High performance bioderived hybrid fillers for rubber composite. This project aims to address a significant problem in polymer composite synthesis by production and application of high performance bioderived hybrid silica fillers from renewable biomass feedstock. The project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of advanced manufacturing using interdisciplinary approaches in biorefining, filler and composite production and characterization. Expected outcomes of this project include a mo ....High performance bioderived hybrid fillers for rubber composite. This project aims to address a significant problem in polymer composite synthesis by production and application of high performance bioderived hybrid silica fillers from renewable biomass feedstock. The project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of advanced manufacturing using interdisciplinary approaches in biorefining, filler and composite production and characterization. Expected outcomes of this project include a more sustainable filler production process for producing novel bioderived silica fillers with properties superior to commercial silica fillers. The successful implementation of this project will lead to the development of a new advanced manufacturing industry, creating jobs in regional Australia. Read moreRead less
Transforming Australian bio-based industries through multiscale modelling. Agricultural and forestry biomass can be converted into feedstocks for production of biofuels and biomaterials via synthetic biology. A key challenge is the complex biomass microstructure renders it highly resistant to conversion, and pretreatment is crucial for enhancing process efficiency. Micro-CT imaging will enable particle characterisation and identification of changes in the fibre composition during pretreatment. T ....Transforming Australian bio-based industries through multiscale modelling. Agricultural and forestry biomass can be converted into feedstocks for production of biofuels and biomaterials via synthetic biology. A key challenge is the complex biomass microstructure renders it highly resistant to conversion, and pretreatment is crucial for enhancing process efficiency. Micro-CT imaging will enable particle characterisation and identification of changes in the fibre composition during pretreatment. This information will be used to create a virtual biomass particle model for an in silico investigation to inform optimal process design. The framework will transform the way biomass is processed, contributing to the growth of the Australian bio-manufacturing industry by making it more productive, profitable and sustainable.Read moreRead less