High performance ultrasonically processed biodegradable alloy products. This project aims to develop new alloy processing technology to improve the material properties of biodegradable products such as plates, microclips and wound-closing devices. The project aims to understand and model the role of external fields such as ultrasonic treatment in the development of microstructure, including grain nucleation and formation processes, in biodegradable magnesium alloy components. The project plans t ....High performance ultrasonically processed biodegradable alloy products. This project aims to develop new alloy processing technology to improve the material properties of biodegradable products such as plates, microclips and wound-closing devices. The project aims to understand and model the role of external fields such as ultrasonic treatment in the development of microstructure, including grain nucleation and formation processes, in biodegradable magnesium alloy components. The project plans to fabricate and evaluate the performance of medical devices incorporating ultrasonically processed alloy products. Project outcomes are intended to be used to optimise the application of external fields for property and processing improvement.Read moreRead less
A Distributed Virtual Factory in Agile Manufacturing. The aim of this research is to develop an Intelligent Distributed Virtual Factory consisting of several distributed precise simulation models connected by several synchronisation mechanisms named Time Bucket algorithms. Intelligent Distributed Virtual Factory will then be applied into precise evaluations of the whole manufacturing system under two major types of manufacturing operational logics, PULL and PUSH methods.
Development of corrosion resistant aluminium alloys for potable water systems. Maintaining Australia's operational advantage through superior capabilities is fundamental to national benefit. This project fosters breakthrough science to underpin technological innovation (new materials with enhanced functionality). In a global market, any promotion of aluminium usage provides direct benefit nationally, Australia being the key primary, secondary and tertiary producer. Aluminium exports are critical ....Development of corrosion resistant aluminium alloys for potable water systems. Maintaining Australia's operational advantage through superior capabilities is fundamental to national benefit. This project fosters breakthrough science to underpin technological innovation (new materials with enhanced functionality). In a global market, any promotion of aluminium usage provides direct benefit nationally, Australia being the key primary, secondary and tertiary producer. Aluminium exports are critical to the ongoing success of the Australian economy. This project provides excellent research training with unique industry focus for young researchers, fostering the international competitiveness of local research. Such work also benefits Australia via development of international capability in an interdisciplinary field.Read moreRead less
The development of lead-free silicon brass for the plumbing industry. The worldwide brass industry is currently undergoing a transition away from lead-containing brass water fittings to lead-free fittings. The transition is driven by concerns surrounding lead-leaching into drinking water. This project is focussed on the development of new lead-free brasses that can be used to manufacture plumbing fittings with superior combinations of processability, performance and cost.
Lower-cost processing of formable magnesium alloys. This project aims to develop higher speed extrusion and rolling of magnesium alloys through the enhanced control of alloying elements and processing schedules. Expected outcomes of this project include the development of novel alloys and processing technologies that can produce lighter, better performing magnesium products with lower processing costs. This project will deliver magnesium products that can improve fuel efficiency, resulting in lo ....Lower-cost processing of formable magnesium alloys. This project aims to develop higher speed extrusion and rolling of magnesium alloys through the enhanced control of alloying elements and processing schedules. Expected outcomes of this project include the development of novel alloys and processing technologies that can produce lighter, better performing magnesium products with lower processing costs. This project will deliver magnesium products that can improve fuel efficiency, resulting in lower emissions and less environmental pollution, along with lightweight portable consumer goods.Read moreRead less
New Wrought Magnesium Alloys: Manipulating the Annealed Microstructure. One of the main impediments to increased use of wrought magnesium is its characteristic but mediocre mechanical properties. The proposed work paves the way for new improved wrought magnesium alloys by determining how the constituent nano-structures, micro-structures and deformation conditions can be manipulated to control the evolution of properties during annealing. The project will deliver mathematical models describing th ....New Wrought Magnesium Alloys: Manipulating the Annealed Microstructure. One of the main impediments to increased use of wrought magnesium is its characteristic but mediocre mechanical properties. The proposed work paves the way for new improved wrought magnesium alloys by determining how the constituent nano-structures, micro-structures and deformation conditions can be manipulated to control the evolution of properties during annealing. The project will deliver mathematical models describing the annealed microstructure and mechanical properties. The work will also explore the potential of a recent discovery made by the CI of a simple technique to randomise the alignment of the annealed atomic lattice structure, which promises to markedly improve formability.Read moreRead less
Functional Strontium Phosphate Coated Magnesium Alloys For ?Orthopaedic Use. This project aims to develop a functional strontium-release surface on magnesium-based orthopaedic implants to suppress the rapid degradation rate of magnesium, facilitate new bone formation and ultimately shorten the healing process. The development of practical, bone-favourable and degradation-inhibiting surfaces for magnesium implants are in demand and can bring significant patient benefits. The project seeks to esta ....Functional Strontium Phosphate Coated Magnesium Alloys For ?Orthopaedic Use. This project aims to develop a functional strontium-release surface on magnesium-based orthopaedic implants to suppress the rapid degradation rate of magnesium, facilitate new bone formation and ultimately shorten the healing process. The development of practical, bone-favourable and degradation-inhibiting surfaces for magnesium implants are in demand and can bring significant patient benefits. The project seeks to establish an understanding of the formation mechanisms of strontium-releasing coatings and determine the critical release rate of strontium to activate bone cell responses.Read moreRead less
New Lead-Free Brass Solutions for Drinking Water Applications. The aim of this Linkage Project is to provide viable material solutions to address the health problem of Lead-contamination in drinking water arising from Leaded-brass plumbing products and the impact Lead-removal from brass will have on the brass industry. In order to achieve this, this project engages leading multidisciplinary researchers along with Australian and international industry partners from across the brass industry suppl ....New Lead-Free Brass Solutions for Drinking Water Applications. The aim of this Linkage Project is to provide viable material solutions to address the health problem of Lead-contamination in drinking water arising from Leaded-brass plumbing products and the impact Lead-removal from brass will have on the brass industry. In order to achieve this, this project engages leading multidisciplinary researchers along with Australian and international industry partners from across the brass industry supply and sales network. This project seeks to identify and harness the key material-product attributes required to develop and implement new, lead-free alloy alternatives that meet health-compliance, production and commercial viability, that offer benefits across the industry network and health benefits to society.Read moreRead less
Next generation chromium free primers for galvanised steel. This project aims to develop a new family of chrome-free primers to protect galvanised steel against corrosion. Corrosion resistance is a critical factor in durability of galvanised steel, which is usually protected from corrosion by a primer and topcoat, which prolong life and provide aesthetics. The primer coating contains chromates. Chromates are recognised for their toxicity, but in spite of this they unfortunately remain the indust ....Next generation chromium free primers for galvanised steel. This project aims to develop a new family of chrome-free primers to protect galvanised steel against corrosion. Corrosion resistance is a critical factor in durability of galvanised steel, which is usually protected from corrosion by a primer and topcoat, which prolong life and provide aesthetics. The primer coating contains chromates. Chromates are recognised for their toxicity, but in spite of this they unfortunately remain the industry standard. Chromate-free primers are urgently required, and this project aims to conduct fundamental research to enable their development.Read moreRead less
Metal folding fundamentals to shape new corrugated building products . FormFlow has developed a ground-breaking forming process enabling the use of corrugated iron as a structural element. This is a step change for Australia`s steel and building industry and will provide a direct benefit to fireproofing homes. Up scaling of this new technology poses significant challenges due to the lack of understanding in the new forming process and the effect of pre-processing on the incoming material. Fundam ....Metal folding fundamentals to shape new corrugated building products . FormFlow has developed a ground-breaking forming process enabling the use of corrugated iron as a structural element. This is a step change for Australia`s steel and building industry and will provide a direct benefit to fireproofing homes. Up scaling of this new technology poses significant challenges due to the lack of understanding in the new forming process and the effect of pre-processing on the incoming material. Fundamental knowledge of material behaviour will be developed with advanced models that account for the unique process deformation conditions. The intended outcome includes computer software for process design and new concepts for part shape control to improve product quality, repeatability and enable high volume manufacture.Read moreRead less