Mechanisms and modelling of gels for protein separation. Gradipore approached Sydney University to collaborate on fundamental science needed to improve polymer gels for separation and characterization of proteins. These gels have many applications: e.g. proteomics and diagnostics. Presently, control of polymer microstructure in the synthesis of these gels is by trial and error. This project will create an accurate model of the process so pore size can be predicted. This involves novel work in ex ....Mechanisms and modelling of gels for protein separation. Gradipore approached Sydney University to collaborate on fundamental science needed to improve polymer gels for separation and characterization of proteins. These gels have many applications: e.g. proteomics and diagnostics. Presently, control of polymer microstructure in the synthesis of these gels is by trial and error. This project will create an accurate model of the process so pore size can be predicted. This involves novel work in experimental and theoretical methods developed by the Sydney University group. The result will be qualitative and quantitative understanding which can be subsequently used to tailor-make gels for new applications.Read moreRead less
STABILISATION OF TITANIA PIGMENTS FOR IMPROVED WATER-BASED PAINT APPLICATIONS. This project aims to improve the stability and optical properties of titania pigments in water-based paints. Tailored dispersing agents will be used to stabilise pigments in paints in both the wet and dry state. Enhanced understanding of the dispersing agents interaction with the titania pigment surface and the subsequent stability of the pigment in dry paint films will allow advances in water-based paint stability. T ....STABILISATION OF TITANIA PIGMENTS FOR IMPROVED WATER-BASED PAINT APPLICATIONS. This project aims to improve the stability and optical properties of titania pigments in water-based paints. Tailored dispersing agents will be used to stabilise pigments in paints in both the wet and dry state. Enhanced understanding of the dispersing agents interaction with the titania pigment surface and the subsequent stability of the pigment in dry paint films will allow advances in water-based paint stability. This understanding facilitates continued movement away from solvent-based paints required by environmental and health legislation. The potential growth in market share for the Australian pigment industry is in excess of $50M pa.Read moreRead less
Nanoparticles with designed morphology for surface-coating applications. Significantly improved water-based paints, with zero volatile organic content and organic opacifiers, are highly desirable for environmental and health reasons. The science needed to produce such paints has been persistently elusive. USyd and Dulux will collaborate to achieve these paints by using Australian-developed platform technologies that allow polymer architecture to be controlled at molecular and nanoscale levels. T ....Nanoparticles with designed morphology for surface-coating applications. Significantly improved water-based paints, with zero volatile organic content and organic opacifiers, are highly desirable for environmental and health reasons. The science needed to produce such paints has been persistently elusive. USyd and Dulux will collaborate to achieve these paints by using Australian-developed platform technologies that allow polymer architecture to be controlled at molecular and nanoscale levels. This will give us the means to make structured nanoparticles with morphologies that had been regarded as unachievable, and that are the key to dispensing with harmful ingredients in paints.Read moreRead less
Preparations, Properties, and Applications of New Hydrogels. This project aims to develop a new polymeric matrix system for improved biological separations such as fibrinogen, DNA and RNA. These new hydrogels and membranes will not only be capable of separating biomacromolecules, not possible within the existing systems, but will also develop a new size exclusion type separation system for electrophoresis. The success of the project will have a significant impact in the biotechnology industry. P ....Preparations, Properties, and Applications of New Hydrogels. This project aims to develop a new polymeric matrix system for improved biological separations such as fibrinogen, DNA and RNA. These new hydrogels and membranes will not only be capable of separating biomacromolecules, not possible within the existing systems, but will also develop a new size exclusion type separation system for electrophoresis. The success of the project will have a significant impact in the biotechnology industry. Particularly, it will provide efficient methodologies to fractionate a number of important blood products and strengthen Australian's leading role in this field.Read moreRead less
Rubbery nanoparticles for improved plastics, additives and adhesives through novel low-temperature polymerization. This project will create the enabling science for producing better pressure-sensitive adhesives, leather treatment, bitumen additives and engineering plastics, by the first-ever synthesis of acrylic latex at low temperatures. This will allow certain reaction processes to predominate that will result in molecular architectures that are very different from those currently made. The re ....Rubbery nanoparticles for improved plastics, additives and adhesives through novel low-temperature polymerization. This project will create the enabling science for producing better pressure-sensitive adhesives, leather treatment, bitumen additives and engineering plastics, by the first-ever synthesis of acrylic latex at low temperatures. This will allow certain reaction processes to predominate that will result in molecular architectures that are very different from those currently made. The result will be enhanced material properties, such as better-wearing leather coatings, greater scratch and shock resistance in vehicle and domestic plastics (with reduced environmental insult in manufacture and usage), improved endurance for bitumen road surfaces, and layered packaging that needs less adhesive per unit of strength.Read moreRead less