Novel Tough Polymer Composites. Advanced composites are used in high value-added applications such as computer chip packaging and aerospace applications. In these applications epoxy systems are used despite their inherent brittleness. Much research has focused on toughening epoxy systems, but most tougheners cause a reduction in processing or material properties. This project focuses on developing novel epoxy tougheners during the polymerisation of the epoxy-based composite. Specifically we will ....Novel Tough Polymer Composites. Advanced composites are used in high value-added applications such as computer chip packaging and aerospace applications. In these applications epoxy systems are used despite their inherent brittleness. Much research has focused on toughening epoxy systems, but most tougheners cause a reduction in processing or material properties. This project focuses on developing novel epoxy tougheners during the polymerisation of the epoxy-based composite. Specifically we will use novel hyperbranched [star-like] polymers that have excellent processing properties, high reactivity for structure control and the ability to control toughening at the molecular and macroscopic level to produce novel technology for advanced composites.
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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
Multifunctional Porous Nanospheres Engineered Composite Membranes for Hydrogen and Methanol Fuel Cells. Increasing concerns about greenhouse gas emissions and dwindling petroleum supplies have driven the development and commercialisation of fuel cells. The development of novel nanocomposite membranes will possibly lead to the materials breakthrough necessary for advancing both hydrogen and methanol fuel cell technologies, significantly benefiting Australian clean energy supplies and in particul ....Multifunctional Porous Nanospheres Engineered Composite Membranes for Hydrogen and Methanol Fuel Cells. Increasing concerns about greenhouse gas emissions and dwindling petroleum supplies have driven the development and commercialisation of fuel cells. The development of novel nanocomposite membranes will possibly lead to the materials breakthrough necessary for advancing both hydrogen and methanol fuel cell technologies, significantly benefiting Australian clean energy supplies and in particular transport vehicles and portable devices. The synthesis strategies generated will be applicable to creating other functional nanoporous or nanocomposite materials for wider application. This project will also enhance the international reputation and impact of Australian research in the internationally focused fields of nanomaterials and fuel cell technology.Read moreRead less
Nanostructure Design and Toughening Mechanisms of Novel Thermosets. The research will enable a new technology to manufacture a class of novel nanostructured thermosets that will impact many application areas in Australia, such as protective surface coatings, structural adhesives and composite matrix materials for aerospace and automotive, and microelectronic devices, etc. The intellectual properties and patents generated will contribute to the overall competitiveness and productivity of Australi ....Nanostructure Design and Toughening Mechanisms of Novel Thermosets. The research will enable a new technology to manufacture a class of novel nanostructured thermosets that will impact many application areas in Australia, such as protective surface coatings, structural adhesives and composite matrix materials for aerospace and automotive, and microelectronic devices, etc. The intellectual properties and patents generated will contribute to the overall competitiveness and productivity of Australia~{!/~}s R&D. They will also provide business opportunities to develop niche markets for these new and high-value added materials on a large scale in Australia so as to maximise return and create jobs. Read moreRead less
De-consolidation and Re-consolidation of Advanced Thermoplastic Matrix Composites. The project provides a comprehensive physical understanding on thermal de-consolidation and re-consolidation processes in advanced thermoplastic composites during re-heating/cooling processes, such as thermoforming and joining. Mechanistic models based on theoretical analysis, experimental studies and computational modelling will be established to provide a unified approach to predict de-consolidation and re-conso ....De-consolidation and Re-consolidation of Advanced Thermoplastic Matrix Composites. The project provides a comprehensive physical understanding on thermal de-consolidation and re-consolidation processes in advanced thermoplastic composites during re-heating/cooling processes, such as thermoforming and joining. Mechanistic models based on theoretical analysis, experimental studies and computational modelling will be established to provide a unified approach to predict de-consolidation and re-consolidation processes. Optimum processing-windows will be established, with which the undesired deterioration in material meso-structures and mechanical performance due to de-consolidation is effectively minimised. The outcomes of the project will fill the gap in the knowledge for thermoplastic composite processing and will improve the integrity of thermoplastic composite structures in practical applications.Read moreRead less
Template-Free Synthesis of Zeolite Nanocrystals and Their Application for Zeolite-Polymer Nanocomposites. A novel method is proposed for template-free synthesis of zeolite nanocrystals, in which polymer hydrogels will be used, in-situ, to control zeolite nucleation and growth from precursor solutions. The as-synthesised and surface modified zeolite nanocrystals will be used to fabricate zeolite-polymer nanocomposites, which will have significant applications in areas including gas separation, ca ....Template-Free Synthesis of Zeolite Nanocrystals and Their Application for Zeolite-Polymer Nanocomposites. A novel method is proposed for template-free synthesis of zeolite nanocrystals, in which polymer hydrogels will be used, in-situ, to control zeolite nucleation and growth from precursor solutions. The as-synthesised and surface modified zeolite nanocrystals will be used to fabricate zeolite-polymer nanocomposites, which will have significant applications in areas including gas separation, catalysts and fuel cells.Read moreRead less
A Unified Approach to Determine Permeabilities of Fibre Preforms for Manufacturing Advanced Composite Structures. A unified framework is developed first time to determine 3-D permeabilities of fibre preforms for advanced fibre composites using homogenisation theories based on micro-, meso- and macro-structures of fibre preforms. Mechanistic models based on experimental studies, theoretical analyses and computational modelling are established to quantify permeabilities in different scales. It off ....A Unified Approach to Determine Permeabilities of Fibre Preforms for Manufacturing Advanced Composite Structures. A unified framework is developed first time to determine 3-D permeabilities of fibre preforms for advanced fibre composites using homogenisation theories based on micro-, meso- and macro-structures of fibre preforms. Mechanistic models based on experimental studies, theoretical analyses and computational modelling are established to quantify permeabilities in different scales. It offers a unique technique to determine 3-D permeabilities for manufacturing advanced composite structures using various novel technologies based on resin impregnation or infusion, such as VARTM and RI. The outcomes of the project will fill the gap in the essential knowledge for cost-effective manufacturing of advanced composite structures in practical applications.Read moreRead less