Mid-Career Industry Fellowships - Grant ID: IM230100090
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,053,046.00
Summary
Multi material 3D Printing. This project aims to further develop a new 3D printing technique commercialised by an Australian start-up company. Current electronics manufacturing is extremely capital intensive, slow and restrictive in 3D design. The 3D printing method proposed in this application will disrupt the current advanced manufacturing eco system; creating unique methods to unlock advances in diverse markets for example, photovoltaics, printed circuit boards and sensors. The expected outco ....Multi material 3D Printing. This project aims to further develop a new 3D printing technique commercialised by an Australian start-up company. Current electronics manufacturing is extremely capital intensive, slow and restrictive in 3D design. The 3D printing method proposed in this application will disrupt the current advanced manufacturing eco system; creating unique methods to unlock advances in diverse markets for example, photovoltaics, printed circuit boards and sensors. The expected outcomes of this project are to create new commercial opportunities for the next generation of 3D printed electronics. This will provide significant benefits, creating unique capability to manufacture devices in 3D - faster, cheaper and with reduced reliance on global supply chains.Read moreRead less
In-field sensors for the detection of illicit drugs. Presumptive field test kits for illicit drugs analysis are typically based on chemical spot tests that produce a coloured product. While relatively easy to apply, such test kits (containing wet chemicals) produce inconclusive colour changes lacking sensitivity, and selectivity requiring a subjective assessment by the examiner. Despite these limitations, these test kits are in widespread use and are routinely used. This study aims to develop s ....In-field sensors for the detection of illicit drugs. Presumptive field test kits for illicit drugs analysis are typically based on chemical spot tests that produce a coloured product. While relatively easy to apply, such test kits (containing wet chemicals) produce inconclusive colour changes lacking sensitivity, and selectivity requiring a subjective assessment by the examiner. Despite these limitations, these test kits are in widespread use and are routinely used. This study aims to develop specific in-field sensors for the detection and identification of illicit drugs. This would significantly enhance the ability of Forensic Services staff to confirm the identity of seized material. Increased specificity would provide valuable early advice to investigators regarding the nature of a seizure and would reduce the likelihood of false positive results. Increased sensitivity would permit the analysis of trace amounts of material from individuals or locations related to an illicit drug consignment.Read moreRead less
Single Molecule Studies of Replisomal Function. It has recently become possible to watch the copying of DNA molecules with a specialized microscope in real time. This process requires assembly of a complex molecular machine on the DNA, followed by triggering of its function, and yields exquisitely detailed information about how the machine works. In this new collaboration between scientists in Australia and the U.S.A., we will assemble these machines on single DNA molecules, watch how they work ....Single Molecule Studies of Replisomal Function. It has recently become possible to watch the copying of DNA molecules with a specialized microscope in real time. This process requires assembly of a complex molecular machine on the DNA, followed by triggering of its function, and yields exquisitely detailed information about how the machine works. In this new collaboration between scientists in Australia and the U.S.A., we will assemble these machines on single DNA molecules, watch how they work and simultaneously measure the very small forces that the machines generate. This will give Australian scientists access to a new technology for studying molecular machines.Read moreRead less
Multiblock copolymer synthesis for nano-engineered materials. This project aims to develop methodology for environmentally friendly and industrially applicable synthesis of new types of advanced polymeric materials comprising multiblock copolymers. Polymeric materials play an important role in society with applications from bulk plastics to advanced technological applications. This would enable the creation of advanced materials with specific engineering targets and applications ranging from nan ....Multiblock copolymer synthesis for nano-engineered materials. This project aims to develop methodology for environmentally friendly and industrially applicable synthesis of new types of advanced polymeric materials comprising multiblock copolymers. Polymeric materials play an important role in society with applications from bulk plastics to advanced technological applications. This would enable the creation of advanced materials with specific engineering targets and applications ranging from nanomedicine to materials science.Read moreRead less
New Polymers for Cellulose-based Bioplastics. We will design new cellulose derivatives by combining carefully engineered synthetic polymers to cellulose. We will explore the fundamental science underpinning the manufacture of these bioplastics, and apply the concept to the design of two new materials, with (super)hydrophobic and antibacterial properties. These materials have the potential to replace synthetic plastics, which comprise one of the major outputs of the chemical industry worldwide. P ....New Polymers for Cellulose-based Bioplastics. We will design new cellulose derivatives by combining carefully engineered synthetic polymers to cellulose. We will explore the fundamental science underpinning the manufacture of these bioplastics, and apply the concept to the design of two new materials, with (super)hydrophobic and antibacterial properties. These materials have the potential to replace synthetic plastics, which comprise one of the major outputs of the chemical industry worldwide. Plastic is present everywhere in human life, but its manufacture and disposal have a strong negative impact on the environment; the new materials manufactured in this project are viable alternatives to plastics, and are sustainable from a production and disposal point of view.Read moreRead less
Chemical listening devices: Novel sensors targeting the clandestine manufacture and transport of illicit drugs and explosives. There can be no doubt that protecting Australia's borders from the dual threats of terrorism and illicit drugs is of paramount importance to continuation of our well-being and way of life. Our chemical sensors are simple hand-held or remote chemical listening sensors, which will have the ability to sense the presence of characteristic chemical vapours associated with exp ....Chemical listening devices: Novel sensors targeting the clandestine manufacture and transport of illicit drugs and explosives. There can be no doubt that protecting Australia's borders from the dual threats of terrorism and illicit drugs is of paramount importance to continuation of our well-being and way of life. Our chemical sensors are simple hand-held or remote chemical listening sensors, which will have the ability to sense the presence of characteristic chemical vapours associated with explosives and illicit drugs. The simplicity and low cost of the chemical listening allows for installation at key locations -e.g. transport hubs, shipping containers, airports etc as well as placement within clandestine drug laboratories.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100096
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$450,000.00
Summary
A unique soft matter high-performance scanning probe microscopy (HP-SPM) facility. Soft matter research touches every aspect of our lives as it covers materials from the range of plastics found in cars, television sets and other mass-manufactured products, to new medical materials for tissue engineering and sensors. The proposed facility will enable Australia's leading scientists in this area to understand better how soft matter, including both biological and new advanced soft materials, behave ....A unique soft matter high-performance scanning probe microscopy (HP-SPM) facility. Soft matter research touches every aspect of our lives as it covers materials from the range of plastics found in cars, television sets and other mass-manufactured products, to new medical materials for tissue engineering and sensors. The proposed facility will enable Australia's leading scientists in this area to understand better how soft matter, including both biological and new advanced soft materials, behaves on the nano-scale level. This will put Australian researchers and engineers in a leading position for developing new treatments against cancer and other diseases, as well as harnessing the power of biology for application in areas such as waste treatment and energy production.Read moreRead less
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
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0560818
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$154,000.00
Summary
A Pico-Newton Scale Force Measurement Apparatus for Polymer Physics and Non-equilibrium Statistical Mechanics. We propose to build a state-of-the-art Optical Tweezers apparatus that measures small forces and torques on micron-sized objects located in 'optical traps'. Using a single laser beam and computer-generated holograms, we will create arrays of optical traps that move or 'dance', and alter the force/torque-imposing properties of each trap. This proposed research equipment will be used (1 ....A Pico-Newton Scale Force Measurement Apparatus for Polymer Physics and Non-equilibrium Statistical Mechanics. We propose to build a state-of-the-art Optical Tweezers apparatus that measures small forces and torques on micron-sized objects located in 'optical traps'. Using a single laser beam and computer-generated holograms, we will create arrays of optical traps that move or 'dance', and alter the force/torque-imposing properties of each trap. This proposed research equipment will be used (1) to study the physics of single synthetic polymer and naturally occuring biopolymer chains, (2) to quantify experimentally, and for the first time, newly predicted molecular-scale forces, and (3) to demonstrate new theories in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics that quantitatively describe the operation of nanomachines. Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100195
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,000,000.00
Summary
Field-emission gun transmission electron microscope for the research in nanomaterials, metal alloys and biological sciences. The proposed facility is required by a large range of world-leading research programs in light metals, nanomaterials, fibres and biomaterials. These research programs are strongly supported by automobile, textile, mineral and advanced materials industries that have important roles in the current national economy and local communities. The facility will improve significan ....Field-emission gun transmission electron microscope for the research in nanomaterials, metal alloys and biological sciences. The proposed facility is required by a large range of world-leading research programs in light metals, nanomaterials, fibres and biomaterials. These research programs are strongly supported by automobile, textile, mineral and advanced materials industries that have important roles in the current national economy and local communities. The facility will improve significantly our current research ability and help the creation of new research areas in nanotechnology and energy materials beneficial to clean energy, environmental protections and health care. It is also important equipment for new research student training.Read moreRead less