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EngD studentships

Development of Novel Wet/Dry Treatments for Human Hair Supported by Automated Gloss Analysis

The evaluation of gloss of human hair, following wet/dry chemical treatments such bleaching, dyeing and perming, has received much scientific and commercial attention. Current gloss analysis techniques view hair tresses under directional lighting, within a calibrated environment, and classify the hair by computational models of the fibres' physical and optical attributes, evaluation of tresses by a panel of human observers, and computational modelling of gloss intensity distributions.

The most popular industry technique for automatically assessing hair gloss is to digitally capture images of the hair tresses and produce a classification based upon the average gloss intensity distribution. Unfortunately, current computational modelling techniques are often found to be inconsistent when compared to the panel discriminations of human observers.

This study will overcome the inadequacies in the current models and imaging technology, and provide a scientific platform on which to develop and optimise novel wet chemical and drying treatments for hair.

Degree Type

Four year (full-time) EngD. It is a key objective of the scheme that EngD students should gain first hand experience of working closely with their sponsor, including being integrated with the company's own project teams wherever possible. REs also receive management and personal development training as part of the programme.

Eligibility

Applicants must have a relevant first degree (usually a minimum 2.1).

Funding

The Engineering Doctorate scheme provides an enhanced tax-free stipend of around £17-18K per annum.

This studentship is open to UK and EU nationals, who must meet a three-year residency criterion to be eligible for fees and maintenance payment. Applicants from outside the EU/UK must be self-funding.

Start Date

October 2008

Application Deadline

2 June 2008

Reference

PhD/08/HO/01

Supervisor Contact Details

For further information about the project, please contact:

Huw Owens
Email: huw.owens@manchester.ac.uk
Tel: 0161 200 5891

Admissions Contact

Postgraduate Team, School of Materials
Email: pg-materials@manchester.ac.uk
Tel:  +44 (0)161 306 4824

How to Apply

You can apply for postgraduate opportunities online quoting the project reference number.

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