Nanotribology and Nanorheometry: A Fundamental Study of the Dynamic Interactions of Particles and Surfaces at the Molecular Level. Friction and deformation occur from the mutual motion and interaction of microscopic particles and surfaces. This research aims to develop new theories and measurement techniques for these non-equilibrium phenomena by combining mathematical analysis and numerical computations with dynamic force measurement, surface modification, and surface characterisation on nanom ....Nanotribology and Nanorheometry: A Fundamental Study of the Dynamic Interactions of Particles and Surfaces at the Molecular Level. Friction and deformation occur from the mutual motion and interaction of microscopic particles and surfaces. This research aims to develop new theories and measurement techniques for these non-equilibrium phenomena by combining mathematical analysis and numerical computations with dynamic force measurement, surface modification, and surface characterisation on nanometre and molecular length scales. These insights and data will be critically important in designing low-friction surfaces that save energy and wear, in developing nanoscopic probes for the mechanical and structural properties of soft polymeric and bio-materials, and in making high performance coatings that control adhesion and particle aggregation in technologically advanced applications.Read moreRead less
Development of a New Type of Large-Area Robust Superhydrophobic Surfaces (MWN). Electrochemical manipulation will be used to produce robust metal surfaces of controlled roughness and characteristic size of the surface features in the 10-1000 nanometre range. Subsequent surface modification (e.g. self-assembled monolayers, silane chemisorption, plasma polymer deposition) will render these surfaces superhydrophobic. The surfaces will have highly depressed adhesion properties and hence a significan ....Development of a New Type of Large-Area Robust Superhydrophobic Surfaces (MWN). Electrochemical manipulation will be used to produce robust metal surfaces of controlled roughness and characteristic size of the surface features in the 10-1000 nanometre range. Subsequent surface modification (e.g. self-assembled monolayers, silane chemisorption, plasma polymer deposition) will render these surfaces superhydrophobic. The surfaces will have highly depressed adhesion properties and hence a significantly improved chemical resistance and corrosion stability. A viable procedure for the making of polymer imprints from the metal surfaces will be developed. This will form the basis of a new method for cheap fabrication of various superhydrophobic surfaces with large areas and specific functionality.Read moreRead less
Engineered Nanotube Membranes for Molecular Separation and Biosensing. This broad research effort on the development of nanotube technology will provide potential applications not just in separation and biosensors but also in nanotechnology, biotechnology, drug delivery, energy storage, and catalysis. Development of advanced separation technologies and ultra sensitive biosensing devices based on functionalised gold nanotube membranes and low-cost fabrications are an important direction for Austr ....Engineered Nanotube Membranes for Molecular Separation and Biosensing. This broad research effort on the development of nanotube technology will provide potential applications not just in separation and biosensors but also in nanotechnology, biotechnology, drug delivery, energy storage, and catalysis. Development of advanced separation technologies and ultra sensitive biosensing devices based on functionalised gold nanotube membranes and low-cost fabrications are an important direction for Australian innovation in these fields. They will bring competitive advantages for further developments and applications for molecular separation and biomedical diagnostics. These research outcomes will enhance Australia's capacity in frontier technology and build strength in new analytical and separation technologies.Read moreRead less
Optimising Froth Zone Performance in Mineral Flotation. Froth flotation is the most widely applied technique for the selective separation of valuable mineral from gangue mineral particles. This project aims to optimize the selective separation of valuable minerals from gangue minerals within the froth zone of flotation. This project has very high national significance as deficiencies in the froth zone performance of industrial flotation plants, leads to a significant loss of valuable mineral f ....Optimising Froth Zone Performance in Mineral Flotation. Froth flotation is the most widely applied technique for the selective separation of valuable mineral from gangue mineral particles. This project aims to optimize the selective separation of valuable minerals from gangue minerals within the froth zone of flotation. This project has very high national significance as deficiencies in the froth zone performance of industrial flotation plants, leads to a significant loss of valuable mineral from mineral concentrates, as well as a reduction in concentrate grade and quality. An expected outcome of this project will be a series of new tools and methodologies to optimize froth zone performance, which will have industry wide application.Read moreRead less
Optimizing tailings dewatering through interfacial chemistry and particle interactions. This project aims to improve the dewatering behaviour of waste tailings from mineral processing activites. Dewatering and disposal of tailings containing fine particles are serious issues which confront the mineral industry. Effective dewatering of tailings is determined by particle-solution interfacial chemistry and particle interactions. These properties will be manipulated by matching the molecular arch ....Optimizing tailings dewatering through interfacial chemistry and particle interactions. This project aims to improve the dewatering behaviour of waste tailings from mineral processing activites. Dewatering and disposal of tailings containing fine particles are serious issues which confront the mineral industry. Effective dewatering of tailings is determined by particle-solution interfacial chemistry and particle interactions. These properties will be manipulated by matching the molecular architecture and functionality of flocculants to mineral particle surface chemistry. Optimization of tails interfacial chemistry and particle interactions through conventional and non-conventional flocculants will be investigated and electoosmosis will be applied to achieve maximum dewatering behaviour.The scientific and environmental outcomes will be beneficial to all stakeholders.Read moreRead less
The recovery of Cu from chalcopyrite-pyrite containing concentrates, ores and tailings. Chalcopyrite, a major source of Cu, is often associated in ores with the valueless mineral pyrite. The development of more efficient methods for the retrieval of the Cu is of considerable economic importance to Australian minerals processing companies. We aim to develop methodologies allowing the more efficient :
- separation of chalcopyrite and pyrite;
- leaching of Cu from ores and tailing in a heap leach ....The recovery of Cu from chalcopyrite-pyrite containing concentrates, ores and tailings. Chalcopyrite, a major source of Cu, is often associated in ores with the valueless mineral pyrite. The development of more efficient methods for the retrieval of the Cu is of considerable economic importance to Australian minerals processing companies. We aim to develop methodologies allowing the more efficient :
- separation of chalcopyrite and pyrite;
- leaching of Cu from ores and tailing in a heap leach environment and
- leaching of Cu in a concentrated chalcopyrite-pyrite reactor environment.
These aims will be achieved via an integrated surface-solution speciation approach allowing the manipulation of surface properties.
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Anomalous interfacial air-bubble dynamics: the importance of electrokinetic effects in thin film drainage. Air bubbles play important roles in numerous systems including plastics and paper recycling, water treatment and mineral separation processes, foodstuffs, beverages, cosmetics, cleaning products, fire retardants, and natural systems such as rivers, oceans and biological fluids. The properties and behaviour of these systems and processes depend on how air bubbles in water interact with each ....Anomalous interfacial air-bubble dynamics: the importance of electrokinetic effects in thin film drainage. Air bubbles play important roles in numerous systems including plastics and paper recycling, water treatment and mineral separation processes, foodstuffs, beverages, cosmetics, cleaning products, fire retardants, and natural systems such as rivers, oceans and biological fluids. The properties and behaviour of these systems and processes depend on how air bubbles in water interact with each other, and/or with other materials. Currently our understanding of the bubble interactions is incomplete. The improved understanding gained from this research project will lead to better ability to control the properties of systems and processes such as those listed above.Read moreRead less
Model Studies of the Wettability of Reservoir and Seal Rocks as Recovered and After Treatments to Alter Surface Properties. Key contributions will be made to the science that underpins petroleum recovery. The combination of diverse expertise in interfacial physics and chemistry, petroleum geology and petrophysics provides a large innovative potential for the industry. Two graduate students will be educated in a rich multi-disciplinary research environment with a strong emphasis on both academic ....Model Studies of the Wettability of Reservoir and Seal Rocks as Recovered and After Treatments to Alter Surface Properties. Key contributions will be made to the science that underpins petroleum recovery. The combination of diverse expertise in interfacial physics and chemistry, petroleum geology and petrophysics provides a large innovative potential for the industry. Two graduate students will be educated in a rich multi-disciplinary research environment with a strong emphasis on both academic and industrial aspects of the problems. The research conducted will enable the industrial partners to improve existing technologies for predicting where oil and gas is trapped and for petroleum recovery.
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Multifunctional mixed matrix membranes incorporating aligned carbon nanotubes. The pressure on water supplies in Australia will only increase in coming years meaning that effective and cheap means of recycling water must be found. By developing a carbon nanotube-based water filtration system, we intend to promote the growth of Australia's world-class reputation in water remediation. The technological outcomes from this research will lead to direct economic and environmental benefits for the comm ....Multifunctional mixed matrix membranes incorporating aligned carbon nanotubes. The pressure on water supplies in Australia will only increase in coming years meaning that effective and cheap means of recycling water must be found. By developing a carbon nanotube-based water filtration system, we intend to promote the growth of Australia's world-class reputation in water remediation. The technological outcomes from this research will lead to direct economic and environmental benefits for the community and offer commercial opportunities for industry. Training research scientists of the future forms an integral part of our program as it is crucial to maintain a critical mass in this potentially forthcoming water based economy.
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Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0345760
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$210,000.00
Summary
Nanoscale Interaction Forces in Particulate and Molecular Systems. We seek to establish a world-class facility for the measurement of nanoscale interaction forces. The ability to measure forces between particles, polymers, emulsion droplets, bubbles, proteins and powders will augment our research capabilities in minerals and material processing, thin film technology, structured surfaces, and in molecular and bio-technology (eg. proteins, DNA, cells, bone, bio-implants). A Molecular Force Probe ....Nanoscale Interaction Forces in Particulate and Molecular Systems. We seek to establish a world-class facility for the measurement of nanoscale interaction forces. The ability to measure forces between particles, polymers, emulsion droplets, bubbles, proteins and powders will augment our research capabilities in minerals and material processing, thin film technology, structured surfaces, and in molecular and bio-technology (eg. proteins, DNA, cells, bone, bio-implants). A Molecular Force Probe (Asylum Research) instrument will allow precise and flexible force measurements on the nano-metre scale. The proposed multi-disciplinary facility will advance research in the areas of engineering, chemistry, pharmacology and biotechnology.
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