Novel Tough Polymer Composites. Advanced composites are used in high value-added applications such as computer chip packaging and aerospace applications. In these applications epoxy systems are used despite their inherent brittleness. Much research has focused on toughening epoxy systems, but most tougheners cause a reduction in processing or material properties. This project focuses on developing novel epoxy tougheners during the polymerisation of the epoxy-based composite. Specifically we will ....Novel Tough Polymer Composites. Advanced composites are used in high value-added applications such as computer chip packaging and aerospace applications. In these applications epoxy systems are used despite their inherent brittleness. Much research has focused on toughening epoxy systems, but most tougheners cause a reduction in processing or material properties. This project focuses on developing novel epoxy tougheners during the polymerisation of the epoxy-based composite. Specifically we will use novel hyperbranched [star-like] polymers that have excellent processing properties, high reactivity for structure control and the ability to control toughening at the molecular and macroscopic level to produce novel technology for advanced composites.
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Functional Renewable Plastics: Developing Novel Polysaccharide, Protein and Natural Polyester Based Polymer Nanocomposites. Biopolymer based plastics (eg starch and proteins from plants; polylactic acid from wastes) are made from renewable sources and are readily biodegradable, making them good substitutes for synthetic plastics for uses like packaging and agricultural film.
Some biopolymer plastics properties (eg water migration barrier, strength) are not as high as synthetic plastics. Creat ....Functional Renewable Plastics: Developing Novel Polysaccharide, Protein and Natural Polyester Based Polymer Nanocomposites. Biopolymer based plastics (eg starch and proteins from plants; polylactic acid from wastes) are made from renewable sources and are readily biodegradable, making them good substitutes for synthetic plastics for uses like packaging and agricultural film.
Some biopolymer plastics properties (eg water migration barrier, strength) are not as high as synthetic plastics. Creating nano-biocomposites (biopolymer plastics mixed with low levels of nano particles) will improve the properties of biopolymer plastics, giving novel materials that can be substituted for synthetic plastics in a wider range of applications.
These products will reduce our environmental impact, and also create economic benefits from novel, high-value nano-biocomposites.Read moreRead less
Development of Advanced Polymers from Recycled Industrial Plastics for Replacement of Virgin Resins. The main objective of this research program is to develop strategies and techniques to develop advanced polymeric materials obtained from recycled industrial plastics for replacement of virgin resins in industrial packaging. Studies show that only a very small amount of such plastic is reclaimed after industrial use. The research will include a comprehensive study of the life cycle of the indus ....Development of Advanced Polymers from Recycled Industrial Plastics for Replacement of Virgin Resins. The main objective of this research program is to develop strategies and techniques to develop advanced polymeric materials obtained from recycled industrial plastics for replacement of virgin resins in industrial packaging. Studies show that only a very small amount of such plastic is reclaimed after industrial use. The research will include a comprehensive study of the life cycle of the industrial packaging products, development of new blends of the recycled resins, and the application of these blends to manufacture good quality injection moulded and blow moulded products including new plastic pails and containers for industrial use.Read moreRead less
Nanostructure Design and Toughening Mechanisms of Novel Thermosets. The research will enable a new technology to manufacture a class of novel nanostructured thermosets that will impact many application areas in Australia, such as protective surface coatings, structural adhesives and composite matrix materials for aerospace and automotive, and microelectronic devices, etc. The intellectual properties and patents generated will contribute to the overall competitiveness and productivity of Australi ....Nanostructure Design and Toughening Mechanisms of Novel Thermosets. The research will enable a new technology to manufacture a class of novel nanostructured thermosets that will impact many application areas in Australia, such as protective surface coatings, structural adhesives and composite matrix materials for aerospace and automotive, and microelectronic devices, etc. The intellectual properties and patents generated will contribute to the overall competitiveness and productivity of Australia~{!/~}s R&D. They will also provide business opportunities to develop niche markets for these new and high-value added materials on a large scale in Australia so as to maximise return and create jobs. Read moreRead less
Nanoporous Epoxy Thermosets via Microphase Separation of Block Copolymers. This project has many expected outcomes and benefits to Australia: (1) Development of the first technology to produce nanoporous epoxy thermosets (i.e. epoxy nanofoams) that may have many applications in microelectronics, optical waveguides and biological separations; (2) Providing impetus for an advanced materials synthesis and manufacturing industry for Australia and contributing to the Frontier Technologies National Re ....Nanoporous Epoxy Thermosets via Microphase Separation of Block Copolymers. This project has many expected outcomes and benefits to Australia: (1) Development of the first technology to produce nanoporous epoxy thermosets (i.e. epoxy nanofoams) that may have many applications in microelectronics, optical waveguides and biological separations; (2) Providing impetus for an advanced materials synthesis and manufacturing industry for Australia and contributing to the Frontier Technologies National Research Priority-Advanced Materials Priority Goals; (3) The development of new niche markets with these new materials and the new technologies, which is an excellent vehicle for Australia to move to a high-value added industrial portfolio that maximises return and promotes job growth.Read moreRead less
Supercritical CO2: A Clean, Green Reaction Medium for Novel Polymer Synthesis and Modification. This project will lead to the development of new macromolecular structures with application in many areas ranging from drug delivery to the microelectronics industry. More importantly, the processes used to manufacture these products will utilise supercritical CO2 - a clean, green processing technology that can totally remove the need for using environmentally-degrading, volatile organic solvents. The ....Supercritical CO2: A Clean, Green Reaction Medium for Novel Polymer Synthesis and Modification. This project will lead to the development of new macromolecular structures with application in many areas ranging from drug delivery to the microelectronics industry. More importantly, the processes used to manufacture these products will utilise supercritical CO2 - a clean, green processing technology that can totally remove the need for using environmentally-degrading, volatile organic solvents. The unique properties of scCO2 will be used to develop new polymer materials and processes. This technology will promote Australia's commitment towards greener industrial alternatives, while simultaneously strengthening our science and opening up new possibilities in the rapidly advancing area of nano-technology. Read moreRead less
Structure-Property Relationships of Polymers with Controlled Architecture. Mechanical properties of a polymer (e.g., how elastic it is and how it dissipates energy when compressed) govern how well it performs as an adhesive, or its behaviour when melted and shaped into a consumer item. This project aims to relate molecular architecture to mechanical properties, using new techniques which permit the creation of polymers wherein each architectural characteristic is separately controlled. This has ....Structure-Property Relationships of Polymers with Controlled Architecture. Mechanical properties of a polymer (e.g., how elastic it is and how it dissipates energy when compressed) govern how well it performs as an adhesive, or its behaviour when melted and shaped into a consumer item. This project aims to relate molecular architecture to mechanical properties, using new techniques which permit the creation of polymers wherein each architectural characteristic is separately controlled. This has the potential to develop fundamental understanding for structure-property relations for the type of branched polymers that are in common use in industry and for which adequate models do not currently exist.Read moreRead less
Building advanced polymeric nanotubes for targeted drug delivery. Advanced drug delivery devices have major commercial applications in fighting diseases like cancer and infectious viruses. The success of this project will provide fundamental knowledge for the design of new drug delivery devices based on polymeric nanotubes. The project will also further advance Australia's nano- and bio-technological research and industries. This project will also provide additional benefit for developing contro ....Building advanced polymeric nanotubes for targeted drug delivery. Advanced drug delivery devices have major commercial applications in fighting diseases like cancer and infectious viruses. The success of this project will provide fundamental knowledge for the design of new drug delivery devices based on polymeric nanotubes. The project will also further advance Australia's nano- and bio-technological research and industries. This project will also provide additional benefit for developing controlled release systems in drug delivery and artificial vessels, and improve sensitivity in molecular sensors. The pioneering work proposed will ensure that Australia remains at the forefront of innovative scientific research within the rapidly advancing disciplines of nanotechnology and novel macromolecular design.Read moreRead less
Controlled/living radical polymerization in environmentally friendly miniemulsions induced by compressed carbon dioxide for synthesis of nanoparticles and well-defined polymer. Controlled/living radical polymerization is a technique for precise synthesis of polymer by radical polymerization, which has revolutionized polymer synthesis in terms of accessible polymer structures. However, controlled/living radical polymerization has yet to gain a strong foothold in industry mainly due to problems as ....Controlled/living radical polymerization in environmentally friendly miniemulsions induced by compressed carbon dioxide for synthesis of nanoparticles and well-defined polymer. Controlled/living radical polymerization is a technique for precise synthesis of polymer by radical polymerization, which has revolutionized polymer synthesis in terms of accessible polymer structures. However, controlled/living radical polymerization has yet to gain a strong foothold in industry mainly due to problems associated with its implementation in (aqueous) dispersed systems. The present Proposal addresses this key challenge by a novel environmentally friendly and versatile method for aqueous miniemulsion preparation by use of compressed carbon dioxide. Controlled/living radical polymerization in dispersed systems generates polymeric nanoparticles, which are of importance in many advanced and emerging technologies.Read moreRead less
New Fluorescent Probes to Elucidate Complex Oxidation Mechanisms. From medicine to manufacturing, polymers ("plastics") are a major component in the materials we use in our modern society, yet the manner by which they degrade and break down is often not well understood. Controlling the lifetime of polymers by either accelerating degradation on the one hand or preventing, or limiting, it on the other, will have significant benefits to society but this can only be achieved by reaching a thorough u ....New Fluorescent Probes to Elucidate Complex Oxidation Mechanisms. From medicine to manufacturing, polymers ("plastics") are a major component in the materials we use in our modern society, yet the manner by which they degrade and break down is often not well understood. Controlling the lifetime of polymers by either accelerating degradation on the one hand or preventing, or limiting, it on the other, will have significant benefits to society but this can only be achieved by reaching a thorough understanding of the degradation process. This project makes use of a unique, Australian-designed additive which stabilises polymeric materials, provides a marker for degradation levels and also provides information about the nature of the degradation processes occurring within polymers.Read moreRead less