1997 Research and Publications Report table of contents faculty of Engineering 4

Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering

Book chapter

Auer D P F, Britz M L, & Roddick F A, 1997, Global Environmental Biotechnology, Wise D L (ed.), Elsevier Science B V, Great Britain, pp. 9-26, ISBN: 0-444-82534-7

Ward L P, & Datta P K, 1997, Advances in surface engineering - volume 1 fundamentals of coatings, Datta P K, & Burnell-Gray J S (eds.), Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge United Kingdom, 9 p., pp. 217-225, ISBN: 0-85404-747-6

Journal article in scholarly refereed journal

Micic P, Bhattacharya S N, & Field G J, 1997, 'Rheological Behaviour of LLDPE/LDPE Blends under Elongational Deformation', International Polymer Processing Journal, vol. 2, no.12, Hanser Publishers, Munich, pp. 110-115

Oliver A L, Roddick F A, & Anderson B N, 1997, 'Cleaner production of phenylacetylcarbinol by yeast through productivity improvements and waste minimisation', Pure and Applied Chemistry, vol. 69, no.11, IUPAC, Great Britain, pp. 2371-2385

Pavel D, Ball J M, Bhattacharya S N, Shanks R A, & Hurduc N, 1997, 'Liquid Crystalline Polymers: Molecular Simulation of some Polyethers Containing Oxetanic Rings in the Main Chain', Computational and Theoretical Polymer Science, vol. 7, no.1, Elsevier Science Ltd., Great Britain, pp. 7-11

Pyke P D, Johnston R F, & Swaminathan C, 1997, 'Pilot And Full Scale Trials Using Thiourea Enhanced Zadra Stripping of Activated Carbon', Minerals Engineering, vol. 10, no.8, June-November, Wills B A (ed.), Pergamon, Great Britain, pp. 851-858

Pyke P D, Swaminathan C, & Johnston R F, 1997, 'An Investigation into Alternative Eluants from Activated Carbons at Atmospheric Pressure', Minerals Engineering, vol. 10, no.8, June-November, Wills B A (ed.), Pergamon, Great Britain, pp. 837-849

Roddick F A, & Britz M L, 1997, 'Production of hexanoic acid by free and immobilised cells of Megasphaera elsdenii: influence of in-situ product removal using ion exchange resin', Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, vol. 69, January, Melling J (ed.), SCI, Great Britain, pp. 383-391

Rosu R, Shanks R A, & Bhattacharya S N, 1997, 'Synthesis and Characterisation of Branched Poly(ethylene terephthalate)', Polymer International Journal, vol. 42, no.3, Great Britain, pp. 267-275

Sbarski I, Kosior E I, & Bhattacharya S N, 1997, 'Temperature Rise in the Extrusion of Highly Viscous Composite Materials', International Polymer Processing Journal, vol. 12, no.4, Hanser Publishers, Munich, pp. 341-345

Swinbourne D R, Barbante G G, & Rankin W J, 1997, 'Oxidation of silver-copper selenide matte in copper anode slimes smelting', Transactions of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, vol. 106, pp. C1-C8

Swinbourne D R, Yazawa A, & Barbante G G, 1997, 'Thermodynamic Modelling of Selenide Matte Converting', Metallurgical Transactions B, vol. 28B, October, pp. 811-819

Wang F S, Richardson A J, & Roddick F A, 1997, 'SWIM - A computer model for solid waste integrated management', Computing, Environment and Urban Systems, vol. 20, no.4/5, Elsevior Science Ltd, Great Britain, pp. 233-246

Wang F S, Richardson A J, & Roddick F A, 1997, 'Relationships between set-out rate, participation rate and set-out quantity in recycling programs', Resources, Conservation and Recycling, vol. 20, Elsevier Science BV, pp. 1-17

Journal article, Other contribution to refereed journal

Ngothai Y, Bhattacharya S N, & Coopes I H, 1997, 'Estimation of Gelatin Layer Thickness on Polystyrene Particles by a Viscometric Study', Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, vol. 193, Academic Press, pp. 307-311

Xiong F, Manory R R, Ward L, Terheci M, & Lathabai S, 1997, 'Effect of Grain Size and Test Configuration on the Wear Behaviour of Alumina', Journal of American Ceramic Society, vol. 80, no.5, American Ceramic Society, Columbus, Oh., pp. 1310-1312

Journal article, Non refereed (including articles in 'professional' journals)

Anderson B N, & Henkler R D, 1997, 'A Novel Bioremediation Feasibility Assessment and Implementation Strategy.', Australasian Biotechnology, vol. 7, no.6, November December, Playne M, & Tribe D (eds.), Australian Biotechnology Association Ltd, Gardenvale Victoria, pp. 355-362

Bhattacharya S N, & Field G J, 1997, 'Extensional Rheology: its Relevance to Polymer Processing', Materials Australia, vol. 29, no.3, May, C G Benett (ed.), York Press, Melbourne, pp. 32-35

Journal article, Letter or note

Roddick F A, 1997, 'Conference Report: 10th International Biotechnology SymposiumSymposium VIII - Environmental Biotechnology', Australasian Biotechnology, vol. 7, no.1, January February, Playne M, & Tribe D (eds.), Australian Biotechnology Association, Australia, pp. 40-41

Conference publication, Full written paper - refereed proceedings

Jollands M, Nicolettou A, & Scarlett S, 1997, 'Electronic Media as a teaching and learning tool - what do the students think?', Australasian Association for Engineering Education 9th Annual Conference 14-17 Dec 97 "Putting Students Back Into Engineering Education", vol. 1, Gourley T D, & Stewart J I (eds.), School of Engineering, University of Ballarat, Ballarat, pp. 401-405

Othman M Z, Roddick F A, Snow R J, & Hobday M D, 1997, 'Comparative performance of Victorian brown coal-based adsorbents in fixed bed columns', AWWA 17th Federal Convention, vol. 2, Australian Water and Wastewater Association, Sydney, pp. 373-380

Tonmukayakul N, O'Donnell J, & Parthasarathy R, 1997, 'The Effect of Oscillation on Rate of Settling in Batch Sedimentation.', 25th Aust and N Z Chem Eng. Conf and Exb.CHEMECA'97, vol. 1, Jebson R S, Chong R, & Ozilgen M (eds.), Insti of Professional Engineers, NZ, Rotorua, NZ, pp. 344-349

Conference publication, Full written paper - non refereed proceedings

Anderson B N, Walsh K P, Peck P C, Rhodes S R, Baer E, & Henkler R D, 1997, 'Bioremediation of Chlorinated Organics in Groundwater.', WasteTECH '97 Technical Papers (CD-ROM), Australian Water and Wastewater Association/AUSCRIPT, Sydney, pp. 1-12

Bhattacharya S N, & Field G J, 1997, 'Melt Strength and Extensional Viscosity of Polyolefinic Blends', 97-99 IUTAM Symposium on Rheology and Computation, vol. 1, Sydney

Bhattacharya S N, & Sbarski I, 1997, 'Rheology of Recycled Rubber/Thermoplastic Blends', International Conference on Rubbers, vol. 3, Kharagpur, India, pp. 66-70

Bhattacharya S N, & Field G F, 1997, 'Melt Strength and Extensional Viscosity of Polyolefinic Blends', 22nd Australasian Polymer Symposium, vol. 1, Auckland, New Zealand, pp. 13-14

Bijok M, Biddle G R, & Flavell T, 1997, 'Control of Microstructure and Texture in Aluminium Alloy AA 3004', Thermec'97 Intern. Conf. on Thermomechanical Proc. of Steels and other materials, vol. 2, Chandra T., & Sakai T. (eds.), The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society, Ohio, pp. 2373-2379

Chandranupap P, Bhattacharya S N, & Kosior E I, 1997, 'Study on Reactive Processing Products of LLDPE with MAH and GMA in the Presence of Various Additives', 2nd Pacific Rim Conference on Rheology, vol. 1, Tiu C, Uhlherr P H T, & Yeow Y L (eds.), Monash University Printing Services, Melbourne, pp. 23-24

Chryss A G, & Bhattacharya S N, 1997, 'Rheology of Brewing Yeast', 2nd Pacific Rim Conference, vol. 1, Tiu C, Uhlherr P H T, & Yeow Y L (eds.), Melbourne, pp. 45-46

Dixon S R, O'Donnell J, & Mainwaring D E, 1997, 'Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of conditioned Polyhydroxyalkanoate Film Samples.', 2nd Pacific Rim Conference on Rheology, vol. 1, Tiu C, Yeow Y L, & Uhlherr P H T (eds.), Melbourne, pp. 57-58

Field G J, Lau H C, & Bhattacharya S N, 1997, 'Melt Strength of Polypropylene', 22nd Australasian Polymer Symposium, vol. 1, Auckland, New Zealand, pp. 217-218

Field G J, Bhattacharya S N, & Micic P, 1997, 'Temperature and Strain Rate Effects in the Extensional Viscosity of Polyethylene', 2nd Pacific Rim Conference, vol. 1, Tiu C, Uhlherr P H T, & Yeow Y L (eds.), Melbourne, pp. 69-70

Kao N, Bhattacharya S N, Shanks R A, & Coopes I H, 1997, 'Dynamic Rheological Characteristics of Model and Industrial Photographic Coupler Dispersions', 2nd Pacific Rim Conference, vol. 1, Tiu C, Uhlherr P H T, & Yeow Y L (eds.), Melbourne, pp. 125-126

Lau H C, Bhattacharya S N, & Field G J, 1997, 'Melt Strength of Polypropylene in Relationship to Thermoforming Applications', 2nd Pacific Rim Conference, vol. 1, Tiu C, Uhlherr P H T, & Yeow Y L (eds.), Melbourne, pp. 143-144

Micic P, Bhattacharya S N, Connell H J, & Shepherd J, 1997, 'Modelling of Viscoelasticity of Low Density Polyethylene Melt under Elongation', 2nd Pacific Rim Conference, vol. 1, Tiu C, Uhlherr P H T, & Yeow Y L (eds.), Melbourne, pp. 183-184

Pavel D, Ball J M, Bhattacharya S N, Shanks R A, & Hurduc N, 1997, 'Molecular Simulation Study of Thermotropic Liquid Crystalline Properties of Aromatic Polymers', Third Australian Molecular Modelling Workshop, Melbourne

Pavel D, Ball J M, Bhattacharya S N, Shanks R A, & Hurduc N, 1997, 'Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Main Chain Liquid Crystalline Aromatic Polyesters', 5th Pacific Polymer Conference, Kyongju, Korea

Pavel D, Ball J M, Bhattacharya S N, Shanks R A, & Hurduc N, 1997, 'Computational Approach to the Characterisation of Aromatic Polyester Structures and Properties', 5th Pacific Polymer Conference, Kyongju, Korea

Pavel D, Ball J M, Bhattacharya S N, & Shanks R A, 1997, 'Conformational Analysis of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) and Poly(butylene terephthalate) by Molecular Simulation Technique', 22nd Australasian Polymer Symposium, vol. 1, Auckland, New Zealand, pp. 283-284

Pavel D, Ball J M, Bhattacharya S N, & Shanks R A, 1997, 'Computer Simulation of Polyamides', 22nd Australasian Polymer Symposium, vol. 1, Auckland, New Zealand, pp. 209-210

Pavel D, Ball J M, Bhattacharya S N, & Shanks R A, 1997, 'Prediction of Liquid Crystalline Properties of Aromatic Polyesters', 2nd Pacific Rim Conference, vol. 1, Tiu C, Uhlherr P H T, & Yeow Y L (eds.), Melbourne, pp. 223-224

Punyauppa-path P, Roddick F A, Bhattacharya S N, & Kosior E I, 1997, 'Processing of LLDPE-Starch Blends', 2nd Pacific Rim Conference, vol. 1, Tiu C, Uhlherr P H T, & Yeow Y L (eds.), Melbourne, pp. 231-232

Quazi R T, Bhattacharya S N, & Kosior E I, 1997, 'Rheological and Mechanical Properties of PP/Rubber Matrix Filled with Talc and Paint Particles', 2nd Pacific Rim Conference, vol. 1, Tiu C, Uhlherr P H T, & Yeow Y L (eds.), Melbourne, pp. 235-236

Rosu R, Shanks R A, & Bhattacharya S N, 1997, 'Blends of Branched PET with Linear PET', 22nd Australasian Polymer Symposium, vol. 1, Auckland, New Zealand, pp. 297-298

Roy Choudhury N, & Bhattacharya S N, 1997, 'Melt Rheology and Thermal Behaviour of a Carbon Black Filled and Unfilled Melt Processable Rubber', 2nd Pacific Rim Conference, vol. 1, Tiu C, Uhlherr P H T, & Yeow Y L (eds.), Melbourne, pp. 43-44

Sbarski I, & Bhattacharya S N, 1997, 'Rheological Model of Dispersions with Non-Uniform Particles in Polymeric Matrix', 2nd Pacific Rim Conference, vol. 1, Tiu C, Uhlherr P H T, & Yeow Y L (eds.), Melbourne, pp. 243-244

Shanks R A, Rosu R, & Bhattacharya S N, 1997, 'Dynamic Rheology of Branched Poly(ethylene terephthalate)', 2nd Pacific Rim Conference, vol. 1, Tiu C, Uhlherr P H T, & Yeow Y L (eds.), Melbourne, pp. 249-250

Tonmukayakul N, O'Donnell J A, & Parthasarathy R, 1997, 'The Effect of Moving Bed on Rate of Settling in Batch Sedimentation.', 2nd Pacific Rim Conference on Rheology, vol. 1, Tiu C, Uhlherr P H T, & Yeow Y L (eds.), Melbourne, pp. 281-282

Conference publication, Extract of paper

Pavel D, Ball J M, Bhattacharya S N, Hurduc N, Catanescu O, & Simionescu C I, 1997, 'The Possibility to Predict the Potential to Generate a Mesophase by Computational Conformational Studies', Romanian Academy of Science Symposium, Jassy

Pavel D, Ball J M, Bhattacharya S N, Shanks R A, & Hurduc N, 1997, 'Characterisation of Aromatic Polyesters by Molecular Simulation', Third Australian Molecular Modelling Workshop, Melbourne

Pavel D, Ball J M, Shanks R A, Hurduc N, Catanescu O, & Simionescu C I, 1997, 'Theoretical Conformational Analyses for Examining the Ability to Generate a Mesophase of Rigid and Flexible Polyester Chains.', Romanian Chemical Engineering Conf., Jassy

Doctorate

Abbouche M, 1997, The Effects of Loading Parameters and Physical Dimensions on the Adhesion, Performance and Durability of Wear Protective Coatings., PhD, (InProgress), RMIT

Barbante G G, Swinbourne D R, & Rankin W J, 1997, The thermodynamics of copper anode slimes smelting, PhD, (Passed), RMIT

Chandranupap P, 1997, Surface Modification of Polyolefins, PhD, (InProgress), RMIT

Dixon S R, 1997, Mechanical Effects on Gas Transport Mechanisms within Polymer Packaging Films, PhD, (InProgress), RMIT

He D H, 1997, Investigation of Materials Problems of Overhead Wires and Current Collectors in Public Transport Systems, PhD, (InProgress), RMIT

Kamphausen A, 1997, Selection and Tuning of Thermodynamic Data Models in Dethyleniser Simulation and Optimisation., PhD, (InProgress), RMIT

Kukaleva N, 1997, Properties of Blends of High-Crystallinity Polypropylene and Metallocene-Catalysed Linear Low Density Polyethylene., PhD, (InProgress), RMIT

Lau H C, 1997, Rheological Characterisation of Polypropylene for Thermoforming Applications., PhD, (InProgress), RMIT

Levchenko S, 1997, Structure-properties Correlation in Branched LLDPE., PhD, (InProgress), RMIT

Maazuza O, 1997, Removal of Dissolved Organics from Water Using Activated Brown Coal Char, PhD, (InProgress), RMIT

McCallum R, 1997, Production of Brown Coal-Based Adsorbents with Specific Adsorption Properties., PhD, (InProgress), RMIT

Micic P, 1997, Melt Strength Enhancement of Linear Low Density Polyethylene, PhD, (Passed), RMIT

Moustafa E H, 1997, Dynamic Modelling and Control of Large-Scale Chemical Process Systems Using Artificial Neural Networks, PhD, (InProgress), RMIT

Narayanaswamy H, 1997, Influence of Recycled Water on Kinetics of Chalcopyrite., PhD, (Submitted), RMIT

Ngothai Y, 1997, Effect of Temperature on the Rheology of Dispersions, PhD, (Passed), RMIT

Oh C H, 1997, Novel Methods of Producing Ceramics from Metallic Precursors., PhD, (InProgress), RMIT

Othman M, 1997, The Removal of Taste and Odours from Water using Activated Brown Coal Char., PhD, (InProgress), RMIT

Pavel D, 1997, Application of Molecular Simulation Techniques to Characterise Structures and Properties of Aromatic Polyesters and Aromatic Polyamides., PhD, (InProgress), RMIT

Quazi R T, 1997, Rheological and Mechanical Properties of Recycled Painted Automotive Bumper Materials., PhD, (InProgress), RMIT

Sbarski I, 1997, Rheological Properties and Processing of Ground Rubber Tyres Composite Materials, PhD, (Passed), RMIT

Stepanov N, 1997, Control of Surface Defects in Injection Moulding., PhD, (InProgress), RMIT

Teague K, Swinbourne D R, & Jahanshahi S, 1997, Activity of cobalt oxide in non-ferrous smelting slags, PhD, (InProgress), RMIT

Teague A J, 1997, The Selective Flotation of Refractory Gold Bearing Ores., PhD, (InProgress), RMIT

Masters by Research Thesis

Andari G B, 1997, Waste Minimization in the Extracting of Gold, MEng, (InProgress), RMIT

Bi X F, 1997, Reduction of Benzene in Gasoline., MEng, (Passed), RMIT

Chikkalingaiah Padma P B, 1997, Performance of prototype injection moulding tooling, MEng, (InProgress), RMIT

Fahey N, Swinbourne D R, & Swaminathan C S, 1997, Interaction of calcium ferrite slags with furnace refractories, MEng, (InProgress), RMIT

Haberecht P, Stroud D J, & Hinton B, 1997, Effect of plating variables on the corrosion resistance and adhesion of brush plated coatings on steel substrates, MEng, (Passed), RMIT

Jittjumnong C, 1997, Non-Halogenated Flame Retardant Flexible Polymers, MEng, (InProgress), RMIT

Kaewsarn P, 1997, A Performance Evaluation of Copper Doped Zeolite Catalysts in Nitrogen Oxides Decomposition., MEng, (Passed), RMIT

Louey R, Swinbourne D R, & Swaminathan C S, 1997, Effect of tin on silver loss in copper smelting, MEng, (InProgress), RMIT

Louey R, 1997, The Effect of Tin on Silver Distribution in Slags., MEng, (InProgress), RMIT

Middleton M, 1997, Development of an Electrokinetic Process for the Dewatering of Sewage Sludges, M Eng, (Passed), RMIT

Mol S N, 1997, The Effects of Co-contaminants on the Bioremediation of Chlorinated Solvents., MAppSc, (InProgress), RMIT

Monteiro M R, Swinbourne D R, & Rankin W J, 1997, Metallothermic reduction of manganese-bearing slags, MEng, (Passed), RMIT

Oliver A, 1997, Influence of Medium Components on the Production of Phenylacetylcarbinol by Yeast, M App Sci, (Passed), RMIT

Parkinson A, 1997, Oxidation of Natural Organic Matter with ultraviolet radiation., MAppSc, (InProgress), RMIT

Pershin S, 1997, Crosslinking of Polyethylene., MEng, (InProgress), RMIT

Prasongsom P, 1997, The Effect of Starch Type on the Biodegradation of Starch-Polyethylene Blends, M App Sci, (InProgress), RMIT

Punyauppa-path P, 1997, Effect of Plasticisers on the Mechanical Properties and Biodegradability of Polyethylene-Starch (PE-Starch) Blends., MEng, (InProgress), RMIT

Stepanova E, 1997, Polyolefin Film Recycling., MEng, (InProgress), RMIT

Than K M, 1997, Gas Dispersion in Three-Phase Mixing Vessels., MEng, (InProgress), RMIT

Tjandraatmadja G F, 1997, Degradation of Poly(vinyl Chloride) and Polycarbonate by Ultraviolet Irradiation., MEng, (InProgress), RMIT

Tonmukayakul N, 1997, Effect of Bed Movement on the Rate of Settling in Batch Sedimentation, M Eng, (InProgress), RMIT

Tonmulayakul N, 1997, The Effect of Bed Movement on the Rate of Settling in Batch Sedimentation., MEng, (InProgress), RMIT

Tran H H, 1997, Removal of Heavy Metals from Industrial Wastewater by Adsorption on Silica Gel, M App Sci, (InProgress), RMIT

Tran H H, 1997, Adsorption of Metal Ions from Aqueous Solution on Silica Gel., MAppSc, (Submitted), RMIT

Wang D M, 1997, Quantification of Abiotic and Biotic rates for Removal of Chlorinated Solvents from Contaminated Soils and Sediments., MEng, (InProgress), RMIT

Welsh M, 1997, Extensional Viscosity of Polyethylene and Application to Polymer Processing., MEng, (InProgress), RMIT

Widianto W, 1997, Cleaner Production in Car Manufacturing Paint Systems., MEng, (Passed), RMIT

You X M, Swinbourne D R, & Swaminathan C S, 1997, Solubility of silver in sodium silicate slag, MEng, (InProgress), RMIT

Yussuf A A, 1997, Silane Crosslinking of very Low Density Polyethylene., MEng, (InProgress), RMIT

Research topics

Andari G, Roddick F A, Swaminathan S, McAllister P J, & Hoffman W, 1997, Waste Minimisation in Gold Extraction, (New), As gold oxide ore deposits are depleted, the number of refractory gold ore deposits being mined has increased.Recently the environmental aspects of mineral processing have become an issue in the selection of treatment routes, particularly as many of the wastes are generated during this stage. This project is focussed on comparing the major waste streams from the different gold pretreatments and identifying the opportunities for waste minimisation.

Aver D P F, Britz M L, & Roddick F A, 1997, Lead Biosorption by Lead-Tolerant Isolates of Paecilmyces lilacinus, (Continuing), Biomass is well known to adsorb heavy metals in a process known as biosorption.Lead-tolerant isolates of the fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus were obtained from a lead-contaminated site in Ardeer and have been assessed for their ability to remove lead from aqueous solutions. It was found that the uptakes of dried biomass were greater than those of resting and growing cells and were of the order of 10-12 % dry weight. The effect of various conditions have been investigated.

Chandranupap P, Bhattacharya S N, & Kosior E I, 1997, Surface Modification of Polyolefins by Bulk Chemical Modification., (Continuing), The aim of this project is to modify polypropylene and linear low density polyethylene by bulk modification methods. Investigation of the effect of surface modified species on the adhesion to adhesive system will also be studied.

Lau H C, Bhattacharya S N, Field G J, & Jollands M C, 1997, Rheological Characterisation of Polypropylene for Thermoforming Applications., (Continuing), The project aims to obtain an increased understanding of the rheological fundamentals in the thermoforming of polypropylene and to characterise the suitability of polypropylene grades for thermoforming.

Micic P, Bhattacharya S N, & Field G J, 1997, Melt Strength Enhancement of Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)and Blends of LDPE/LLDPE., (Continuing), The objectives of the project are: development of and understanding of the rheological and molecular parameters that influence the melt strength of polymer and development of constitutive equation to fit the measured extensional rheological data of polymers.

Ngothai Y, & Bhattacharya S N, 1997, Effect of Temperature on the Rheology of photographic dispersions., (Continuing), The project aims to study the effect of temperature on the rheology of photographic coupler dispersions and develop suitable models to predict the rheological behaviour of these dispersions.

Parthasarathy R, Bhattacharya S N, & Than K M, 1997, Gas dispersion in three-phase mixing vessels, (New), Bubble size and gas holdup are the important design parameters that determinethe gas-liquid interfacial area in multiphase contacting vessels.The present study aims to investigate the effect of solid type and size on bubble size distributionand gas holdup in a three-phase mechanically agitated vessel.

Pavel D, Ball J M, Bhattacharya S N, & Shanks R A, 1997, Molecular Simulation of Aromatic Polyesters and Polyamides to Characterise their Structure/Property., (Continuing), The main objective of the project is to characterise the chain, physical, chemical, mechanical,optical and liquid crystalline properties of aromatic polyesters by molecular simulation techniques. The simulated properties will be compared with both experimental and theoretical data available in literature.

Quazi R T, Bhattacharya S N, & Kosior E I, 1997, Mechanical Properties of Recycled Painted Automotive Bumper Materials., (Continuing), The aim of the project is to establish quantative and qualitative relationships between the characteistics of paint particles, polypropylene matrix and the mechanical properties of polypropylene/paint composites and to develop an understanding of the effect of paint particles on the fracture of these composites.

Roddick F A, Punyauppa-path P, & Bhattacharya S N, 1997, The influence of starch type on the biodegradability of starch-polyethylene blends, (Continuing), The addition of starch to polyethylene makes it more biodegradable. Although corn starch is widely used, potential exists for the use of cheaper starches and for increasing the starch content whilst retaining desirable physical properties of the blend.

Roddick F A, Parkinson A, & Hobday M D, 1997, The application of ultraviolet radiation for the removal of natural organic matter from water, (New), Natural organic matter is a problem solute in the treatment of potable water. The aim of this project is to determine the applicability of UV radiation as a removal method or pretreatment prior to its removal by biological means.

Roddick F A, Othman M Z, Hobday M D, Snow R J, & McCallum R, 1997, Removal of dissolved organics from water using activated brown coal chars, (Continuing), Victorian brown coal provides a cheap substrate for the production of adsorbents for the removal of dissolved organics from potable water and wastewater. Adsorbents which have specific adsorption properties are currently being developed.

Sbarski I, Bhattacharya S N, & Kosior E I, 1997, Rheological Properties and Processing of Field Polymer., (Continuing), The project aims to investigate the flow behaviour of Ground Rubber Tyre (GRT)/thermo plastic composites and find ways to improve the current processing technologies.

Stepanov N, Bhattacharya S N, & Kosior E I, 1997, Control of Surface Defects in Injection Moulding., (Continuing), The project aims to develop a scientific understanding of the causes of major surface defects occuring in the injection moulding process. The variable parameters include rheological and thermal properties, changes in morphology of plastic and parameters of processing, product and mould design.

Tran H H, Roddick F A, & O'Donnell J A, 1997, Removal of Metal Ions from Aqueous Solutions by Adsorption on Silica Gel, (Continuing), Chromatography silica gel has been shown to adsorb metal ions from aqueous solutions. In this study, desiccant silica gel was compared with chromatographysilica gel for its ability to remove a range of metal ions including Pb2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn 2+, Cd2+ and UO2-2+ from solution. The effect of pH and temperature on metal uptake was examined; the adsorption was found to involve an ion exchange mechanism.

Welsh M R, Bhattacharya S N, & Field G J, 1997, Extensional Viscosity of Polyethylene and its Application to Processing, (Continuing), The project aims to measure the extensional viscosity, elucidate the effects of molecular properties and structure on the polymer performance and investigate the effects of temperature and strain rate on viscosity.