Development of PVC-Based Polymer Nanocomposites. The aim of the project is to develop a PVC polymer nanocomposite material to be used in water pipelines. It has been found that the inclusion of a nanoparticle phase, in this case calcium carbonate, leads to increases in strength, stiffness, toughness and abrasion resistance. This proposed project will develop and assess an optimum material in addition to investigating the mechanisms of deformation.
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
Nanostructure Design and Toughening Mechanisms of Novel Thermosets. The research will enable a new technology to manufacture a class of novel nanostructured thermosets that will impact many application areas in Australia, such as protective surface coatings, structural adhesives and composite matrix materials for aerospace and automotive, and microelectronic devices, etc. The intellectual properties and patents generated will contribute to the overall competitiveness and productivity of Australi ....Nanostructure Design and Toughening Mechanisms of Novel Thermosets. The research will enable a new technology to manufacture a class of novel nanostructured thermosets that will impact many application areas in Australia, such as protective surface coatings, structural adhesives and composite matrix materials for aerospace and automotive, and microelectronic devices, etc. The intellectual properties and patents generated will contribute to the overall competitiveness and productivity of Australia~{!/~}s R&D. They will also provide business opportunities to develop niche markets for these new and high-value added materials on a large scale in Australia so as to maximise return and create jobs. Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354521
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$10,000.00
Summary
Network for Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications. Advances in modern technology and a competitive manufacturing industry depend critically on new and improved materials. The pace of change is rapid, and many countries are taking steps to improve and coordinate developments. Australia has a very successful record of materials research and innovation and is developing a substantial infrastructure in the area. However, the materials research community is scattered, and research effect ....Network for Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications. Advances in modern technology and a competitive manufacturing industry depend critically on new and improved materials. The pace of change is rapid, and many countries are taking steps to improve and coordinate developments. Australia has a very successful record of materials research and innovation and is developing a substantial infrastructure in the area. However, the materials research community is scattered, and research effectiveness is sometimes lessened by a lack of critical mass. This network will bring together university, government and industry researchers, and promote collaborative research, access to each other's facilities, staff and student exchanges, improved access to existing infrastructure and coordinated planning for new acquisitions.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
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0560981
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$160,940.00
Summary
Confronting the Challenges in Modern Spectroscopy of Polymers. Polymers and nanocomposites are increasingly being used in new, high value applications as diverse as medicine, structural engineering, optics and electronics. In order to control and understand polymer performance, a detailed knowledge of the chemical structure at all stages in their lifecycle is required - in the liquid, rubber and solid states and during degradation. This application seeks to establish a coordinated Polymer Spectr ....Confronting the Challenges in Modern Spectroscopy of Polymers. Polymers and nanocomposites are increasingly being used in new, high value applications as diverse as medicine, structural engineering, optics and electronics. In order to control and understand polymer performance, a detailed knowledge of the chemical structure at all stages in their lifecycle is required - in the liquid, rubber and solid states and during degradation. This application seeks to establish a coordinated Polymer Spectroscopy Network using new forms of infrared and NMR spectroscopy to probe samples (usually of an non-planar geometry) in a range of configurations. These will be used simultaneously with other techniques such as rheology or thermogravimetry, and will produce capabilities unique in Australia.Read moreRead less
Single molecule actuators. The study of actuation processes in single molecules will lead to the development of improved advanced materials for Australian industry and, ultimately, to the more futuristic and exciting nanotechnologies. The research will improve our understanding of how polymer artificial muscles function, so that these materials can be further developed to meet the demand from industry. Applications include biomedical devices, robotic applicators and various machine parts. In ....Single molecule actuators. The study of actuation processes in single molecules will lead to the development of improved advanced materials for Australian industry and, ultimately, to the more futuristic and exciting nanotechnologies. The research will improve our understanding of how polymer artificial muscles function, so that these materials can be further developed to meet the demand from industry. Applications include biomedical devices, robotic applicators and various machine parts. In addition, the research will also contribute to one of the greatest promises of nanotechnology: the development of molecular machines. We will demonstrate the mechanical forces and movements possible from single molecules so that the design of useful nano-machines can begin.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
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0883017
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$300,000.00
Summary
Advanced processing and characterisation facility for functional polymers and polymer nanofibres. The pilot-scale processing and advanced characterisation facility will significantly strengthen R&D capacity for innovative research and development of functional polymers and polymer nanofibres, hence adding value to the $10-billion plus market for plastics, rubber and biopolymers manufactured and used in Australia. It will further strengthen Australia's position in polymer and nanofibre research a ....Advanced processing and characterisation facility for functional polymers and polymer nanofibres. The pilot-scale processing and advanced characterisation facility will significantly strengthen R&D capacity for innovative research and development of functional polymers and polymer nanofibres, hence adding value to the $10-billion plus market for plastics, rubber and biopolymers manufactured and used in Australia. It will further strengthen Australia's position in polymer and nanofibre research and innovation.Read moreRead less
NANOSCALE NETWORKS OF ORGANIC POLYMER/C60 FULLERENE BLENDS FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY SOLAR CELLS. Recent demonstrations of increased efficiencies in polymer-fullerene blend plastic films provide the prospect of low cost photovoltaic elements with the potential for widespread application. Further progress with these materials is strongly indicated. We will characterise these materials at the nanoscale to make further improvements in film morphology and employ our expertise in experimental investigation ....NANOSCALE NETWORKS OF ORGANIC POLYMER/C60 FULLERENE BLENDS FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY SOLAR CELLS. Recent demonstrations of increased efficiencies in polymer-fullerene blend plastic films provide the prospect of low cost photovoltaic elements with the potential for widespread application. Further progress with these materials is strongly indicated. We will characterise these materials at the nanoscale to make further improvements in film morphology and employ our expertise in experimental investigation of transport properties to gain a more complete understanding of the electronic and photonic processes underlying photovoltaic efficiency. Australia is ideally situated geographically and has a strong tradition of inventive engineering from which we can benefit and capitalise significantly on further improvements in the materials to be investigated.Read moreRead less