Mission

Main research interests are powder synthesis, powder characterisation, colloidal processing, sintering of ceramics and atomistic modelling of surfaces and interfaces. 
 
 Mission - controlling the interaction of surfaces and interfaces ubiquitous in powder technology. Interfacial interactions are investigated at an atomistic level using classical energy minimisation and molecular dynamic simulations as well as thermodynamic speciation in solution. The interactions between particles in suspension is a strong theme –in de-agglomeration of nanosized powders, the rheological behaviour of cementitious materials or self-assembly during precipitation. Using inorganic or organic additives, the interfacial properties and interactions between particles and development of microstructures can be modified and controlled. This has lead to controlled morphology and self-assembly of nanostructured calcite and various oxalates; more efficient dispersion of cement; the production of transparent polycrystalline alumina; and novel nanoparticles and porous nanostructured particles for photocatalytic antibacterial and ion beam production applications.
 
 He has been active in the international community, chairing over 20 sessions at international conferences, on the international advisory board for 16 conferences, has given 30 invited lectures at international conferences and is on the advisory board of two scientific journals. 
 
 Dr. Bowen was elected as a Fellow of the European Ceramic Society in June 2013 - for contributions to ceramic science - the first Swiss scientist to recieve this honour.
 

Current work

1. Synthetic Calcium Silicate Hydrates –from synthetic synthesis to atomistic modelling and growth kinetics for early age strength and eco-friendly cement & concrete
 2.Biocompatability of inorganic biomaterials – in-vitro bioactivity protocols for prediction of in-vivo Implant viability
 3. Kinetic and thermodynamic modelling for population balance modelling of nucleation and growth
 4. Engineered Calcium-Silicate-Hydrates for Applications 
 5. From Atomistic and Thermodynamic Modelling to Transparent Polycrystalline Alumina and microstrcutural characterisation.

Biography

Dr. P. Bowen after gaining his BSc in Physics at Imperial College (UK), he obtained his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry in the field of catalysis from the University of Cambridge, UK, in 1982, He then worked at the BP Research Centre, Sunbury, UK, for 4 years in applied surface sciences before moving to Switzerland and EPFL in 1987. He has been at the Powder Technology Laboratory, in the Materials Institute since its conception in 1988. He has over 190 publications and has written an undergraduate book on ceramic synthesis and processing.
 
 Education:
 
 1976-1979 Imperial College of Science and Technology, University of London. B.Sc. Honours in Physics.
 
 1979-1982 Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Cambridge. Certificate of Postgraduate Studies in Chemistry. Thesis: A Mössbauer Study of Some Clay Minerals and their Surfaces.
 
 Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry. Thesis: An Iron-57 and Tin-119 Mössbauer Spectroscopic Study of Some Graphite Intercalation Compounds and Carbon Supported Iron Catalysts.
 
 Professional Experience:
 
 1983-1986 Research Scientist (Physical Chemist), New Technology Division, British Petroleum Company plc, BP Research Centre, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex TW16 7LN, England.
 
 1987-1988 Engineer, Ceramics Laboratory, Département des Matériaux, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH - 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
 
 1988-2008 Research Associate/lecturer, Powder Technology Laboratory (Present) Institute des Matériaux, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH - 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland. 
 
 1988- 2015 Maitre D’Ensiegnement et Recherche (Lecturer & Researcher), Powder Technology Laboratory, Institute des Matériaux, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne,CH - 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
 
 2015 – present Adjunct Professor (Professeur Titulaire), Powder Technology Laboratory (LTP), Materials Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH - 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland