Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP140100778 [ 2014 - 2016 ]

Research Grant

Researchers Prof Chun Wang; Dr Jin Zhang; Prof Anthony Kinloch; Prof Adrian Mouritz; A/Prof Kamran Ghorbani;

Brief description Recent studies reveal that alternating electric or magnetic fields can rotate conductive nanofillers in polymers. This project aims to advance a new concept of aligning nano-scale reinforcements (for example, graphene nano-sheets and carbon nanofibres) along the thickness direction of composite materials. The alignment of nano-sized reinforcement will address the perennial problem of through-thickness weaknesses of fibre-reinforced composites and, at the same time, improve the electrical conductivity of composites. The synergistic improvements in the mechanical and electrical properties will improve damage tolerance and diagnosis of composites, thus expanding their applications in transport and civil construction to help reduce carbon dioxide emission.

Funding Amount 382000

Funding Scheme Discovery Projects