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
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
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
Advanced polymer fibres with multiple functionalities. This project will add value to the local polymer and fibre industries. Australia is a significant producer of synthetic polymers such as polypropylene and the largest producer of wool. There is also local production of nanoparticles such as zinc oxide. This project will add value to all these producers through innovative uses and applications of different types of material. Combining organic and inorganic particles in a polymer matrix has no ....Advanced polymer fibres with multiple functionalities. This project will add value to the local polymer and fibre industries. Australia is a significant producer of synthetic polymers such as polypropylene and the largest producer of wool. There is also local production of nanoparticles such as zinc oxide. This project will add value to all these producers through innovative uses and applications of different types of material. Combining organic and inorganic particles in a polymer matrix has not been reported. This innovation will strengthen our position in research into advanced materials, which is a national research priority.Read moreRead less
Development of nonvolatile fast proton-transport materials. There are many problems with existing proton-transport materials for emerging fuel cell applications such as electric vehicles. A high proton conductivity and high thermal stability are some of the requirements for fuel cell electrolytes. The aims of this project are to develop nonvolatile proton-transport matrices based on zwitterionic liquids with various acids, develop polymer gel materials based on these, and characterize these ne ....Development of nonvolatile fast proton-transport materials. There are many problems with existing proton-transport materials for emerging fuel cell applications such as electric vehicles. A high proton conductivity and high thermal stability are some of the requirements for fuel cell electrolytes. The aims of this project are to develop nonvolatile proton-transport matrices based on zwitterionic liquids with various acids, develop polymer gel materials based on these, and characterize these new proton-transport materials by analyzing ionic conductivity, viscosity, thermal behaviors, and their interrelationships.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
Advanced Ionic Materials for Organic Photovoltaics. Australia will greatly benefit from the development of improved solar energy technology, as a means of addressing the issue of climate change as a result of continued fossil fuel use. Solar power is also advantageous as it also allows electricity to be generated locally where it is needed, which is particularly important for the many remote areas of Australia. The climate in Australia is ideally suited for the electricity production through pho ....Advanced Ionic Materials for Organic Photovoltaics. Australia will greatly benefit from the development of improved solar energy technology, as a means of addressing the issue of climate change as a result of continued fossil fuel use. Solar power is also advantageous as it also allows electricity to be generated locally where it is needed, which is particularly important for the many remote areas of Australia. The climate in Australia is ideally suited for the electricity production through photovoltaics, and this project will focus on improving the performance of these devices to enable their widespread use. Read moreRead less
Novel Fuel-Cell Structures based on Electroactive Polymers. The Discovery Project will tackle some of the challenging issues regarding the conversion of our society into a post-petroleum era through: Development and understanding of a new class of organic catalysts for efficient low temperature fuel-cells; Developing cheap and effective, ultra-thin, ion-conducting membranes for fuel-cells based on new plasma-polymers; and Integrating the components into fuel-cells suitable for stationary, portab ....Novel Fuel-Cell Structures based on Electroactive Polymers. The Discovery Project will tackle some of the challenging issues regarding the conversion of our society into a post-petroleum era through: Development and understanding of a new class of organic catalysts for efficient low temperature fuel-cells; Developing cheap and effective, ultra-thin, ion-conducting membranes for fuel-cells based on new plasma-polymers; and Integrating the components into fuel-cells suitable for stationary, portable and automotive applications. These outcomes will contribute to national research priorities: Frontier Technologies for building and transforming Australian Industries, and An Environmentally Sustainable Australia.
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Improving Tribological Performance Through The Control of Surface Microstructure Using Plasma Based Surface Engineering Technologies. This project aims to improve the tribological performance of a new type of rotary valving system required to operate under marginal boundary lubrication conditions. The intention is to develop innovative plasma based methods of generating inherently low friction modified surfaces through the control of microstructure. The latter will be analysed using focused ion ....Improving Tribological Performance Through The Control of Surface Microstructure Using Plasma Based Surface Engineering Technologies. This project aims to improve the tribological performance of a new type of rotary valving system required to operate under marginal boundary lubrication conditions. The intention is to develop innovative plasma based methods of generating inherently low friction modified surfaces through the control of microstructure. The latter will be analysed using focused ion beam milling. The performance of modified surfaces will be assessed in simulated friction and wear tests. Success could lead to more widespread adoption of the technology within the automotive industry with benefits for more efficient use of energy and cleaner exhaust emissions.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0882948
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$440,000.00
Summary
Multidisciplinary 'Environmental' Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscope. The present proposal is for a high resolution electron microscope for use in the development of new materials for the automotive, textile and bio-medical sectors. The new generation of automotive materials will be lighter and more crash resistant. New textiles will be 'active' in providing warmth and cooling through their conducting properties. They will also provide enhanced dynamic protection against physical ha ....Multidisciplinary 'Environmental' Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscope. The present proposal is for a high resolution electron microscope for use in the development of new materials for the automotive, textile and bio-medical sectors. The new generation of automotive materials will be lighter and more crash resistant. New textiles will be 'active' in providing warmth and cooling through their conducting properties. They will also provide enhanced dynamic protection against physical harm. The facility will support the development of new cellular scaffolds made from metals and polymers. These scaffolds will be used for tissue growth and engineering. The facility will also be used to support Deakin University's regional collaborators.Read moreRead less