Effect of processing on microstructure of 'Biocrete' organo-mortar. 'Biocrete' is a novel organo-mortar whose composition differs substantially from conventional Portland cement based polymer mortars. It is a relatively new product with significant commercial potential because of its acid resistance and ease of application. However, the microstructure of this material is extremely complex and not well understood nor is the way the microstructure develops during the processing and application of ....Effect of processing on microstructure of 'Biocrete' organo-mortar. 'Biocrete' is a novel organo-mortar whose composition differs substantially from conventional Portland cement based polymer mortars. It is a relatively new product with significant commercial potential because of its acid resistance and ease of application. However, the microstructure of this material is extremely complex and not well understood nor is the way the microstructure develops during the processing and application of the material known. This project will use advanced materials characterisation methods to elucidate the microstructure and to quantify the effects of processing parameters on the microstructure. Such information is critical for further formulation and application development in important areas such as sewer relining.Read moreRead less
Prediction of Time-dependent Deformations in Post-tensioned Concrete Suspended Slabs in Tall Buildings. The proposed project aims to develop an analytical model that can predict the time-dependent deformations in post-tensioned concrete slabs considering concrete shrinkage and creep, cracking, and bond-slip behaviour. Over the past several years, numerous cases have been reported in Australia and elsewhere, of flexural elements for which the calculated deflection is far less than the actual defl ....Prediction of Time-dependent Deformations in Post-tensioned Concrete Suspended Slabs in Tall Buildings. The proposed project aims to develop an analytical model that can predict the time-dependent deformations in post-tensioned concrete slabs considering concrete shrinkage and creep, cracking, and bond-slip behaviour. Over the past several years, numerous cases have been reported in Australia and elsewhere, of flexural elements for which the calculated deflection is far less than the actual deflection leading to serviceability problems. The significance of this investigation hence lies in its potential to provide a solution to more accurately predict service-life deflections in post-tensioned concrete suspended slabs and validate the model with real-life deflections monitored over time on a current building project.Read moreRead less
Development of Ultrafine Aluminium Matrix Composites for Automotive Applications. This project aims at developing aluminium matrix composites using flyash, a waste product from power stations, for automotive applications. It introduces innovative processing and a new generation of metal matrix composites (MMCs) containing ultrafine ceramic particles. These MMCs will be tailored for selected applications such as disc brake rotors and drums. It is expected that an integrated system for processi ....Development of Ultrafine Aluminium Matrix Composites for Automotive Applications. This project aims at developing aluminium matrix composites using flyash, a waste product from power stations, for automotive applications. It introduces innovative processing and a new generation of metal matrix composites (MMCs) containing ultrafine ceramic particles. These MMCs will be tailored for selected applications such as disc brake rotors and drums. It is expected that an integrated system for processing MMCs and forming components be developed and prototype automotive parts produced. The results will lead to further collaborations with automotive parts suppliers in Australia and overseas to develop commercial products and enhance the export capability of the industry.Read moreRead less
Fundamental understanding of the environmental factors essential for environmental assisted fracture (EAF) of cast magnesium alloys. This project proposes a combined theoretical and experimental approach to understand the key environmental factors causing EAF of commercial cast magnesium alloys. Rather than testing all possibilities, it is proposed to establish a mechanistic understanding for EAF, and to test and expand that understanding through key experiments. EAF is a particularly dangerous ....Fundamental understanding of the environmental factors essential for environmental assisted fracture (EAF) of cast magnesium alloys. This project proposes a combined theoretical and experimental approach to understand the key environmental factors causing EAF of commercial cast magnesium alloys. Rather than testing all possibilities, it is proposed to establish a mechanistic understanding for EAF, and to test and expand that understanding through key experiments. EAF is a particularly dangerous and complicated form of corrosion. Existing experience indicates that EAF incidence will increase as magnesium alloys are increasingly used in more challenging applications. The results and insights from this research will help to underpin a major new industry and industrial applications.Read moreRead less
Room Temperature Rechargeable Sulphur Batteries. The project will lead to the development of low cost sulphur rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles and will contribute to the national priority goal of reducing and capturing emissions in transport to improve our environment. The project will take the incentive in establishing a leading national position in the development of low cost energy storage technology. The Partner Organisation, Nipress, has a close con ....Room Temperature Rechargeable Sulphur Batteries. The project will lead to the development of low cost sulphur rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles and will contribute to the national priority goal of reducing and capturing emissions in transport to improve our environment. The project will take the incentive in establishing a leading national position in the development of low cost energy storage technology. The Partner Organisation, Nipress, has a close connection to Australia. The company has imported raw materials (metal lead, 8000 tons) from Australia every year. The success of sulphur batteries technology will increase the opportunity of Nipress using more Australian raw materials.
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Development of high performance second generation superconductors. Robust, high performance high temperature superconductor (HTS) wire underpins a worldwide opportunity to revolutionize the electric power grid, transportation, electronics and many other industries with a new generation of high efficiency, compact, and environmentally friendly electrical equipment. This program combines our expertise in superconductor thin-film fabrication and characterization and expertise of a local industrial ....Development of high performance second generation superconductors. Robust, high performance high temperature superconductor (HTS) wire underpins a worldwide opportunity to revolutionize the electric power grid, transportation, electronics and many other industries with a new generation of high efficiency, compact, and environmentally friendly electrical equipment. This program combines our expertise in superconductor thin-film fabrication and characterization and expertise of a local industrial partner in the development of superconducting wires. The success of the proposed project will bring benefit to local industry and employment, and significantly enhance the international competitiveness in HTS of Australian industry.Read moreRead less
Developing new, water-based lubricants for sheet metal forming. There is increasing pressure on manufacturers, including the sheet metal forming industry, to use less toxic, water-based lubricants with a number of common additives being banned or being phased out internationally. In the case of automotive manufacturers, this is combined with demand for alternative sheet materials to reduce costs or cater for export markets. Efficient development of new lubricants or replacement additives require ....Developing new, water-based lubricants for sheet metal forming. There is increasing pressure on manufacturers, including the sheet metal forming industry, to use less toxic, water-based lubricants with a number of common additives being banned or being phased out internationally. In the case of automotive manufacturers, this is combined with demand for alternative sheet materials to reduce costs or cater for export markets. Efficient development of new lubricants or replacement additives requires a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between lubricant components and the surface of the sheet metal. This project will explore and model these interactions and how they are affected by the variables in a metal forming process.Read moreRead less
New Generation Lead-free Piezoelectric Ceramics for Acoustic Sensor Technologies. Cooperative research between University of NSW and Thales Australia to design new Lead-free piezoceramics is of critical importance to Australia's strategic leadership in underwater acoustic technology. This area has been identified by the Department of Defence to be a critical defence capability and essential to Australia's exploration of oil, gas, and minerals. Improved and new transducer components will provide ....New Generation Lead-free Piezoelectric Ceramics for Acoustic Sensor Technologies. Cooperative research between University of NSW and Thales Australia to design new Lead-free piezoceramics is of critical importance to Australia's strategic leadership in underwater acoustic technology. This area has been identified by the Department of Defence to be a critical defence capability and essential to Australia's exploration of oil, gas, and minerals. Improved and new transducer components will provide significant economic benefit to Australia through increased export of sonar technology, particularly to Europe and all Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliant countries. The project will produce highly skilled graduates ensuring an on-going basis for Australia's future innovation in this area.Read moreRead less
Optimising paint adhesion to polymers. The Australian automotive export market (vehicles, parts, engines) is worth approximately $4,500 million p.a. and is a major employer in many areas. A reliable, cheap and efficient method for preparing polymer surfaces for painting will significantly benefit that market. The ability to manufacture quality, cheaper, lightweight parts improves the competitiveness of the local automotive industry. More importantly, a technology for production of cheap, high qu ....Optimising paint adhesion to polymers. The Australian automotive export market (vehicles, parts, engines) is worth approximately $4,500 million p.a. and is a major employer in many areas. A reliable, cheap and efficient method for preparing polymer surfaces for painting will significantly benefit that market. The ability to manufacture quality, cheaper, lightweight parts improves the competitiveness of the local automotive industry. More importantly, a technology for production of cheap, high quality painted polymer surfaces vastly improves the competitiveness of local component manufacturers who supply to international vehicle manufacturers. This project falls under the National Research Priority Area 'Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries'.Read moreRead less
Multi-functional nano-modified cementitious materials for well cementing. By incorporating different nano-materials in well cements, this project aims to develop multi-functional cementitious materials with self-sensing properties and greater strength and durability under extreme conditions including high/low temperatures, high pressure and corrosive environments. The integrity and longevity of well cement are paramount for the safe, efficient, environmentally sustainable production of oil and n ....Multi-functional nano-modified cementitious materials for well cementing. By incorporating different nano-materials in well cements, this project aims to develop multi-functional cementitious materials with self-sensing properties and greater strength and durability under extreme conditions including high/low temperatures, high pressure and corrosive environments. The integrity and longevity of well cement are paramount for the safe, efficient, environmentally sustainable production of oil and natural gas resources. Cementing problems are the main factor contributing to incidents during drilling and completion of wells, necessitating costly remediation. It is expected that the novel cement developed in the project will produce safer wells with fewer (gas) environmental emission risks.Read moreRead less