interaction with industry.
Degree type: PhD
Duration of funding / project:
3 years Scholarship to fully cover tuition fees as well as sustenance for an UK national.
The project is conducted in close cooperation with an international cosmetic company.
Application deadline: None
Start date: Anytime
Research group: Biomaterials
Key words / Subject categories:
Key words: Biofibres, human hair, mechanics, viscoelastic properties, hair cosmetics
Subject area: Biophysics, Biomechanics, Material Science
Project description:
Alpha-keratins are structural proteins, which occur as nano-structured, biological composites widely in the vertebrate epidermis and its appendages in the form of hairs, nails, horn etc. Human hair is an important member of the keratin fibre group. The major component in its morphological structure are para-crystalline, partly a-helical intermediate filaments (IF, diameter approx 10nm) from the cell’s cytoskeleton, which are embedded in an amorphous matrix of associated proteins (KAP). This composite forms the fibre core, which is surrounded by a protective, multi-layered arrangement of amorphous cuticle cells.
Against the background of the collaboration with an international, cosmetic company, the research programme addresses pertinent aspects of the effects of water and temperature on the viscoelastic properties of the composite structure of hair with the following key objectives:
1. To characterize in detail the protein composition of human hair and to use preparatory techniques of protein analysis for the hydrophobic modification of the human hair matrix.
2. To analyze the relationship between hair modification and glass transition.
3. To determine the dynamic mechanical performance of hair for a range of frequencies, temperatures, and humidities. To map the component moduli and relaxation times for the parameter space. To determine a consistent model for time/temperature/humidity superposition. To extend the experimental approach to realistic, fluctuating environmental conditions.
Analyses will be conducted in a synergistic way by amino acid analysis and gel electrophoresis, static and dynamic mechanical analysis, corroborated by a wide variety of other techniques, as suitable. Parts of the investigation will be conducted in the laboratories of the industrial partner in the UK.
Supervisor contact details:
Name: Prof.F.J. Wortmann
Email: franz.wortmann@manchester.ac.uk
Tel: 0044 (0) 161 3064158
Admissions contact:
Postgraduate Team, School of Materials
Email: pg-materials@manchester.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)161 306 5777
To apply:
Please complete an online application form at www.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/howtoapply quoting the project reference number
Website: www.manchester.ac.uk/materials
