EPSRC supported EngD: Sustainable consumer goods – from formulation to pilot process

Most of consumer goods products consist of multiple compounds that are carefully

formulated together, of which the physical appearance could be solid, liquid, pods, tablets,

foams – reflecting the evolving science and innovation in the sector that contribute over

£149bn to the Gross Value Added of the UK economy.

The aim of this project is to develop a suite of highly innovative water-free composite material

as a novel platform for consumer goods. This involves formulation screening and

development, scaling up to pilotscale, process optimization, product evaluation, which closes

the feedback loop in driving the sustainability profile.

The project has the following objectives: i) to develop fundamental insight concerning the

effect of drying process on polymer/surfactant mixtures as a function of their chemical

nature; ii) to scale up laboratory preparation to pilot scale and optimise the processing

condition; iii) to correlate microstructural characteristics of the resulting composite with

formulation and process, using both first principle and statistical analysis; iv) to make

recommendations on the design and manufacturing of the future consumer goods products.

Working closely with the industrial partner P&G, the EngD candidate will develop a wide range

of skills in product development, process optimisation, and performance evaluation,

establishing a broad appreciation of formulation engineering. They will develop a portfolio of

transferrable skills such as project management, communication and team working, which

ensures excellent employability upon completion of the project.

If you have a background in Chemistry, Physics, or Chemical Engineering and are passionate

about sustainability, this is an excellent opportunity