Synthesis of novel phases from Group IV elements under extreme pressure. Materials based on the group IV elements carbon, silicon and germanium are technologically important for a wide range of current applications. When exposed to extreme pressure, these materials can form entirely new phases with novel and potentially useful properties. Since there have been few previous attempts to establish which of the new phases are stable on pressure release and to measure their properties for subsequent ....Synthesis of novel phases from Group IV elements under extreme pressure. Materials based on the group IV elements carbon, silicon and germanium are technologically important for a wide range of current applications. When exposed to extreme pressure, these materials can form entirely new phases with novel and potentially useful properties. Since there have been few previous attempts to establish which of the new phases are stable on pressure release and to measure their properties for subsequent exploitation, this project aims to use novel approaches to address these topics. The expected outcome of this project will be new phases of group IV elements with novel properties that have potential for commercial exploitation.Read moreRead less
Understanding and optimising the microstructure of Germanium-Arsenic-Selenium glasses for superior device performance. The project will seek to use a combined theoretical and experimental approach to develop 'state of the art' optical glass materials for use in integrated nonlinear optical components. Such materials could be used as optical waveguides in broadband communication systems and offer the possibility of significant improvement in telecommunication performance.
Increasing solid electrolyte conductivity through defect design. This project aims to engineer electrolyte materials, based on organic ionic plastic crystals, and use isomeric doping to improve the ionic conductivity. The development of safer batteries relies on eliminating the volatile and flammable solvents commonly used as the electrolyte. Improving the safety and performance of batteries is important as electricity costs increase. Solid state ionic electrolytes can address leakage and volati ....Increasing solid electrolyte conductivity through defect design. This project aims to engineer electrolyte materials, based on organic ionic plastic crystals, and use isomeric doping to improve the ionic conductivity. The development of safer batteries relies on eliminating the volatile and flammable solvents commonly used as the electrolyte. Improving the safety and performance of batteries is important as electricity costs increase. Solid state ionic electrolytes can address leakage and volatility problems, but the conductivity must be improved if these materials are to support high battery power. The project’s electrolyte materials can be used in lithium metal batteries, which have higher theoretical energy densities than traditional lithium ion batteries. This project will develop new solid state electrolytes, with improved conductivity, and use these materials in emerging lithium battery technologies.Read moreRead less
Origin and impact of solute clustering in light alloys. This project is designed to provide a physical metallurgy platform for understanding and interpreting the role of clusters of micro-alloying elements in precipitation in light alloys and aiding new alloy development. Phase transformations play an important role in determining the mechanical properties of many engineering materials. Understanding the origin and impact of solute clustering in phase transformations is crucial for achieving unp ....Origin and impact of solute clustering in light alloys. This project is designed to provide a physical metallurgy platform for understanding and interpreting the role of clusters of micro-alloying elements in precipitation in light alloys and aiding new alloy development. Phase transformations play an important role in determining the mechanical properties of many engineering materials. Understanding the origin and impact of solute clustering in phase transformations is crucial for achieving unprecedented properties in these materials. This project plans to combine atomic-scale characterisation and multi-scale computation to reveal the geometry and energetics of solute clusters and cluster-assisted nucleation in light alloys based on aluminium and magnesium. Applications may include the development of stronger and less costly metallic materials for the aerospace, aircraft and automotive industries.Read moreRead less
Engineered nanoassmblies for energy conversion. This research will lead to development of clean energy technology that can compete with the traditional energy sources without subsidies, and facilitate long-term solution to the energy crisis and global warming. It will also bring significant benefit to Australian industries and economy and assist achievement of renewable energy target.
Advanced Materials from Automated Synthesis of Sequence-Defined Polymers. The project aims to develop industrially scalable and environmentally friendly methods for synthesis of sequence-defined multiblock copolymers (polymer chains containing segments of different polymer types) using automated synthesis methods. The materials to be explored will be largely based on renewable biomass-derived monomeric building blocks. Such polymers are able to undergo microphase separation into spatially period ....Advanced Materials from Automated Synthesis of Sequence-Defined Polymers. The project aims to develop industrially scalable and environmentally friendly methods for synthesis of sequence-defined multiblock copolymers (polymer chains containing segments of different polymer types) using automated synthesis methods. The materials to be explored will be largely based on renewable biomass-derived monomeric building blocks. Such polymers are able to undergo microphase separation into spatially periodic compositional patterns, thereby providing access to a vast range of nano-engineered materials. This would enable design and synthesis of new advanced materials, making use of renewable resources and supporting the circular economy, with diverse potential applications ranging from nanomedicine to materials science.Read moreRead less
Unlocking the diverse property profile of ultra-lightweight magnesium alloys. This project aims to develop the theory behind why micro alloying contributes to the formation of surface film properties. The exemplar is a prototype Magnesium-Lithium (Mg-Li) base alloy, with high specific-strength and corrosion resistance. This project will lead to the development of a new processable ultra-lightweight, corrosion resistant Mg-Li alloy family that is stronger than the prototype alloy, and with, at le ....Unlocking the diverse property profile of ultra-lightweight magnesium alloys. This project aims to develop the theory behind why micro alloying contributes to the formation of surface film properties. The exemplar is a prototype Magnesium-Lithium (Mg-Li) base alloy, with high specific-strength and corrosion resistance. This project will lead to the development of a new processable ultra-lightweight, corrosion resistant Mg-Li alloy family that is stronger than the prototype alloy, and with, at least, comparable ductility and corrosion resistance. Not only will the outcomes of the work be a fundamental advance to the fields of metallurgy and corrosion science, they will lead to the identification of an optimised compositional window for creating our second generation Mg-Li alloy family capable of being manufactured into ultra-lightweight, corrosion resistant metal products.Read moreRead less
Design of tuneable microstructures for additive manufacturing. The project intends to develop methods to tune the microstructure of materials in additive manufacturing so that components can be manufactured with maximum productivity and properties. Additive manufacturing is leading the mass customisation of manufacturing. Designed tunable microstructures enable structure and properties to be tailored for specific applications. One of the greatest challenges, however, is how to control the scale ....Design of tuneable microstructures for additive manufacturing. The project intends to develop methods to tune the microstructure of materials in additive manufacturing so that components can be manufactured with maximum productivity and properties. Additive manufacturing is leading the mass customisation of manufacturing. Designed tunable microstructures enable structure and properties to be tailored for specific applications. One of the greatest challenges, however, is how to control the scale and morphology of the microstructure. This project aims to use the interdependence model of grain refinement to control and design grain sizes. The project first plans to investigate the near-rapid solidification conditions in aluminium alloys. It then plans to re-design the harder-to-manufacture titanium alloys to improve grain size control.Read moreRead less
Developing vitrimers: next generation reusable plastics. This project aims to develop a new class of advanced multifunctional polymer materials with the potential to underpin significant breakthrough capabilities for soft materials in general. The proposed work will relocate biological catalysts from their native, wet environment to solid organic engineering bio-sourced resins. Suitably selected enzymes will allow creation of polymer-based products that can be fully recyclable, with built-in pro ....Developing vitrimers: next generation reusable plastics. This project aims to develop a new class of advanced multifunctional polymer materials with the potential to underpin significant breakthrough capabilities for soft materials in general. The proposed work will relocate biological catalysts from their native, wet environment to solid organic engineering bio-sourced resins. Suitably selected enzymes will allow creation of polymer-based products that can be fully recyclable, with built-in properties such as self-healing, shape morphing, which are mechanically tunable, and have the ability to be reprocessed/recycled multiple times. This research will initiate a disruptive change in the application of biocatalysts for bio-based polymers.Read moreRead less
Vapour phase detection of chemical warfare agents. This project aims to create luminescent plastic optoelectronic materials that can detect airborne chemical warfare agents, particularly nerve agents. Such agents are often odourless and invisible at lethal concentrations, so technology must detect and identify them before exposure. The intended outcomes are design rules for sensitive and selective materials that can be used in a handheld infield detector to sense chemical warfare agents based on ....Vapour phase detection of chemical warfare agents. This project aims to create luminescent plastic optoelectronic materials that can detect airborne chemical warfare agents, particularly nerve agents. Such agents are often odourless and invisible at lethal concentrations, so technology must detect and identify them before exposure. The intended outcomes are design rules for sensitive and selective materials that can be used in a handheld infield detector to sense chemical warfare agents based on the materials’ photophysical properties, and new analytical methods and sensing protocols. This research will be of interest to security agencies in Australia and internationally, and will better protect our military.Read moreRead less