Triblock Copolymeric Structures As Novel Dispersants. ICI are one of the largest producers of surface-active compounds in the world. ICI are represented in Australia by National Starch & Chemicals who have significant manufacturing and research/development sites in Sydney and Melbourne. As the fastest growing market for dispersants is SE Asia, it is our intention that if the research is successful that scale up and manufacture will occur at both the Bristish and Australian sites.
Kinetic Control of Nanomaterial Assembly by Novel Polymerisable Surfactants. To build a competitive edge in the future Australian industries need to exploit the manipulation of matter at and near molecular length scales in order to create and use advanced nanostructured materials. In this project, using newly-discovered reactive surfactants we will develop novel methods for assembling and templating the formation of nanostructured polymeric and composite materials with a very broad range of pot ....Kinetic Control of Nanomaterial Assembly by Novel Polymerisable Surfactants. To build a competitive edge in the future Australian industries need to exploit the manipulation of matter at and near molecular length scales in order to create and use advanced nanostructured materials. In this project, using newly-discovered reactive surfactants we will develop novel methods for assembling and templating the formation of nanostructured polymeric and composite materials with a very broad range of potential applications. Australian postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers will be trained in advanced techniques for the creation and characterisation of self-assembled materials.Read moreRead less
Microgel thin films for controlled release. This project represents a real and timely opportunity for Australian research to take a leading position in the field of stimulus-responsive thin films. The potential applications of the targeted advanced coatings lie in areas for which Australia is already a significant world player (water treatment, biomaterial/implant coatings, sensors) and will add value to these industries. The development of these "smart" films will have commercial potential for ....Microgel thin films for controlled release. This project represents a real and timely opportunity for Australian research to take a leading position in the field of stimulus-responsive thin films. The potential applications of the targeted advanced coatings lie in areas for which Australia is already a significant world player (water treatment, biomaterial/implant coatings, sensors) and will add value to these industries. The development of these "smart" films will have commercial potential for "next generation" nanotechnology or biotechnology companies. The project will increase the momentum of an internationally competitive research partnership. The training of a research associate, PhD and honours students will lead to competitive employment for these burgeoning scientists.Read moreRead less
Self-assembly of gelling biopolymer particles. Biopolymers provide a renewable source of structuring agents for a variety of potential uses in food, pharmaceutical and other applications that require bio-compatibility. Swollen biopolymer particles of sub-millimetre size are particularly useful as they combine macroscopic structure formation with an ability to flow and a desirable soft solid texture. Two limitations to the current utilisation of biopolymer particles are that they either cannot be ....Self-assembly of gelling biopolymer particles. Biopolymers provide a renewable source of structuring agents for a variety of potential uses in food, pharmaceutical and other applications that require bio-compatibility. Swollen biopolymer particles of sub-millimetre size are particularly useful as they combine macroscopic structure formation with an ability to flow and a desirable soft solid texture. Two limitations to the current utilisation of biopolymer particles are that they either cannot be predictably produced direct from a dried form, or if they are (e.g. cooked starch granules), there is a lack of scientific understanding that limits use of natural sources without subsequent chemical modification. This project will provide the science & technology to overcome these limitations.Read moreRead less