High Temperature, Piezoelectric Polymer Membranes. This project aims to acquire new knowledge about the preparation of flexible polymer membranes that can convert mechanical energy into electricity (“piezoelectric” conversion) stably at high temperature (e.g. 200-500 °C). This will solve the current problem where only inorganic ceramic materials can be used for high-temperature piezoelectric conversion. The expected outcomes include a new approach to prepare polymer membranes capable of high-tem ....High Temperature, Piezoelectric Polymer Membranes. This project aims to acquire new knowledge about the preparation of flexible polymer membranes that can convert mechanical energy into electricity (“piezoelectric” conversion) stably at high temperature (e.g. 200-500 °C). This will solve the current problem where only inorganic ceramic materials can be used for high-temperature piezoelectric conversion. The expected outcomes include a new approach to prepare polymer membranes capable of high-temperature piezoelectric conversion using an electrostatic spinning technology. The new breakthrough materials will not only enhance performance and reliability at high temperature, but also offer novel applications in diverse fields such as “smart” protective clothing for firefighters. Read moreRead less
Elastic and biodegradable sponges/aerogels from exfoliated silk nanofibres . The aim of this project is to investigate methods to produce highly porous elastic sponges from silk protein nanofibres. These sponges will have optimal mechanical, insulation and degradation properties making them suitable for a wide range of applications including the biomedical and personal care sectors, where current products have significant drawbacks due to the use of non-biodegradable synthetic materials. Outco ....Elastic and biodegradable sponges/aerogels from exfoliated silk nanofibres . The aim of this project is to investigate methods to produce highly porous elastic sponges from silk protein nanofibres. These sponges will have optimal mechanical, insulation and degradation properties making them suitable for a wide range of applications including the biomedical and personal care sectors, where current products have significant drawbacks due to the use of non-biodegradable synthetic materials. Outcomes include new knowledge on controlling porous structures and tailoring properties to targeted applications. This project, by laying the groundwork for a new generation of bio-based materials, will benefit the Australian advanced manufacturing sector, and enhance Australia's standing in materials science and engineering.Read moreRead less
Superwettability effects on oil-mist coalescing fibrous filters. This project aims to provide new knowledge about how to use surface engineering techniques to produce highly efficient, energy-saving fibrous filters for separating oil mists from air streams. The focus is to address the challenge of the low efficiency of current generation coalescing filters for removal of oil mists smaller than one micrometre. The project will result in new methods to precisely control fibre surface wettability a ....Superwettability effects on oil-mist coalescing fibrous filters. This project aims to provide new knowledge about how to use surface engineering techniques to produce highly efficient, energy-saving fibrous filters for separating oil mists from air streams. The focus is to address the challenge of the low efficiency of current generation coalescing filters for removal of oil mists smaller than one micrometre. The project will result in new methods to precisely control fibre surface wettability and oil drainage within fibrous filters. The new knowledge and coalescing filters developed will benefit scientific and industrial fields including metal processing, automotive, engineering and manufacturing, electronics, food, hospital, mining, pharmaceuticals and energy generation.Read moreRead less