Sustainable Cyrene®/Water Systems for Wood Modification

About the research project

Recent work (Li et al. (Communications Materials, 2026) has demonstrated that Cyrene/water treatment penetrates both the amorphous domains of wood (lignin and hemicellulose) and crystalline cellulose regions in European hardwoods, enabling whole-wood plasticisation while preserving wood's native hierarchical structure. Cyrene is a bio-derived, cellulose-based green solvent that has gained attention as a safer alternative to toxic, petroleum-based solvents. It is negligibly ecotoxic and non-mutagenic and a particularly efficient solvent when combined with water, as it exists in equilibrium between its ketone and geminal diol forms, with solvation capacity becoming more pronounced in this hydrated state.

This project begins from the hypothesis that Cyrene/water systems will produce similar effects in Australian species. The central objective is to harness this enhanced permeability to (i) improve deformation capability and reduce structural damage during forming, (ii) improve transport and uptake of wood preservatives, and (iii) enable deeper penetration of polymers for wood–polymer composites. This has particular significance for Australia, where combining locally grown, underutilised wood species with green chemistry approaches opens pathways to durable, low-impact, sustainable wood products and could support circular-economy goals, for example, through the incorporation of recycled polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) in wood composites.

The project will systematically evaluate Cyrene/water plasticisation treatments and mixture ratios across Australian species, with a primary focus on underutilised plantation species (e.g. Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus nitens), while incorporating select native species of interest, correlating treatment efficacy with wood anatomy and chemistry. This includes wood treated with Cyrene/water alone (for forming and shape-fixing), Cyrene/water/preservative blends, and Cyrene/water/polymer blends. Preservative delivery efficiency and depth of penetration will be assessed, alongside Cyrene's preservative properties (given its documented low-toxicity and biocidal-adjacent chemistry). Cyrene/water's capacity to dissolve a range of polymers will also be evaluated as a carrier system for improved polymer impregnation and, in turn, superior wood–polymer composite performance. Critically, for all treatment types, structural and mechanical integrity will be assessed after drying, ensuring that gains in plasticity and penetration do not come at the expense of the wood's physical and mechanical properties.

Expected outcomes include:

1. Optimal Cyrene/water formulation(s).
2. Quantified improvements in preservative delivery efficiency and penetration depth.
3. Characterisation of Cyrene's intrinsic preservative potential.
4. Demonstrated polymer impregnation and composite performance.
5. A mechanical, thermal, and structural evidence base underpinning sustainable wood modification.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Estrella Sanz Rodriguez

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus.
• English language score must be above minimum entry requirements for this project.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• A degree in Chemistry (preferably Analytical Chemistry), or in Earth, Environmental or Biological Sciences with relevant coursework and training in chemistry and analytical chemistry.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Practical laboratory experience with analytical instrumentation and experimental method development.
• Knowledge or experience in wood science and wood products, particularly the evaluation of timber physical and mechanical properties. Familiarity with timber testing methods, wood modification or treatment processes, and the forestry and wood products industry would be highly regarded.
• Demonstrated research communication skills, evidenced through a research thesis, scientific publications, conference presentations or similar research outputs.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Estrella Sanz Rodriguez to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

Apply nowExplore other projects