A PhD studentship is available in the research groups of Prof. Carole Morrison and Prof. Colin Pulham in the School of Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh.

Project Summary:

Nitrocellulose (NC) is the polymer on which celluloid film is based and is widely considered to be the first synthetic plastic.¹ Although no longer used as celluloid film, NC still finds critical uses in propellants, biomedical assays, and coatings.² As a cellulose derivative, the key chemical, structural, and mechanical properties of NC depend upon the source of cellulose and because cellulose is a natural product, there is an inherent variability in its properties. Hence this presents a challenge for the preparation of NC with consistent properties and this is especially important because of the high-performance applications for which NC is a key component.

One key structural variation seen across cellulose sources is the polymer chain length.³ This is typically measured using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) which relies on hydrodynamic volume to separate polymer chains according to chain length. This method, however, is not well suited to studying non-uniform polymers as is most often the case with NC because both degree of substitution and chain length influence the hydrodynamic volume.⁴ Consequently, there is much uncertainty about the reported chain lengths in samples of NC. The degree of nitration and the degree of polymerisation have confounding effects upon the properties of NC in solution. This is the polymolecularity problem, and it applies to NC and other functionalised cellulose derivatives, making characterisation challenging.

By understanding the behaviour and conformations of cellulose and NC polymers in solution, more representative models of NC can be generated which will allow us to calculate more accurate molecular weight distributions from GPC analysis. This would help our understanding of the molecular weight determination of all cellulose-derived polymers and other heterogeneously-derivatised polysaccharides. A better understanding of the conformation of NC in solution would also have value for a broad range of NC processing steps and applications within the field of biomedical diagnostics and solid-rocket propellants. The findings of this research project will also contribute to the improvement of national and international industrial standards and practices.

The structure of NC in solution will build on ongoing work in the Pulham and Morrison groups to study the solid-state crystal structure of NC. This PhD will also be supported by Phoenix NC, a start-up company seeking to optimise the production of NC using a wider range of cellulose feedstocks and proprietary derivatisation technologies. This project will combine a wide range of characterisation techniques such as GPC, small angle x-ray scattering, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and rheometry. Laboratory-based studies to produce NC samples, as well as modelling work (such as molecular dynamic simulations) to understand these complex systems, are also key components of the PhD.

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate who is able to work with subject area experts from both industry and academia to apply the most suitable characterisation techniques and build upon existing work. Candidates from a variety of backgrounds including chemistry, engineering and biological sciences will be considered.

-Academic qualifications: a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in chemistry, engineering, materials science, biological sciences or a closely related field.

-Relevant experience: some previous experience of characterisation of polymers or biopolymers using techniques such as GPC, small-angle scattering, or NMR would be desirable, but not essential.

-Communication and collaboration skills: Very good written and oral communication skills combined with ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, with a particular interest in external engagement as a route to delivering real-world impact.

In the first instance, the initial application of cover letter and CV should be directed to:

Prof. Colin Pulham: C.R.Pulham@ed.ac.uk

Closing date:

The position will remain open until filled. A closing date may be added at a later date.

References

1. C. Selwitz, Cellulose Nitrate in Conservation, The Getty Conservation Institute, California, 2nd edn., 1988.

2. E. Morris, C. R. Pulham and C. A. Morrison, Structure and Properties of Nitrocellulose: Approaching 200 Years of Research, RSC Adv, 2023, 13, 32321–32333.

3 E. Morris, C. R. Pulham and C. A. Morrison, Towards understanding and directing the nitration of cellulose, Cellulose, 2025, 32, 1513–1526.

4 W. C. Knol, B. W. J. Pirok and R. A. H. Peters, Detection challenges in quantitative polymer analysis by liquid chromatography, J Sep Sci, 2021, 44, 63–87.

IMPORTANT

Before Submitting your cover letter and CV, please complete the online School of Chemistry Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Form, entry 2025-26.

The form will automatically generate a unique ‘Receipt Number’ that you must include in your cover letter.

Equality and Diversity

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Probing the Structure of Nitrocellulose in Solution