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
New Biomimetic Nanostructured Coatings for Hip Implants. Over 30,000 hip implants operations take place in Australia each year, due largely to a significant and growing proportion of the population suffering from conditions such as osteoporosis. The coating on the implants, required to cause good bone ingrowth and adhesion between bone and implant, is far from perfect. We propose to spray coatings which mimic the structure of bone, and thus offer improved mechanical properties such as appropriat ....New Biomimetic Nanostructured Coatings for Hip Implants. Over 30,000 hip implants operations take place in Australia each year, due largely to a significant and growing proportion of the population suffering from conditions such as osteoporosis. The coating on the implants, required to cause good bone ingrowth and adhesion between bone and implant, is far from perfect. We propose to spray coatings which mimic the structure of bone, and thus offer improved mechanical properties such as appropriate rigidity and toughness, and stimulate better bone growth at the interface. In this way the implant should be much longer lasting and the need for undesirable revision surgery reduced. The processing technique proposed could also be a useful platform coating technology in a number of other industries.Read moreRead less
A Novel Optical Source for the Vaporization and Deposition of Polymers. Thin polymer films are used widely in industrial processes and, hence, new techniques for producing such films are increasingly important. This project develops new optical technology required before a novel process for depositing polymers from the vapour phase can be widely explored for industrial applications. This project will enhance the capacity of Australian science in this important area of technology and could benefi ....A Novel Optical Source for the Vaporization and Deposition of Polymers. Thin polymer films are used widely in industrial processes and, hence, new techniques for producing such films are increasingly important. This project develops new optical technology required before a novel process for depositing polymers from the vapour phase can be widely explored for industrial applications. This project will enhance the capacity of Australian science in this important area of technology and could benefit the Australian economy by developing a novel commercial technology based on cutting-edge Australian research. Read moreRead less
Polymer optical fibres with controlled molecular orientation for photonic applications. The objective of the proposed research is to boost the advantage of Australian scientists and engineers working in the field of photonics by investigating new physical principles and new ways of fabricating specialty plastic optical fibres. Such fibres can be used in optical devices, to improve transmission and processing of signals in data communications, for improving efficient operation of power industry, ....Polymer optical fibres with controlled molecular orientation for photonic applications. The objective of the proposed research is to boost the advantage of Australian scientists and engineers working in the field of photonics by investigating new physical principles and new ways of fabricating specialty plastic optical fibres. Such fibres can be used in optical devices, to improve transmission and processing of signals in data communications, for improving efficient operation of power industry, in biophotonics.
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Smart materials for atmospheric water management and water harvesting. Fresh water is a scarce resource in many parts of the globe but uncomfortably over-supplied in other regions. Dehumidifying machines, such as air conditioners, are extensively used in humid climates to enhance human comfort, but with great energy costs. Likewise, the production of potable water in remote dry regions is energy intensive. We propose novel hyper-absorbent desiccating polymers combined into sorption-powered engin ....Smart materials for atmospheric water management and water harvesting. Fresh water is a scarce resource in many parts of the globe but uncomfortably over-supplied in other regions. Dehumidifying machines, such as air conditioners, are extensively used in humid climates to enhance human comfort, but with great energy costs. Likewise, the production of potable water in remote dry regions is energy intensive. We propose novel hyper-absorbent desiccating polymers combined into sorption-powered engines inspired by nastic movements in plants to develop extremely efficient dehumidifiers and water harvesting machines. These polymer actuators can help address the auto-acceleration of climate change caused by the increasing use of air conditioners and provide cheap, clean water for remote communities.Read moreRead less