Identify the mechanochemistry of chromium steel grinding media

This is part of an ARC Linkage Project with support from the Australian Research Council and industry partners to improve the performance of chromium steel grinding media.

Chromium steel grinding media have been widely used in a variety of fields for size reduction. However, how the mechanical properties of chromium steel grinding media affect the chemical environment during the grinding of solid particles is unknown. In this project, the chemical reactions triggered by the impact and abrasion of chromium steel grinding media and the subsequent modification of solid surface properties will be investigated.

You will work with another PhD student, some postdoctoral research fellows and industry experts under the ARC Linkage Project. You will develop the fundamental understanding first and then apply the new understanding in industry case studies to improve the performance of chromium steel grinding media.

This is a joint project between the School of Chemical Engineering and the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering to understand the performance of chromium grinding materials used in the minerals industry. UQ Chemical Engineering and Material Science are ranked the top 50 and 85, respectively, in the world. UQ also has long-standing research strength in Metallurgy and Minerals Processing. The QS ranks UQ Minerals and Mining Engineering the top 5 in the world. The new home for Chemical Engineering, the state-of-the-art Andrew N. Liveris Building provides cutting-edge teaching and research facilities and highly effective industry and public sector engagement. The broad base of research excellence in these areas at UQ is supported by state-of-the-art major research facilities at EAIT, CMM and ANFFQ. All facilities required by the project on chemical reactions, surface characterisation, materials development and practical application are available at UQ. The industry partner, Vega Industries, is the world's leading company in developing grinding media and supplies grinding media to the minerals industry in more than 120 countries. The strategic alliance between UQ and Vega Industries will lead to developing breakthrough technologies and successful commercialisation outcomes.

This is an Earmarked scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $35,000 per annum tax free (2024 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered
• single overseas student health cover (OSHC).

Learn more about the Earmarked scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history

A working knowledge of developing and characterization of new alloys would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of material science, mechanical engineering or chemical engineering and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of mechanics and electrochemistry is highly desirable.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 1, 2025. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 30 September, 2024 30 June, 2024.

You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. Contact Professor Mingxing Zhang (mingxing.zhang@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a PhD. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• My higher degree is not collaborative
• I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship
• UQ Earmarked Scholarship type.

Apply now