Mark Barwood

Mark Barwood serves as a Research Associate in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia. His research integrates experimental phase behavior measurements with thermodynamic and kinetic theory to address solid phase formation challenges in the energy industry, directly supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals for clean energy.

His educational qualifications include:

• Master of Professional Engineering (with Distinction) in Chemical Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science / Synthetic Chemistry

Barwood's research centers on nucleation, phase transitions, and cryogenics with specific applications in hydrogen liquefaction, LNG plant operations, and gas hydrate management. His work reduces production costs through precise impurity solubility measurements in cryogenic hydrogen systems, investigates catalyst deactivation mechanisms in ortho-para hydrogen conversion, and develops alternative hydrate inhibition strategies to minimize CO₂ emissions. This holistic approach bridges experimental data with theoretical frameworks for predicting complex industrial processes.

His 2023-2025 publications reveal strong thematic continuity in energy thermodynamics, particularly focusing on gas hydrate kinetics in constrained systems, methane-water interactions at trace concentrations, and cryogenic hydrogen impurity behavior. These works consistently target emission reduction through optimized process design and novel measurement techniques.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Best Poster Award (July 2023)

Barwood actively supervises HDR students through UWA's research degree programs and participates in the CRC FEnEX project Heavy Hydrocarbon and Contaminant Solidification from Natural Gas (2024-2027) as Investigator 06. His research receives industry-aligned funding focused on preventing unplanned shutdowns in LNG facilities and optimizing hydrogen production infrastructure.

His laboratory work emphasizes optical measurement techniques for cryogenic systems and high-pressure reactor studies of solid formation kinetics, operating within UWA's energy research ecosystem with strong industry partnerships.