Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0775612
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,000.00
Summary
Nanomaterials Optical Characterisation Facility. Nanotechnology is expected to revolutionize a wide variety of fields, from medicine to agriculture, communications and electronics. However, the small length scales involved present significant challenges with regard to characterising the nanomaterials produced. The Nanomaterials Optical Characterisation facility will provide state-of-the-art equipment for examining the properties of nanomaterials. The equipment will be pivotal in assisting the de ....Nanomaterials Optical Characterisation Facility. Nanotechnology is expected to revolutionize a wide variety of fields, from medicine to agriculture, communications and electronics. However, the small length scales involved present significant challenges with regard to characterising the nanomaterials produced. The Nanomaterials Optical Characterisation facility will provide state-of-the-art equipment for examining the properties of nanomaterials. The equipment will be pivotal in assisting the development of next-generation medicines, implants, optical devices and surface coatings, further strengthening Australia's formidable reputation in these areas.Read moreRead less
Enhancing our understanding of metallochemistry in neurobiology with modern electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Many neurological diseases involve protein accumulation that appears causally linked to abnormal levels of metal ions in the brain. This project will use a special technique called electron paramagnetic resonance to uncover how these metals interact with specific proteins at the molecular level and how drug treatments can modify these interactions.
Vibrational Spectroscopy and Imaging from Interstellar Dust to Life. The outcome of this project will result in a more thorough understanding of the role of water in the atmosphere and in the Greenhouse effect, and will provide information leading to more accurate modelling of Global warming. The results will also lead to new insights into interstellar chemistry, the chemistry of cometary dust and the origins of life.
Stabilisation of Titania Pigment Slurries During Processing. This project aims to improve the stabilisation properties of titania pigment slurries during production. Current polyphosphate dispersants used by Tiwest are unstable under processing conditions. Tailored, robust dispersing reagents will therefore be investigated in order to provide improved stabilisation of pigments during processing. Enhanced understanding of the dispersing reagents interaction with the titania pigment surface and th ....Stabilisation of Titania Pigment Slurries During Processing. This project aims to improve the stabilisation properties of titania pigment slurries during production. Current polyphosphate dispersants used by Tiwest are unstable under processing conditions. Tailored, robust dispersing reagents will therefore be investigated in order to provide improved stabilisation of pigments during processing. Enhanced understanding of the dispersing reagents interaction with the titania pigment surface and the subsequent stability of the pigment will allow advances in processing and consequently improved final products. The potential growth in market share, by improved product performance, is in excess of $50M pa.Read moreRead less
Fundamentals and applications of dynamic interfacial forces in soft matter. The proposed program will make an internationally significant contribution to the fundamental understanding of soft matter on the nanoscale. This has a direct impact upon processes that are key to a wide range of Australian industries ranging from the manufacture of functional foods to minerals recovery to pharmaceutical formulation, where innovative solutions can substantially improve productivity, increase export pote ....Fundamentals and applications of dynamic interfacial forces in soft matter. The proposed program will make an internationally significant contribution to the fundamental understanding of soft matter on the nanoscale. This has a direct impact upon processes that are key to a wide range of Australian industries ranging from the manufacture of functional foods to minerals recovery to pharmaceutical formulation, where innovative solutions can substantially improve productivity, increase export potential and reduce environmental impact. The outcomes of this work, in the form of high impact papers and conference presentations, will build and enhance Australia's reputation as a world leader in nanotechnology and colloid science. Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100061
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$710,000.00
Summary
Extending frontiers of structural chemistry and biology through high resolution pulsed Electron Paramagnetic Resonance. Multifrequency high resolution pulsed Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) instrumentation will provide forefront technologies in identifying, characterising, quantifying and visualising free radicals and metal ions that are involved in fundamental chemical and biological processes in science and nature.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100057
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$200,000.00
Summary
A diffractometer for small molecule structural elucidation by crystallographic analysis. X-ray diffractometry provides an unambiguous means of identifying the three-dimensional spatial arrangement of atoms within molecules affording important insights into the origins of chemical properties. A modern diffractometer will provide information to help develop new functional materials, therapeutic agents and environmentally sustainable processes.
Controlling density, viscosity and crystallisation in emulsion explosives to enhance safety and efficiency of blasting operations. The performance of emulsion explosives used throughout the mining industry can be severely compromised by the effects of shear arising from pumping and detonation shock waves. Understanding how shear affects droplet coalescence and crystallisation is critical in differential energy blasting, where emulsion density and composition vary widely along the bore hole. This ....Controlling density, viscosity and crystallisation in emulsion explosives to enhance safety and efficiency of blasting operations. The performance of emulsion explosives used throughout the mining industry can be severely compromised by the effects of shear arising from pumping and detonation shock waves. Understanding how shear affects droplet coalescence and crystallisation is critical in differential energy blasting, where emulsion density and composition vary widely along the bore hole. This project aims to contribute to the understanding of the effects of shear, and develop new methods and additives to stabilise droplets and bubbles over a wide range of compositions and conditions. The goal of this project is to improve the efficiency and safety of rock-blasting operations, reduce environmental impact, and reduce operating costs, giving the Australian mining industry a competitive edge.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100748
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,000.00
Summary
Mechanofluorescent Surfaces for Understanding Complex Cell Traction Forces. This project aims to develop pressure-sensing surfaces that directly quantify surface forces, focused towards measuring complex cell traction forces. Understanding cell traction forces is a crucial challenge towards developing new materials for regenerative medicine. The surfaces, consisting of fluorescent polymer brushes, are expected to provide direct information on singular and clustered cell forces, which can reveal ....Mechanofluorescent Surfaces for Understanding Complex Cell Traction Forces. This project aims to develop pressure-sensing surfaces that directly quantify surface forces, focused towards measuring complex cell traction forces. Understanding cell traction forces is a crucial challenge towards developing new materials for regenerative medicine. The surfaces, consisting of fluorescent polymer brushes, are expected to provide direct information on singular and clustered cell forces, which can reveal new insight into how cells interact together. This may provide currently missing information on how cell-surface interaction forces modulate cell growth, differentiation and tissue formation. This insight is crucial to providing the underpinning science that can position Australia at the forefront of regenerative medicine.Read moreRead less
The formation of negative ions and neutrals in the gas phase. Structure, reactivity and mechanism. Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to provide information concerning the structure of a chemical compound: it is particularly useful when dealing with small amounts of biologically important molecules. It is also a facility in which charged species can be converted into transient neutrals. This project will (i) produce information about negative ion fragmentations in order to extend ....The formation of negative ions and neutrals in the gas phase. Structure, reactivity and mechanism. Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique used to provide information concerning the structure of a chemical compound: it is particularly useful when dealing with small amounts of biologically important molecules. It is also a facility in which charged species can be converted into transient neutrals. This project will (i) produce information about negative ion fragmentations in order to extend the applicability of analytical negative-ion mass spectrometry, (ii) form neutral molecules and related species which are found in stellar dust clouds and investigate their chemistry, and (iii) train graduates in ion chemistry to the highest international standards.Read moreRead less