Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE160100155
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$648,000.00
Summary
NanoMin; Quantitative Mineral Mapping of Nanoscale Processes. NanoMin: quantitative mineral mapping of nanoscale processes:
The project seeks to establish an electron microscope-based mineral mapping and analysis facility to provide rapid, quantitative and statistically reliable mineralogical, petrographic and metallurgical data unobtainable by other means in fine-grained materials. The proposed equipment can identify minerals in complex mixtures of sub-µm-grain size materials by virtue of an i ....NanoMin; Quantitative Mineral Mapping of Nanoscale Processes. NanoMin: quantitative mineral mapping of nanoscale processes:
The project seeks to establish an electron microscope-based mineral mapping and analysis facility to provide rapid, quantitative and statistically reliable mineralogical, petrographic and metallurgical data unobtainable by other means in fine-grained materials. The proposed equipment can identify minerals in complex mixtures of sub-µm-grain size materials by virtue of an integrated software and hardware system called NanoMin which incorporates a spectral deconvolution engine combined with a mineral spectra database. A key limitation in understanding complex materials is sub-micron to nanometer scale spatial variability of mineralogical phases. Imaging and quantifying these phases is now possible with the NanoMin system. This promises to open up petrological, geobiological, and materials science research in complex fine-grained materials.Read moreRead less
Understanding the deep mantle: experimental petrology at very high pressures. The great processes that shape the Earth at its surface, including plate tectonics and continental drift, can only be understood by appreciating how the interior of the Earth works. However, studying the deep Earth is difficult because of the enormous pressures and temperatures involved. This research proposes to simulate conditions in the Earth's lower mantle (that is, below 670 km in depth) by making use of an Austra ....Understanding the deep mantle: experimental petrology at very high pressures. The great processes that shape the Earth at its surface, including plate tectonics and continental drift, can only be understood by appreciating how the interior of the Earth works. However, studying the deep Earth is difficult because of the enormous pressures and temperatures involved. This research proposes to simulate conditions in the Earth's lower mantle (that is, below 670 km in depth) by making use of an Australian invented diamond-based ceramic, to double the pressure at which experiments can be performed. The information gained from this fundamental research will help predict how giant ore bodies form. The development of the high-pressure apparatus will also aid material scientists in their quest for novel materials.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL130100066
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,187,712.00
Summary
Understanding the Earth: a perspective from the science of advanced materials. The study of the properties of naturally occurring minerals and magmas under extreme conditions of high temperature and pressure is needed, for understanding the geological processes responsible for our mineral wealth. The same methods can also lead to improved design of new materials required for technological applications.