Research Group: Chemistry Number of Students: 1 Length of Study in Years: 3 Years Full-time Project: yes
This studentship is open to Mexican students applying for CONACyT funding. CONACyT will provide a contribution towards your tuition fees each year and Queen Mary will waive the remaining fee. CONACyT will pay a stipend towards living costs to its scholars.
Dental white composite filling materials are mainly composed of filler particles encapsulated in polymer resin matrix. Currently, most of the dental polymers (mainly BIS-GMA base) used are radiolucent. To increase the radiopacity of the filling material so that they can be monitored by dental radiographs, radiopaque fillers such as barium sulphates are added. However, this addition decreases the possibility of maximising the load of other fillers that are needed for strength or have potential to prevent further dental decay.
In the Dental Physical Science Unit (DPSU) at the Institute of Dentistry (IoD), a layered double hydroxide (LDH) material has been elaborated. This material consists of positively charged metal sheets creating interlayer spaces through which anions diffuse. In a pilot study, MgAl and CaAl LDHs were prepared using a co-precipitation technique and incorporated in experimental composites as fillers. The results showed no adverse effects on the composites’ curing time or their physico-mechanical properties. Moreover, the study showed that the composites were able to absorb and release fluoride over several cycles. In other words, this material not only has the ability to release fluoride and neutralise acid (major requirements for preventing and repair dental decay), but the fluoride can be replenished upon brushing with toothpaste. This material has therefore the potential to reduce early stage caries, which affects 35% of the world’s population.
Applications are invited from outstanding Mexican candidates with or expecting to receive a first or upper-second class master's degree in Chemistry or an area relevant to the project. A standalone master's degree, or undergraduate integrated master's degree are required for this position.
Applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Arseniyadis Stellios on s.arseniyadis@qmul.ac.uk prior to their submission by sending a CV and a description of their interests and expertise relevant to the project.
Please use the link below to apply for this project:
https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/chemistry.html
SPCS Academics: Dr Stellios Arseniyadis