A complex systems approach to granular rheology: interconnecting topology, stability, dynamics and function. The response of granular materials (e.g. soil, rocks) to applied stresses and strains will be characterised in detail. Information mined from experimental and simulation tests will be used to develop robust predictive models of granular behaviour, crucial for effective earthquake mitigation as well as greener mining and construction technologies.
Fundamental theoretical investigation of the chemomechanical properties of clays. Australia faces significant environmental challenges, one of the most important being soil degradation. The aim of this project is to develop new and state-of-the art mathematical models describing the behaviour of clays in soils. This proposal addresses five fundamental problems in clay soil behaviour that have so far remained unanswered. The primary outcomes of this project will be new theoretical insights into t ....Fundamental theoretical investigation of the chemomechanical properties of clays. Australia faces significant environmental challenges, one of the most important being soil degradation. The aim of this project is to develop new and state-of-the art mathematical models describing the behaviour of clays in soils. This proposal addresses five fundamental problems in clay soil behaviour that have so far remained unanswered. The primary outcomes of this project will be new theoretical insights into the chemomechanical properties of clay soils, so providing the understanding required to intelligently engineer and manage our natural and built environments.Read moreRead less
A multi-scale approach to investigate desiccation cracking in clayey soils. The project plans to develop a model of the mechanism of drying shrinkage and associated cracking in soils. Soil desiccation cracking can adversely affect the stability and performance of many vital geo-infrastructures. For example, desiccation cracks have contributed to dam and slope failures incurring significant damages. Our understanding of the mechanism of drying shrinkage cracking and ways to control or avoid such ....A multi-scale approach to investigate desiccation cracking in clayey soils. The project plans to develop a model of the mechanism of drying shrinkage and associated cracking in soils. Soil desiccation cracking can adversely affect the stability and performance of many vital geo-infrastructures. For example, desiccation cracks have contributed to dam and slope failures incurring significant damages. Our understanding of the mechanism of drying shrinkage cracking and ways to control or avoid such cracking in soils is not yet fully developed. This project aims to advance knowledge of the nature of crack initiation and propagation in clayey soils induced by moisture evaporation, through the use of advanced experimental and modelling techniques. Outcomes are expected to lead to new continuum models for reliable prediction of soil desiccation cracking.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0667984
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$210,000.00
Summary
Near Excitation Raman Micro Spectrometer. The unique properties of nanomaterials have recently been fully realized, and their use has resulted in new technologies, transforming industrial processes. Our research teams at Griffith, Monash and Queensland University of Technology develop optimal, nanostructured materials for technological applications. To maintain a competitive edge in this research, we require a near excitation Raman spectrometer. Used in-situ, it rapidly yields structural infor ....Near Excitation Raman Micro Spectrometer. The unique properties of nanomaterials have recently been fully realized, and their use has resulted in new technologies, transforming industrial processes. Our research teams at Griffith, Monash and Queensland University of Technology develop optimal, nanostructured materials for technological applications. To maintain a competitive edge in this research, we require a near excitation Raman spectrometer. Used in-situ, it rapidly yields structural information on the materials, enabling their formation and function to be better understood. This information will allow enhanced design and synthesis of nanomaterials, producing advanced products and processes for the energy, biotechnology, environmental and mining fields.Read moreRead less
Nanoporous bioaffinity adsorbents for separations in the pharmaceutical industry. This proposal aims to develop new high performance adsorbents for bioprocess engineering based on templated nanoporous silica materials. This research will lead to significant advances in advanced materials and adsorbent technology, downstream processing for the biotechnology industries, and understanding of highly specific affinity interactions used for difficult bioseparations. It will have important benefits for ....Nanoporous bioaffinity adsorbents for separations in the pharmaceutical industry. This proposal aims to develop new high performance adsorbents for bioprocess engineering based on templated nanoporous silica materials. This research will lead to significant advances in advanced materials and adsorbent technology, downstream processing for the biotechnology industries, and understanding of highly specific affinity interactions used for difficult bioseparations. It will have important benefits for processes involving protein purification, such as bioplasma processing, as well as flow on effects to other applications of adsorbent technology such as food processing and water treatment. The new adsorbents will lead to reductions in the costs, energy usage and waste generation of Australian industries.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100006
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,000.00
Summary
X-ray Microscopy Facility for Imaging Geo-materials (XMFIG). The X-ray Microscopy Facility for Imaging Geo-Materials (XMFIG) will allow the investigation, with near-synchrotron capabilities, of the three dimensional internal structures and chemical compositions of geo-materials under relevant environmental conditions by engineers, geologists and materials scientists.
Removal and degradation of microplastics using halloysite nanocomposite. The project aims to utilize halloysite clay combined with novel highly magnetized nanoparticles for the removal and degradation of microplastics in the contaminated water system. The project expects to fabricate cheap and environmentally-friendly materials using innovative chemical synthesis and surface modification for adsorption and decomposition of microplastics utilizing both high surface area of halloysite nanotubes a ....Removal and degradation of microplastics using halloysite nanocomposite. The project aims to utilize halloysite clay combined with novel highly magnetized nanoparticles for the removal and degradation of microplastics in the contaminated water system. The project expects to fabricate cheap and environmentally-friendly materials using innovative chemical synthesis and surface modification for adsorption and decomposition of microplastics utilizing both high surface area of halloysite nanotubes and catalytic activity of transition metals. This project will facilitate collaboration between multidisciplinary researchers and a vibrant group of industrial participants to advance next-generation composite materials for water treatment and ensure the supply of clean water for healthy living.Read moreRead less
Artificial Proteins for the Control of Colloid and Surface Properties. A large amount of Australia's wealth arises from mining and the processing of small (colloidal) particles. This project will develop new coatings for particles, which will allow better control of the properties of particle suspensions. Control of surface properties is also important in the preparation of ceramics and in the preparation of implants and biosensors. The development of new coatings will also offer opportunitie ....Artificial Proteins for the Control of Colloid and Surface Properties. A large amount of Australia's wealth arises from mining and the processing of small (colloidal) particles. This project will develop new coatings for particles, which will allow better control of the properties of particle suspensions. Control of surface properties is also important in the preparation of ceramics and in the preparation of implants and biosensors. The development of new coatings will also offer opportunities for improved performance in these areas.
Many existing coating technologies rely on procedures using organic solvents, which are hazardous to human health and the environment. The proposed research will develop coatings that are made and used in solutions of water only, thereby minimizing pollution production.
Read moreRead less
Geopolymers for nuclear applications. With the pressing need for the reduction of Greenhouse emissions from electricity generation in Australia, one option that must be seriously considered is nuclear energy. However, the issue of waste storage is a highly significant one that must be addressed. Geopolymeric cements are expected to perform much better than traditional Portland cements in nuclear applications, both for solidification of radioactive wastes and also for the construction of undergro ....Geopolymers for nuclear applications. With the pressing need for the reduction of Greenhouse emissions from electricity generation in Australia, one option that must be seriously considered is nuclear energy. However, the issue of waste storage is a highly significant one that must be addressed. Geopolymeric cements are expected to perform much better than traditional Portland cements in nuclear applications, both for solidification of radioactive wastes and also for the construction of underground waste storage bunkers. This project will use Australia's strong existing knowledge in geopolymers research, and apply it to the development of materials to fill the need for environmentally secure waste storage solutions.Read moreRead less
Advanced shield materials for compact fusion energy. We aim to predict how materials used for shielding sensitive components in nuclear fusion reactors will degrade over time. We will use this knowledge to design advanced alloys for radiation shield, which are critical for the development of more compact fusion reactors design, with lower construction cost, and shorter assembly time. These advanced shield materials may also be used in other applications in radiation fields (e.g. space, nuclear m ....Advanced shield materials for compact fusion energy. We aim to predict how materials used for shielding sensitive components in nuclear fusion reactors will degrade over time. We will use this knowledge to design advanced alloys for radiation shield, which are critical for the development of more compact fusion reactors design, with lower construction cost, and shorter assembly time. These advanced shield materials may also be used in other applications in radiation fields (e.g. space, nuclear medicine). The project also seeks to extend the Australian nuclear research capability by developing an innovative technique to study radiation damage using the OPAL reactor at ANSTO.Read moreRead less