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Master thesis
: Characterization of aerosol released from abrasion of graphene related materials (GRMs) reinforced composites and in vitro nanosafety assessment of pristine GRMs and abraded particles on human lung cell cultures
Keywords: Graphene related materials, composites, abrasion process, in vitro toxicity assessment,
lung cell cultures
**Introduction**
Graphene related materials (GRMs) are under intense research due to their high technological poten-tial for a broad variety of applications i.e. electronics, energy storage, but also in the field of nanomed-icine. A major application of GRMs is as reinforcement material for composites to improve polymer properties such as thermal and mechanical stability. Due to its emerging nature the potential health risks of released GRMs during their production, use or disposal, are largely unknown. Moreover, me-chanical treatment or abrasion of nanocomposites may release particles containing GRMs with un-known potential adverse effects on human health.
**Aim**
The aim of this master thesis project is to characterize the aerosol released from abrasion of GRMs re-inforced composites and to perform in vitro toxicity assessment of pristine GRMs and abraded parti-cles.
optimize the abrasion process and collect a sufficient amount of abraded particles
characterize abraded particles released from GRM-composites during an abrasion process
investigate the biological effects of pristine GRMs and released aerosol particles on human lung cells.
**What we offer**
You can expect significant support and guidance from established scientists. During your stay you can obtain a broad set of lab skills in the material and nanosafety field, including composite abrasion and particle characterization, analytical techniques, advanced imaging, cell culture and molecular biology techniques. Costs for public transportation and housing can be arranged.
**Earliest start** 15.02.2019
**Latest end** approximately 6 months from start of project
**Location** Empa, Dübendorf and Empa St. Gallen, Switzerland
**Introduction** Graphene related materials (GRMs) are under intense research due to their high technological poten-tial for a broad variety of applications i.e. electronics, energy storage, but also in the field of nanomed-icine. A major application of GRMs is as reinforcement material for composites to improve polymer properties such as thermal and mechanical stability. Due to its emerging nature the potential health risks of released GRMs during their production, use or disposal, are largely unknown. Moreover, me-chanical treatment or abrasion of nanocomposites may release particles containing GRMs with un-known potential adverse effects on human health. **Aim** The aim of this master thesis project is to characterize the aerosol released from abrasion of GRMs re-inforced composites and to perform in vitro toxicity assessment of pristine GRMs and abraded parti-cles. optimize the abrasion process and collect a sufficient amount of abraded particles characterize abraded particles released from GRM-composites during an abrasion process investigate the biological effects of pristine GRMs and released aerosol particles on human lung cells. **What we offer** You can expect significant support and guidance from established scientists. During your stay you can obtain a broad set of lab skills in the material and nanosafety field, including composite abrasion and particle characterization, analytical techniques, advanced imaging, cell culture and molecular biology techniques. Costs for public transportation and housing can be arranged. **Earliest start** 15.02.2019 **Latest end** approximately 6 months from start of project **Location** Empa, Dübendorf and Empa St. Gallen, Switzerland
Not specified
Interested and suitable candidates may send a CV and short motivational statement including research interests as PDF to:
Dr. Savvina Chortarea,
savvina.chortarea@empa.ch Tel: +41 58 765 7399
https://www.empa.ch/web/s403/particlesbarrier
Interested and suitable candidates may send a CV and short motivational statement including research interests as PDF to: Dr. Savvina Chortarea, savvina.chortarea@empa.ch Tel: +41 58 765 7399 https://www.empa.ch/web/s403/particlesbarrier