Materials Processing and Manufacturing
The group are conducting cutting-edge research in material processing that can offer significant potential to manufacturers across diverse range of industries. We are developing smarter ways to predict, monitor, control and optimise the procesing of liquids sterile pharmaceuticals, semi solids and powders.
Our research in materials and processing and manufacturing can be applied in many useful ways, such as monitoring, controlling, optimising and predicting the processing and manufacturing of a variety of materials including liquid products, sterile pharmaceuticals, semi solids (such as creams and ointments), and powders.
Key Strengths:
- Research into the production of a reliable method for predicting and controlling the freeze drying cycle
- Expertise in the analysis of freeze dried products (characterising the properties and parameters of amorphous materials) expertise focusing on the understanding, conditions effecting, and optimisation of the freeze drying process to reduce energy and increase efficiency
- Analysis of particle interactions at the nanoscale in the storage and spoiling (‘caking’) of powdered materials. This allows companies to predict the behaviour of new powder ingredients. It also allows powdered materials to be used in tropical countries while maintaining their quality without resorting to anti-caking agents.This technique gives companies a competitive edge and the ability to optimise existing products
- The development of an online process monitoring and control system for pharmaceutical processes, such as controlling the particle size in the crystallisation process to ensure the performance of a product
Which industries can benefit?
- Pharmaceuticals - manufacturers of vaccines, polymer, liquids, drugs and intruments.
- Food and drink
- Dental
- Veterinary – manufacturers of animal drugs an vaccines
- Detergent manufacturers
- Paint, coating, chemical manufacturers and processers
- Cosmetics and dermatology
- Healthcare
- Defence
