New Biomimetic Nanostructured Coatings for Hip Implants. Over 30,000 hip implants operations take place in Australia each year, due largely to a significant and growing proportion of the population suffering from conditions such as osteoporosis. The coating on the implants, required to cause good bone ingrowth and adhesion between bone and implant, is far from perfect. We propose to spray coatings which mimic the structure of bone, and thus offer improved mechanical properties such as appropriat ....New Biomimetic Nanostructured Coatings for Hip Implants. Over 30,000 hip implants operations take place in Australia each year, due largely to a significant and growing proportion of the population suffering from conditions such as osteoporosis. The coating on the implants, required to cause good bone ingrowth and adhesion between bone and implant, is far from perfect. We propose to spray coatings which mimic the structure of bone, and thus offer improved mechanical properties such as appropriate rigidity and toughness, and stimulate better bone growth at the interface. In this way the implant should be much longer lasting and the need for undesirable revision surgery reduced. The processing technique proposed could also be a useful platform coating technology in a number of other industries.Read moreRead less
New Types of Biomimetic Nanostructured Adhesives. Adhesives are one of the main ways in which we join materials, and have many advantages over other methods of joining. In this work we will make a new class of adhesive using nanotechnology that attempts to copy the very fine-haired feet of animals such as geckos who can stick to almost any surface, under most conditions. We will make these adhesives over large surface areas, and thus they will have commercial possibilities in a range of high tec ....New Types of Biomimetic Nanostructured Adhesives. Adhesives are one of the main ways in which we join materials, and have many advantages over other methods of joining. In this work we will make a new class of adhesive using nanotechnology that attempts to copy the very fine-haired feet of animals such as geckos who can stick to almost any surface, under most conditions. We will make these adhesives over large surface areas, and thus they will have commercial possibilities in a range of high technology industries, as well as in harsh environments. Because we will be able to manipulate the structure and observe property changes, it should also give us a greater insight into the adhesion mechanisms used by many small animals and bugs.Read moreRead less
Molecular modelling of the structure and mechanical properties of clay-based polymer nanocomposites. Nanotechnology is one of the most rapidly growing areas in the 21st century. Its world market is expected to reach US$2.6 trillions in 2014, valued at 15% of global manufacturing output. The use of clay nanofillers as polymer reinforcement is an emerging cutting-edge research and of paramount importance in Australia in view of its heavy dependence on mineral industries. The project will tackle th ....Molecular modelling of the structure and mechanical properties of clay-based polymer nanocomposites. Nanotechnology is one of the most rapidly growing areas in the 21st century. Its world market is expected to reach US$2.6 trillions in 2014, valued at 15% of global manufacturing output. The use of clay nanofillers as polymer reinforcement is an emerging cutting-edge research and of paramount importance in Australia in view of its heavy dependence on mineral industries. The project will tackle the core problems in this field. The research outcomes will lead to highly value-added mineral products and better process control. Furthermore, the application of polymer nanocomposites in automotive and packaging industries will significantly decrease energy consumption and CO2 emission, and increase the shelf-life for food and beverage. Read moreRead less
The development of super-toughened epoxies using a novel nanomaterial. Epoxy resins are widely used as structural adhesives and coatings in engineering structures. This project will address the problem of the intrinsic brittleness of epoxy by making it significantly tougher with superior performance and cost-effectiveness. Our technology for producing super-toughened epoxy will lead to a wide range of applications for new and existing products in the construction, automotive, aerospace, adhesive ....The development of super-toughened epoxies using a novel nanomaterial. Epoxy resins are widely used as structural adhesives and coatings in engineering structures. This project will address the problem of the intrinsic brittleness of epoxy by making it significantly tougher with superior performance and cost-effectiveness. Our technology for producing super-toughened epoxy will lead to a wide range of applications for new and existing products in the construction, automotive, aerospace, adhesive and microelectronics industries.Read moreRead less
Novel Waterborne Multifunctional Sealer for Asphalt Pavement. One of the long-term challenges and most serious problems faced by the asphalt surfacing and road construction industry is the rapid deterioration of asphaltic surfaces to the extent that they become unfit/unsafe for use in short time. The length of the Australian local government road system is approximately 810,000 kilometres and currently approximately $2,460 million/year is spent on road maintenance; the replacement value of ....Novel Waterborne Multifunctional Sealer for Asphalt Pavement. One of the long-term challenges and most serious problems faced by the asphalt surfacing and road construction industry is the rapid deterioration of asphaltic surfaces to the extent that they become unfit/unsafe for use in short time. The length of the Australian local government road system is approximately 810,000 kilometres and currently approximately $2,460 million/year is spent on road maintenance; the replacement value of the road asset exceeds $106,000 million. Thus providing satisfactory tough protective shield on asphalt pavements that locks out destructive elements and provide long-term protection is of enormous economic importance and national/community benefit.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0882926
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,000.00
Summary
Transmission Electron Microscope-Nanoindenter for Nano-Mechanical Testing. A transmission electron microscope (TEM)-nanoindenter enables us to record simultaneously the mechanical behaviour of materials under force and their structures and structural evolutions at sub-nanometre resolution. The acquisition of a TEM-nanoindenter will significantly enhance the capability of investigating the structural effect on the behaviour of materials under applied force, which is a key issue in materials scien ....Transmission Electron Microscope-Nanoindenter for Nano-Mechanical Testing. A transmission electron microscope (TEM)-nanoindenter enables us to record simultaneously the mechanical behaviour of materials under force and their structures and structural evolutions at sub-nanometre resolution. The acquisition of a TEM-nanoindenter will significantly enhance the capability of investigating the structural effect on the behaviour of materials under applied force, which is a key issue in materials science and engineering. The results obtained using the TEM-nanoindenter will reveal the fundamental origins of materials mechanical properties and will be used to improve materials processing procedures and to guide the design of stronger and lighter materials for structural applications.Read moreRead less
Functional Renewable Plastics: Developing Novel Polysaccharide, Protein and Natural Polyester Based Polymer Nanocomposites. Biopolymer based plastics (eg starch and proteins from plants; polylactic acid from wastes) are made from renewable sources and are readily biodegradable, making them good substitutes for synthetic plastics for uses like packaging and agricultural film.
Some biopolymer plastics properties (eg water migration barrier, strength) are not as high as synthetic plastics. Creat ....Functional Renewable Plastics: Developing Novel Polysaccharide, Protein and Natural Polyester Based Polymer Nanocomposites. Biopolymer based plastics (eg starch and proteins from plants; polylactic acid from wastes) are made from renewable sources and are readily biodegradable, making them good substitutes for synthetic plastics for uses like packaging and agricultural film.
Some biopolymer plastics properties (eg water migration barrier, strength) are not as high as synthetic plastics. Creating nano-biocomposites (biopolymer plastics mixed with low levels of nano particles) will improve the properties of biopolymer plastics, giving novel materials that can be substituted for synthetic plastics in a wider range of applications.
These products will reduce our environmental impact, and also create economic benefits from novel, high-value nano-biocomposites.Read moreRead less
CNTs-modified polymer composites for tribological applications. The growth of the Australian economy relies on continuous improvements in all sectors of production, manufacturing, operation and management where tribology is playing a significant role. System failure relevant to wear and friction over years and its impact on the Australian economy have continued to be a challenge for the community in the new century. The project is at the forefront of materials research, and the outcomes will pro ....CNTs-modified polymer composites for tribological applications. The growth of the Australian economy relies on continuous improvements in all sectors of production, manufacturing, operation and management where tribology is playing a significant role. System failure relevant to wear and friction over years and its impact on the Australian economy have continued to be a challenge for the community in the new century. The project is at the forefront of materials research, and the outcomes will provide (1) novel technical ways to optimise tribological performance of industrial contacting components, and (2) development of new wear resistant materials. The project will give Australia a competitive edge in the advances of tribology and nanotechnologyRead moreRead less
Development of a Cost-Effective Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposite for High Quality Gravure Printing. Gravure printing is the printing process of choice for long runs and high quality. The conventional process involves the manufacture of copper-plated, chrome-coated cylinders into which the desired image is engraved. The cylinders have high manufacturing and operating costs. The chemicals used in the process are highly toxic and therefore pose major threats to humans and environment. This proposa ....Development of a Cost-Effective Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposite for High Quality Gravure Printing. Gravure printing is the printing process of choice for long runs and high quality. The conventional process involves the manufacture of copper-plated, chrome-coated cylinders into which the desired image is engraved. The cylinders have high manufacturing and operating costs. The chemicals used in the process are highly toxic and therefore pose major threats to humans and environment. This proposal outlines the first attempts to develop a new and innovative hybrid organic-inorganic nanocomposite material to replace the copper plating and chrome coating. The success of the project will offer high quality, affordable and environmentally friendly printing service to both local and international clientele.
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Supercritical CO2: A Clean, Green Reaction Medium for Novel Polymer Synthesis and Modification. This project will lead to the development of new macromolecular structures with application in many areas ranging from drug delivery to the microelectronics industry. More importantly, the processes used to manufacture these products will utilise supercritical CO2 - a clean, green processing technology that can totally remove the need for using environmentally-degrading, volatile organic solvents. The ....Supercritical CO2: A Clean, Green Reaction Medium for Novel Polymer Synthesis and Modification. This project will lead to the development of new macromolecular structures with application in many areas ranging from drug delivery to the microelectronics industry. More importantly, the processes used to manufacture these products will utilise supercritical CO2 - a clean, green processing technology that can totally remove the need for using environmentally-degrading, volatile organic solvents. The unique properties of scCO2 will be used to develop new polymer materials and processes. This technology will promote Australia's commitment towards greener industrial alternatives, while simultaneously strengthening our science and opening up new possibilities in the rapidly advancing area of nano-technology. Read moreRead less