Braced batter micropile group: New design theory and performance framework. Braced batter micropile group: New design theory and performance framework. This project aims to research the design and performance of innovative biomimetic braced battered micropile group footings. This project will test Surefoot, the new concrete free footing, in the laboratory, in the field, and through numerical and analytical modelling. Surefoot’s mechanisms of action are poorly understood but clearly more complex ....Braced batter micropile group: New design theory and performance framework. Braced batter micropile group: New design theory and performance framework. This project aims to research the design and performance of innovative biomimetic braced battered micropile group footings. This project will test Surefoot, the new concrete free footing, in the laboratory, in the field, and through numerical and analytical modelling. Surefoot’s mechanisms of action are poorly understood but clearly more complex than current micropile theory; this project will research the mechanism of load transfer from micropiles to the soil and soil response.Read moreRead less
Manufacturing high value carbon products and chemicals from spent tyres. Manufacturing high value carbon products and chemicals from spent tyres. This project aims to develop an innovative and integrated thermochemical process for use of spent tyres. Australia disposes of more than 400,000 tonnes of spent tyres per annum in landfills, stockpiles and random dumping, incurring significant environmental hazards, serious health risks and wastage of resources. This research is expected to result in n ....Manufacturing high value carbon products and chemicals from spent tyres. Manufacturing high value carbon products and chemicals from spent tyres. This project aims to develop an innovative and integrated thermochemical process for use of spent tyres. Australia disposes of more than 400,000 tonnes of spent tyres per annum in landfills, stockpiles and random dumping, incurring significant environmental hazards, serious health risks and wastage of resources. This research is expected to result in new knowledge of the thermal behaviour of rubber and new techniques to identify, extract and use high value carbon materials and chemicals from thermochemical processing of spent tyres. The research outcomes are expected to provide a technological foundation for an emerging industry for environmentally responsible and economically self-sustaining use of spent tyres.Read moreRead less
Investigation of contaminant distribution, deposition and poisoning of cathodes of solid oxide fuel cells. The purpose of the project is to fundamentally study the poisoning process of contaminants on the performance degradation and activity of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) cathode and to develop contaminant-tolerant cathodes, so as to ensure the product life over five years of the BlueGen SOFC systems being developed by Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd. in Melbourne.
Development of a novel and practical method for fabricating carbon nanotube reinforced polymer composites for automotive applications. An effective, economical and environmentally friendly technology will be developed by this project to fabricate carbon nanotube reinforced polymer composites. The thus obtained products will be applied as automotive parts.
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
Low emission iron and steelmaking using hydrogen to pre-reduce lump ore. This project aims to develop and apply a new route of lump iron ore pre-reduction with hydrogen or H2-enriched gases for ironmaking to minimise CO2 emission from steel production. The route will be built up on the base of H2 reduction kinetics of iron ore and with novel technologies such as CO2 recycle and H2-heating using hot blast, underpinning the hydrogen economy by addressing the environmental concerns in mineral and s ....Low emission iron and steelmaking using hydrogen to pre-reduce lump ore. This project aims to develop and apply a new route of lump iron ore pre-reduction with hydrogen or H2-enriched gases for ironmaking to minimise CO2 emission from steel production. The route will be built up on the base of H2 reduction kinetics of iron ore and with novel technologies such as CO2 recycle and H2-heating using hot blast, underpinning the hydrogen economy by addressing the environmental concerns in mineral and steel industries. It is not only significant for low-carbon steel production, but also for better fundamental understanding to develop the future zero-emission iron and steelmaking with hydrogen. The project will be very beneficent because it increases the use of lump iron ore and expends Australian export of iron ores.Read moreRead less
Electrically conductive elastomeric composites by nanomaterials. Electrically conductive elastomeric composites by nanomaterials. This project aims to develop electrically conductive, mechanically robust, cost-effective elastomeric composites, by exploring new processing methods and studying the synergy between graphene sheets and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Composites will be design, research and manufactured to suit the fabrication of rolling-resistance sensors that detect early-stage malfu ....Electrically conductive elastomeric composites by nanomaterials. Electrically conductive elastomeric composites by nanomaterials. This project aims to develop electrically conductive, mechanically robust, cost-effective elastomeric composites, by exploring new processing methods and studying the synergy between graphene sheets and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Composites will be design, research and manufactured to suit the fabrication of rolling-resistance sensors that detect early-stage malfunctioning idler rolls. This technology could prevent the breakage of conveyor belts which are essential to the mining, processing and transportation of loose bulk materials; and improve the design and manufacturing of flexible sensors.Read moreRead less
Powering Next Generation Wearable Electronics: Moisture Electric Generator . This project aims to develop next generation energy harvesting device which can directly generate electricity from the moisture in the air for self-powered, wearable electronics. The goal will be achieved by developing a new class of carbon based nanomaterials and large scale printing technology, through optimizing the materials defects, printing process and electrode configuration. The expected outcomes will be new el ....Powering Next Generation Wearable Electronics: Moisture Electric Generator . This project aims to develop next generation energy harvesting device which can directly generate electricity from the moisture in the air for self-powered, wearable electronics. The goal will be achieved by developing a new class of carbon based nanomaterials and large scale printing technology, through optimizing the materials defects, printing process and electrode configuration. The expected outcomes will be new electronic materials for a wide range of end uses in wearable electronics, significant advances in self-powered, environmentally friendly devices, and commercialisation of the technology to Australian industries.Read moreRead less
Wearable thermoelectric textiles for portable microelectronics. Wearable thermoelectrics enable the power generation from the temperature difference between human body and ambient temperature by using thermoelectric effect. This project aims to design eco-friendly wearable thermoelectric textiles to realize high-efficiency solid-state power generation and meet individual needs with human comfort and health. The target is to achieve a power density in the as-designed thermoelectric textiles by th ....Wearable thermoelectric textiles for portable microelectronics. Wearable thermoelectrics enable the power generation from the temperature difference between human body and ambient temperature by using thermoelectric effect. This project aims to design eco-friendly wearable thermoelectric textiles to realize high-efficiency solid-state power generation and meet individual needs with human comfort and health. The target is to achieve a power density in the as-designed thermoelectric textiles by the optimization of materials and device design. The outcome will open up a new platform for the green and sustainable charge for portable microelectronics, which will lead to an innovative technology for energy management, which will place Australia at the forefront of wearable electronics and textile industry.Read moreRead less
Optimising lasers for ablation of structurally complex solid non-metals. This project aims to take the latest developments in fibre laser technology to create a new ablation system for precision cutting and reshaping of structurally complex non-metal materials. Fibre lasers provide high quality beams, high average power, and precise pulse timing. Guided by the composition of the material and its response to incident mid-infrared light, the project will create a tailored laser beam to provide ac ....Optimising lasers for ablation of structurally complex solid non-metals. This project aims to take the latest developments in fibre laser technology to create a new ablation system for precision cutting and reshaping of structurally complex non-metal materials. Fibre lasers provide high quality beams, high average power, and precise pulse timing. Guided by the composition of the material and its response to incident mid-infrared light, the project will create a tailored laser beam to provide accurate and high-rate ablation. The expected outcomes include minimal damage to the surrounding area and a level of precision not possible with any mechanical alternative. The project will provide long term benefits to the aerospace and healthcare industries and, be a boost to Australia’s manufacturing sector.Read moreRead less