New Biomimetic Nanostructured Coatings for Hip Implants. Over 30,000 hip implants operations take place in Australia each year, due largely to a significant and growing proportion of the population suffering from conditions such as osteoporosis. The coating on the implants, required to cause good bone ingrowth and adhesion between bone and implant, is far from perfect. We propose to spray coatings which mimic the structure of bone, and thus offer improved mechanical properties such as appropriat ....New Biomimetic Nanostructured Coatings for Hip Implants. Over 30,000 hip implants operations take place in Australia each year, due largely to a significant and growing proportion of the population suffering from conditions such as osteoporosis. The coating on the implants, required to cause good bone ingrowth and adhesion between bone and implant, is far from perfect. We propose to spray coatings which mimic the structure of bone, and thus offer improved mechanical properties such as appropriate rigidity and toughness, and stimulate better bone growth at the interface. In this way the implant should be much longer lasting and the need for undesirable revision surgery reduced. The processing technique proposed could also be a useful platform coating technology in a number of other industries.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
Charge-driven self-assembly of nanocomposites of ionic polymers and oxide nanoparticles. This project addresses the materials needs in platform technologies for more efficient and cleaner means of generating energy and utilising energy. It also aims at better catalysts for cleaner chemical processes. The novel nanocomposites with significantly increased active ionic sites and higher ionic conductivity, and better activity in catalysis will lead to possible new breakthroughs in technologies for e ....Charge-driven self-assembly of nanocomposites of ionic polymers and oxide nanoparticles. This project addresses the materials needs in platform technologies for more efficient and cleaner means of generating energy and utilising energy. It also aims at better catalysts for cleaner chemical processes. The novel nanocomposites with significantly increased active ionic sites and higher ionic conductivity, and better activity in catalysis will lead to possible new breakthroughs in technologies for energy, environmental and self-cleaning materials. The fabrication approach developed are also applicable to other functional nanomaterials, providing new opportunities for innovative nanotechnology to clearer and greener chemical and energy industries.
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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
Novel Waterborne Multifunctional Sealer for Asphalt Pavement. One of the long-term challenges and most serious problems faced by the asphalt surfacing and road construction industry is the rapid deterioration of asphaltic surfaces to the extent that they become unfit/unsafe for use in short time. The length of the Australian local government road system is approximately 810,000 kilometres and currently approximately $2,460 million/year is spent on road maintenance; the replacement value of ....Novel Waterborne Multifunctional Sealer for Asphalt Pavement. One of the long-term challenges and most serious problems faced by the asphalt surfacing and road construction industry is the rapid deterioration of asphaltic surfaces to the extent that they become unfit/unsafe for use in short time. The length of the Australian local government road system is approximately 810,000 kilometres and currently approximately $2,460 million/year is spent on road maintenance; the replacement value of the road asset exceeds $106,000 million. Thus providing satisfactory tough protective shield on asphalt pavements that locks out destructive elements and provide long-term protection is of enormous economic importance and national/community benefit.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0882926
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,000.00
Summary
Transmission Electron Microscope-Nanoindenter for Nano-Mechanical Testing. A transmission electron microscope (TEM)-nanoindenter enables us to record simultaneously the mechanical behaviour of materials under force and their structures and structural evolutions at sub-nanometre resolution. The acquisition of a TEM-nanoindenter will significantly enhance the capability of investigating the structural effect on the behaviour of materials under applied force, which is a key issue in materials scien ....Transmission Electron Microscope-Nanoindenter for Nano-Mechanical Testing. A transmission electron microscope (TEM)-nanoindenter enables us to record simultaneously the mechanical behaviour of materials under force and their structures and structural evolutions at sub-nanometre resolution. The acquisition of a TEM-nanoindenter will significantly enhance the capability of investigating the structural effect on the behaviour of materials under applied force, which is a key issue in materials science and engineering. The results obtained using the TEM-nanoindenter will reveal the fundamental origins of materials mechanical properties and will be used to improve materials processing procedures and to guide the design of stronger and lighter materials for structural applications.Read moreRead less
Functional Renewable Plastics: Developing Novel Polysaccharide, Protein and Natural Polyester Based Polymer Nanocomposites. Biopolymer based plastics (eg starch and proteins from plants; polylactic acid from wastes) are made from renewable sources and are readily biodegradable, making them good substitutes for synthetic plastics for uses like packaging and agricultural film.
Some biopolymer plastics properties (eg water migration barrier, strength) are not as high as synthetic plastics. Creat ....Functional Renewable Plastics: Developing Novel Polysaccharide, Protein and Natural Polyester Based Polymer Nanocomposites. Biopolymer based plastics (eg starch and proteins from plants; polylactic acid from wastes) are made from renewable sources and are readily biodegradable, making them good substitutes for synthetic plastics for uses like packaging and agricultural film.
Some biopolymer plastics properties (eg water migration barrier, strength) are not as high as synthetic plastics. Creating nano-biocomposites (biopolymer plastics mixed with low levels of nano particles) will improve the properties of biopolymer plastics, giving novel materials that can be substituted for synthetic plastics in a wider range of applications.
These products will reduce our environmental impact, and also create economic benefits from novel, high-value nano-biocomposites.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
NANOCOMPOSITE PROTON-CONDUCTING MEMBRANES FOR FUEL CELL APPLICATIONS. This project aims to develop a new class of proton-conducting materials with high proton-conductivity, low gas permeability and good thermal stability for application to fuel cells. The strategy for such a new material is to exploit the unique properties of nanoscale particles of metal phosphates and silicates, hybridised with proton-conducting polymers. Such new materials will be enabling technology for commercialising both ....NANOCOMPOSITE PROTON-CONDUCTING MEMBRANES FOR FUEL CELL APPLICATIONS. This project aims to develop a new class of proton-conducting materials with high proton-conductivity, low gas permeability and good thermal stability for application to fuel cells. The strategy for such a new material is to exploit the unique properties of nanoscale particles of metal phosphates and silicates, hybridised with proton-conducting polymers. Such new materials will be enabling technology for commercialising both hydrogen and methanol fuel cells, promising a revolutionary clean energy supply particularly for transport vehicles and mobile devices. The project addresses the synthesis and characterisation of nanostructured composite of proton-conducting nanoparticles, a key to high performance fuel cell membranes.Read moreRead less