THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF BLOCK COPOLYMER MELTS AS NANO-MATERIALS. We shall theoretically study and predict the possible morphologies of a wide range of block copolymer architectures with a combination of simulations and accurate numerical theories. These block copolymer melts are of great technological importance because they can self-assemble into morphological patterns which are periodic on a nano-scale. Hence they are now being intensively investigated for uses in applications ....THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF BLOCK COPOLYMER MELTS AS NANO-MATERIALS. We shall theoretically study and predict the possible morphologies of a wide range of block copolymer architectures with a combination of simulations and accurate numerical theories. These block copolymer melts are of great technological importance because they can self-assemble into morphological patterns which are periodic on a nano-scale. Hence they are now being intensively investigated for uses in applications as diverse as lithographic templates for electronic and optical devices, nano-porous membranes and photonic band gap materials. We shall verify our theoretical predictions by carrying out experiments on the various molecular architectures that we have studied theoretically.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
Adaptive optical devices by microstructuring of nanocomposite materials. This project will develop novel nanocomposite materials and use them to fabricate adaptive optical devices designed and fabricated using innovative methods. Specifically, we will develop and characterise transparent composite materials comprising a dispersion of nano-sized inclusions within a polymer host. The properties of these materials will be tailored to allow fabrication of adaptive optical devices (e.g. tunable filte ....Adaptive optical devices by microstructuring of nanocomposite materials. This project will develop novel nanocomposite materials and use them to fabricate adaptive optical devices designed and fabricated using innovative methods. Specifically, we will develop and characterise transparent composite materials comprising a dispersion of nano-sized inclusions within a polymer host. The properties of these materials will be tailored to allow fabrication of adaptive optical devices (e.g. tunable filters and optical switches), which will be key components in future high-performance optical systems. Inverse scattering design methods will be extended to design two-dimensional bandgap devices which will be fabricated by microstructuring of the composite polymer materials.Read moreRead less
Radiative Cooling Tuned to the Spectral and Directional Infra-red Properties of the Atmosphere. Growth in the demand for cooling in Australia is a main driver for new power stations while global warming adds to cooling and refrigeration needs. This project extends Australia's leading expertise in solar control using nanoparticles into the area of active and passive cooling, enabling cooling at night to temperatures well below ambient, with little or no power and low cost. 'Cool' will be stored ....Radiative Cooling Tuned to the Spectral and Directional Infra-red Properties of the Atmosphere. Growth in the demand for cooling in Australia is a main driver for new power stations while global warming adds to cooling and refrigeration needs. This project extends Australia's leading expertise in solar control using nanoparticles into the area of active and passive cooling, enabling cooling at night to temperatures well below ambient, with little or no power and low cost. 'Cool' will be stored simply for use the next day. Our systems also allow efficient and low cost water condensation from the atmosphere. They will be of major benefit to developing countries in warm climate zones. High value products will follow, from paints to low cost cooling technology with energy savings around 50% or more.Read moreRead less