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Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0560818
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$154,000.00
Summary
A Pico-Newton Scale Force Measurement Apparatus for Polymer Physics and Non-equilibrium Statistical Mechanics. We propose to build a state-of-the-art Optical Tweezers apparatus that measures small forces and torques on micron-sized objects located in 'optical traps'. Using a single laser beam and computer-generated holograms, we will create arrays of optical traps that move or 'dance', and alter the force/torque-imposing properties of each trap. This proposed research equipment will be used (1 ....A Pico-Newton Scale Force Measurement Apparatus for Polymer Physics and Non-equilibrium Statistical Mechanics. We propose to build a state-of-the-art Optical Tweezers apparatus that measures small forces and torques on micron-sized objects located in 'optical traps'. Using a single laser beam and computer-generated holograms, we will create arrays of optical traps that move or 'dance', and alter the force/torque-imposing properties of each trap. This proposed research equipment will be used (1) to study the physics of single synthetic polymer and naturally occuring biopolymer chains, (2) to quantify experimentally, and for the first time, newly predicted molecular-scale forces, and (3) to demonstrate new theories in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics that quantitatively describe the operation of nanomachines. Read moreRead less
Microgel thin films for controlled release. This project represents a real and timely opportunity for Australian research to take a leading position in the field of stimulus-responsive thin films. The potential applications of the targeted advanced coatings lie in areas for which Australia is already a significant world player (water treatment, biomaterial/implant coatings, sensors) and will add value to these industries. The development of these "smart" films will have commercial potential for ....Microgel thin films for controlled release. This project represents a real and timely opportunity for Australian research to take a leading position in the field of stimulus-responsive thin films. The potential applications of the targeted advanced coatings lie in areas for which Australia is already a significant world player (water treatment, biomaterial/implant coatings, sensors) and will add value to these industries. The development of these "smart" films will have commercial potential for "next generation" nanotechnology or biotechnology companies. The project will increase the momentum of an internationally competitive research partnership. The training of a research associate, PhD and honours students will lead to competitive employment for these burgeoning scientists.Read moreRead less
A new angle on the coalescence of drops. Many processes depend on what happens when drops and/or bubbles collide with each other, or with the surfaces of other materials. Examples include inkjet printing, agricultural spraying, spray coating of paints, pharmaceutical formulation, stability of cosmetics and foodstuffs, formation of froths and foams, and flow of bubbly liquids. To control these processes, we need to understand how and why drops sometimes do and sometimes do not coalesce with each ....A new angle on the coalescence of drops. Many processes depend on what happens when drops and/or bubbles collide with each other, or with the surfaces of other materials. Examples include inkjet printing, agricultural spraying, spray coating of paints, pharmaceutical formulation, stability of cosmetics and foodstuffs, formation of froths and foams, and flow of bubbly liquids. To control these processes, we need to understand how and why drops sometimes do and sometimes do not coalesce with each other or adhere to surfaces. The knowledge gained in this project will enable improvements to be made in the efficiency of processes such as those listed above.Read moreRead less
Towards Nano-Assembled Light Emitting Polymer Films. Advanced materials constructed with molecular level architecture through controlled nano-assembly will benefit medical science, biotechnology and nanotechnology, communications and the electronics fields. The national research priorities of nanotechnology and advanced materials through nano-assembly will be promoted by this work. This research will assist Australian industries to further advance these processes and devices leading to better qu ....Towards Nano-Assembled Light Emitting Polymer Films. Advanced materials constructed with molecular level architecture through controlled nano-assembly will benefit medical science, biotechnology and nanotechnology, communications and the electronics fields. The national research priorities of nanotechnology and advanced materials through nano-assembly will be promoted by this work. This research will assist Australian industries to further advance these processes and devices leading to better quality, cheaper, more efficient products. The Australian community will benefit through economic and technological advances. These advanced materials will promote health and environmental wellbeing.Read moreRead less
Salt, Sugar and Sequence: The Effect of Molecular Forces on Polymer Conformation. We propose a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of single polymer chains, exploring how their shape or conformation, and stretching characteristics are affected by specific molecular interactions. Our tools in this study are both experimental and theoretical: optical tweezers, atomic force microscopy, as well as new theories in colloid science, and computer simulation. In particular, we will exa ....Salt, Sugar and Sequence: The Effect of Molecular Forces on Polymer Conformation. We propose a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of single polymer chains, exploring how their shape or conformation, and stretching characteristics are affected by specific molecular interactions. Our tools in this study are both experimental and theoretical: optical tweezers, atomic force microscopy, as well as new theories in colloid science, and computer simulation. In particular, we will examine the effect of different salts and sugars upon the properties of polymers such as DNA, and how monomer sequence can lead to dramatically different structures in solution which in turn will lead to novel materials.Read moreRead less
Single molecule spectroscopy of functional luminescent materials. This project will provide new insights into the light induced processes occurring in individual molecules of potentially useful luminescent materials. The molecules to be studied include new fluorescent probes of biological and polymer systems and single light harvesting nanoparticles with applications in solar energy collection and conversion. The program of work proposed will increase our understanding of light induced chemical ....Single molecule spectroscopy of functional luminescent materials. This project will provide new insights into the light induced processes occurring in individual molecules of potentially useful luminescent materials. The molecules to be studied include new fluorescent probes of biological and polymer systems and single light harvesting nanoparticles with applications in solar energy collection and conversion. The program of work proposed will increase our understanding of light induced chemical processes and assist the design of advanced materials for photomolecular devices.Read moreRead less
Improving Energy Efficiency through Cool Polymers in Building Materials. The advantages of using cool polymers in industrial applications such as building materials are significant. Cooler buildings are a positive contribution to our global environment with reductions in urban heat and smog through energy efficiency. Moreover, by reducing the overall temperature of the surface coating through inclusion and optimization of IR-reflective pigments, this should lead to polymers which are more durabl ....Improving Energy Efficiency through Cool Polymers in Building Materials. The advantages of using cool polymers in industrial applications such as building materials are significant. Cooler buildings are a positive contribution to our global environment with reductions in urban heat and smog through energy efficiency. Moreover, by reducing the overall temperature of the surface coating through inclusion and optimization of IR-reflective pigments, this should lead to polymers which are more durable when exposed in exterior environments. It is anticipated that the results from this work will have direct impact on the Australian paint market and potentially the commercial and residential building industries of Australia, combined with obvious economic benefits.Read moreRead less
Performance Chemistry of Thermoset Surface Coatings. Surface coatings employed in the COLORBOND® range of pre-painted steel products are remarkable materials that are warranted against fading, peeling and cracking for 25 years. Unfortunately, the desired durability can never be uniform across all applications and performance failures do occur and are costly. Classic durability testing often provides misleading information. This project aims to develop a sound mechanistic model for polyester-is ....Performance Chemistry of Thermoset Surface Coatings. Surface coatings employed in the COLORBOND® range of pre-painted steel products are remarkable materials that are warranted against fading, peeling and cracking for 25 years. Unfortunately, the desired durability can never be uniform across all applications and performance failures do occur and are costly. Classic durability testing often provides misleading information. This project aims to develop a sound mechanistic model for polyester-isocyanate performance chemistry and to develop strategies for 'superdurable polyester' formulations based on these findings. This research will provide recommendations to BHP Coated Steel Australia on adoption of isocyanate based technology in the COLORBOND® range of products.Read moreRead less
Polymer nanoobjects functionalized by polymer brushes: preparation, organization and integration in devices. The proposed project targets the collaboration between two leading research teams. The University of Marburg is leading in the area of the preparation of nanoobjects, while the research team at CAMD (UNSW) focuses on the preparation of well-controlled polymer structures via RAFT polymerisation. The combined strength of both groups seeks to improve the properties of nanodevices by the atta ....Polymer nanoobjects functionalized by polymer brushes: preparation, organization and integration in devices. The proposed project targets the collaboration between two leading research teams. The University of Marburg is leading in the area of the preparation of nanoobjects, while the research team at CAMD (UNSW) focuses on the preparation of well-controlled polymer structures via RAFT polymerisation. The combined strength of both groups seeks to improve the properties of nanodevices by the attachment of well-defined polymer layers. We expect therefore an optimum scientific output with both groups focusing on their research potency next to being able to access new knowledge. The visit to the German research group enables the Australian researchers access to a leading team in nanotechnology.Read moreRead less
Living Free Radical Polymerization for Nano Technology Applications. The proposed linkage project centres on a series of core projects from both the Australian and German collaborators. These core projects range from the synthesis of multifunctional nano- and micro-sphere particles, block copolymer systems used as efficient vehicles for drug delivery purposes to polymer brushes for nano-wires. The collaborating teams will carry out joint research tasks in the above mentioned fields via the excha ....Living Free Radical Polymerization for Nano Technology Applications. The proposed linkage project centres on a series of core projects from both the Australian and German collaborators. These core projects range from the synthesis of multifunctional nano- and micro-sphere particles, block copolymer systems used as efficient vehicles for drug delivery purposes to polymer brushes for nano-wires. The collaborating teams will carry out joint research tasks in the above mentioned fields via the exchange of the CIs and PhD students. The project is planned for a duration of three years to ensure an in-depth approach to the proposed projects.Read moreRead less