Symposium Themes
| Themes | Theme Outline | Theme Chairs |
|---|---|---|
| Nanocrystals and Nanoparticles: Colloidal Stability, Self-assembly and Interactions with Light | Nanocrystals and nanoparticles can now be made in a veritable zoo of shapes, materials and patterns, often with remarkable control of optoelectronic properties, but there is much that still remains to be understood about their behaviour in solution in order to fully realise their technological potential. This symposium will focus on the properties and behaviour of colloidal nanocrystals and particles, including how they move and interact with other particles or interfaces, their nucleation, growth, self-assembly into ordered structures, and their potential use in applications ranging from solar energy conversion to lighting and sensing. Submissions that focus on both hard and soft particles are welcome, with our aim being to showcase the connection between fundamental colloid science and exciting new applications. | Dr Asaph Widmer-Cooper, University of Sydney Dr Alison Funston, University of Monash Professor Paul Mulvaney, University of Melbourne |
| Colloids and Interfaces in Mineral Processing | Colloidal particles and interfaces play a key role in fast and efficient mineral processing. This theme will focus on the aspects of mineral processing which rely on interfacial phenomena and colloidal particles. Such aspects of mineral processing include, froth flotation, particle aggregation and dewatering. Improved processing and efficient recovery of minerals that are needed for a low carbon energy future rely on fundamental understanding of scientific principles. These principles include: interfacial forces between particles, bubbles and oily substances; adsorption of polymers and surfactants to solid and fluid interfaces; contact angle, wetting and spreading. Novel concepts and emerging technologies including but not limited to: novel hydrophobic media (such as emulsions and polymers) to deliver hydrophobic substances to mineral particle surfaces; novel dewatering apparatus based on sound suspension rheology science and selective aggregation of fine particles to improve flotation. | Professor Anh Nguyen, The University of Queensland Dr Susana Brito e Abreu, The University of Queensland Professor George Franks, University of Melbourne |
| Colloids for the delivery of bioactive compounds | Colloidal systems can be used to deliver a range of bioactive compounds including drugs and vaccines for prophylaxis and treatment of a range of different diseases. The global COVID19 pandemic has specifically highlighted the critical role that colloidal vaccines can play in protecting human health. Understanding the properties of these varied nano-delivery systems and how they interact with the biological environment once administered can inform the rational design of next generation delivery systems. Topics include; Drug delivery; Nanomedicines; Biopolymers; Lipid systems; Polymer-filler composites; Formulation; Bio-nano interactions. | Associate Professor Arlene McDowell, School of Pharmacy, University of Otago Dr David Ju, RMIT University Dr Vipul Agarwal, University of NSW Professor Charlotte Conn, RMIT University |
| Liquid interfaces: droplets, bubbles and thin films | This theme will focus on fundamental and applied aspects of drops, bubbles and thin films.
Key topics of this theme include:
|
Dr Joe Berry, University of Melbourne Professor Chiara Neto, University of Sydney Professor Marta Krasowska, University of South Australia Dr Peter Sherrell, RMIT University |
| Biological and Soft Interfaces | Many processes in nature occur at soft interfaces whether they be proteins or drugs interacting with the surface of a cell, polymer coatings responding to an environmental stimulus, or just simply washing your hair. Understanding the properties and structures of biological and soft interfaces, particularly at the nanoscale, is thus becoming of increasing importance for understanding the behaviour of many processes that are fundamental to modern life. The Biological and Soft Interfaces Theme would cover a broad range of science focused on new structures and properties at interfaces covering bio-membranes, polymers, biomaterials, self-assembly, etc. | Dr Anton Le Brun, ANSTO Dr Deb Wakeham, ANSTO |
| Colloid Frontiers: Fundamental and Applications | Colloid and interfacial science is an exciting multidisciplinary field where this session celebrates this range of fields. This session is open to topics and theirs applications in areas including, but not limited to: adsorption, surface forces, emulsions and foams, thin films, adhesion, surfactants and polymers, simulation of all of the above areas, scattering, rheology, microfluidics, colloidal processing, formulation and innovative or novel methodologies, both experimental and theoretical. There will be a focus on colloids in microfluidics. Papers on colloid measurement and monitoring are encouraged. Presentations on processing and properties of carbon based and 2D nano-materials are also encouraged. This theme will also provide a platform for researchers to discuss the latest findings on the mechanisms, manipulation, and application of self-propelling active swimming droplets and colloids. | Professor Ray Dagastine, University of Melbourne |