A Mechanistic Approach to the Compression Properties of Z-Pinned Composites. The proposed research is a fundamental investigation of the compressive mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites reinforced with z-pins. These composites are a new material with strong potential applications in aerospace structures subject to high compressive loads, however their compressive properties are poorly understood. Using theoretical modelling, finite element an ....A Mechanistic Approach to the Compression Properties of Z-Pinned Composites. The proposed research is a fundamental investigation of the compressive mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites reinforced with z-pins. These composites are a new material with strong potential applications in aerospace structures subject to high compressive loads, however their compressive properties are poorly understood. Using theoretical modelling, finite element analysis and experimentation, the research program will greatly enhance the fundamental understanding of the strengthening and failure mechanisms of z-pinned composites. A key outcome of the research will be design guidelines for optimising the pinning of composites for maximum structural performance in aerospace applications.Read moreRead less
Crystalline Mesoporous Metal Oxides for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electrodes. Our crystalline mesoporous electrodes will help realise the full potentials of solid oxide fuel cells. Such advanced fuel cell technology will drastically increase the power generation efficiency, and reduce CO2 emissions from present power plants, thereby transforming Australian energy industry and improving our environment. The design and development of novel crystalline mesoporous materials that find widespread industri ....Crystalline Mesoporous Metal Oxides for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electrodes. Our crystalline mesoporous electrodes will help realise the full potentials of solid oxide fuel cells. Such advanced fuel cell technology will drastically increase the power generation efficiency, and reduce CO2 emissions from present power plants, thereby transforming Australian energy industry and improving our environment. The design and development of novel crystalline mesoporous materials that find widespread industrial applications will advance Australia's knowledge and skill base, and help Australia's high-tech industries to stay competitive, including the development of new high-tech industries in Australia.Read moreRead less
Polymerization of amyloid fibrils and electroactive hybrid nanowires using ionic liquids. The electronics world is constantly shrinking with devices being miniaturised and increasing levels of complexity built in. To maintain this trend, new technologies and new device fabrication approaches are required. APD Byrne, will develop new materials based on amyloid fibrils by their facile conversion to a range of novel high strength electroactive nanoscopic wires with application in many electronic d ....Polymerization of amyloid fibrils and electroactive hybrid nanowires using ionic liquids. The electronics world is constantly shrinking with devices being miniaturised and increasing levels of complexity built in. To maintain this trend, new technologies and new device fabrication approaches are required. APD Byrne, will develop new materials based on amyloid fibrils by their facile conversion to a range of novel high strength electroactive nanoscopic wires with application in many electronic devices. One such device that will benefit from these nanowires is organic solar cells. Solar is a clean renewable energy source that can reduce Australia's dependence on fossil fuels. The development of new approaches and materials aimed at increasing solar cell efficiencies is an important outcome for Australia.Read moreRead less
Self Assembling Polymers for Novel Packaging Products. Have you had wet paper bags rip or stacks of boxes collapse during shipping? Novel polymer strength agents will be combined with nanoparticles to develop very strong paper packaging meeting Australia's needs. We will produce very strong paper packaging resisting frequent moisture changes while remaining fully recyclable. These strength agents will be produced and used in Australia to manufacture the fibre packaging needed to ship our manufac ....Self Assembling Polymers for Novel Packaging Products. Have you had wet paper bags rip or stacks of boxes collapse during shipping? Novel polymer strength agents will be combined with nanoparticles to develop very strong paper packaging meeting Australia's needs. We will produce very strong paper packaging resisting frequent moisture changes while remaining fully recyclable. These strength agents will be produced and used in Australia to manufacture the fibre packaging needed to ship our manufactured and agriculture goods within Australia and for export. The Paper industry is the largest manufacturing industry in rural Australia with sales of $4 billion and 5,900 direct and 85,000 indirect jobs.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0453915
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$280,917.00
Summary
Furnace to Test Nano-Geopolymers under Extreme Fire Loading. The deleterious effects of extreme fire on structures (e.g. buildings) are significant, whereby structures are designed to ensure that they do not collapse during fire causing human loss. At high temperatures, materials like concrete lose strength and deteriorate. There is a need in Australia for a shared furnace facility between collaborating Institutions to test, share knowledge and expertise, and compare advanced geopolymer materia ....Furnace to Test Nano-Geopolymers under Extreme Fire Loading. The deleterious effects of extreme fire on structures (e.g. buildings) are significant, whereby structures are designed to ensure that they do not collapse during fire causing human loss. At high temperatures, materials like concrete lose strength and deteriorate. There is a need in Australia for a shared furnace facility between collaborating Institutions to test, share knowledge and expertise, and compare advanced geopolymer materials to different types of concrete when exposed to extreme fire and temperature (e.g. hydrocarbon fire). Geopolymers material offer fire resistance potential, but this needs to be quantified and linked to microstructure prior to commercial acceptance.Read moreRead less
Optimising paint adhesion to polymers. The Australian automotive export market (vehicles, parts, engines) is worth approximately $4,500 million p.a. and is a major employer in many areas. A reliable, cheap and efficient method for preparing polymer surfaces for painting will significantly benefit that market. The ability to manufacture quality, cheaper, lightweight parts improves the competitiveness of the local automotive industry. More importantly, a technology for production of cheap, high qu ....Optimising paint adhesion to polymers. The Australian automotive export market (vehicles, parts, engines) is worth approximately $4,500 million p.a. and is a major employer in many areas. A reliable, cheap and efficient method for preparing polymer surfaces for painting will significantly benefit that market. The ability to manufacture quality, cheaper, lightweight parts improves the competitiveness of the local automotive industry. More importantly, a technology for production of cheap, high quality painted polymer surfaces vastly improves the competitiveness of local component manufacturers who supply to international vehicle manufacturers. This project falls under the National Research Priority Area 'Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries'.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0453480
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$236,899.00
Summary
Nanostructured Polymer Processing Network. The Nanostructured Polymer Processing Network will promote the understanding and manipulation of the processing of novel nanostructured plastic materials. High technology, online polymer processing equipment will be sought that will enable the design of nanostructured polymers via a range of techniques including insitu polymerisation, nanocomposites and polymer blending which are ideal for designing high value nanostructured polymers that are tailored f ....Nanostructured Polymer Processing Network. The Nanostructured Polymer Processing Network will promote the understanding and manipulation of the processing of novel nanostructured plastic materials. High technology, online polymer processing equipment will be sought that will enable the design of nanostructured polymers via a range of techniques including insitu polymerisation, nanocomposites and polymer blending which are ideal for designing high value nanostructured polymers that are tailored for high performance applications. The equipment in this proposal, when combined with existing leading edge polymer characterisation and analysis equipment, will provide a Network with international state-of-the-art equipment that will fast track the success of integrated research projects across the sites.Read moreRead less
New Electron Field Emission Films Based on Aligned Carbon Nanotube Guests in Liquid Crystalline Polymer Hosts. This project seeks to develop a new class of electron field emitting nanocomposite consisting of nanotubes in liquid crystalline polymers. Electron emitting materials are in much demand in x-ray and microwave generation, computer displays and low-energy lighting. We utilise the ready alignability of liquid crystalline units in magnetic fields to cause realignment of incorporated carbon ....New Electron Field Emission Films Based on Aligned Carbon Nanotube Guests in Liquid Crystalline Polymer Hosts. This project seeks to develop a new class of electron field emitting nanocomposite consisting of nanotubes in liquid crystalline polymers. Electron emitting materials are in much demand in x-ray and microwave generation, computer displays and low-energy lighting. We utilise the ready alignability of liquid crystalline units in magnetic fields to cause realignment of incorporated carbon nanotubes, followed by polymer solidification to maintain orientation. It involves low temperature processing, contrasting very favourably with current problematic, high temperature processes. This allows materials to be cast on flexible polymer substrates, potentially enabling construction of cathode tubes to replace existing mercury-containing fluorescent lighting.Read moreRead less
Materials World Network: Nanostructured Polymer Templating of Liquid Crystals. Liquid crystals have a range of technological applications, with the most successful being displays used in computers, watches and calculators. These applications are dependent on controlling the interfaces of liquid crystals. This project will combine the areas of liquid crystals and polymer adsorption for the preparation of a new class of intelligent nanomaterials with well-defined properties. These engineered mater ....Materials World Network: Nanostructured Polymer Templating of Liquid Crystals. Liquid crystals have a range of technological applications, with the most successful being displays used in computers, watches and calculators. These applications are dependent on controlling the interfaces of liquid crystals. This project will combine the areas of liquid crystals and polymer adsorption for the preparation of a new class of intelligent nanomaterials with well-defined properties. These engineered materials are of interest in industrial applications, including the development of chemical and biological sensors and drug delivery vehicles. This program also strengthens the ties between two world-class nanotechnology groups, capturing new opportunities in nanostructured materials.Read moreRead less
CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer) Strengthening of Steel Structures. The research will produce a breakthrough in understanding the bond characteristics between CFRP and steel. It will develop strengthening techniques for steel structures. The project will contribute to improved cost effectiveness and safety of steel structures thereby contributing to the socio-economic well-being of Australia including the road, offshore, building and mining industries. It will increase the international co ....CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer) Strengthening of Steel Structures. The research will produce a breakthrough in understanding the bond characteristics between CFRP and steel. It will develop strengthening techniques for steel structures. The project will contribute to improved cost effectiveness and safety of steel structures thereby contributing to the socio-economic well-being of Australia including the road, offshore, building and mining industries. It will increase the international competitiveness of the Australian steel industry and Australia's infrastructure maintenance capability. Furthermore, Australia will be better positioned for potential technology transfer to Asian countries in this technical area.Read moreRead less