THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF BLOCK COPOLYMER MELTS AS NANO-MATERIALS. We shall theoretically study and predict the possible morphologies of a wide range of block copolymer architectures with a combination of simulations and accurate numerical theories. These block copolymer melts are of great technological importance because they can self-assemble into morphological patterns which are periodic on a nano-scale. Hence they are now being intensively investigated for uses in applications ....THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF BLOCK COPOLYMER MELTS AS NANO-MATERIALS. We shall theoretically study and predict the possible morphologies of a wide range of block copolymer architectures with a combination of simulations and accurate numerical theories. These block copolymer melts are of great technological importance because they can self-assemble into morphological patterns which are periodic on a nano-scale. Hence they are now being intensively investigated for uses in applications as diverse as lithographic templates for electronic and optical devices, nano-porous membranes and photonic band gap materials. We shall verify our theoretical predictions by carrying out experiments on the various molecular architectures that we have studied theoretically.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
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
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130100517
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Development of hybrid carbon nanotube yarn and processing methods to create 3D smart materials and devices. The project aims to create 'intelligent' textiles by developing novel electroactive yarns and demonstrating scaled up processing through adapted knitting, weaving and braiding techniques. By tailoring their structure these unique carbon nanotubes can be made to act as sensors or artificial muscles.
Nanofabrication of Organic (Plastic) Semiconductor and Superconductor Devices. Organic crystals and thin-films are the first known materials to display all four regimes of electrical conduction - insulator, semiconductor, metal and superconductor. Additional properties such as self-assembly, biocompatibility, molecular level control over properties and flexibility give them exceptional prospects for future industrial applications. We will fabricate organic transistors and conduct detailed invest ....Nanofabrication of Organic (Plastic) Semiconductor and Superconductor Devices. Organic crystals and thin-films are the first known materials to display all four regimes of electrical conduction - insulator, semiconductor, metal and superconductor. Additional properties such as self-assembly, biocompatibility, molecular level control over properties and flexibility give them exceptional prospects for future industrial applications. We will fabricate organic transistors and conduct detailed investigations of their electrical and magnetic properties to develop a fundamental understanding of these new materials. Most significantly, we will make the first use of an atomic force microscope-based oxidation lithography technique to fabricate nanoscale quantum devices that exploit the full range of conduction in a single material.Read moreRead less
Nanoarchitectonics of carbon nanomaterials. This project aims to develop a generic nanoarchitectonic method to create functional macroscopic carbon architectures using carbon nanomaterials. The project will manipulate the interactions among individual nanostructures by combining bottom-up synthesis with macroscopic wet spinning/knitting or three-dimensional printing assembly processes, leading to functionalities that contrast strongly with conventional nanotechnology. It will demonstrate the tec ....Nanoarchitectonics of carbon nanomaterials. This project aims to develop a generic nanoarchitectonic method to create functional macroscopic carbon architectures using carbon nanomaterials. The project will manipulate the interactions among individual nanostructures by combining bottom-up synthesis with macroscopic wet spinning/knitting or three-dimensional printing assembly processes, leading to functionalities that contrast strongly with conventional nanotechnology. It will demonstrate the technical feasibility of fabric supercapacitors, wearable strain/moisture sensors and carbon membranes. This project is expected to move the fundamental research of nanomaterials to advanced manufacturing techniques.Read moreRead less