Multiblock copolymer synthesis for nano-engineered materials. This project aims to develop methodology for environmentally friendly and industrially applicable synthesis of new types of advanced polymeric materials comprising multiblock copolymers. Polymeric materials play an important role in society with applications from bulk plastics to advanced technological applications. This would enable the creation of advanced materials with specific engineering targets and applications ranging from nan ....Multiblock copolymer synthesis for nano-engineered materials. This project aims to develop methodology for environmentally friendly and industrially applicable synthesis of new types of advanced polymeric materials comprising multiblock copolymers. Polymeric materials play an important role in society with applications from bulk plastics to advanced technological applications. This would enable the creation of advanced materials with specific engineering targets and applications ranging from nanomedicine to materials science.Read moreRead less
Novel network polymers with photoinduced plasticity. The production of crosslinked polymers (thermosets and rubbers) is a multi-billion dollar industry and these polymers are irreplaceable in their use in numerous applications in the household goods, medical, electronics, automotive and construction industries. However, they shrink during solidification causing internal stresses which weaken them and they can not be reshaped, repaired or recycled. This study will develop a novel range of cros ....Novel network polymers with photoinduced plasticity. The production of crosslinked polymers (thermosets and rubbers) is a multi-billion dollar industry and these polymers are irreplaceable in their use in numerous applications in the household goods, medical, electronics, automotive and construction industries. However, they shrink during solidification causing internal stresses which weaken them and they can not be reshaped, repaired or recycled. This study will develop a novel range of crosslinkable polymers which can change shape on irradiation by light (or by heating) for use in applications ranging from repairable composites, stress-free lens, non-shrinking dental filling materials and light-sensitive actuators which will have significant benefit to industry.Read moreRead less
MOF-polymer 3D composites for liquid organic hydrogen carrier utilisation. This project aims to address the hydrogen transportation challenge by utilising liquid organic hydrogen carriers rather than other techniques involving high pressures or cryogenic temperatures that need complex infrastructure. This project expects to generate knowledge in the hydrogen economy area using the novel approach of simplifying the separation of the liquid carriers before and after their release of hydrogen. Expe ....MOF-polymer 3D composites for liquid organic hydrogen carrier utilisation. This project aims to address the hydrogen transportation challenge by utilising liquid organic hydrogen carriers rather than other techniques involving high pressures or cryogenic temperatures that need complex infrastructure. This project expects to generate knowledge in the hydrogen economy area using the novel approach of simplifying the separation of the liquid carriers before and after their release of hydrogen. Expected outcomes of this project include largely enhanced hydrogen transportation efficiency by recently discovered new materials. This should provide significant benefits such as a huge economic opportunity for Australia, both for domestic low cost clean energy, and for export to Asia in the hydrogen economy.Read moreRead less
Chiral synthetic macromolecules - control of sequence and stereochemistry. This project aims to assemble a library of novel chiral polymers mimicking natural peptides with precisely controlled primary structures using emerging synthetic technologies. A systematic investigation of these synthetic materials will provide an in-depth understanding of how sequence and stereochemistry influence chemical and physical properties. Employing rational design principles, desired functionality could be optim ....Chiral synthetic macromolecules - control of sequence and stereochemistry. This project aims to assemble a library of novel chiral polymers mimicking natural peptides with precisely controlled primary structures using emerging synthetic technologies. A systematic investigation of these synthetic materials will provide an in-depth understanding of how sequence and stereochemistry influence chemical and physical properties. Employing rational design principles, desired functionality could be optimised through the selective modification of polymer structure. These materials should be able to emulate the unique properties and functionality of natural peptides/proteins, making them invaluable for biochemical applications, such as molecular recognition and asymmetric catalysis.Read moreRead less
High efficiency photoinitiators for novel photopolymerization processes. The radiation curing industry is worth several billion dollars world-wide with an Australian market of ca. $100 million and an even greater market in the Asian region. One of the main factors controlling the expansion of this industry is the development of new photoinitiator systems with improved performance. This project aims to combine the skills of three leading scientists in the photocuring field to develop more efficie ....High efficiency photoinitiators for novel photopolymerization processes. The radiation curing industry is worth several billion dollars world-wide with an Australian market of ca. $100 million and an even greater market in the Asian region. One of the main factors controlling the expansion of this industry is the development of new photoinitiator systems with improved performance. This project aims to combine the skills of three leading scientists in the photocuring field to develop more efficient, environmentally-friendly systems by controlling the initiation and polymerization mechanisms in (meth)acrylate, cyclic ether, cyanate and vinyl ethers. This should benefit local manufacturers exporting into the printing, adhesive, dental, lithography, composite industries and to the photopolymer industry generally.Read moreRead less
Exploiting the self-assembly of hydrophobin proteins to engineer functional nanostructuring surfaces. There is an increasing world-wide demand for advanced nano-biomaterials with novel properties. We will use natural hydrophobin proteins to coat nanodevices and make them more compatible with biological systems. Hydrophobin coatings will be applicable to biosensors, medical devices, diagnostics and drug delivery systems. The research will lead to an understanding of the basic mechanisms of protei ....Exploiting the self-assembly of hydrophobin proteins to engineer functional nanostructuring surfaces. There is an increasing world-wide demand for advanced nano-biomaterials with novel properties. We will use natural hydrophobin proteins to coat nanodevices and make them more compatible with biological systems. Hydrophobin coatings will be applicable to biosensors, medical devices, diagnostics and drug delivery systems. The research will lead to an understanding of the basic mechanisms of protein self-assembly and will have application outcomes that contribute to Australia being an important player in the field of nanotechnology. This is critical for Australia's long term competitiveness and productivity in and beyond the 21st century.Read moreRead less