Tailored Biodegradable Polymers for Injection Moulding Applications. This project aims to engineer and scale up production of biodegradable injection molded products with tailored properties, processing and biodegradation. Specifically we will focus on novel materials and processing technologies in tandem with biodegradation understandings to expand the utilization of starch-based polymers. We will then combine fundamental rheological and polymer processing skills with and product development ex ....Tailored Biodegradable Polymers for Injection Moulding Applications. This project aims to engineer and scale up production of biodegradable injection molded products with tailored properties, processing and biodegradation. Specifically we will focus on novel materials and processing technologies in tandem with biodegradation understandings to expand the utilization of starch-based polymers. We will then combine fundamental rheological and polymer processing skills with and product development experience from both universities and the industrial partner (Plantic Technologies) to scale up processing and develop successful biodegradable products. This project will also enable an Australian owned start-up company with a broad shareholder base to generate significant export income through key commercialization.Read moreRead less
Novel biodegradable starch/clay nanocomposites with enhanced strength and moisture resistance. The outcomes of the project will make an important contribution to a new technology of biodegradable polymer nanocomposites based on natural starch and clay. The project has direct environmental benefit due to the complete biodegradation of the resulting starch/clay nanocomposites which will be able to replace some non-biodegradable polymers in packaging and disposable bags, cups and boxes, etc. The re ....Novel biodegradable starch/clay nanocomposites with enhanced strength and moisture resistance. The outcomes of the project will make an important contribution to a new technology of biodegradable polymer nanocomposites based on natural starch and clay. The project has direct environmental benefit due to the complete biodegradation of the resulting starch/clay nanocomposites which will be able to replace some non-biodegradable polymers in packaging and disposable bags, cups and boxes, etc. The reduction in use of non-biodegradable polymers will be helpful to solve the "white pollution" and improve our living environments. This study will result in huge economic benefits for the national agriculture and plastic industries since Australia has a large starch production, and will enable Australia to be at the leading edge in this area.Read moreRead less