Surface engineering of oriented nano-layers for performance control. This research project will deliver knowledge on how to graft oriented, self assembled films from a surface, develop structure-property relationships at a nano-scale, develop a means to control these properties and develop characterization techniques at nano-scales. This research project, if successful, will deliver the ability to tailor the properties of a surface in a manner and over a range of properties that is not even cont ....Surface engineering of oriented nano-layers for performance control. This research project will deliver knowledge on how to graft oriented, self assembled films from a surface, develop structure-property relationships at a nano-scale, develop a means to control these properties and develop characterization techniques at nano-scales. This research project, if successful, will deliver the ability to tailor the properties of a surface in a manner and over a range of properties that is not even contemplated today.
In addition to the scientific benefits, there are also immediate commercial applications in Australia and worldwide for ophthalmic products (e.g. anti-fog and easy to clean lenses), if the balance of properties can be obtained.
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Polymers in the Depression, Aggregation and Dispersion of Particles in the Mineral Industry. The aim of this project is to use a generic approach to the selection of the best-suited polymer for specific applications such as in the depression, aggregation and dispersion of particles in the mineral industry. A "tool box" of particular tests will be developed based on key chemical structure-solid surface activity relationships between the polymer and the host solid surface in each application consi ....Polymers in the Depression, Aggregation and Dispersion of Particles in the Mineral Industry. The aim of this project is to use a generic approach to the selection of the best-suited polymer for specific applications such as in the depression, aggregation and dispersion of particles in the mineral industry. A "tool box" of particular tests will be developed based on key chemical structure-solid surface activity relationships between the polymer and the host solid surface in each application considered. Potential process improvements leading to improved flotation grades, increased fine particle recovery, increased slurry throughput in pipelines and decrease in reagent dosage will result.Read moreRead less
Modifying and Improving Porous Sol-Gel Materials for Water Purification. XeroCoat is commercialising nanotechnology research out of UQ's Physics department. XeroCoat has received much local and international interest in its signature product 'XeroCoat'. The company is rapidly expanding and has established new research facilities with production facilities to be set-up. This will result in high technology, employment growth for Australia. Links with Flinders could see expansion into SA. The c ....Modifying and Improving Porous Sol-Gel Materials for Water Purification. XeroCoat is commercialising nanotechnology research out of UQ's Physics department. XeroCoat has received much local and international interest in its signature product 'XeroCoat'. The company is rapidly expanding and has established new research facilities with production facilities to be set-up. This will result in high technology, employment growth for Australia. Links with Flinders could see expansion into SA. The company operates in 'Sol-Gel' nanotechnology, which has huge global, academic and commercial interest. However in Australia this technology has only been serviced by Flinders, ANSTO and ANSTO's spin-out company Ceramisphere. The project will help to build a new Australian high tech industry in sol-gel nanotechnology.Read moreRead less
A Novel Approach for Color and Degradation Control in Post Consumer Polyethylene Terephthalate During Recycling. Discoloration is a critical problem in the manufacturing of post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymeric products in which optical clarity requirement is high. The inherent weakness of the PET demands highly efficient stabilisation of this polymer. The project aims to understand and eliminate the occurrence of such discoloration and improve the quality of the Visy product ....A Novel Approach for Color and Degradation Control in Post Consumer Polyethylene Terephthalate During Recycling. Discoloration is a critical problem in the manufacturing of post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymeric products in which optical clarity requirement is high. The inherent weakness of the PET demands highly efficient stabilisation of this polymer. The project aims to understand and eliminate the occurrence of such discoloration and improve the quality of the Visy products. New multifunctional additives will be developed, which when added to PET during processing, will not only quench the discoloration reaction but also yield high quality products with excellent optical properties. This project is of substantial strategic importance to the Australian/global polymer processing and recycling industries.
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Interfacial Studies of Nanoparticulate Dendrimers for Improved BioPharmaceutical Application. Dendrimers are a novel class of nanoparticles with exciting potential as pharmaceuticals for the prevention of major disease states, e.g. viral and cancer. A colloid and interfacial chemistry approach will be employed to develop an understanding of the mechanisms for the solution to cell transport processes and for optimisation of formulation strategies for delivery vehicles. Significant advances in t ....Interfacial Studies of Nanoparticulate Dendrimers for Improved BioPharmaceutical Application. Dendrimers are a novel class of nanoparticles with exciting potential as pharmaceuticals for the prevention of major disease states, e.g. viral and cancer. A colloid and interfacial chemistry approach will be employed to develop an understanding of the mechanisms for the solution to cell transport processes and for optimisation of formulation strategies for delivery vehicles. Significant advances in the development of novel pharmaceutical products will result, with significant social and economic benefits nationally and internationally.Read moreRead less
Nanotechnology-Enhanced Vaccines: New inulin bioconjugates to defeat global pandemic threats. Inulin-based adjuvants have the potential to revolutionise the vaccine arena; man's critical first line of defence against infectious disease. Any breakthrough in developing completely safe new adjuvants, will therefore be of major global significance, and will play a vital role in the maintenance of global health for decades. New and completely safe vaccine adjuvants are a vital step in the developmen ....Nanotechnology-Enhanced Vaccines: New inulin bioconjugates to defeat global pandemic threats. Inulin-based adjuvants have the potential to revolutionise the vaccine arena; man's critical first line of defence against infectious disease. Any breakthrough in developing completely safe new adjuvants, will therefore be of major global significance, and will play a vital role in the maintenance of global health for decades. New and completely safe vaccine adjuvants are a vital step in the development of improved vaccine technology in the 21st century. This project addresses two National Research Priorities, Namely Promoting and Maintaining Good Health and Safeguarding Australia. On commercialization, this will then be an important Australian contribution towards protecting the nation against any future pandemic outbreaks.Read moreRead less