Fundamental studies in extensional rheology of polymers and biomacromolecules. Long molecules such as polymers, DNA and other biopolymers are of significant practical and fundamental interest. The behaviour of such polymers in extensional or stretching flows and the consequent stresses generated can be measured as a result of advances in instrumentation pioneered at Monash University. This research program builds on this foundation to understand the effects of molecular architecture on the prope ....Fundamental studies in extensional rheology of polymers and biomacromolecules. Long molecules such as polymers, DNA and other biopolymers are of significant practical and fundamental interest. The behaviour of such polymers in extensional or stretching flows and the consequent stresses generated can be measured as a result of advances in instrumentation pioneered at Monash University. This research program builds on this foundation to understand the effects of molecular architecture on the properties of macromolecules and to rigorously test several innovative theoretical concepts that have been advanced over the last 20 years. Such knowledge allows the tailoring of polymer shape to their end use and permits the design of novel polymers.Read moreRead less
On-demand 3D polymer scaffolds for directed stem cell differentiation. The project will develop new polymer gels that can be sculpted into shapes, representing tissues and organs. This 3D scaffold will provide a surface with biological signals to create functional tissues from stem cells. The approach will create engineered intestinal tissue with great promise to increase the survival rates of colon cancer patients.
Programming the Microstructure of 3D Printed Objects . This project aims to apply state-of-the-art living polymerisation techniques to 3D printing to efficiently produce customised polymer materials that are tailored at the molecular level. By combining computational modeling and experimental approach, fast and oxygen tolerant photoliving radical polymerisation will be developed and applied to 3D printing. These new systems will produce highly structured polymer materials with remarkable mechani ....Programming the Microstructure of 3D Printed Objects . This project aims to apply state-of-the-art living polymerisation techniques to 3D printing to efficiently produce customised polymer materials that are tailored at the molecular level. By combining computational modeling and experimental approach, fast and oxygen tolerant photoliving radical polymerisation will be developed and applied to 3D printing. These new systems will produce highly structured polymer materials with remarkable mechanical properties. The effect of nanostructure on the macroscopic material properties will be investigated. The intended outcome of this project will produce advanced materials with tailored mechanical properties via streamlined and accessible approaches.Read moreRead less
Membrane Fouling in Submerged Hollow Fibre Membrane Bioreactor Systems: Theory, Modelling and Fouling Control. The outcomes of this project will provide fundamental insights into the mechanisms of fouling in submerged hollow fibre membrane bioreactors (SHFMBR) and will provide a sound base for optimization of design and operation of SHFMBR systems. Given the crucial role of the SHFMBR in wastewater treatment and water reuse, this project will significantly contribute to the national priority are ....Membrane Fouling in Submerged Hollow Fibre Membrane Bioreactor Systems: Theory, Modelling and Fouling Control. The outcomes of this project will provide fundamental insights into the mechanisms of fouling in submerged hollow fibre membrane bioreactors (SHFMBR) and will provide a sound base for optimization of design and operation of SHFMBR systems. Given the crucial role of the SHFMBR in wastewater treatment and water reuse, this project will significantly contribute to the national priority area of 'an environmentally sustainable Australia (water-a critical resource)'. In addition, the outcomes of this project on quantitative simulation of the gel/cake structure and resulting transport phenomena will promote Australia's reputation for high quality fundamental and applied research in the area of membrane filtration. Read moreRead less
Development of Vibratory Submerged Membrane Systems for Water and Wastewater Treatment. While there has been a dramatic increase in the use of submerged membrane systems in recent years, fouling of these membranes remains a major limitation to their more widespread use with the commonly used antifouling approach of bubbling with air exhibiting serious limitations. Low frequency vibration of submerged membranes appears to offer substantial benefits with regard to increased flexibility of operatio ....Development of Vibratory Submerged Membrane Systems for Water and Wastewater Treatment. While there has been a dramatic increase in the use of submerged membrane systems in recent years, fouling of these membranes remains a major limitation to their more widespread use with the commonly used antifouling approach of bubbling with air exhibiting serious limitations. Low frequency vibration of submerged membranes appears to offer substantial benefits with regard to increased flexibility of operation (such as the ability for rapid turn up/turn down and the ability to minimise fouling in anaerobic systems)and is likely to further extend the use of membranes in water and wastewater treatment.Read moreRead less
Optimal design and operation of submerged hollow fibres for flocculated feeds. This project will provide fundamental understanding of the operation of submerged hollow fibre (SHF)membranes with flocculated feed and fouling control by bubbling. The SHF is the latest generation membrane system for water and wastewater treatment offering lower cost and reduced energy demand. The operation of the SHF with floc is radically different from conventional membrane technology and this project will provid ....Optimal design and operation of submerged hollow fibres for flocculated feeds. This project will provide fundamental understanding of the operation of submerged hollow fibre (SHF)membranes with flocculated feed and fouling control by bubbling. The SHF is the latest generation membrane system for water and wastewater treatment offering lower cost and reduced energy demand. The operation of the SHF with floc is radically different from conventional membrane technology and this project will provide the understanding necessary to optimise design and operation.Read moreRead less