Engineering the trafficking of nanoparticles within cells. This project aims to engineer responsive nanoparticles capable of trafficking efficiently within cells. The site of release of therapeutic cargo has importance for improving the efficacy of many treatments, for example vaccine delivery. Therefore fundamental understanding of how nanoparticle structure can be engineered to control cellular behaviour is necessary. The project will engineer new polymeric nanomaterials and investigate the im ....Engineering the trafficking of nanoparticles within cells. This project aims to engineer responsive nanoparticles capable of trafficking efficiently within cells. The site of release of therapeutic cargo has importance for improving the efficacy of many treatments, for example vaccine delivery. Therefore fundamental understanding of how nanoparticle structure can be engineered to control cellular behaviour is necessary. The project will engineer new polymeric nanomaterials and investigate the impact of their structure on biological properties. The benefits of this project will include new fundamental insights into improving nanoparticle design for vaccine delivery, as well as the expansion of Australia’s knowledge base in the area of biodegradable polymers.Read moreRead less
Preventing biological growth – a new generation anti-biofouling coatings. The project aims to improve anti-biofouling technology by developing a ‘smart and green’ coating that requires no toxic biocides and makes use of copper already present in the water. Biofouling is the unwanted attachment and growth on surfaces in water; it causes significant problems on ships and in drinking water systems, and damages infrastructure and capital investment. Biofouling also carries a significant risk of spre ....Preventing biological growth – a new generation anti-biofouling coatings. The project aims to improve anti-biofouling technology by developing a ‘smart and green’ coating that requires no toxic biocides and makes use of copper already present in the water. Biofouling is the unwanted attachment and growth on surfaces in water; it causes significant problems on ships and in drinking water systems, and damages infrastructure and capital investment. Biofouling also carries a significant risk of spreading diseases and environmental damage through the introduction of invasive marine species. Existing coatings release highly toxic substances into the water, causing untold environmental damage. This project offers a single, comprehensive solution for all of the above problems.Read moreRead less
Fibrous fabrics with differential transplanar transport properties for moisture and water. The project develops a framework for the development of fibrous fabrics with desired differential transplanar transport properties for moisture and water, integrating various transport mechanisms with hierarchical microstructures of the fabrics. The results will lead to the development of new fabrics for the local and overseas apparel industry.
Microstructure effect on energy harvesting ability of electrospun fibres. This project aims to provide new knowledge about how to manipulate the energy harvesting ability of electrospun fibrous mats by changing the fibre structure, components and mat configuration. Expected outcomes of the project are new fibrous materials capable of efficiently converting small mechanical forces and sounds into electricity. These high performance energy harvesting fibres will be useful for developing new power ....Microstructure effect on energy harvesting ability of electrospun fibres. This project aims to provide new knowledge about how to manipulate the energy harvesting ability of electrospun fibrous mats by changing the fibre structure, components and mat configuration. Expected outcomes of the project are new fibrous materials capable of efficiently converting small mechanical forces and sounds into electricity. These high performance energy harvesting fibres will be useful for developing new power supplies, self-powered electronics, self-sustainable sensor networks and electronic textiles.Read moreRead less
High Temperature, Piezoelectric Polymer Membranes. This project aims to acquire new knowledge about the preparation of flexible polymer membranes that can convert mechanical energy into electricity (“piezoelectric” conversion) stably at high temperature (e.g. 200-500 °C). This will solve the current problem where only inorganic ceramic materials can be used for high-temperature piezoelectric conversion. The expected outcomes include a new approach to prepare polymer membranes capable of high-tem ....High Temperature, Piezoelectric Polymer Membranes. This project aims to acquire new knowledge about the preparation of flexible polymer membranes that can convert mechanical energy into electricity (“piezoelectric” conversion) stably at high temperature (e.g. 200-500 °C). This will solve the current problem where only inorganic ceramic materials can be used for high-temperature piezoelectric conversion. The expected outcomes include a new approach to prepare polymer membranes capable of high-temperature piezoelectric conversion using an electrostatic spinning technology. The new breakthrough materials will not only enhance performance and reliability at high temperature, but also offer novel applications in diverse fields such as “smart” protective clothing for firefighters. Read moreRead less
New stimuli-responsive polymer membranes using graphene as a multifunctional scaffold. Membranes are used in a range of applications to filter liquids and gases and increasingly must be able to be activated by stimuli such as temperature, pH and voltage. We will develop a new type of membrane which is easy to make, is strong and allows the incorporation of a variety of stimuli-responsive polymers within a functional graphene scaffold.
Core-shell nanofibrous bio-based flame retardants with reinforcement function. This project aims to develop high-performance bio-based flame retardants (FRs) by designing a novel core-shell nanofibrous FR system, combining exceptional flame retardant qualities and mechanical reinforcement to enhance the safe use of thermoplastic products. Thermoplastic products are widespread in building, electric and electronic, automobile and packaging products, but their intrinsic flammability poses great fir ....Core-shell nanofibrous bio-based flame retardants with reinforcement function. This project aims to develop high-performance bio-based flame retardants (FRs) by designing a novel core-shell nanofibrous FR system, combining exceptional flame retardant qualities and mechanical reinforcement to enhance the safe use of thermoplastic products. Thermoplastic products are widespread in building, electric and electronic, automobile and packaging products, but their intrinsic flammability poses great fire threats to the society. Flame retardants are key to producing fire-resistant plastic products with a low fire hazard rating. The novel bio-based flame retardant material developed by this project seeks to combine enhanced flame retardant properties and mechanical reinforcement functions. The outcomes of the project will demonstrate eco-friendly flame retardants and high performance flame retardant thermoplastic products.Read moreRead less
Novel fuel-cell structures based on electroactive polymers. This project will tackle some of the challenges currently hindering progression of our society into a post-petroleum era via materials developments that will lead to in-expensive, more efficient fuel cell technologies. Specifically, a new class of organic catalysts and novel ion conducting membranes will be integrated into functional fuel-cells.
Mechanical advantage: biomimetic artificial muscles for micro-machines. This project will develop better ways to operate miniature machines by copying the way that muscle operates in Nature. The outcome will be important for portable devices like digital cameras that need small, efficient motors. The artificial muscles developed in this project may also be used in medical prosthetics and more agile robots.