Materials Australia Magazine | April 2022 | Volume 55 | No.1

Materials Engineering for Australia’s Mining, Oil and Gas Sector

CONFERENCE

CAMS2022

PAGE 8

CONFERENCE

APICAM2023 & LMT2023 PAGE 13

UNIVERSITY SPOTLIGHT

Macquarie University

PAGE 34

Online Short Courses

PAGE 51

VOLUME 55 | NO 1 ISSN 1037-7107

APRIL 2022

Official Publication of the Institute of Materials Engineering Australasia Limited Trading as Materials Australia | A Technical Society of Engineers Australia www.materialsaustralia.com.au

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From the President Welcome to the April 2022 edition of Materials Australia Magazine. As the new year progresses, we are all refreshed in the new year and it is clear that several key business trends are impacting the materials and manufacturing sectors, including operations and profitability.

Demand for manufactured products and advanced materials remains strong. Companies will tell you that 2022 has so far, been an extremely challenging environment in which to do business, but full of opportunities.

Most are, as it turns out, affected by the same personnel shortages that other industries have encountered. Many have been routinely down week on week 5% to 10% on staff purely due to COVID-19 isolation, with the end result being recruitment has also become more expensive. Across the board, we are seeing transport and shipping costs increase significantly and supply chain issues are ever present. Although this situation cannot last indefinitely, it does have an effect on a company’s abilities to export and import. The full flow on cost of this to inflationary pressures in the advanced materials sector is still to play out more fully, but it does also offer a whole suite of opportunities. We are unfortunately also witnessing some of the issues of materials supply within the building and construction industry with multiple large construction

companies entering receivership, citing among other things, the difficulties in sourcing building materials that we have all taken for granted for such a long time.

I have not as yet discussed the equivalent situation of our colleagues from the academic sector, but expect that there are likely teething issues being encountered as the universities return to teaching and learning face to face, as well as reduced restrictions on what can be done for research. I would also expect international students are returning slower than everyone would like them to be. Thankfully the requirement for COVID-19 testing prior to boarding aeroplanes will soon be lifted in mid-April and the restrictive nature of international travel will be improved. Like many others, I am looking forward to going overseas again!

Despite the challenges, most manufacturing businesses are extremely optimistic about what the future holds in 2022. These challenges are, quite simply, leading to an increase in investment in technology, operational efficiency, and advanced capability at many facilities, especially where labour supply is a concern. In many ways, investment into the Industry 4.0 principles and projects that have been discussed for some years now, has been demonstrably accelerated in 2022. At the time of writing this note, it is just as the Federal budget for 2022 has been announced. There are many important initiatives underway that we can all take note from including significant funding for research, at such an important time in Australia’s history. Australia’s role on

Advancing Materials and Manufacturing

the global stage is ever important when we see world events unfolding such as those in Ukraine.

We have again been very busy behind the scenes in our Materials Australia activities. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for our certified materials professionals has begun from the beginning of 2022 with a selection of volunteers to help get it underway. So far it has been very straightforward, and similar to the other submissions, I used my same CPD record that I use for other organisations I am a member of such as Engineers Australia. It is quite simple and straightforward to prepare and submit, and the assessment panel have almost completed the initial submissions.

I would like to make a note about conferences planned for 2021 that were postponed until 2022. CAMS will be our first big event in over two years and will be run in June 2022 and there has so far been an excellent set of abstracts submitted. Looking to our future activities, we have an outstanding set of conferences planned including Apicam and Light Metals Technology, which are expected to run in 2023.

Looking towards the second quarter of 2022. I would like to wish you, your family and colleagues the best of health and to stay safe. Materials Australia looks forward to seeing you at our forthcoming events in 2022.

Best Regards Roger Lumley National President Materials Australia

The 7th conference of the Combined Australian Materials Societies; incorporating Materials Australia and the Australian Ceramic Society.

1st - 3rd June 2022 | The University of Melbourne

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APRIL 2022 | 3

CONTENTS

Reports From the President

3

Contents

4

Corporate Sponsors

6

Advertisers

7

Advancing Materials and Manufacturing

08

Materials Australia News CAMS2022

8

WA Branch Annual Sir Frank Ledger Breakfast

10

WA Branch Technical Meeting Heat Treatment of 6000 Series Al Alloys: What Can Go Wrong?

12

New Conference Dates | APICAM 2023 | LMT 2023

13

20

NSW Branch Committee Changes and Event Schedule

14

Our Certified Materials Professionals (CMatPs)

16

Why You Should Become a CMatP

17

Materials Innovations in Process Engineering and Batteries Seminar

52

25

Materials Innovations in Process Engineering and Batteries Sponsorship

MANAGING EDITOR Gloss Creative Media Pty Ltd EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Prof. Ma Qian RMIT University Tanya Smith MATERIALS AUSTRALIA

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ADVERTISING & DESIGN MANAGER Gloss Creative Media Pty Ltd Rod Kelloway (02) 8539 7893 PUBLISHER Materials Australia Technical articles are reviewed on the Editor’s behalf PUBLISHED BY Institute of Materials Engineering Australasia Ltd. Trading as Materials Australia ACN: 004 249 183 ABN: 40 004 249 183

Cover Image

From feature article on page 42.

Materials Engineering for Australia’s Mining, Oil and Gas Sector

CONFERENCE

CAMS2022

PAGE 8

CONFERENCE

APICAM2023 & LMT2023

PAGE 13

UNIVERSITY SPOTLIGHT

Macquarie University

PAGE 34

Online Short Courses

PAGE 51

Letters to the editor; VOLUME 55 | NO 1 ISSN 1037-7107

APRIL 2022

Official Publication of the Institute of Materials Engineering Australasia Limited Trading as Materials Australia | A Technical Society of Engineers Australia www.materialsaustralia.com.au

info@ glosscreativemedia.com.au

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CONTENTS

Industry News

Together We’re Stronger: Developing a New Layered Material for Future Electronics

18

Swinburne’s AIR Hub To Drive The Future Of Aerospace 20 UOW Researcher Developing Artificial Muscle in Miniature Devices Recognised on The Global Stage

21

Why Your Material Analyser Won’t Keep You Awake at Night - But the Data Will

22

Bionic Eye Study Paves the Way Towards Human Trials

24

Negative Capacitance in Topological Transistors Could Reduce Computing’s Unsustainable Energy Load

25

First Crystallographic Structures Determined Using Rigaku’s Recently Launched Electron Diffractometer Published in Nature Communications

26

The Ideal MicroCT for Core Facility Labs – Combining Versatility and Performance

27

Empowering Battery Research and Production with Advanced Analytical Solutions

28

Everybody Talks About Green Steel - How Long to go Before Making the Green Steel into Reality?

30

A Zigzag Blueprint for Topological Electronics

32

University Spotlight - Macquarie University

34

Breaking News

36

34

39

Feature - Materials Engineering for Australia’s Mining, Oil and Gas Sector 42 MA - Short Courses

51

Join Now!

54

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Materials Australia National Office PO Box 19 Parkville Victoria 3052 Australia T: +61 3 9326 7266 E: imea@materialsaustralia.com.au W: www.materialsaustralia.com.au

NATIONAL PRESIDENT Roger Lumley

47 This magazine is the official journal of Materials Australia and is distributed to members and interested parties throughout Australia and internationally.

Materials Australia welcomes editorial contributions from interested parties, however it does not accept responsibility for the content of those contributions, and the views contained therein are not necessarily those of Materials Australia.

Materials Australia does not accept responsibility for any claims made by advertisers.

All communication should be directed to Materials Australia.

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MATERIALS AUSTRALIA

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Advancing Materials and Manufacturing CAMS2022 is set to take place in Melbourne from 1 to 3 June 2022. Join us at Australia’s largest interdisciplinary technical meeting on the latest advances in materials science, engineering and technology.

Our technical program will cover a range of themes identified by researchers and industry as issues of topical interest.CAMS2022 is part of an ongoing series of meetings that are the product of the cooperation between two eminent materials professional societies in Australia – Materials Australia (MA) and the Australian Ceramic Society (ACS).

CAMS2022 PLENARY SPEAKERS

Professor Amanda Barnard

Dr Alex Shekhter

Professor Caroline McMillen

Abstract: Inverse design of multi-functional materials

Abstract: Air and Space Platforms Technologies: Outlook and Challenges for Defence

Professor Caroline McMillen commenced in the role as Chief Scientist for South Australia in October 2018 after serving as ViceChancellor of the University of Newcastle for seven years. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2020, awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Adelaide in 2019 and was elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences and a Bragg Member of the Royal Institution, Australia in 2015.

Professor Amanda Barnard is one of Australia's most highly awarded computational scientists. She currently leads research at the interface of computational modeling, high performance supercomputing, and applied machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). She was awarded her BSc (Hons) in applied physics in 2000, and her PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics in 2003 from RMIT University.

After graduating she accepted a Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow in the Center for Nanoscale Materials at Argonne National Laboratory (USA), and the prestigious senior research position as Violette & Samuel Glasstone Fellowship at the University of Oxford (UK) with an Extraordinary Research Fellowship at The Queen’s College. Prior to joining ANU she was an ARC QEII Fellow, Office of the Chief Executive Science Leader, and then Chief Research Scientist in Data61 at CSIRO, between 2009 and 2020.

Alex gained her PhD from Monash University in 2003. She worked in the Department of Materials Engineering at Monash University as a research fellow for two years working on the microstructure and properties of highstrength maraging steels. Since joining DSTG in November 2002, Alex has been involved in long-range research focussing on emerging materials technologies for airframes. She has also worked on the certification of new technologies for use on military aircraft and on technical risk assessments for novel materials and technologies for new platform acquisitions. She has led research programs designed to assess the performance of metallic materials and technologies in next-generation military aircraft.

In her role as Group Leader for Aerospace Metallic Technologies, she concentrated on developing the certification methodology for additive manufacturing for metallic aerospace components, and also served as the lead for Defence’s additive manufacturing policy development She is also a lead for the “Resilience” theme within Resilient Multimission STaR Shot, a major part of the Defence Science & Technology Strategy 2030: More, Together.

Professor McMillen was also honoured at the end of her term as Vice-Chancellor to be presented with the Key to the City of Newcastle by the Lord Mayor in recognition of her leadership contribution to Newcastle and the region. Professor McMillen has an international research reputation for her work which focussed on the early origins of adult disease. Her research group was funded across two decades by both the Australian Research Council and the National Health and Medical Research Council and she was a member of the PMSEIC Working Group on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander maternal, foetal and postnatal health.

www.cams2022.com.au

Advancing Materials and Manufacturing The 7th conference of the Combined Australian Materials Societies; incorporating Materials Australia and the Australian Ceramic Society.

1st - 3rd June 2022 | The University of Melbourne

BOOK NOW

www.cams2022.com.au Join Australia’s largest interdisciplinary technical meeting on the latest advances in materials science, engineering and technology.

Our technical program will cover a range of themes, identified by researchers and industry, as issues of topical interest.

CONFERENCE CO-CHAIRS

Prof Xinhua Wu Monash University xinhua.wu@monash.edu

Dr Andrew Ang Swinburne University aang@swin.edu.au

Prof Aijun Huang Monash University Aijun.Huang@monash.edu

Conference Secretariat: Tanya Smith tanya@materialsaustralia.com.au T +61 3 9326 7266

Symposia Themes

• Additive, advanced & future manufacturing, processes and products • Advances in materials characterisation • Advances in steel & light metals technology, metal casting & thermomechanical processing • Biomaterials & nanomaterials for medicine • Ceramics, glass and refractories, including materials for nuclear waste forms & fuels • Corrosion & wear resistant materials for demanding environments • Materials for energy generation, conversion and storage • Materials simulation & modelling • Nanostructured/nanoscale materials and interfaces • Progress in cements, geopolymers and innovative building materials for civil infrastructures • Surfaces thin films & coatings • Translational research in polymers and composites • Use of waste materials and environmental remediation/ recycling and energy efficiency Photos courtesy of George Vander Voort

Opportunities for sponsorships and exhibitions are available.

www.cams2022.com.au

MATERIALS AUSTRALIA

WA Branch Annual Sir Frank Ledger Breakfast The Challenges of Achieving Zero Emissions in Remote Mining Operations Source: James Koerting, Energy Manager, Gold Fields Australia

(L to R): Mike Ledger(Sir Frank Ledger’s grandson), Schree Chandran, James Koerting.

James Koerting (Energy Manager, Gold Fields Australia) delivered the keynote address at the 2021 Sir Frank Ledger Breakfast on the topic: The challenges of achieving zero emissions in remote mining operations.

Koerting has been one of the leaders in the switch to renewable energy supply for Gold Fields Australia’s local operations. Incidentally, he also revealed that he has a family link to Sir Frank Ledger, whose achievements and founding role in what was to become Materials Australia are honoured each year at this annual breakfast meeting.

Gold Fields Australia has been on a strategic journey to convert the primary energy sources for its remote mining operations in Western Australia, establishing renewable energy microgrids at the Agnew, Granny Smith and Gruyere mines. Gold Fields has successively introduced solar, battery, wind and gas hybrid energy systems to augment traditional gas and diesel 10 | APRIL 2022

power units. Its flagship installation at Agnew has led to 54% energy supply from renewable sources and a net 42% reduction in total mine emissions.

Gold Fields is not alone in the move to renewables in mining. Reflecting the international pressure for investment that takes into account Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues, the major mining houses are aiming for a 30% to 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emission by 2030 and net zero, or carbon neutral, operation by 2050.

The path to zero emission is based on elimination, and where this is not possible, neutralisation. However, as Koerting noted, if it were easy, it would have been done by now. The factors in the arguments against the change include ‘short mine life’, ‘high risk’, ‘too much capital’, ‘short battery life’, and more. Nevertheless, Gold Fields’ achievements at Agnew show what can be done under the right circumstances.

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Koerting pointed out that as the mines mature, they become more energy intensive. This is because they become deeper, haul distances increase, and grades usually decline. As such, the longer the mine life, the greater the challenge for net zero operation.

However, on the other hand, the greater to opportunity to make longer-term investments to achieve net zero.

The path towards zero emission involves two steps: convert electric energy sources to renewables, and convert diesel fuelled mobile equipment to electric power. The developments at Gold Fields’ operations have been directed at renewable energy but anticipate increased electricity demand as the conversion from diesel proceeds.

The renewable component of the Agnew operation has 16 MW of wind power (five turbines) and 4 MW of solar-tracking photovoltaics (PV), supplemented by a 4 MWh lithium-ion battery (which can deliver 13 MW). However, the mine still WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

MATERIALS AUSTRALIA

requires 18 MW of gas and 3 MW of diesel generation. The total system is operated as a stand-alone micro-grid, with an advanced control system to maintain system security and stability, and to maximise renewable energy use.

In the Agnew location, wind speed tends to reduce in the afternoon, while solar power depends not only on time of day, but cloud cover. While the goal is to maximise renewable energy usage, the aim is also to avoid ‘curtailment’, when more energy is produced than can be used. Balancing these two objectives informs the selection and sizing of renewable sources and the battery storage system. The control system has the task of dealing with the variable supply from wind and sun (including cloud cover prediction) and the thermal generation start-up characteristics to maintain overall power supply stability.

One of the factors limiting maximum renewable energy usage is the challenge of rapid switching between sources.

Koerting explained how inertia support

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through stored mechanical energy can reduce this limitation. With its capacity to absorb power fluctuations, the old technology of synchronous condensers is making a comeback as a way of maintaining phase and voltage while switching between sources.

The field of renewables for remote areas is changing rapidly with solar PV continuing to become cheaper and more efficient. This is partly due to new materials, but also a result of new construction techniques and cheaper sun-tracking. Wind power is relatively mature technology but the challenge for the mining industry is the cost of construction of relatively small installations in remote locations; bringing a 160 tonne crane to Agnew was a significant undertaking. Batteries continue to evolve, with alternatives to lithium-ion now being considered.

One of the interesting new proposals for energy storage that Koerting referred to is the gravity-based ‘energy vault’, in which large concrete blocks are raised

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and lowered, forming a solid equivalent to pumped hydro.

Answering questions from the audience, Koerting spoke about some characteristic differences between various parts of the mining industry in relation to net zero carbon operation.

Thus, gold mines typically yield a final product – gold bars – and do not have to contend with ‘Scope 3’ emissions produced by their customers; this is very different from iron ore mining. Small short-life gold mines, which are typically built for low capital expenditure, tolerate high operating expenses and so are less likely to be attracted to renewable energy than are long-life mines. The latter can trade higher capital cost against lower operating costs. For mid-tier mines it is a riskbased decision.

All agreed that Koerting provided members and visitors with a very clear and interesting insight into the changes which are rapidly changing the face of the local mining industry.

APRIL 2022 | 11

MATERIALS AUSTRALIA

WA Branch Technical Meeting

Heat Treatment of 6000 Series Al Alloys: What Can Go Wrong?

Source: Ehsan Karaji, Senior Welding Engineer – Maritime Sustainment, BAE

Ehsan Karaji (Senior Welding Engineer, BAE) presented in March to the Western Australia branch on the topic: Heat Treatment of 6000 Series Aluminium Alloys: What Can Go Wrong?

Karaji started his career as materials engineer in oil and gas projects in southern Iran focusing on selection of materials for oil storage tanks, and later shifted his focus to welding aspects of materials engineering.

Karaji's case study was about the challenges of developing a heat treatment schedule for producing T6 temper properties in complex shape machined from a 6082 aluminium alloy billet that was only available in the T5 condition.

To put the challenge in context, Karaji gave an overview of aluminium alloys and their classification. Pure aluminium is soft and ductile and has high electrical and thermal conductivity, but these properties can be altered greatly through alloying. In particular, strength and ductility can be controlled through alloying to produce intermetallic precipitates followed by heat treatment to control their sizes and distribution. The challenge Ehsan confronted was of changing the distribution of Mg2Si precipitates.

In the classification of aluminium alloys, the first distinction is between the three-digit (XXX) cast alloys and the four-digit (XXXX) wrought alloys series. With wrought alloys, the first digit (e.g. the ‘6’ in 6XXX) specifies the major alloying element.

Thus: 1XXX refers to controlled unalloyed (‘pure’) aluminium, 2XXX alloys have copper as the main alloying element, 3XXX have manganese (giving good deep drawing properties, as used in aluminium cans), 4XXX have silicon (which reduces the melting point and is used in welding wires), 5XXX with magnesium have good corrosion properties (used in marine applications), 6XXX with magnesium and silicon have high strength (e.g. bicycle frames), 7XXX with zinc and several minor elements are used in aircraft applications, 8XXX alloys have tin, and some have lithium, while the 9XXX classification is reserved for future use.

Heat treating of aluminium alloys, as for steel, is dependent on both temperature and time. The main feature is that it is a precision process undertaken in controlled furnaces.

Reproducibility and uniformity are critical and generally, details have to be established for each type of product, not just for each alloy.

The main heat treatment processes used with aluminium alloys are: Annealing: 300-420°C for stress relief and recrystallisation.

• Homogenisation: 500-550°C to redistribute precipitates.

• Solution heat treatment at 440-550°C, followed by quenching, to dissolve precipitates and produce a metastable single-phase condition.

• Natural ageing at ambient temperature, for uncontrolled precipitation of intermetallic.

• Artificial ageing (also called precipitation hardening) for controlled precipitation.

Karaji was dealing with a complex component with 30 mm thick webs machined from a solid 500 mm diameter billet of alloy 6082 (1.1%Si, 0.75% Mg) supplied in T5 temper, with the following properties: 270 MPa UTS, 230 MPa proof stress, 8% elongation and 6% reduction in area (RoA). The typical corresponding properties in T6 temper are 310 MPa UTS, 260 MPa proof, 10% elongation and 8% RoA. An extensive program of testing of 30mm thick test pieces in a commercial heat-treating facility revealed a schedule of solution treatment, quenching and recitation hardening that could produce all the T6 properties except for RoA, which was found to be quite variable between test pieces taken from different heats (batches of alloy). However, 6% RoA was achievable, and the designers confirmed that this would be acceptable.

The final schedule was solution heating for 12 hours at 550°C, with immediate quenching into water, and then precipitation hardening at 165°C for five hours. The conditions are quite critical.

In giving examples of what can go wrong, Karaji explained that testing with temperature variations of 10°C in solution treatment and 5°C in hardening produced inferior outcomes. Metallographic examination showed that critical effect of process variation was in the form of the precipitates. A fine distribution without clustering is essential to developing the required properties.

During questions about the test programme, a member of the audience recognised that the complex machined component was part of the new radar mast for the ANZAC Class Frigates. As to why it was this shape, which further complicated the heat treatment process, even if Ehsan had known the answer, he would not have been able to disclose it!

(L to R): Schree Chandran, Ehsan Karaji

12 | APRIL 2022

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CONFERENCE DATES

APICAM2023 Asia-Pacific International Conference on Additive Manufacturing

June 2023 University of Sydney, NSW The 3rd Asia-Pacific International Conference on Additive Manufacturing (APICAM) is the not-to-be-missed industry conference of 2023. APICAM was created to provide an opportunity for industry professionals and thinkers to come together, share knowledge and engage in the type of networking that is vital to the furthering of the additive manufacturing industry.

The purpose of this conference is to provide a focused forum for the presentation of advanced research and improved understanding of various aspects of additive manufacturing.

This conference will include lectures from invited internationally distinguished researchers, contributed presentations and posters. Contributions will be encouraged in the following areas of interest: Additive Manufacturing of Metals Additive Manufacturing of Polymers Additive Manufacturing of Concretes Advanced Characterisation Techniques and Feedstocks Computational Modelling of Thermal Processes for Metallic Parts Part Design for Additive Manufacturing Failure Mechanisms and Analysis Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Materials New Frontiers in Additive Manufacturing

The Light Metals Technology (LMT) Conference is a biennial event that focuses on recent advances in science and technologies associated with the development and manufacture of aluminium, magnesium and titanium alloys and their translation into commercial products.

The conference presents an opportunity for academic researchers, students and industry to discuss cutting edge developments and to facilitate new collaborations.

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS You are invited to submit abstracts on topics within the themes of Net Shape Manufacturing, Solid State Transformations and Mechanical Performance, and Translation to Applications.

For example, but not limited to: > Alloy development > Solidification and casting > Thermomechanical processing and forming > Machining and subtractive processes > Mechanical behaviour of light metal alloys > Corrosion and surface modification > Advanced characterisation techniques > Joining > Applications in bio-medical, automotive, aerospace, and energy industries > Simulation and modelling > Integrated computational materials engineering

Process Parameter and Defect Control Process-Microstructure-Property Relationships Testing and Qualification in Additive Manufacturing

www.apicam2022.com.au

www.lmt2022.com.au

Opportunities for sponsorships and exhibitions are available for both APICAM2022 and LMT2023.

Enquiries: Tanya Smith | Materials Australia +61 3 9326 7266 | imea@materialsaustralia.com.au

MATERIALS AUSTRALIA

NSW Branch Committee Changes and Event Schedule Source: Scott Jones The NSW Branch committee has had some changes for this year. Professor Sophie Primig has stepped back from her role as Branch President. Sophie is still on the committee and we thank her for her excellent leadership in recent years including the last two where she led the committee in a rapid transition to committee meetings and all events online with great success.

Dr Rachel White CMatP has taken over as Branch President this year. She has been a committee member for the last two years, and is hopeful of meeting the committee and branch members in person if possible this year. Rachel is the Sample Environment Group Leader at the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering at ANSTO. The committee welcomes two new members after farewelling Dr Anna Ceguerra last year. Applications from Dr Eason (Yi-Sheng) Chen and Alan Todhunter to join our committee were accepted in the first committee meeting of the year.

The NSW Committee Members are:

Dr Rachel White CMatP, NSW Branch President.

Dr Rachel White (President) Ms Hong Lu (Treasurer) Dr Eason Chen Dr Nima Haghdadi Dr Alan Hellier Prof Huijun Li Mr Blake Regan Dr Peter Richardson Mr Alan Todhunter Scott Jones (Student Councillor)

This year we have a number of events planned for the NSW Branch. These are planned to start later in the year. We are initially planning for online or hybrid online/in-person events depending on the pandemic rules at the time. Our usual careers event with the Australian Ceramic Society has been moved to every second year; this year the branch and ACS will support the MATSOC careers event in October.

First up in August will be a metallurgy course. Our branch CMatP miniconference will be held in September.

This will be an opportunity to hear from our newest CMatPs in the branch.

In October the UNSW MATSOC will be hosting a careers event supported by MA NSW branch and the Australian Ceramic Society.

Our final event of the year is in November when we will host our everpopular student presentations event.

In previous years our sponsors have provided generous cash prizes. We will be seeking nominations of student presenters later in the year; however, you can get in touch if you would like to nominate earlier. We are planning this event to be in-person and streamed.

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palladium catalysts

janus particles

glassy carbon

nickel foam

thin film 1

1

H

surface functionalized nanoparticles

organometallics

1.00794

Hydrogen

3

zeolites 11

anode

Li

2 1

4

99.999% ruthenium spheres

6.941

12

2 8 8 1

20

2 8 18 8 1

38

22.98976928

24.305

Sodium

19

K

osmium

Mg Magnesium

Ca

MOFs ZnS

Rb Cs

Sr

2 8 18 18 8 1

(223)

22

2 8 18 9 2

40

Ti

44.955912

56

Ba

2 8 18 18 8 2

57

Ra

Francium

(226)

La

Zr

Ac (227)

Radium

41

50.9415

Vanadium

91.224

2 8 18 18 9 2

72

Hf

138.90547

89

2 8 18 10 2

104

Rf (267)

2 8 18 32 10 2

73

140.116

Th 232.03806

Pr

2 8 18 32 32 10 2

2 8 18 21 8 2

Praseodymium 2 8 18 32 18 10 2

Thorium

91

Pa 231.03588

2 8 18 32 20 9 2

Protactinium

transparent ceramics EuFOD

spintronics

105

Db (268)

optical glass

2 8 18 32 11 2

2 8 14 2

27

2 8 18 15 1

45

74

W

Co

2 8 15 2

28

2 8 18 16 1

46

Ni

Tc

2 8 18 32 12 2

75

Re

106

2 8 16 2

29

2 8 18 18

47

Sg (271)

Ru 101.07

2 8 18 32 13 2

76

186.207

Os

107

Bh (272)

Seaborgium

Rh

Cu

2 8 18 1

30

2 8 18 18 1

48

102.9055

2 8 18 32 14 2

77

Ir

190.23

108

Hs (270)

Bohrium

106.42

2 8 18 32 15 2

78

Mt (276)

Hassium

2 8 18 23 8 2

62

(145)

93

Np (237)

Neptunium

63

150.36

Promethium 2 8 18 32 21 9 2

2 8 18 24 8 2

195.084

2 8 18 32 32 15 2

110

Ds (281)

151.964

Samarium

2 8 18 32 22 9 2

94

Eu

64

95

65

Tb

96

2 8 18 27 8 2

158.92535

Gadolinium 2 8 18 32 25 8 2

2 8 18 32 32 17 1

97

80

Rg (280)

Hg

Roentgenium

112

Cn

(244)

(243)

(247)

Americium

Curium

(247)

Berkelium

rhodium sponge

32

2 8 18 18 3

50

2 8 18 32 18 2

81

Tl

(285)

Nh (284)

2 8 18 4

33

Ge

2 8 18 18 4

51

Sn Pb

Sb

Fl (289)

Nihonium

52

83

2 8 18 32 18 4

Bi

Mc (288)

Flerovium

Dy

2 8 18 28 8 2

67

98

Ho

2 8 18 29 8 2

68

164.93032

Er 167.259

Holmium 2 8 18 32 28 8 2

99

(251)

Californium

(252)

69

Tm

100

(257)

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MATERIALS AUSTRALIA

Our Certified Materials Professionals (CMatPs)

A/Prof Alexey Glushenkov ACT Dr Syed Islam ACT Prof Yun Liu ACT Dr Karthika Prasad ACT Dr Takuya Tsuzuki ACT Prof Klaus-Dieter Liss CHINA Mr Debdutta Mallik MALAYSIA Prof Valerie Linton NEW ZEALAND Ms Maree Anast NSW Ms Megan Blamires NSW Dr Phillip Carter NSW Dr Anna Ceguerra NSW Mr Ken Chau NSW Dr. Igor Chaves NSW Dr Yi-Sheng (Eason) Chen NSW Dr Zhenxiang Cheng NSW Dr Evan Copland NSW Mr Peter Crick NSW Prof Madeleine Du Toit NSW Dr Azdiar Gazder NSW Prof Michael Ferry NSW Dr Yixiang Gan NSW Mr Michele Gimona NSW Dr Bernd Gludovatz NSW Mr Buluc Guner NSW Dr Alan Hellier NSW Prof Mark Hoffman NSW Mr Simon Krismer NSW Prof Jamie Kruzic NSW Prof Huijun Li NSW Dr Yanan Li NSW Mr Rodney Mackay-Sim NSW Dr Matthew Mansell NSW Dr Warren McKenzie NSW Mr Arya Mirsepasi NSW Dr David Mitchell NSW

Mr Sam Moricca NSW Dr Anna Paradowska NSW Prof Elena Pereloma NSW A/Prof Sophie Primig NSW Dr Gwenaelle Proust NSW Prof. Jamie Quinton NSW Mr Ehsan Rahafrouz NSW Dr Mark Reid NSW Prof Simon Ringer NSW Dr Richard Roest NSW Mr Sameer Sameen NSW Dr Luming Shen NSW Mr Sasanka Sinha NSW Mr Frank Soto NSW Mr Michael Stefulj NSW Mr Carl Strautins NSW Mr Alan Todhunter NSW Ms Judy Turnbull NSW Mr Jeremy Unsworth NSW Dr Philip Walls NSW Dr Rachel White NSW Dr Alan Whittle NSW Dr Richard Wuhrer NSW Mr Deniz Yalniz NSW Mr Michael Chan QLD Prof Richard Clegg QLD Mr Andrew Dark QLD Dr Ian Dover QLD Mr Oscar Duyvestyn QLD Mr John Edgley QLD Dr Jayantha Epaarachchi QLD Dr Jeff Gates QLD Mr Payam Ghafoori QLD Dr David Harrison QLD Miss Mozhgan Kermajani QLD Dr Andrii Kostryzhev QLD Mr Jeezreel Malacad QLD Dr Jason Nairn QLD Mr Sadiq Nawaz QLD Mr Bhavin Panchal QLD Mr Bob Samuels QLD Dr Mathias Aakyiir SA Mr Ashley Bell SA Ms Ingrid Brundin SA Mr Neville Cornish SA A/Prof Colin Hall SA Mr Nikolas Hildebrand SA Mr Mikael Johansson SA Mr Rahim Kurji SA Mr Greg Moore SA Mr Andrew Sales SA Dr Thomas Schläfer SA Dr Christiane Schulz SA Prof Nikki Stanford SA Prof Youhong Tang SA Ms Deborah Ward SA Mr Kok Toong Leong SINGAPORE Mr Devadoss Suresh Kumar UAE Dr Ivan Cole VIC Dr John Cookson VIC Miss Ana Celine Del Rosario VIC Dr Yvonne Durandet VIC Dr Mark Easton VIC Dr Rajiv Edavan VIC Dr Peter Ford VIC

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The following members of Materials Australia have been certified by the Certification Panel of Materials Australia as Certified Materials Professionals.

They can now use the post nominal ‘CMatP‘ after their name. These individuals have demonstrated the required level of qualification and experience to obtain this status. They are also required to regularly maintain their professional standing through ongoing education and commitment to the materials community.

We now have over one hundred Certified Materials Professionals, who are being called upon to lead activities within Materials Australia. These activities include heading special interest group networks, representation on Standards Australia Committees, and representing Materials Australia at international conferences and society meetings.

To become a CMatP visit our website:

www.materialsaustralia.com.au

Mrs Liz Goodall Mr Bruce Ham Ms Edith Hamilton Dr Shu Huang Mr Long Huynh Mr. Daniel Lim Dr Amita Iyer Mr Robert Le Hunt Dr Michael Lo Dr Thomas Ludwig Dr Roger Lumley Mr Michael Mansfield Dr Gary Martin Dr Siao Ming (Andrew) Ang Dr Eustathios Petinakis Dr Leon Prentice Dr Dong Qiu Mr John Rea Mr Steve Rockey Miss Reyhaneh Sahraeian Dr Christine Scala Mr Khan Sharp Dr Vadim Shterner Dr Antonella Sola Mr Mark Stephens Dr Graham Sussex Dr Jenna Tong Dr Kishore Venkatesan Mr Pranay Wadyalkar Mr John Watson Dr Wei Xu Dr Ramdayal Yadav Dr Sam Yang Dr. Matthew Young Mr. Mohsen Sabbagh Alvani Mr Graeme Brown Mr Graham Carlisle Mr John Carroll Mr Sridharan Chandran Mr Conrad Classen Mr Chris Cobain Ms Jessica Down Mr Jeff Dunning Dr Olubayode Ero-Phillips Mr Stuart Folkard Prof Vladimir Golovanevskiy Mr Chris Grant Dr Cathy Hewett Mr Paul Howard Dr Paul Huggett Mr Ehsan Karaji Mr Biju Kurian Pottayil Mr Mathieu Lancien Mr Michael Lison-Pick Mr Ben Miller Dr Evelyn Ng Mr Deny Nugraha Mr Stephen Oswald Mrs Mary Louise Petrick Mr Johann Petrick Mr Stephen Rennie

Mr James Travers

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MATERIALS AUSTRALIA

Why You Should Become a Certified Materials Professional Source: Materials Australia Accreditation as a Certified Materials Professional (CMatP) gives you recognition, not only amongst your peers, but within the materials engineering industry at large. You will be recognised as a materials scientist who maintains professional integrity, keeps up to date with developments in technology, and strives for continued personal development.

The CMatP, like a Certified Practicing Accountant or CPA, is promoted globally as the recognised standard for professionals working in the field of materials science.

There are now well over one hundred CMatPs who lead activities within Materials Australia. These activities include heading special interest group networks, representation on Standards Australia Committees, and representing Materials Australia at international conferences and society meetings.

Benefits of Becoming a CMatP • A Certificate of Membership, often presented by the State Chapter, together with a unique Materials Australia badge.

• Access to exclusive CMatP resources and website content.

• The opportunity to attend CMatP only

networking meetings.

• Promotion through Materials Australia magazine, website, social media and other public channels.

• A Certified Materials Professional can use the post nominal CMatP. • Materials Australia will actively promote the CMatP status to the community and employers and internationally, through our partner organisations.

• A CMatP may be requested to represent Materials Australia throughout Australia and overseas, with Government, media and other important activities.

standards. They are recognised as demonstrating excellence, and possessing special knowledge in the practice of materials science and engineering, through their profession or workplace. A CMatP is prepared to share their knowledge and skills in the interest of others, and promote excellence and innovation in all their professional endeavours.

The Criteria

• Networking directly with other CMatPs who have recognised levels of qualifications and experience.

The criteria for recognition as a CMatP are structured around the applicant demonstrating substantial and sustained practice in a field of materials science and engineering. The criteria are measured by qualifications, years of employment and relevant experience, as evidenced by the applicant’s CV or submitted documentation.

• The opportunity to assume leadership roles in Special Interest Networks, to assist in the facilitation of new knowledge amongst peers and members.

Certification will be retained as long as there is evidence of continuing professional development and adherence to the Code of Ethics and Professional behaviour.

What is a Certified Materials Professional?

Further Information

• A CMatP may be offered an opportunity as a mentor for student members.

A Certified Materials Professional is a person to whom Materials Australia has issued a certificate declaring they have attained all required professional

Contact Materials Australia today: on +61 3 9326 7266 or

imea@materialsaustralia.com.au or visit our website:

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APRIL 2022 | 17

INDUSTRY NEWS

Together We’re Stronger: Developing a New Layered Material for Future Electronics Source: Sally Wood A new RMIT-led study stacks two different types of 2D materials together to create a hybrid material providing enhanced properties.

This hybrid material possesses valuable properties towards use in future memory and electronic devices such as TVs, computers and phones. Most significantly, the electronic properties of the new stacked structure can be controlled without the need for external strain, opening the way for use in future low-energy transistors.

The result is a new potential material for multiferroic nanodevices, such as field-effect transistors and memory devices, which could operate using much less energy than current silicon-based electronics as well as making electronic components smaller.

Atomically-Thin Building Blocks The work uses a structure comprising two atomically-thin materials: a film of a ferroelectric material, and another film of a magnetic material. (Such a structure of two or more different materials is referred to as a ‘heterostructure’.)

By stacking the two 2D materials together, the researchers create a ‘multiferroic’ material that combines the unique properties of the component ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials: • Ferromagnetic (or magnetic) materials are familiar, as materials with a permanent, intrinsic magnetism, such as iron. In ferromagnetic materials, electron spin can be aligned to form a strong magnetic field (this is what it means that they can be ‘magnetised’).

Professor Michelle Spencer and PhD student Patrick Taylor in the labs at RMIT.

Switching Without External Strain The switchable 2D Schottky diode device is formed by the interface of the 2D metal FGT (lower layer) and the 2D ferroelectric In2 Se3 (upper layer).

This work employs a heterostructure of two 2D monolayers: In2 Se3 and Fe3 GeTe2 (usually abbreviated to ‘FGT’), where In2 Se3 is a ferroelectric semiconductor and FGT is a magnetic/ferromagnetic material.

• Ferroelectric materials can be considered the electrical analogy to ferromagnetic materials, with their permanent electric polarisation resembling the north and south poles of a magnet.

“Our findings show that the In2Se3/FGT provides properties comparable to other heterostructures but without the need of external strain,” says corresponding author Prof Michelle Spencer. “Not only can we control the barrier height with this heterostructure, but we can also switch between an n-type and p-type Schottky barrier.”

• Multiferroic materials are simply those that exhibit more than one ferroic property (in this case, ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity).

Such controllability and tunability of the In2 Se3 /FGT heterostructure can substantially broaden its device potential in future low-energy electronic devices.

Specifically, the researchers found they could use the intrinsic ferroelectric properties to tune the Schottky barrier height of the In2 Se3 / Fe3 GeTe2 heterostructure rather than using applied strain, that is required by other systems. (The Schottky barrier is an energy difference created by joining a metal with a semiconductor.)

“We found a significant change in the structural and electronic properties switching between the configurations of In2 Se3 . Such changes make this heterostructure useful as a switchable 2D Schottky diode device,” said lead author Dr Maria Javaid.

Being able to tune the height of the barrier is needed to convert current from alternating (AC) to direct (DC) for use in electronic components such as diodes which are found in TVs, computers and other everyday electronic devices.

The resulting, switchable Schottky barrier structure can form an essential component in a two-dimensional fieldeffect transistor (FET) that can be operated by switching the intrinsic ferroelectric polarisation, rather than by the application of external strain.

18 | APRIL 2022

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From Theory To The Lab The finding is directly applicable to FLEET’s mission towards a new generation of ultra-low energy technologies beyond CMOS electronics.

As well as introducing a new possible avenue towards multiferroic nanodevices, the work will motivate experimentalists in this field to explore further opportunities for the use of In2 Se3 /FGT in future low-energy electronic devices.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Swinburne’s AIR Hub To Drive The Future Of Aerospace Source: Sally Wood Australia’s first Aerostructures Innovation Research (AIR) Hub was recently launched at Swinburne University of Technology.

The Victorian Government poured $12 million to bring together the best of Victoria’s aerospace research, design and manufacturing leaders to work with industry on real world design and manufacturing problems.

Swinburne’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pascale Quester, said the new hub will pioneer materials engineering across Australia.

“This initiative perfectly encapsulates Swinburne’s vision of bringing people and technology together to build a better world. I am very excited by what our experts, working closely with our valued partners, will be able to achieve for the aerospace sector,” Professor Quester said.

The hub will work closely with the international aerospace industry to create innovative materials and manufacturing processes for passenger planes and the space industry.

It will also accelerate electric clean energy vertical take-off and landing air vehicles, which are more widely known as ‘flying cars’ or electric helicopters.

“AIR Hub will deliver a 30 year economic, employment and technology innovation boost for Australia and Victoria, designing and manufacturing lighter, stronger and more competitive aerospace structures to propel Victoria’s aerospace sector as a world leader,” Professor Quester said.

It will link with Swinburne’s Victorian Hydrogen Hub to researchers, and develop capacity for hydrogen storage on aircraft and certain types of air vehicles. “[This] enabl[es] them to make use of green fuels of the future to help meet global zero emission targets,” Professor Quester said.

Lighter Planes, Cheaper Rockets, Better Drones and Flying Taxis The AIR Hub is poised to be a global technology, research and manufacturing collaboration.

It brings industry partners incluidng: Boeing, Quickstep, CableX, Furnace Engineering, Shoal and Marand Precision Engineering; alongside research partners CSIRO, Monash University and Germany’s University of Stuttgart and ARENA 2036.

For example, the hub is working on ‘light-weighting’ and automating the

production of space systems like the rockets that are typically used to launch satellites.

Light-weighting is known as the manufacturing of parts to achieve better fuel efficiency and handling, and faster production could save thousands of dollars per launch, opening up business opportunities in the lucrative global space industry for Australian companies.

This would allow drones to travel further and deliver supplies to remote places.

Dr Adriano Di Pietro will lead the hub at Swinburne, where he brings his expertise in materials design and innovation.

“By using the latest technologies in digitalisation, automation and advanced materials, we will reinforce our industry partners’ position in the global aerospace industry and accelerate innovative technology development.”

“This contribution to air mobility is vital to Australia’s future, connecting our people and communities,” he explained.

Electric clean energy vertical take-off and landing air vehicles could become the future in a ‘flying Uber’ concept of transportation.

The technology embraces the latest concepts in materials science and design. In addtion, AIR Hub will utilise artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, machine learning and collaborative robots to support Australia’s world-leading capabilities to manufacture aerostructures.

Victoria’s Treasurer Tim Pallas said it will develop “ground-breaking technology in our own backyard will position Victoria as a world leader in the aeronautical industry”.

Facilities across Victoria, including the Swinburne-CSIRO Industry 4.0 Testlab for Composite Additive Manufacturing in Clayton, and the manufacturing sites of key industry partners will support the hub’s research and development activities.

20 | APRIL 2022

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INDUSTRY NEWS

UOW Researcher Developing Artificial Muscle in Miniature Devices Recognised on The Global Stage Source: Sally Wood type of high-performance fibres that contract just like our own muscles.

These fibres can be easily attached to miniature machines like tools for robotic surgery,” Professor Spinks said.

A number of prototypes have already been developed including robotic fish, a micromixer of fluids and using supercoiling muscle fibres to open and close miniature tweezers.

“We still have much to do to turn our discovery into practical devices and we are currently working to solve these remaining issues,” he said.

Geoff Spinks, Senior Professor, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, University of Wollongong. Image credit: University of Wollongong.

Researchers are developing the next generation of non-invasive surgery or robotic surgical systems, which is matching the performance of a natural muscle using artificial muscles created in the lab.

The systems include miniature tweezers, prosthetic hands or dexterous robotic devices.

University of Wollongong (UoW) researcher Senior Professor Geoff Spinks is a world-leader in artificial muscle material research and the development of artificial muscles in miniature devices, which could be applied in medicine and robotics.

“We were investigating microfibres made from hydrogel materials when we happened upon the supercoiling behaviour. It was then that we realised that our fibres were mimicking DNA folding,” Professor Spinks said.

where space is limited. For example, the latest motor-driven prosthetic hands do not currently match the dexterity of a human hand. As such, more actuators are needed to replicate the full range of motion grip types and strength of a healthy human.

The most recent breakthrough happened as an unexpected outcome for the researchers.

“The double helix of DNA is one of the most iconic symbols in science. By imitating the structure of this complex genetic molecule, we have found a way to make artificial muscle fibres far more powerful than those found in nature, with potential applications in many kinds of miniature machinery such as prosthetic hands and dexterous robotic devices,” Professor Spinks explained.

Professor Spinks was recently recognised as one of ten global winners for Science Breakthrough of the Year 2021.

The awards were celebrated in Berlin last November at the prestigious Falling Walls Science Summit, which is a leading forum for scientific breakthroughs and science dialogue between global science leaders and society.

Professor Spinks said it was an honour to have his research recognised on the global stage.

“The Falling Walls Foundation is doing a fantastic job at promoting advances in all fields of endeavour to a massive global audience. It’s a great honour to be recognised by such a prestigious organisation,” he said.

The Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year takes place on the anniversary of the historic fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November.

Alongside an international research team, Professor Spinks has developed various types of artificial muscles in the past that bend, rotate or contract in length.

As a result of this discovery, the fibre shrank by up to 90 per cent of its original length. However, when compared to a human muscle, the supercoiling fibre is shown to be 30 times smaller in diameter.

The science has enabled the research team to make artificial muscles as thin fibres or films that are especially well suited to microscopic devices.

The muscle fibres of mammals only shrink by about 20 per cent of their original length and produce a work output of 0.03 joules per gram.

DNA-inspired 'supercoiling' fibres could make powerful artificial muscles for robots.

Artificial muscle materials are useful

“Our discovery offers an exciting new

Image credit: University of Wollongong.

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APRIL 2022 | 21

INDUSTRY NEWS

Why Your Material Analyser Won’t Keep You Awake at Night - But the Data Will Source: Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science We’re seeing a rise in the use of material analysers as part of factory automation, whether raw material testing, in-line testing or IIOT (Industrial Internet of Things). This has been accelerated as the issue of aging global population and reduced workforce, especially as manual labour (blue collar workers), becomes a challenge for many businesses with vacancies being hard to fill.

What many don’t necessarily realise is that material analysers are being developed to provide a solution to new customer demands to deliver more efficient, automated, and cleaner production and development processes.

Often the data has been stored on the instruments themselves without providing wider visibility of the analysis data which can highlight issues with raw materials, product quality or processes. Today, many material analysers come with connectivity enabled already. It’s just that many aren’t taking advantage of the features available already to increase yield let alone realise what the future could look like.

Why your material analyser won’t keep you awake at night - but the data will

Automation Isn’t New Automation has worked for years in industrial manufacturing but ensuring products meet specification, quality and throughput has until now required employee intervention. But as markets change, so does technology. 5G, multisite operations and remote/hybrid working are becoming the norm, and proactive remote interventions are becoming more accepted. Material analysers also need to adapt to changing circumstances.

The idea of a fully integrated, connected, and flexible analysis equipment, that feeds smart factories with a constant stream of data is coming and is much closer than you may think. This data provides valuable information to your most precious 22 | APRIL 2022

resource, your workforce, enabling them to make the right decisions at the right time.

Why Data Matters One of my favourite questions to ask customers when I visit them is what do you do with the data your analyser collects? We’re living in an age where we need to utilise massive amounts of data from around the world to create new value as many businesses renovate themselves with digital technologies.

The analyser, whether XRF, LIBS, OES or TA, is just a means to getting a job done.

But what the analyser does is it provides a constant stream of data. Valuable data. And we know data is power. You might not be aware, but we’ve had data enabled products since 2014.

You can get data from the shop floor or in-field without stopping production.

You can build your analysis inline or into automation. And with the data that your material analysers provide, you can reduce wastage and costs and BACK TO CONTENTS

improve production yield, throughput and crucially, your bottom line.

In the near future all our instruments will be connected to ExTOPE Connect, our advanced data management solution in the cloud, with our handheld XRF and LIBS, OES and LAB-X5000 benchtop XRF analyser currently having this capability. But that’s not everything.

What is Lumada?

You may hear us talk more and more about Lumada. Coined from the words “illuminate” and “data”, the name Lumada embodies our goal of helping businesses shine a light on their data and illuminating the information it provides in such a way that we can extract new insights, thereby resolving our customers’ business issues and contributing to their growth.

We’re here to help our customers in their digital transformation for a better, cleaner society. By capturing changes in the world through data, WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

INDUSTRY NEWS

we’re able to create new value by combining the ability to act flexibly with proven on-site knowledge to optimise manufacturing processes and storage inventory for example.

Shaping the Future Together We’re already seeing an increased number of customers with requirements around data management and analysis. This previously was exclusive to large multinational companies, but we’re now seeing medium to small companies incorporating this into their process too. Our position is to make this capability accessible to all customers.

Ultimately, through the data our analysers are able to provide to you, we want to help to decrease failure rates, how much money is being wasted in manufacturing process, how much additional stock is sitting on shelves, and wasted energy, material and labor due to product re-work.

By providing world class material analysis solutions that are digitally enabled and embedded into your business, we want to enable our customers to make fast, accurate decisions during their production process whether they be from raw material sourcing to end of life disposal and recycling. And the key to this all, is the data from your material analyser.

About Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science The Hitachi High-Tech range of X-ray, laser and optical emission spectrometer analysers provide superior analysis for incoming inspection, factory floor process control and NDT for final inspection to provide you with cutting-edge solutions. Their range includes: XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) is available in both benchtop and handheld formats, is ideal for measuring a wide range of elements and concentrations in many different materials, including metal alloys. XRF technology utilises an X-ray tube to induce a response from the atoms in the tested sample. This technique is ideal when you need low limits of detection for accurate grade separation.

OES (Optical Emission Spectroscopy) is available in mobile and stationary formats. OES can analyse all the key elements at low limits of detection, like phosphorous, sulphur, boron – and carbon, starting with a detection limit of 30ppm. Compared to handheld XRF, the OES technique requires more sample preparation and a small but visible burn spot is left on the surface.

LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) is a fast, handheld format, ideal for the identification of different types of alloys. With a LIBS analyser, there are no X-rays as it uses a focused laser pulse to hit the sample surface, removing a very small amount of material for analysis. This means the LIBS burn mark is so small that it can often be used for finished goods.

100% Positive Material Identification The Hitachi High-Tech range of metals analysers and technologies ensures: • Rapid, reliable material verification, even in the most demanding quality assurance and control applications • Meeting of standards, avoiding potentially devastating results for your customers, your company and even your reputation • Avoidance of costly reworks through incoming inspection of alloy material before the production phase • Avoidance of costly recalls by confirming chemical composition and material verification prior to shipment • Production lines kept running at optimum efficiency • Access to powerful data management and reporting

Read the metal.

Reveal the quality.

Hitachi’s range of materials analyzers support the end-to-end metals production process from incoming inspection to final product assembly and finished goods testing to ensure product reliability, safety and regulatory compliance.

See the full range at: hhtas.net/read-the-metal X-MET8000 - XRF

VULCAN - LIBS

MOBILE AND STATIONARY OES

Complete metals analysis you can count on.

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APRIL 2022 | 23

INDUSTRY NEWS

Bionic Eye Study Paves the Way Towards Human Trials Source: Sally Wood A bionic eye that was recently developed by a team of biomedical researchers at the University of Sydney and UNSW has shown to be safe and stable for long-term implantation.

The Phoenix99 Bionic Eye is an implantable system, designed to restore a form of vision to patients living with severe vision impairment and blindness caused by degenerative diseases.

The device stimulates the retina—a thin stack of neurones lining the back of the eye.

In healthy eyes, the cells in one of the layers turn incoming light into electrical messages, which are sent to the brain. In some retinal diseases, the cells responsible for this crucial conversion degenerate, and cause vision impairment.

The system bypasses these malfunctioning cells by stimulating the remaining cells directly, effectively tricking the brain into believing that light was sensed.

The device has two main components

that need to be implanted: a stimulator attached to the eye and a communication module positioned under the skin behind the ear.

According to Samuel Eggenberger, a biomedical engineer completing his doctorate with the the University of Sydney’s School of Biomedical Engineering, “Importantly, we found the device has a very low impact on the neurons required to ‘trick’ the brain. There were no unexpected reactions from the tissue around the device and we expect it could safely remain in place for many years,” he said.

The research was recently published in Biomaterials, and showcases a sheep model that was used to observe how the body responds and heals when implanted with the device. It is a significant milestone for the Phoenix99 Bionic Eye, and combines decades of experience and technological breakthroughs in the field of implantable electronics.

The results currently allow for further refinement of the surgical procedure.

However, the biomedical research team is confident the device could be trialled in human patients.

“Our team is thrilled by this extraordinary result, which gives us confidence to push on towards human trials of the device. We hope that through this technology, people living with profound vision loss from degenerative retinal disorders may be able to regain a useful sense of vision,” Eggenberger said.

The team will soon apply for ethics approval to perform clinical trials in human patients, as they continue to develop and test advanced stimulation techniques.

How The Bionic Eye Works

Samuel Eggenberger and Professor Gregg Suaning.

Image credit: The University of Sydney.

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The process works when a patient is implanted with the Phoenix99.

A stimulator is positioned on the eye and a communication module implanted behind the ear.

Then, a small camera attached to BACK TO CONTENTS

Developed by researchers in biomedical engineering: The Phoenix99 Bionic Eye. Image credit: The University of Sydney.

glasses captures the visual scene in front of the wearer. The images are processed into a set of stimulation instructions.

The instructions are sent wirelessly through the skin to the communication module of the prosthesis.

The implant decodes the wireless signal and transfers the instructions to the stimulation module, which delivers electrical impulses to the neurons of the retina.

The electrical impulses, which are delivered in patterns matching the images recorded by the camera, trigger neurons that forward the messages to the brain, where the signals are interpreted as a vision of the scene.

This research was supported by the Australian Research Council through its Special Research Initiative in Bionic Vision Science and Technology grant to Bionic Vision Australia. There was also additional funding support from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

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Negative Capacitance in Topological Transistors Could Reduce Computing’s Unsustainable Energy Load Source: Sally Wood Australian researchers have discovered that negative capacitance could lower the energy used in electronics and computing, which represents 8 per cent of global electricity demand.

The researchers at four universities within the ARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies applied negative capacitance to make topological transistors switch at lower voltage.

Together, this potentially reduces energy losses by a factor of ten or more

What Are Transistors?

A transistor is an electronic switch. It has three terminals, or connections.

A voltage applied to the gate terminal controls the current, which can flow between the other two terminals (the source and drain terminals). In computer chips, the transistors can be ‘on’ or ‘off.’

Switching a transistor on and off wastes a tiny amount of electrical energy each time. These transistors switch billions of times a second and lead to a lot of power being wasted as heat.

“This is why your phone or laptop gets hot when you’re doing something that requires a lot of computations, such as processing a video,” said FLEET researcher, Professor Michael Fuhrer.

According to the Decadal Plan for Semiconductors 2020, the imbalance between rising energy demands of ICT and available energy will ‘strongly limit’ future growth in computing.

Today’s computer chips are all made of silicon, which is a semiconductor.

These are insulators, or materials that normally do not conduct electricity.

However, by adding a bit of extra electrical charge to a semiconductor, it makes it conduct.

But FLEET researchers are working with new kinds of quantum materials called topological insulators, instead of silicon.

These materials are insulating in their interiors, but conduct electricity on their boundaries.

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While the millions of transistors inside modern electronics are only micrometres in size, their function mirrors that of the familiar three-legged transistors of 1970s radios and home electronics kits.

Study authors left Dr Mark Edmonds, and right Prof Michael Fuhrer (School of Physics and Astronomy, Monash University).

In fact, if they are three-dimensional, they conduct on their two-dimensional surfaces, and if they are very thin, they conduct along their one-dimensional edges.

These very promising results were recently reported at the prestigious International Electron Devices Meeting in San Francisco, and the work is already covered in a patent application.

FLEET researchers found that an electric field can be used to switch a material from topological insulator to a normal insulator. This allows a topological material to be used as a transistor, which is known as a topological quantum field-effect transistor (TQFET).

“There’s even more room for improvement,” said Professor Fuhrer.

They also found that these types of transistors can switch at a lower voltage than conventional materials, which overcomes the so-called ‘Boltzmann’s tyranny.’ This phenomenon sets the lower limit for the voltage required to switch a current at room temperature.

FLEET researcher Muhammad Nadeem said, “The low-voltage switching comes about due to an effect called spin-orbit coupling, which is stronger in heavier elements like bismuth. We found that bismuth-based TQFETs could switch at half the voltage, and one-quarter the energy, of similar-sized conventional FETs.”

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How Can Capacitance Be Negative?

A capacitor consists of two conductors separated by an insulator. It has a capacitance C, which expresses the amount of electrical charge (Q) on the metals when a voltage (V) is applied between them: C = Q/V. Normally this is a positive number. If it was negative, the capacitor would be inherently unstable.

But ferroelectric materials have a spontaneous polarisation, which charges up its surfaces. As such, these materials can be thought of as having a negative capacitance in a certain regime.

APRIL 2022 | 25

INDUSTRY NEWS

First Crystallographic Structures Determined Using Rigaku’s Recently Launched Electron Diffractometer Published in Nature Communications

By Dr Cameron Chai and Peter Airey, AXT PTY LTD

Electron diffraction (ED) is an emerging technique for determining crystallographic structures of single crystals. Rigaku recently launched the world’s first turnkey electron diffractometer in the form of the XtaLAB Synergy-ED. Researchers from the University of Birmingham and the University of Nottingham have published the first crystal structures determined by the XtaLAB Synergy-ED in the-high profile journal Nature Communications on 20 January 2022.

The XtaLAB Synergy-ED is the culmination of close collaboration between Japanese scientific instrument manufacturers Rigaku and JEOL. The system benefits from Rigaku’s high-speed, high-sensitivity direct electron detector (HyPix-ED), state-of-the-art instrument control and single crystal analysis software platform (CrysAlisPro for ED) and JEOL’s electron microscopy expertise.

The XtaLAB Synergy-ED complements Rigaku’s existing range of single crystal X-ray diffractometers (SCXRD) in that it can analyse nanoscale samples that are too small for conventional diffractometers.

The research team, led by Professor Neil Champness, attempted to use more conventional SC-XRD on a synchrotron beamline. Poorly diffracting crystals meant structure determination was extremely difficult, resulting in poor quality structure refinement, and they were unable to locate or identify anions in the structure.

This led them to explore alternative methods such as electron diffraction.

The researchers examined 10 crystallites approximately 100nm thick. In a world first, they successfully determined the structure of a heterorotaxane by merging nine datasets. The use of multiple datasets gave rise to a higher-quality refinement, which even allowed identification and 26 | APRIL 2022

refinement of the anions.

When asked about this research project, Professor Champness said, “Our study focused on studying photochemical processes in interlocked molecules known as rotaxanes. Interpretation of the results requires an understanding of the precise structure and organisation of the molecular components, and the best techniques to achieve this are diffraction-based crystallography.”

“We are experienced X-ray crystallographers and use our own Rigaku XtaLAB Synergy-S X-ray diffractometer as well as synchrotron X-ray sources. For the compound in this study, we collected X-ray data, but it wasn't of a sufficient quality to determine a reliable structure of the molecule and then Rigaku stepped in with their new XtaLAB Synergy-ED. Much to our surprise the electron diffraction experiment gave better quality data for our crystals than even the synchrotron X-ray. We were very pleased that electron diffraction gave such good data for such a complex molecule, and this allowed a much greater appreciation of the chemistry that we are studying.”

Dr Mark Benson, General Manager of Global Sales and Marketing for Single Crystal, also commented, “Shortly after launching the XtaLAB Synergy-ED, we were keen to test its performance on a rotaxane, which are known to be notoriously difficult to crystallise. The XtaLAB Synergy-ED passed with flying colors, successfully resolving the structure of the difficult rotaxane crystals.”

“This is a very proud occasion for the Rigaku team, to see our data published in the prestigious Nature Communications journal along with our long-time customer Professor Champness. This paper also highlights the value of the XtaLAB Synergy-ED to excel where XRD falls short; e.g., where sample volumes BACK TO CONTENTS

Rotaxane structure determined using the Rigaku XtaLAB Synergy-ED electron diffractometer.

are extremely small or where crystals are too small for home X-ray or even synchrotron diffraction. Furthermore, it demonstrates how electron diffraction is set to revolutionise structural studies. We at Rigaku are excited to be at the forefront of this new development.”

For crystallographers like Professor Champness and his team, who already use Rigaku XtaLAB Synergy series X-ray diffractometers, the transition from X-ray diffraction to electron diffraction is made incredibly simple as Rigaku use the same software across both platforms.

CrysAlisPro software is common across the entire XtaLAB Synergy range, providing measurement and analytical capabilities.

Read more about the structural determination using electron diffraction and characterisation of homo- and hetero-rotaxanes in the Nature Communications paper and the Rigaku XtaLAB Synergy-ED.

Authors of the research paper, Professor Neil Champness (right) and Dr Nicholas Pearce (left) from the University of Birmingham.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

The Ideal MicroCT for Core Facility Labs – Combining Versatility and Performance

By Dr Cameron Chai and Dr Kamran Khajehpour Choosing an instrument for a central or core facility lab is always challenging. Catering to the needs of the many normally requires compromises to be made. If you are looking for a new microCT, you may not actually have to compromise!

The TESCAN UniTOM HR offers 600nm spatial resolution with exceptional contrast at much faster speeds than other high-resolution CT’s.

It accommodates up to 3 different detectors for different applications and energy ranges enabling for example large samples (100cm tall x 60cm diametre) with a high energy large area detector and low contrast biological materials with a specialised

low energy detector.

With continuous capture <5sec temporal resolution the systems are 4D CT/dynamic CT ready.

Sometimes manufacturers make claims that seem a bit outrageous.

Following a thorough review of commercially available high-speed lab-based CT’s by researchers at the University of Warwick (UK), here’s what researchers had to say about the scanning speed of the TESCAN UniTOM: “The only systems currently available on the market that can seemingly achieve these sorts of speeds are all made by TESCAN that has 4D scanning as their marketed unique selling point.”

This was in reference to an acquisition time of 9.4 seconds, which was much faster than the next competitor at 1 minute.

LIBS Technology

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Z-Series Handhelds

Coriosity

• Ideal for PMI

• Rapid large area mapping

• Alloy grade libraries

• Element and phase maps

• Carbon in steel

• Variable resolution

• Argon or air analysis

• Automatic sample changer

• Lightweight & rugged

• Depth analysis

Measure every element | Analyse anything | Your partner for LIBS For more information visit axt.com.au

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APRIL 2022 | 27

INDUSTRY NEWS

Empowering Battery Research and Production with Advanced Analytical Solutions Source: ATA Scientific Pty Ltd Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are predicted to play a key role in the trend toward renewable and sustainable industrial electrification solutions. As fossil fuels are phased out and CO2 regulations become more stringent, the increase in demand to provide ever more lightweight, low-cost, safe, high-power and fastcharging batteries has accelerated advances in battery technology.

Access to the right tools and technologies can help optimise R&D and production cycles, investigate causes of battery failure, improve safety, and speed up time-to-market, to keep technological progress moving in sync with modern global demands.

Here we discuss a complementary set of physical, chemical, and structural analysis solutions designed to enable rapid, high-precision analysis of particle size and shape distribution plus elemental composition of battery materials for the entire process from research through to production.

Measuring Particle Size – Why is it Important?

The performance of a battery can be characterised according to the amount of energy that it can store or the amount of power that it can produce.

The maximum battery power can be increased by decreasing the particle size of the electrode material and

increasing the surface area. Battery power is determined by the rate of reaction between the electrodes and the electrolyte, while storage capacity is a function of the volume of electrolyte within the cell. These properties are intrinsically linked to the intercalation structure and particle size of the electrode particles, which determine how well the mobile ions are taken up and released by the electrode. Particle size distribution and particle shape influence particle packing, hence the volume of electrolyte that can be accommodated within the interstitial voids of the electrode, which affects storage capacity. As a result, a mixture of coarse and fine particles is often used in the electrodes to increase surface area, whilst also controlling the overall packing fraction of the electrode material to allow good contact between the electrode and the electrolyte.

Particle sizing of electrode materials is commonly performed using the Mastersizer 3000 which uses automated laser diffraction technology. With a measurement range that runs from 0.01 to 3500 µm, the Mastersizer is the particle sizing technology of choice for most battery manufacturing applications – starting from precursor to the final milled electrode materials.

The Malvern Insitec online process systems deliver real-time monitoring of particle size for automated process

control. These can be used for either the monitoring of particle size evolution in precursor slurry or in the control of electrode material size right after the mill. Smaller particles in electrode slurry production can be prone to agglomeration and/or flocculation, resulting in uneven electrode coatings and ultimately compromising the electrochemical performance.

Aggregation and stability can be monitored by measuring zeta potential (particle charge) using the Malvern Zetasizer Ultra. A low zeta potential will indicate particles likely to aggregate whereas a high zeta potential will form a stable dispersion. The Malvern Zetasizer Ultra builds on the legacy of the industry-leading Zetasizer Nano Series adding high-resolution sizing (Multi-Angle Dynamic Light Scattering) and particle concentration capabilities.

Measuring Porosity - Why is it Important?

Porosity is an important parameter both for the separator and for the electrolyte to transport lithium-ions between the anode and cathode.

By controlling porosity, higher intra-electrode conductivity can be achieved to ensure adequate electron exchange as well as sufficient void space for electrolyte access/transport of lithium-ions for intercalation of the cathode. Higher porosity means less heat generated in the cell and greater

Figure 1 shows a typical manufacturing process for Li-ion batteries. The anode and cathode active materials are processed into a slurry before coating, calendaring, and drying. Uniform dispersion of the solid content (active materials) with minimal agglomeration is critical for a highquality final product.

28 | APRIL 2022

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Figure 2 Particle size distribution of three batches of NCM cathode materials made with different processing parameters

energy density. However, excessive porosity hinders the ability of the pores to close, which is vital to allow the separator to shut down an overheating battery. The Micromeritics AutoPore V Series utilises Mercury Porosimetry, a technique based on the intrusion of mercury into a porous structure under controlled pressures, to calculate pore size distributions, total pore volume, total pore surface area, median pore diameter and sample densities.

Measuring Surface Area - Why is it important?

Increasing the surface area of the electrode improves the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction and facilitates the ion exchange between electrode and electrolyte. Lower surface area materials are better suited for improved cycling performance of the cell resulting in longer battery life. High surface area presents some limitations due to the degradation interaction of the electrolyte at the surface and resultant capacity loss along with thermal stability. Nanoparticles hold promise to increase surface area without capacity loss by permitting shorter diffusion paths for lithium-ions between the graphite particles which facilitates fast charge and more efficient discharge rates and improves the capacity of the battery. The Micromeritics TriStar II Plus is an automated, three-station, surface area and porosity analyser.

MicroActive software allows the user to overlay a mercury porosimetry pore size distribution with a pore size distribution calculated from gas adsorption isotherms to rapidly view micropore, mesopore, and macropore distributions in one easy-to-use application.

Quantifying Particle Shape - Why is it Important?

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Figure 3 Particle size distribution of three batches of synthetic graphite made with different heating conditions

Shape will affect the electrode coating in terms of packing density, porosity and uniformity. Spherical shaped particles will pack more densely than fibrous or flake shaped particles. The average strain energy density stored in a particle increases with the increasing sphericality. Fibrous and flake shaped particles are expected to have a lower tendency for mechanical degradation than spherical-shaped particles.

Automated imaging using the Malvern Morphologi 4 is commonly employed for particle shape analysis of electrode materials but can also be coupled with Raman spectroscopy to give particlespecific structural and chemical information.

Analysing Chemical Composition Why is it Important?

Deviations in chemical composition or impurities in electrode materials can significantly affect final battery performance. For this reason, chemical composition and elemental impurity analysis are an integral part of the battery manufacturing process. Simple to operate and fast to learn, the Phenom XL G2 scanning electron microscope (SEM) is an unrivalled technique that allows users to observe the 3D structure of electrodes after production; the size and granulometry of raw powders; the size of pores and fibres in insulating membranes and the response of materials to electrical or thermal solicitations.

Using fully integrated X-Ray analysis (Energy Dispersive Spectrometer, EDS) the BACK TO CONTENTS

distribution and identity of elements including the presence of contaminants in the battery sublayer can quickly be revealed.

The Phenom XL G2 is the only SEM that can be placed within an argon-filled glovebox, allowing users to perform research on air sensitive lithium battery samples.

Whether you are a battery component manufacturer looking for greater process efficiency and better quality control, or a researcher striving to determine the performance parameters of newly emerging battery materials, our solutions will offer you the new levels of insight and control needed to power the production of superior quality batteries.

Contact us for a demonstration or quote today!

ATA Scientific Pty Ltd +61 2 9541 3500 enquiries@atascientific.com.au www.atascientific.com.au

APRIL 2022 | 29

INDUSTRY NEWS

Everybody Talks About Green Steel - How Long to go Before Making the Green Steel into Reality?

M. Shahabuddin, 1, 2Muhammad Akbar Rhamdhani, 1, 2Geoffrey Brooks

1, 2

Victorian Hydrogen Hub (VH2), Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn 3122 VIC, Australia

1

FPD (Fluid and Process Dynamics) Group, Department of Mechanical and Product Design Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn 3122 VIC, Australia 2

The Role of Steel and its Impact Steel is a major building block for the economic development of a nation and is an essential part of our lives with applications in building, manufacturing, transport, home appliances and so on.

However, it has significant impacts on our ecosystem and poses substantial challenges in achieving the united nation’s sustainable development goal by 2030 and net zero emission target by 2050 because of their technologies and operations.

There has been a global effort to reduce or mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from steel industries, primarily based on coal-coke and natural gas, which is responsible for the global 7.0% of CO2

emission. The effort to combat CO2 emissions from steel industries can be divided into two: replacing coalcoke and natural gas from traditional routes; and implementing emerging technologies.

been trailing to replace coal coke from the traditional process with coke oven gas. If successful, CO2 emissions can be reduced by 30% by 2030, which does not seem too great to achieve net zero emissions target.

Traditional Steel Making and CO2 Mitigating Approaches

The German steel giant ThyssenKrupp AG has also been working towards a similar goal with a different approach and has been trailing pure hydrogen in the blast furnace at the Duisburg plant.

However, available data suggest that it’s highly unlikely to replace coal-coke over 30% due to technological challenges.

Overall, it’s hard to reduce emissions ~ from traditional routes substantially 2 (over 20% to 30%) as long as coal and natural gas are used. Thus, producing

Traditional steel making (Figure 1) with blast furnace (73% share) requires 800 kg of coal per tonne of steel, emitting about two tonnes of CO21 . Over the last few decades, steel industries have developed some new technologies (FINEX, FINMET, HIsmelt and HIsarna) but failed to achieve CO2 reduction over 20% to 25%. Through 2 the COURSE50 project, Sweden has

Depending on the source of electricity, the second main traditional method ( 26% share) of steel manufacturing- the electric arc furnace also emits 400 kg of CO per tonne of steel . This route mainly ecycles steel scrap involving coal-coke and natural as in the process.

Figure 1: Traditional routes for iron and steel making 3

Fig. 1: Traditional routes for iron and steel making (Source: Zulfiadi Zulhan) 3

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Emerging technologies and the “green steel.”

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so-called “green steel” from traditional steel manufacturing requires a remarkable technological breakthrough.

a)

Depending on the source of electricity, the second main traditional method (~26% share) of steel manufacturingthe electric arc furnace also emits 400kg of CO2 per tonne of steel2. This route mainly recycles steel scrap involving coal-coke and natural gas in the process.

O2

The good news is various projects and groups (such as MIDREX, ArcelorMittal, HBIS Group, HYL/Energiron and HYBRIT) have started building 70% to 100% hydrogen-based DRI and steel manufacturing plants on a pilot and commercial scales, especially in Europe.

This technology has a CO2 reduction potential of over 95%. If we put it on a scale of 9.0, the readiness level of this DRI-based steel making is about 6.0, which is expected to reach full maturity and industrial development by mid-2030.

There are some emerging technologies with a preliminary stage of development, such as hydrogen plasma smelting reduction (HPSR), Alkaline iron electrolysis (AIE), and molten oxide electrolysis (MOE) with a CO2 reduction potential of 90% to 95% (Figure 2).

Several projects (ULCOWIN, ULCOlYSIS, ASCoPE, IERO, VALORCO and SIDERWIN,

H2

e-

Membrane

e-

Anode

Renewable electricity storage Additives, Ar,N2 Cathode

Irone ore

Electrolyser

H2 plasma smelting reductor

HPSR proces s

Emerging Technologies and the “Green Steel.”

Crude steel

Off gas

Slag

b)

c)

Power supply

e-

Grinder

eMembrane

In recent years, we have seen significant research and development on direct reduced iron-DRI (a method of making iron from iron ore without melting) in an electric arc furnace, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by 50%. However, this process is currently based on natural gas, and it is not feasible to replace natural gas of over 30% with hydrogen without system modification.

Power supply

Grinder

Anode

Renewable electricity storage

Cathode

Iron pellet

Carbon, additives, Scrap,O2

Alkaline iron Electrolysis

EAF

Slag, dust Crude steel

Electric arc furnace

Iron ore Crude steel

Leached ore

Iron ore

Renewable electricity storage

Additives

Slag

Oxygen

Molten oxide electrolysis

Alkaline iron electrolysis Leaching 4 Figure diagrams ofof the HPSR, AIEAIE and MOE ironiron andand steel making processes . 4.

Fig.2:2:Schematic Schematic diagrams the HPSR, and MOE steel making processes

Concluding remarks

and the Boston Metal) based on HPSR,

maturity are the major hurdles with

Provided all goes well, we need to wait until 2045 or even 2050 for their industrial development.

depend on how quickly we can produce hydrogen with a price of about $2.0/kg5. Presumably, smooth technological development with the right policies in action may pave the way to produce true “green steel” by 50% by the mid-21st century.

Besides specific issues, resource availability and technological maturity are the these emerging technologies.

Themajor hurdles AIE and MOEtechnical are under development in Europe the USA. The readiness levelresource main for those technologies with these and emerging technologies.

The main forresource those technologies is renewable electricity ofor these technologies is currently lesscost-competitive. is renewable electricity and and hydrogen, which are currently not Hence, achieving theor“green steel” goal five ondepend a scaleon of nine, meaning hydrogen, whichwith are acurrently willthan primarily how quickly we can produce hydrogen price of not about $2.0/kg5. lots of research development are cost-competitive. achieving Presumably, smoothand technological development with the right policiesHence, in action may pave the way to necessary to reach their potential. the “green steel” goal will primarily produce true “green steel” byfull 50% by the mid-21st century.

Concluding Remarks Besides specific technical issues, resource availability and technological

4 Source: M. Shahabuddin, Geoffrey Brooks, Muhammad Akbar Rhamdhani, Decarbonising steel industries using hydrogen: recent development, challenges, technoeconomic analysis. Submitted to the Journal of cleanrer production, 2022.

1 5 Bruce, Mandova, H., W.F. Gale, A. Williams, A.L. Heyes, P. Hodgson, and K.H. Miah,E.Global biomass for ironmaking – S., M. Temminghoff, J. Hayward, Schmidt,assessment C. Munnings, D. of Palfreyman, andsuitability P. Hartley, National hydrogen roadmap.

Australia: CSIRO, 2018.

Opportunities for co-location of sustainable biomass, iron and steel production and supportive policies. Sustainable Energy Technologies

and Assessments, 2018. 27: p. 23-39.

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Hornby, S. and G. Brooks, Impact of Hydrogen DRI on EAF Steelmaking: MIDREX Report-Second Quarter 2021 Available at: https://www.midrex.com/tech-article/impact-of-hydrogen-dri-on-eaf-steelmaking/. Accessed on 11/04/2022.

2

Zulhan, Z., New Concept of Hot Metal Production using Rotary Kiln – Smelting Reduction Technology. 3rd Indonesian Iron and Steel Conference, 2013.

3

M. Shahabuddin, Geoffrey Brooks, Muhammad Akbar Rhamdhani, Decarbonising steel industries using hydrogen: recent development, challenges, technoeconomic analysis. Under review in the Journal of cleanrer production, 2022.

4

Bruce, S., M. Temminghoff, J. Hayward, E. Schmidt, C. Munnings, D. Palfreyman, and P. Hartley, National hydrogen roadmap.

Australia: CSIRO, 2018.

5

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APRIL 2022 | 31

INDUSTRY NEWS

A Zigzag Blueprint for Topological Electronics Source: Sally Wood A collaborative study led by the University of Wollongong has confirmed switching mechanism for a new, proposed generation of ultra-low energy ‘topological electronics’.

Based on novel quantum topological materials, such devices would ‘switch’ a topological insulator from nonconducting (conventional electrical insulator) to a conducting (topological insulator) state, whereby electrical current could flow along its edge states without wasted dissipation of energy.

Such topological electronics could radically reduce the energy consumed in computing and electronics, which is estimated to consume 8% of global electricity, and doubling every decade.

Led by Dr Muhammad Nadeem at the University of Wollongong (UOW), the study also brought in expertise from FLEET Centre collaborators at UNSW and Monash University.

Resolving the Switching Challenge Two-dimensional topological insulators are promising materials for topological quantum electronic devices where edge state transport can be controlled by a gate-induced electric field.

3. Topological switching between edge states can be achieved without the bulk (ie, interior) bandgap closing and reopening 4. Quantum confined zigzag-Xene nanoribbons may prompt the progress of ultra-low energy topological computing technologies

Zigzag Xenes Could Be Key Two-dimensional sheets of group-IV and group-V elements (2D Xenes) are topological insulators.

Graphene was the first confirmed atomically-thin material, a 2D sheet of carbon atoms (group IV) arranged in a honeycomb lattice. Now, topological and electronic properties are being investigated for similar honeycomb sheets of group-IV and group-V materials, collectively called 2D-Xenes.

2D-Xenes are topological insulators— electrically insulating in their interior but conductive along their edges, where electrons are transmitted without dissipating any energy (similar to a superconductor). When a 2D-Xene sheet is cut into a narrow ribbon

terminated on ‘zigzag’ edges, known as zigzag-Xene-nanoribbons, it retains the conducting edge modes characteristic of a topological insulator, which are thought to retain their ability to carry current without dissipation.

It has recently been shown that zigzagXene-nanoribbons have potential to make a topological transistor which can reduce switching energy by a factor of four.

The new research led by UOW found the following.

Maintaining Edge States Measurements indicated that spinfiltered chiral edge states in zigzagXene nanoribbons remain gapless and protected against the backward scattering that causes resistance, even with finite inter-edge overlapping in ultra-narrow ribbons (Meaning that a 2D quantum spin Hall material undergoes a phase transition to a 1D topological metal.) This is driven by the edge states intertwining with intrinsic band topology-driven energy-zero modes.

However, a major challenge with such electric-field-induced topological switching has been the requirement for an unrealistically large electric field to close the topological bandgap.

The cross-node and interdisciplinary FLEET research team studied the width-dependence of electronic properties to confirm that a class of material known as zigzag-Xene nanoribbons would fulfil the necessary conditions for operation, namely: 1. Spin-filtered chiral edge states in zigzag-Xene nanoribbons remain gapless and protected against backward scattering 2. The threshold voltage required for switching between gapless and gapped edge states reduces as the width of the material decreases, without any fundamental lower bound 32 | APRIL 2022

Two-dimensional sheets of group-IV and group-V elements (2D Xenes) are topological insulators.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

“Quantum confined zigzag-Xenenanoribbons are a special class of topological insulating materials where the energy gap of the bulk sample increases with a decrease in width, while the edge state conduction remains robust against dissipation even if the width is reduced to a quasi-one-dimension,” said Associate Professor Dmitrie Culcer (UNSW).

“This feature of confined zigzagXene-nanoribbons is in stark contrast to other 2D topological insulating materials in which confinement effects also induce an energy gap in the edge states.”

Low Threshold Voltage Due to width- and momentumdependent tunability of gate-induced inter-edge coupling, the thresholdvoltage required for switching between gapless and gapped edge states reduces as the width of the material decreases, without any fundamental lower limit.

“An ultra-narrow zigzag-Xenenanoribbon can ‘toggle’ between a quasi-one-dimensional topological metal with conducting gapless edge states and an ordinary insulator with gapped edge states with a little tweaking of a voltage knob,” said lead author Dr Muhammad Nadeem (UOW).

nanoribbons is smaller than a critical limit, topological switching between edge states can be attained without bulk bandgap closing and reopening.

This is primarily due to the quantum confinement effect on the bulk band spectrum, which increases the nontrivial bulk bandgap with decrease in width.

“The desired tweaking of a voltage knob decreases with decrease in width of zigzag-Xene-nanoribbons, and lower operating voltage means the device can use less energy. The reduction in voltage knob tweaking comes about due to a relativistic quantum effect called spin-orbit coupling and is highly contrasting from pristine zigzagXene-nanoribbons which are ordinary insulators and in which desired voltage knob tweaking increases with decrease in width.”

Topological Switching Without Bulk Bandgap Closing

Lead author Dr Muhammad Nadeem, University of Wollongong.

When the width of zigzag-Xene

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APRIL 2022 | 33

UNIVERSITY SPOTLIGHT

Macquarie University Source: Sally Wood Macquarie University is a trailblazer in Australia’s materials science research.

Macquarie is globally recognised as a world-leading university, which ties together innovation and exploration for the next generation of critical thinkers.

research themes, which tie traditional subjects with new pathways for students and researchers.

Macquarie is ranked in the top 1% of universities around the world, and is consistently recognised for its global research collaborations and pathways.

• Chemical biology

Over 44,000 students from over 100 countries are part Macquarie’s global network. They are supported by over 40,000 industry-based learning placements.

• Biotechnology

The University undertakes an impressive research agenda, which encompasses chemistry, biology, and materials science. Together, researchers seek to bridge the gaps between academia and industry practice.

The Department of Molecular Science is a key player across three national research centres, and two universitybased centres.

The Department has several key

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Some of these research areas include: • Analytical science • Environmental chemistry • Synthetic chemistry • Proteomics • Biochemistry The Department is led by Professor Alison Rodger, who has been recognised as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. She has also been involved in the European Science Foundation as a Consultant for Chemical Science.

Professor Rodger says Macquarie ties a broad range of experts and subject areas together to pave the way for a better future.

“We love to see our projects integrating fundamental research and solving real world problems in areas ranging from developing catalytic materials to understanding environmental

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microbiomes.”

Professor Rodger’s research focuses on spectroscopic techniques to understand the functions of biomacromolecules—a molecule that contains a very large number of atoms.

She has worked at Macquarie since 2017, where she has adopted a datadriven approach to answer questions about biomolecular systems.

She is known for running an open access biophysical spectroscopy laboratory, which puts commercial users and researchers in the same room to solve complex problems.

In all, Macquarie boasts first-class research facilities, which unlock a variety of potential for researchers and industry alike.

First-Class Research Facilities The Chemical Analysis Facility complements commercial and government-run research laboratories by providing a range of analytical services. These services are farreaching; from materials quality assurance to forensic chemistry.

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UNIVERSITY SPOTLIGHT

The facility manages around 30 consultancy projects for clients with analytical challenges, including industrial companies, or legal firms who are involved in litigation or intellectual property disputes.

In addition, the Department of Molecular Science boasts the Mass Spectrometry Facility, which is available to graduates and postdoctoral researchers.

The facility has three instruments: • Shimadzu LCMS-2010EV • Shimadzu GCMS-5000A • Shimadzu GCMS-2010 Together, this advanced technology offers high-performance liquid chromatography differences; electrospray ionisation; and atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation.

Dr Louise Brown is the co-director of teaching programs within the Department.

“We are known for our research-led undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programs with a view of nurturing talent and growing future scientists,” she explained.

Materials Science for Real-World Impacts The Department of Molecular Science maintains a strong end-user focus, where researchers work with industry to meet future research needs or challenges.

researchers and partners from Australia and New Zealand have strengthened the nations’ biosecurity through a sterile insect technique.

The research project is focused on monitoring and controlling fruit fly populations through environmentallyfriendly practices.

Australia has been traditionally reliant on synthetic, and organic insecticides to protect crops.

However, the sterile insect technique developed at the Department draws flies away from crops by trapping them.

The research relies on advances in materials science and biochemistry.

It was supported by a $20.5 million contribution over five years.

In addition, Macquarie’s research groups were recently awarded over $1 million under a combined government and industry program to develop new materials for the cement and concrete sector.

The funding will support the SmartCrete Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), which is a joint venture with Macquarie and other Australasian industry partners. It will allow the University to reduce the cost, and carbon footprint of concrete infrastructure, and extend its life.

“SmartCrete CRC is excited to partner with Macquarie University on these key projects and are keen to see the benefits it will provide to its application in infrastructure.”

“Our research program has identified three core themes: Engineered Solutions, Asset Management and Sustainability. Each of the three projects closely align with these themes which address the issues and challenges faced by the concrete sector,” he explained.

Women in STEM The Department of Molecular Sciences has a greater representation of academic women at senior levels than many other academic departments across Australia.

Women make up 54 per cent of staff at the professor and associate professor level, which is significantly higher than the Australian university average.

In fact, Macquarie received an Athena SWAN Award in 2019 in the Institutional Bronze level. This international award recognises Macquarie’s ongoing commitment to the careers of women, and gender diverse individuals in STEM disciplines and research.

It measures fives criteria:

One of the projects under this initiative will develop new methods of producing polymer concrete using unwanted waste from latex paint.

• Leadership and commitment

For example, Macquarie researchers have used synthetic biological techniques to develop proteinbased nanoparticles. This allows the nanoparticles to be loaded with a drug, and then activated to ensure spatial and temporal delivery.

“This regenerative project will contribute significantly to the circular economy, through the repurposing of waste product into a value supply stream for the building industry,” said Professor Simon Clark, who will lead the project.

• SMART actions

The customisable platform will open a new window of opportunities in the intervention of clinical practices in the treatment of cancer.

“By utilising unwanted latex paint in this manner and converting it into an effective concrete solution will see a reduction in raw material costs, boasting both a strong economic and environmental benefit for the wider industry,” he explained.

“Our research is directed towards creating a sustainable environment, and also towards better understanding of health and disease,” said Professor Helena Nevalainen.

“These efforts are powered by integrating chemical and biomolecular sciences,” she explained.

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The SmartCrete CRC has used leading scientific and engineering research to develop smarter solutions for Australia’s concrete industry. The CRC is led by Chief Executive Officer Warren South, who said Macquarie is a key partner.

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• Honesty and self-reflection • Communication and engagement • Data analysis and discussion Then Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the award is in line with Australia’s commitment to increasing the number of women in STEM. “Encouraging research and higher education organisations to make meaningful improvements to their gender equity policies and practices is vital if we’re going to bring about much needed change,” she said.

The Macquarie University Women in Chemistry and Biomolecular Science leadership group encourages and supports women to become early career researchers, and progress their academic journeys. It connects women academics, students and other support staff.

APRIL 2022 | 35

BREAKING NEWS Sydney's ‘Factory of The Future’ Ready to Drive Statewide Innovation

UQ Research Unlocks the Technology to Produce Unbreakable Screens

The University of Sydney recently launched a $25 million facility to drive innovation and foster industrial output.

The Sydney Manufacturing Hub is a research facility that will deliver cutting-edge research and development in additive manufacturing and materials processing.

It will enable concept-to-production demonstration capabilities, including advanced pre- and post-processing of materials for faculty, students, small and medium-sized companies, and larger companies.

The University of Sydney’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark Scott AO, said the university has continued to demonstrate its capability as a leader in the region by working closely with the public and private sectors.

“The Sydney Manufacturing Hub, situated in Darlington at the very heart of 'Tech Central' is a key demonstrator for what's ultimately possible when government, industry and higher education work together on high-impact technologies.”

The hub provides for design, topological optimisation, the 3D printing of metals, ceramics and polymers. It also paves the way for new technology in industries like aerospace, autonomous vehicles, biomedical, defence, maritime, and robotics.

The NSW Minister for Trade and Industry, the Hon Stuart Ayres MP said the facility is a gamechanger. "The concept of modern and additive manufacturing, rather than deductive manufacturing, is completely changing the opportunities that are available to Australians.”

Together, additive manufacturing is a transformative approach to industrial production that enables the creation of lighter, stronger parts and systems. It is yet another technological advancement made possible by the transition from analogue to digital processes.

The hub is based at the University of Sydney's engineering precinct at its Darlington campus.

Luminating composite glasses. Image credit: University of Queensland (UQ).

Research conducted at the University of Queensland could make cracked phone screens a thing of the past.

A global team of researchers, led by Dr Jingwei Hou, Professor Lianzhou Wang and Professor Vicki Chen, have unlocked technology to produce next-generation composite glass for lighting LEDs. This development could ultimately change smartphone, television and computer screen usage and protection.

Dr Hou said the discovery was a huge step forward in perovskite nanocrystal technology. “The emitting materials are made from nanocrystals, called lead-halide perovskites.”

“They can harvest sunlight and concert it into renewable electricity - playing a vital role in low-cost and highefficiency new generation solar cells and many promising applications like lighting,” Dr Hou explained.

Researchers have previously only produced this technology in the bone-dry atmosphere of a laboratory setting.

“Unfortunately, these nanocrystals are extremely sensitive to light, heat, air and water—even water vapour in our air would kill the current devices in a matter of minutes,” Dr Hou said.

The findings will manufacture glass screens that are not only unbreakable but also deliver crystal clear image quality.

“Our team of chemical engineers and material scientists has developed a process to wrap or bind the nanocrystals in porous glass. This process is key to stabilising the materials, enhancing its efficiency and inhibits the toxic lead ions from leaching out from the materials,” Dr Hou said.

This research is a collaborative effort between the University of Queensland, the University of Leeds, Université Paris-Saclay and University of Cambridge.

University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Scott AO and University of Sydney Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson AC with the Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry the Hon. Stuart Ayres at the launch of the Sydney Manufacturing Hub. Image credit: Bill Green/ University of Sydney.

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Dr Jingwei Hou, Professor Lianzhou Wang, and Professor Vicki Chen. Image credit: University of Queensland (UQ).

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BREAKING NEWS No More Moving Parts: Liquid Metal Enabled Chemical Reactors

Data Innovation Hub to Boost Skills in Data Analytics and AI

Metals that are liquid at room temperature, such as gallium and its alloys, are attractive materials due to their unique electrical, thermal and fluidic properties.

A new Data Innovation Hub at RMIT University will offer students fresh opportunities to work with leading organisations using data analytics.

But in recent a study, a research team led by University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney has shown that liquid metals can offer their characteristics to the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

The program will prepare students for emerging jobs through practical bootcamps, industry mentoring, paid internships, on-the-job coaching and other integrated learning experiences.

This opens a range of new possibilities to eliminate moving parts in continuous flow reactors, and provide improved performance and reduced maintenance costs.

Professor Aleks Subic (Deputy Vice-Chancellor STEM College and Vice-President Digital Innovation at RMIT University) said the Data Innovation Hub will prepare graduates for a successful career.

Traditional mechanical pumps and moving parts could potentially be replaced by ‘soft’ components that have never failed in the life of the machine. Flow reactors are being increasingly adopted in pharmaceutical and chemical industries, with their operation and maintenance representing an important factor in these industries.

Continuous flow reactors allow fast reactions, offer safe control, and enable easy scaling-up opportunities. These industries are inclined to implement flow reactors for increasing product quality and yield of chemical and biochemical reactions.

“Through this unique partnership model involving the enterprise and academic parts of the university, students will work as data consultants both in our own University data analytics operations, and through placements with our industry partners, following an innovative Bootcamp based training program,” said Professor Subic.

The program has been developed in partnership with several industry partners, including Deloitte, Commonwealth Bank, Amazon Web Services, EY, Latitude Financial Services and Macquarie Group.

UNSW researchers, and their collaborators from Queensland University of Technology, and the University of California have demonstrated a continuous flow reactor enabled by liquid metal droplets in their cores.

“As we lead the digital transformation at RMIT, we want to deliver authentic industry experiences for our students and provide a truly innovative education experience that will prepare them for work and life,” Professor Subic explained.

According to Jialuo Han, the first author of the study and a research assistant at UNSW, the breakthrough is a win for the sector.

According to Nonna Milmeister (Chief Data and Analytics Officer at RMIT), the initiative provides a suite of benefits for industry.

“The liquid metal can be easily integrated into a fluidic channel for constructing the continuous flow reactor,” Han explained. “The liquid metal itself can spontaneously produce materials on the surface and the material is repelled away from its surface with the application of an external voltage.”

“Demand for skilled data analysts and data scientists is strong and is projected to increase, so the Data Innovation Hub will facilitate Work Integrated Learning at scale in the field of Data Analytics,” said Milmeister.

Traditional mechanical pumps can be replaced by liquid metal components whose changing shape is controlled by voltagecontrolled surface tension.

The Data Innovation Hub forms part of RMIT’s investments in new models of education and engagement to help accelerate the digital capabilities of students, staff, researchers and industry partners.

A liquid metal droplet as the core of a continuous flow reactor for both chemical reaction and mass transport.

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APRIL 2022 | 37

BREAKING NEWS Breakthrough In Sizing Nanoparticles Using Fluid-Filled Tubes

Nanotechnology Offers Pain Relief for Tooth Sensitivity In an Australian first, researchers from the University of Queensland have used nanotechnology to develop effective ways to manage tooth sensitivity.

Dr Chun Xu, who works in the university’s School of Dentistry, said the approach may provide more effective long-term pain relief for people with sensitive teeth, compared to current treatment options.

“Dentin tubules are located in the dentin, one of the layers below the enamel surface of your teeth,” Dr Xu said.

“When tooth enamel has been worn down, and the dentin are exposed, eating or drinking something cold or hot can cause a sudden sharp flash of pain. The nanomaterials used in this preclinical study can rapidly block the exposed dentin tubules and prevent the unpleasant pain.”

Discovery has implications to vaccine development where particle size can inform on their effectiveness.

Image credit: The University of Melbourne.

Scientists from the University of Melbourne and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have discovered a new process for simultaneously measuring the properties for the same nanoparticle.

The functionality of nanoparticles in a host of applications, including drug delivery and nano-optics, is often dictated by their mass and size.

But researchers recently detailed how they made the discovery using existing instrumentation and new mathematics.

Tooth sensitivity affects up to 74 per cent of the population, and at times, severely impacts the quality of life and requires expensive treatment.

“Our approach acts faster and lasts longer than current treatment options. The materials could be developed into a paste, so people who have sensitive teeth could simply apply this paste to the tooth and massage for one to three minutes,” Dr Xu said.

This research will undertake clinical trials, which will pave the way for people to benefit from this new method that can be used at home.

“We hope this study encourages more research using nanotechnology to address dental problems,” Dr Xu said.

The team also included researchers from the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology.

The team studied how nanoparticles move when placed in a mechanical fluid-filled tube that is vibrating.

“While previous applications have focused on the up-anddown motion of nanoparticles relative to the surrounding fluid, we wondered about the effect of rotational motion,” said Dr Jesse Collis (University of Melbourne Research Fellow).

Scientists previously thought that if a nanoparticle is floated in a tube and shaken, the response would be proportional to the mass of the particle.

However, this recent study shows that there is a second response, which is proportional to the size of the particle.

According to Georgios Katsikis, a co-lead on this study who made the key experimental observation, “Basically, the nanoparticle creates a hole in the liquid which alters the liquid flow.”

“It is this phenomenon that allows us to develop new mathematics to link the tube vibration to the hole, and hence the particle size in addition to its mass,” Katsikis said.

Viral vectors in vaccine development can be weighed to check if DNA is successfully packed inside a virus. Size can provide crucial information if the virus forms clumps of aggregates, which reduces efficacy of treatment.

38 | APRIL 2022

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Dr Chun Xu from the University of Queensland’s School of Dentistry.

Image credit: University of Queensland (UQ).

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BREAKING NEWS Improving the Production of Piezoelectric Materials for Naval Sonar Systems A key supplier to the Australian Defence Forces recently posed an industrial challenge to National Graduate Innovation Forum participants about the production of piezoelectric ceramic components.

According to Peter Goodwin (who examines underwater systems at Thales Australia), these components are used in naval sonar arrays and systems.

“It is the same basic technology, but obviously there are great opportunities in the development of new materials and in making improvements to manufacturing processes,” Goodwin explained.

Piezoelectric ceramics have properties that make them useful in navigation, measuring distances, detecting objects or vessels on or under the surface of the water and communication.

The technology has been widely used since the Second World War and is one of several types of materials used in underwater sonar transducers. Thales manufactures a diverse range of piezoelectric ceramic components for clients.

“You need large arrays of ceramics to send a signal or ‘ping’ many kilometres through the water column and then listen for the reflected signal to try and find something such as a submarine,” Goodwin said.

Thales’ Acoustics Centre of Excellence manufactures its ceramics with a ‘mixed oxide’ technique designed to produce optimal properties at a minimal cost.

Overall, this process involves the blending of raw material oxides, pre-reacting them, grinding the oxides to a fine particle size, forming the powder into the desired shape and firing the body.

“A lot of production processes controls, such milling speed, have been unchanged for a long time but that doesn’t mean they can’t be improved as we found recently,” Goodwin said.

Google Australia Announces $1 Billion Digital Future Initiative Investing in Australian Infrastructure, Research and Partnerships The Australian Government recently paired up with Google Australia, and CSIRO to launch the Digital Future Initiative, which invests in the digital economy and infrastructure.

Together, the partnership seeks to solve big challenges and accelerate Australia’s progress to becoming a leading digital economy.

“The Digital Future Initiative is about bringing significant technology resources and capabilities to Australia, investing in the infrastructure that benefits people and businesses, and helping the best talent thrive here,” said Mel Silva, Managing Director of Google Australia.

“A strong digital future creates opportunities, improves the everyday and enables the extraordinary—and we’d love to help Australia and Australians make the most of the opportunity and build for tomorrow,” Silva explained.

Google’s Digital Future Initiative is expected to support 6,529 new direct jobs and 28,057 total jobs across Australia. It will also deliver $1.259 billion in direct investment and $6.716 billion in total economic impact.

Dr Larry Marshall, Chief Executive of CSIRO, said the partnership opens a suite of new opportunities.

“CSIRO’s science makes life better for every Australian, and when amplified by Google’s Technology it will catalyse collaborative projects across our entire national innovation system, driving opportunity for businesses of all sizes across every market.”

‘Google Research Australia’ will form a crucial part of the program. It is Google's first research hub in Australia.

It links local researchers and engineers to explore ways that artificial intelligence can help tackle issues that are important in Australia, and around the world.“Our research provides valuable inspiration for the design of other metal-sulphur batteries, not just ones that use aluminium-sulphur technology,” Professor Qiao concluded.

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APRIL 2022 | 39

BREAKING NEWS Nanosensing To Solar Fuels: Sydney Nano Unveils New Grand Challenges Four new visionary projects that are spanning sustainability, biosecurity, solar energy and health are drawing talent from across the University of Sydney’s major faculties.

The university’s Nano Institute recently announced four new multidisciplinary Grand Challenge projects to focus on emerging issues facing society, the economy and everyday life.

Sydney Nano Director, Professor Ben Eggleton, praised the high standard of entries from across the university.

“The high-calibre of applications for our second round of Sydney Nano Grand Challenges is thanks to the success of the six inaugural Grand Challenge teams. It also exemplifies the unified interest across the University to work together to make a better society,” said Professor Eggleton.

The visionary projects will capitalise on talents across faculties, seek engagement with industry and leverage expertise at the at one of the world’s best facilities for big ideas at the nanoscale.

The four new Grand Challenges are: 1. Nanosensing airborne pathogens for public biosecurity 2. Eco-active building envelopes 3. Solar fuels 4. Organ-on-chip for blood clot assessment "The combined focus of the four new projects is telling of the challenges the global population faces today, spanning biosecurity, sustainability, and health. It was a difficult task to narrow down to four winning teams and I applaud the selection committee for their work,” Professor Eggleton said.

Sydney Nano will provide up to $75,000 a year to each Grand Challenge team for two years to seed-fund their projects.

The Grand Challenges bring researchers together into multidisciplinary teams supporting sustainable, long-term areas of research.

The Mitchell Building at the University of Adelaide.

Quantum Materials Deliver a Better World The University of Adelaide recently launched its Quantum Materials strategy.

The fresh strategy realigns the university with a focus on cutting-edge fundamental research and delivering new quantum-enabled technologies for a safer, wealthier and healthier world.

Quantum materials were the backbone of the transformative quantum technologies revolution of the late 20th Century, and led to solid-state transistors used in nearly everything.

According to Professor Glenn Solomon, the Inaugural Hicks Chair of Quantum Materials at the University of Adelaide, the strategy will prepare Australia for the future.

“We are now on the cusp of a second quantum technology revolution, with the hope and expectation that research in quantum materials will deliver revolutionary technologies for next generation communications, navigation, computing, cybersecurity and biomedicine.”

Overall, the strategy seeks to: • Establish sovereign and world-class capability in fundamental and applied quantum materials research • Become a trusted partner of industry and the department of defence • Rank the university as one of the top five globally specialising in quantum materials • Create an educated workforce for future industry, defence and academic environments “We are building a coherent and collaborative research program in quantum materials across schools at the University of Adelaide that will translate into new and serendipitous discoveries and emerging technologies.

These will contribute to emerging concepts in physics and help shape Australia’s future industries,” Professor Solomon said.

Education and training will be a key component of the quantum materials ecosystem.

Sydney Nano brings expertise together from across the University.

Image credit: The University of Sydney.

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“We will provide a state-of-the-art cross-disciplinary education which will produce the future leaders in the field,” Professor Solomon said.

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BREAKING NEWS

Stretchable, Washable Batteries Designed for Wearables

Making A ‘Sandwich’ out of Magnets and Topological Insulators A Monash University-led research team has discovered that a structure comprising an ultra-thin topological insulator sandwiched between two 2D ferromagnetic insulators becomes a large-bandgap quantum anomalous Hall insulator.

Such a heterostructure provides an avenue towards viable ultra-low energy future electronics, or even topological photovoltaics.

In the researchers’ new heterostructure, a ferromagnetic material forms the ‘bread’ of the sandwich, while a topological insulator (such as a material displaying nontrivial topology) takes the place of the ‘filling’.

Combining magnetism and nontrivial band topology gives rise to quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) insulators, as well as exotic quantum phases such as the QAH effect where current flows without dissipation along quantized edge states.

Dr Ngoc Tan Nguyen has created a battery that is both flexible and washable. Photo credit: Kai Jacobson.

Researchers from The University of British Columbia have created a battery that is both flexible and washable.

This means that it can work even when it is twisted or stretched to twice its normal length, or after being tossed in the laundry.

According to Dr Ngoc Tan Nguyen, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of British Columbia, the breakthrough offers several engineering advantages.

In normal batteries, the internal layers are hard materials encased in a rigid exterior.

But the research team made the key compounds—zinc and manganese dioxide—stretchable by grinding them into small pieces and then embedding them in a rubbery plastic, or polymer.

Inducing magnetic order in topological insulators via proximity to a magnetic material offers a promising pathway towards achieving QAH effect at higher temperatures (approaching or exceeding room temperature) for lossless transport applications.

When two ferromagnets are placed on the top and bottom surfaces of a topological insulator, a gap is opened in the topological surface state, whilst the edge allows electrons to flow without resistance.

One promising architecture involves a sandwich structure comprising two single layers of MnBi2Te 4 (a 2D ferromagnetic insulator) either side of ultra-thin Bi2Te3 in the middle (a topological insulator). This structure has been predicted to yield a robust QAH insulator phase with a bandgap well above the thermal energy available at room temperature (25 meV).

The new Monash-led study demonstrated the growth of a MnBi2Te 4 / Bi2Te3 / MnBi2Te 4 heterostructure via molecular beam epitaxy, and probed the structure’s electronic structure using angle resolved photoelectron spectroscopy.

Lead author FLEET PhD student Qile Li (FLEET/Monash).

The battery comprises several ultrathin layers of these polymers wrapped inside the casing of the same polymer.

This construction creates an airtight, waterproof seal that ensures the integrity of the battery through repeated use.

“Wearable electronics are a big market and stretchable batteries are essential to their development,” Dr Nguyen said. “However, up until now, stretchable batteries have not been washable. This is a critical addition if they are to withstand the demands of everyday use.”

Work is also underway to increase the battery’s power output and cycle life. The innovation has attracted commercial interest. The researchers believe that when the new battery is ready for consumers, it could cost the same as an ordinary rechargeable battery.

In addition to watches and patches for measuring vital signs, the battery might also be integrated with clothing that can actively change colour or temperature.

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FEATURE – Materials Engineering for Australia’s Mining, Oil and Gas Sector

Materials Engineering for Australia’s Mining, Oil and Gas Sector

Mining is Australia’s largest sector.

According to the Australia Bureau of Statistics, it accounts for more than 10% of the nation’s economy.

It is particularly crucial for securing Australia’s economic future and prosperity.

Together, mining, oil and gas production reached $221.2 billion over the 2019–2020 reporting period, which positions Australia as a strong domestic and international economy.

Minerals have been crucial to Australia’s long-term economic future for some time. From the early gold rushes to the mining boom—the sector is underpinned by high demand for commodities in industrialising economies like India and China.

In fact, Australia is the world’s largest exporter of black coal, iron ore, lead, 42 | APRIL 2022

zinc, and alumina. It is also the world’s second largest exporter of uranium.

This positions Australia as one of the globe’s top five producers of minerals commodities overall.

Western Australia and Queensland are the cornerstones of Australia’s mining sector, as the most resource-rich states.

The sector employs nearly over 240,000 Australians—led by coal, iron ore, and gold mining personnel. In fact, the sector is on an upwards trend.

Workers grew by 4.9% at the 2019–2020 Australian Census reporting period.

This was driven by increased demand and ongoing supply chain issues.

The Chief Executive of the Minerals Council of Australia, Tania Constable said Australia’s gross value add from mining was 11.1% in 2019–2020, when BACK TO CONTENTS

compared to just 4.6% between 1999–2000.

“The Australian minerals industry is a major contributor to investment, highwage jobs, exports and government revenues in Australia,” she said.

Even throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the sector has pivoted towards a stable and profitable future.

The sector was identified as an ‘essential service’ in March 2020, which allowed it to continue working relatively unscathed in light of nationwide lockdowns. Australia’s mines are relatively isolated away from the major capital cities, and ongoing exploration allowed the sector to guarantee confidence in its long-term ambitions.

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FEATURE – Materials Engineering for Australia’s Mining, Oil and Gas Sector

the industry with faster project approvals, competitive tax rates, coinvestment in modern skills programs and more flexible workplaces,” she said.

The Minerals Council of Australia has a balanced list of projects and policy objectives, including a commitment to reliable and affordable energy, and putting Australia on a pathway to a net-zero emissions future by 2050.

The company’s members have previously endorsed the Climate Action Plan, which relies on research in materials science to better understand technologies and practices that will drive decarbonisation across the sector.

The plan recognises the major technological, economic and social challenges of reducing emissions, and believes Australia’s minerals sector must play its part.

“The technology-led transformation required cannot occur without the minerals and raw materials provided by the Australian minerals sector,” Constable said.

However, these developments are not possible without the dedicated support and investment in technology from member companies and research partners.

Trailblazers in the Australian Mining Research Space

of stability,” Constable said.

Australia’s mining sector extracts and explores minerals that are linked to a variety of services, which are crucial to Australia’s day-to-day life.

“Growth in mining industry GDP has allowed it to hire new workers while adhering to strict health and safety protocols that have protected people in their workplaces and communities around Australia,” she explained.

These services crucially include electricity and gas supply. However, the sector is also well-positioned to become a core player in modern technologies, like the production of electric vehicles.

However, the sector continues to face an unprecedented level of challenges. From cost-effective production, technology developments, and environmental and sustainable challenges.

Materials scientists are collaborating with industry personnel to gain a better picture of the sector, and identify opportunities to transition to a greener future.

Ms Constable said the sector requires a strong pipeline and cross-sector support to ensure its ongoing prosperity.

Researchers are the University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) recently developed bioengineering technology that could rehabilitate mine waste back to useful soil.

“To ensure mining continues to drive Australia’s post-COVID economic recovery governments should support WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

Sustainable Materials Institute

The technology has entered full-scale BACK TO CONTENTS

trials at two Queensland refineries in partnership with Rio Tinto and Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL).

Professor Longbin Huang works within SMI, and said the process would transform the bauxite residue, which is commonly known as ‘red mud’ into a soil-like material that is capable of hosting plant life.

“The team has secured more than $3 million in funding from Rio Tinto and QAL that will allow us to trial the technology at an operational scale at two red mud sites.”

“This project demonstrates how transformative industry-academia partnerships can be—Rio Tinto and QAL have supported the research for the past eight years, from proof of concept to full field trials,” Professor Huang said.

There are more than four billion tonnes of red mud stored in dams around the world. However, Australia is the second largest producer of the mineral waste by-product of alumina refining, which create a research gap for the sector.

“The process we have developed is gamechanging as it involves ecoengineering the mineral and organic constituents of the red mud into material that is more hospitable to plant life.”

“It is a more sustainable and costeffective way of managing red mud compared to traditional methods, which require companies to excavate and transport metres of topsoil from other locations to cover thousands of hectares of waste,” Professor Huang explained.

The University of Queensland is a trailblazer in materials science and innovation. Together, it has partnered with several end-users to minimise their environmental footprint.

The university boasts a $440 million environmental strategy, which runs across five years. The strategy aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and performance measurement systems to meet its objectives.

Institute for Frontier Materials Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) is a multicultural, vibrant and world-class APRIL 2022 | 43

FEATURE – Materials Engineering for Australia’s Mining, Oil and Gas Sector

research facility.

industry, government and other likeminded organisations.

IFM’s role is to bridge the gap between materials scientists and end-users in the mining, oil and gas space.

Specifically, the centre’s key research theme of thick coatings manufactured by laser and thermal spray technologies are crucial for wider use in heavy industries, mining and transportation.

Professor Matthew Barnett is the Director of IFM, who believes in the importance of materials science.

This research undertaking is a gamechanger for the repair and remanufacturing of components that drive the mining, oil and gas sectors.

“Technological advance springs often from a breakthrough in materials science,” he said.

At IFM, researchers work through complex challenges, and develop solutions based on profitability, energy efficiency, competitiveness and extended product life.

Thermal spray coatings are widely known for their strength in the face of corrosion, conductivity and performance.

But SEAM researchers are investigating the coating process from a holistic perspective to gather information about its materials and applications. A range of new coatings will be developed for partners within the sector and trialled to determine the best performance in a range of operational environments.

For example, IFM recently established a $3.9 million partnership with CSIRO, Callidus, and several mining companies to cut costs and emissions based on extending component life.

The project links theory to practice by developing a novel technique to double component life, improve the efficiency of machinery, and save millions of dollars in lost production time.

In addition, four of Deakin University’s research institutes, including IFM, recently joined Science and Technology Australia (STA).

The partnership strengthens IFM’s research networks and shares its knowledge and expertise with a broader range of key stakeholders.

“This partnership will enable us to build on our ongoing successes in STEM that have contributed to Australia’s science and technology capabilities,” said Professor Julie Owens, who is the Deputy ViceChancellor Research Alfred Deakin.

“From pioneering space and defence technologies to innovative mental health solutions, we look forward to sharing our expertise across STA’s networks,” she explained.

The partnership opens the door for 90,000 STEM professionals to work together through STA. “We are excited to partner with STA who also will provide key opportunities to train and upskill Deakin researchers in policy engagement

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and communication, and to help us continue to forge valuable research networks and collaborations across the sector,” Professor Owens said.

IFM also supports the next generation of students and research trailblazers.

Over 30 PhD students graduate from IFM annually, and over 80 postdoctoral researchers are gainingrealworld knowledge at any given time.

Together, IFM generates $16.5 million in research outcomes annually.

Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials The Australian Research Council’s (ARC) Industrial Transformation Training Centre in Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials (SEAM) is the nation’s leading research and development hub.

SEAM’s key focus is on applied research with real-world outcomes.

The hub seeks to inspire and nurture the next generation of industrial innovation leaders.

The centre aspires to provide an excellent environment for carrying out research, and exploring projects with

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In addition, SEAM targets early career researchers to offer highstandards of training in an industrial context to undertake ambitious research outcomes.

This research is tied to industry needs, which contributes to commercial benefits for industry.

Efficient Beneficiation of Materials Similarly, the ARC boasts a Centre of Excellence for the recovery and concentration of high metallurgical particles.

The process is known as beneficiation, where researchers are focussing on new engineered forms of synthetic polymers and engineered biopolymers.

This process of using polymers to collect minerals is relatively new.

However, researchers are designing a series of mineral processing chemical that will enhance the recovery and performance of valuable materials.

In all, this will grant industry with a new method of treating waste materials, increase performance, and allow for the production of costeffective chemicals in mining.

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FEATURE – Materials Engineering for Australia’s Mining, Oil and Gas Sector

The ARC Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Mineral has its eyes on 2050 and beyond, where the demand for minerals will outstrip supply.

The research consists of two subprograms: • improving selectivity of valuable mineral recovery • producing easily dewatered waste mineral streams.

Together, the work will focus on macromolecules for targeted adsorption.

Materials Australia Members at The Forefront of Innovation Industry is at the forefront of Australia’s mining, oil and gas sector. Materials Australia members are leading the way in heat treatment and laser cladding services that help to protect heavy duty industrial equipment.

Mining equipment faces a variety of pressures and environments, these include high and low temperatures; wet and dry environments; and corrosive and abrasive hydrocarbons.

As such, Materials Australia members work to extend their service life, and incorporate innovative technologies in their daily operations for a sustainable future.

RCR Mining Technologies RCR Mining Technologies is a market leader in the manufacture and design of materials handling solutions, which are tailored for rail and ore wagons.

The company was founded in 1979, and acquired by NRW Holdings 2019. Since then, the company has successfully navigated through the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver highend mining technologies to local and international markets.

RCR Mining Technologies offers advanced heat treatment solutions, including interactive workshop and site services. It boasts furnace facilities in Western Australia and Victoria to cover large industrial heat treatments, including dry outs; stress relief; normalising; and solutionising.

The company’s Welshpool facility in Western Australia, is one of the most advanced heat treatment plants in Australia. It boasts controlled an

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atmosphere and quenching furnace, which are used for hardening processes.

It also houses the largest permanent stress relieving furnace in Australia.

Together, this allows the company to take on complex projects, and meet challenges across the broader sector.

Westate Mining Supplies Likewise, Westate Mining Supplies was born in 2004, when Mike Ledger sought to fill a gap in the marketplace.

Mr Ledger brings 35 years’ experience in the mining industry to offer unique design and manufacturing solutions to site specific challenges.

The company specialises in earthmover rim technologies, which should be crack tested after 10,000 hours. Mr Ledger’s team offers wheel rim tracking and management, nondestructive testing, and replacements and repairs.

The repairs meet strict Australian Standards, and use high-quality products to avoid future catastrophic failures and production shutdown.

In addition, the company meets clients’ strict time constraints and offers prompt service delivery. It also delivers industry-specific products that are uniquely designed to lower workplace injury rates.

Soto Soto is another Australian company that is a pioneer in the mining sector, with automated processes for increased energy efficiency.

The company is positioning itself as a gamechanger in the renewable energy space, which accounts for around 24% of Australia’s electricity.

In 2019, $4.3 billion was invested in renewable energy projects across the nation. But these solutions require advanced engineering and equipment.

Therefore, Soto engineers use their creative flare and expertise to design, manufacture and refine critical infrastructure and technology for a new era of energy generation.

For example, the Soto method of company extensive analysis and modelling was used for an inspection of Illawarra Coal’s rill tower and conveyor at its Dendrobium site.

The 128m high tower had limited access, but Soto used virtual reality systems and a video drone to unlock a close-up inspection from the safety of the ground.

The Soto AeroCam allowed the team to conduct the audit in one day, which saved time and a complete shutdown of the plant.

HMG

Enduraclad Enduraclad International is another example of an Australian company that understands the extremities that face the mining, oil and gas sector.

HMG’s manufacturing capabilities in Brisbane are providing increased capacity for Australia’s mining, oil and gas sector.

The company offers an impressive feat of services including metallic lining products, advanced ceramic products, and hard facing.

The company has a vast network of industry partners—like BHP; Caterpillar; Hitachi; Glencore; and Komatsu—who operate in challenging environments, and connects them with engineering solutions.

For example, the wear plate technologies offer unmatched results for large mining corporations like BHP and Rio Tinto. This makes Enduraclad International one of the largest suppliers for metallic wear products to Australia’s mining sector.

HMG offers full fabrication and welding services; deep hole boring and drilling; milling machinery; blasting; stripping; inspection; and surface finishing.

The company also has a keen focus on sustainable practices for the future.

These services are operated from HMG’s state-of-the-art 4,000m2 operating shop in Queensland.

As such, the company invests 10% of all funds into research and development, which paves the way for ongoing improvements on existing products.

The company is best known for its hydraulic cylinder remanufacturing, which delivers enhanced operations for the sector.

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FEATURE – Materials Engineering for Australia’s Mining, Oil and Gas Sector

Improving Component Life for Minerals Processing Source: Sally Wood Australia’s mining sector is crucial for powering the nation’s economy. The sector comprises coal and iron ore mining; oil and gas extraction; metal ore operations; non-metallic minerals; and exploration of other mining services.

In all, the sector generated around $221.2 billion over 2019–2020 reporting period. In fact, iron ore, goal and natural gas are Australia’s top three exports—with rapid growth for securing the nation’s economic future.

The sector is responsible for powering the lives of all Australians. From busy city offices to rural and regional properties—mining, oil and gas remains Australia’s single largest sector.

But the sector relies on ongoing advancements in technology and research to ensure that it meets local demand, and remains internationally competitive.

As such, researchers and industry alike are working together to propel Australia’s mining, oil and gas sector into the future. These developments include cost-effective technologies that avoid complete network shutdowns; are weather and corrosion resistant, and maintain a strong environmental focus.

Linking Theory to Practice with Global Partnerships The Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), based at Deakin University in Melbourne, is a trailblazer in this space.

The research body delivered $15.4 million in research income during 2020, and was featured in over 420 international research papers. This is in stark contrast to other university-based research institutes, which have been battered by the ongoing pandemic.

IFM has two fundamental goals, which form part of its mission:

IFM links world-leading materials science research with industry partners.

For example, IFM recently partnered with Callidus Welding Solutions to extend the life of metal components that are used in mineral processing.

Callidus Welding Solutions is an innovative company based in the heart of Australia’s mining industry in West Australia.

Researchers at IFM are collaboratively working with Callidus Welding Solutions to bridge the gaps between theory and practice.

They are developing a novel surface engineering solution that will avoid severe erosion and corrosion issues.

Australia’s mining sector is consistently exposed to hot and dry conditions, which leads to increased maintenance demands.

As such, the IFM and Callidus Welding Solutions partnership is working to avoid these impacts in critical metal reactor components.

These components are typically used when nickel, cobalt and gold are processed. These are complex techniques with limited space for error.

The novel technique seeks to minimise erosion and high-temperature acid corrosion in hydrometallugical reactors, which are often pushed to their limits.

The partnership forms part of the Federal Government’s Cooperate Research Centre program, which links end-users with research trailblazers to deliver sustainable industry outcomes.

Gary Lantzke is the Chief Executive Officer of Callidus Welding Solutions, who said the partnership is already delivering tangible outcomes for his business.

• Impart materials with extraordinary functionality

“The partnership we have developed with Deakin is a true win, I hope for both teams. Innovation although a bit overused today is at the core of our DNA as a company.”

It seeks to create and translate knowledge at the frontier of materials science.

“What happened when Deakin became a resource has been truly magic.

Almost every trial we have placed has

• Re-design materials for a circular economy

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performed exceptionally well and to date two new products have been born,” Lantzke explained.

Professor Matthew Barnett, Associate Professor Daniel Fabijanic, and Dr Santiago Corujeira Gallo, make up the research team.

The IFM team draws its expertise from other researchers at CSIRO— Australia’s leading science agency— and other companies involved in the mining space, like Murrin Murrin Operations and Newcrest.

The novel component design and surface modification technologies will enable the project team to double component life. In addition it will improve the efficiency of existing processes and potentially save the industry millions of dollars in lost production time.

Associate Professor Fabijanic said these impacts are a gamechanger for the sector.

“This is a great example of letting a partnership naturally develop.”

“First, we assisted Callidus with insight into a process they had been independently developing over a few years.”

“Next, I introduced a new surface modification concept, which they could immediately adopt using their current capabilities,” he explained.

Associate Professor Fabijanic is an expert in the development of such techniques for ferrous metals.

He has previously placed a strong emphasis on the commercialisation of a patented low temperature duplex surface treatment option, which can be used for aluminium metal forming tooling.

But his most recent partnership is leading to strong industry outcomes, through his colleagues at Callidus Welding Solutions.

“It was a real highlight to see Gary Lantzke’s eyes light up at the possibilities of this new technology angle,” he said.

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FEATURE – Materials Engineering for Australia’s Mining, Oil and Gas Sector

The Benefits for Australians

partnerships should be,” he said.

Australia’s mining, oil and gas sector is a major contributor to the way that Australians live. In addition, it relies on fresh ideas to maintain its international competitive advantage.

Callidus Welding Solutions is also undertaking crucial work in the robotic welding space, where the company’s versatile GTAW and GMAW systems work with a wide range of materials.

Without such crucial research partnerships, like IFM and Callidus Welding Solutions, the daily lives of Australians would be vastly different.

Together, these systems are reducing the cost and turnaround of ongoing repair and manufacturing requirements.

In fact, the sector is responsible for over 10 per cent of the nation’s economy, and provides jobs for nearly 240,000 people.

Associate Professor Fabijanic said these partnerships close the research knowledge gap: research to operations, and operations to research.

“Callidus is very open to new ideas, and so far these new concepts are working well. The benefits and learning have been two-way, which is how a

Together, the IFM and Callidus Welding Solutions partnership is a strong example bridging the gap between science, policy and practice.

In fact, Callidus Welding Solutions’ parent company, Pon, has launched its own Corporate Social Responsibility program.

The new program focuses on eight of the global sustainable development goals, which are considered to align with the company’s business objectives and values.

In addition to reducing carbon emissions, the company is also seeking to meet social responsibility goals in terms of diversity and inclusion.

Environmental Focus for The Future

Callidus Welding Solutions has been selected to be one of two operating companies in the industrial mobility group to drive this environment and sustainability strategy creation.

Callidus Welding Solutions also has Australia’s environmental future at its heart, by tailoring its operations in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The company has taken on additional staff to ensure the best strategy outcomes. Together, these impacts are expected to be felt across the wider company and operations team.

Laser-Focussed Approach to Mining Equipment Longevity Source: Sally Wood Australia’s manufacturing sector is based on a multi-stage approach. This means that industry personnel must undertake several processes to refine and export products.

1992, it has focussed its operations on the development of advanced surfaceengineering techniques that reduce the wear and tear, maintenance and operating costs of production.

However, this method leads to increased wear and tear for equipment—like corrosion, erosion, adhesion and abrasion—which is detrimental for the sector’s long-term future.

The company uses a unique thermal spray coating and laser cladding, which are underpinned by state-of-the-art welding, heat treatment, surface finishing and metallurgy lab processing.

Australia’s mining, oil and gas sector is the backbone of the nation’s economy—accounting for over 10 per cent of gross domestic product.

Laser cladding is a widely-used additive manufacturing process. It has a suite of benefits, including:

As such, the sector relies on strong equipment and technology to power the lives of all Australians.

Shutdowns for repairs and maintenance of equipment can cost upwards of $100,000 for every hour of downtime.

• Improving the performance and longevity of equipment ongoing maintenance requirements.

• Enhanced protection against wear and corrosion • Cost-effectiveness

Therefore, it is crucial that equipment maintenance costs and production downtime are minimised.

For example, coatings that protect certain machinery components can be implemented in multi-stage manufacturing to meet global supply and demand.

Australian researchers and industry are working together to develop innovative solutions that reduce

LaserBond is an Australian company that is at the forefront of this research.

Since the company was founded in

LaserBond’s in-house services offer some of Australia’s greatest corrosion protection for manufacturers.

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• Reclaiming life in fatigued components • Precision and accuracy

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FEATURE – Materials Engineering for Australia’s Mining, Oil and Gas Sector

Fixing Industry Problems with Innovative Solutions Thermal spraying technologies are not new to the mining, oil and gas sector. In fact, this process has been used for over 90 years across a range of applications.

It can protect playground equipment, buildings, and wind turbines from excessive corrosion or damage.

The process is also the most recommended protective coating for structural steelwork. It is strongly supported by international standards, which underpin the safety and precision of work conducted in the sector.

In all, the process provides more than 20 years to the next round of maintenance in overly aggressive environments, which are common in some Australian contexts.

LaserBond uses thermal spraying across a variety of settings, including on the CAT 777 dump truck.

Large dump trucks are used across the Australian mining environment.

These trucks experience wear damage to their drive splines and ongoing contamination, which can lead to drive spindle failures.

When a truck experiences down time, it impacts the entire site’ production.

The process of remanufacturing these critical components can be complex and requires a strong attention to detail.

Even some welding or thermal spraying can lead to increased risk and downtime.

However, LaserBond’s laser cladding technique saves considerable time and money, rather than waiting for new parts.

The company employs a metallurgical bond, which unlocks the potential for applied layers to be used in high impact settings.

The remanufacturing process involves an inspection, pre-machining to remove damaged surface, cladding and some finishing touches to meet industry specifications.

This technique minimises undesirable thermal decomposition and leads to a faster turnaround of components.

Similarly, road headers are rock cutting machines that help with tunnelling and civil applications.

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They are made up of a rotating head, which thrusts through rock faces.

But damage to this hard chrome can occur through abrasion, corrosion, and contamination.

Professor Peter Murphy is the lead researcher from the University of South Australia, who said he is pleased to grow the advanced manufacturing sector within Australia.

Hard chrome finishes may struggle in certain environments in which there are fine abrasive particles. Wet environments can also lead to internal rusting, substantial delamination, and overall equipment failures.

“This comes at a time where we need to nurture our manufacturing capability and this project has the capacity to grow, employ and lead Australia through the challenging economic times,” Professor Murphy said.

LaserBond have pioneered a technique that uses cladding material to offer greater protection and longevity against these parts.

The team is focussed on increasing the longevity of mineral processing equipment through composite coatings.

LaserBond’s internal bearing surfaces of road heads are clad with a range of different metallurgy to suit the application’s primary failure mechanisms.

After a stringent laser cladding process, high-capacity lathes and borer machines are used for increased protection.

LaserBond have also used similar techniques on underground mining cutter drums by cleaning the surface, a rigorous inspection, and laser cladding. Together, this brings the machinery back to original equipment manufacturer specifications.

In some cases, like base frames, LaserBond has successfully extended equipment’s lifespan from 20,000 to over 40,000 hours. It also leads to increased availability of machinery and less downtime.

Linking Australian Research with Practice LaserBond actively draws on the support of Australia’s world-leading researchers to fill any gaps in the industry.

This research loop ensures that researchers and industry alike are working together to develop modern technologies, and change any existing ways of thinking.

The improved cladding process seeks to reduce facility maintenance shutdown schedules and other operational requirements.

By matching the machinery life to service schedules, unforeseen shutdowns can be avoided or minimised entirely.

The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of IMCRC David Chuter said the research collaboration builds on a long-standing and collaborative partnership.

“Together, wear and corrosion, continues to be a costly and disruptive challenge across many industries and developing advanced materials and technologies for wear and corrosion protection will help both Australian and global manufacturers combat these challenges,” he said.

IMCRC leads the way for change in transforming the future of Australian manufacturing. It seeks to position the sector as a competitive leader in the global manufacturing space.

It is funded under the Federal Government’s Cooperative Research Centre program, which links researchers with end-users based on gaps within the overall market.

For example, LaserBond has a $2.4 million research partnership with the University of South Australia and the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC).

“It is great to see, that through engagement with the University of South Australia’s researchers, LaserBond, in collaboration with local manufacturers can develop its solution locally and then take it globally,” Chuter explained.

The partnership unlocks the potential for experts and scientists to develop some of the world’s most resilient minerals processing equipment.

The Centre works with over 85 industry and research organisations.

Together, it has invested $34 million in collaborative research and innovation.

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FEATURE – Materials Engineering for in Manufacturing Australia’s Mining, Oil and Gas Sector

Swinburne Start-Up Receives $1.5 Million Investment to Help Make Mining Environmentally Safer Source: Sally Wood An Australian start-up company is using particles from space to help mining companies detect weaknesses in dams that secure highly toxic mining waste by-products.

mDetect is a spin-out company from Swinburne University of Technology, which is using ‘muons’ from space to make mining waste environmentally safer. The ground-breaking hazardous waste early warning system, using muon technology will revolutionise how mining companies monitor the stability of tailings dams.

The Federal Government has invested $1.5 million in the initiative under the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) Commercialisation Fund to fast track its commercial production.

Global mining companies use tailings dams to manage potentially dangerous by-products. It is estimated that around three tailings dams fail worldwide every two years, which potentially leads to damaging environmental outcomes. However, there have traditionally been no detectable early warning signs from deep within the walls to prevent failure.

mDetect's ground-breaking early warning system will help mining companies detect weaknesses in dams that secure highly toxic mining waste by-products. Image credit: Swinburne University.

exemplify our vision of bringing people and technology together to build a better world. We thank the AMGC for their support and commitment to this important initiative,” Professor Quester said.

Creating Positive Impact

The researchers have linked with key industry partner, OZ Minerals, who will deploy the device at their tailings dam at the Carrapateena Province.

According to Swinburne University of Technology’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pascale Quester, research and education into space technologies and their terrestrial applications have extraordinary potential.

Myles Johnston, General Manager of OZ Minerals Carrapateena Province, said the company has acted on its responsibility to meaningfully contribute to regional economic and social wellbeing.

“Swinburne is focused on ensuring that the vital research we do has significant positive impact. The important work of mDetect, led by Swinburne’s Professor Alan Duffy, is emblematic of Swinburne’s cutting-edge research and our ability to market innovative ideas.”

“By ethically and responsibly exploring for and mining copper, we contribute to a low carbon future and economic wellbeing, which helps us achieve our purpose and contribute to a better future.”

The research seeks to bridge positive economic and social impact for the next generation of materials production.

“This is paving the way for successful research commercialisation that provides real solutions for industries.

It is projects like this that best WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

“We congratulate mDetect on being awarded the AMGC grant, and the team at Carrapateena is excited to be collaborating with mDetect on the development of a fully supported, flexible 3D muon monitoring system,” Johnston said.

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of Professor Alan Duffy, Dr Shanti Krishnan and Craig Webster, along with the start-up experience of Dr Eryadi Masli and Dr Jerome Donovan.

“Muons are heavier versions of electrons, that are made when cosmic rays slam into atoms in Earth's atmosphere. We have patented new detectors, that combined with powerful AI techniques, take an X-ray style scan through solid rock revealing different density structures,” Professor Duffy said.

Muon technology can look through rocks to create underground images and detect abnormalities that will provide the early warning signs needed to prevent potential structural failures. mDetect will work with Elgee Industries and Swinburne’s Factory of the Future to produce the muon devices at scale.

The patented technology can provide intelligence on the internal structures and substances of buildings, infrastructure, and subterranean and aquatic features.

It is expected to open up a range of commercial opportunities for the construction and mining industries.

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FEATURE – Materials Engineering for Australia’s Mining, Oil and Gas Sector

Plants That Absorb Metal Could Help Provide a Sustainable Future for Mining Researchers from the University of Queensland have recently discovered that harvesting plants, which can absorb metal from the ground, may offer a sustainable solution for mining and rehabilitation.

The Sustainable Minerals Institute has teamed up with the Queensland Government to investigate whether plants can reliably produce metals such as cobalt and zinc. The process is known as phytomining, where the plants absorb metals from the ground.

Associate Professor Peter Erskine said the study is investigating if this process, once implemented at a large scale, could be a sustainable option for mining rare metals and the transition from carbon-fuelled mining.

“We’re currently growing plants using metal-rich soil and tailings from around Queensland,” Professor Erskine said.

Queensland is home to native plants that have an ability to absorb metal, which are known as hyperaccumulators.

“Further phytomining research has the potential to unlock a sustainable stream of critical metals, including from mine wastes and tailings, that still hold residual metals of interest.

So, in effect, phytomining could turn waste into new resources,” Professor Erskine said.

The researchers are confident that the phytomining of nickel could quickly proceed to full-scale production and that the phytomining of cobalt, thallium and selenium are on the horizon.

Queensland’s Minister for Resources, the Hon Scott Stewart MP, said the joint study had the potential to shape the state’s mining future.

“Rare earth metals are vital to the global economy with the popularity of renewable technology and electric vehicles continuing to grow,” Minister Stewart said.

The research capitalises on Queensland’s rich deposits of minerals like cobalt, copper and vanadium.

“Research like this will help 50 | APRIL 2022

Laboratory hydroponics dosing experiment with the zinc hyperaccumulator Crotalaria novo-hollandiae. Image Credit: Antony van der Ent, UQ.

Queensland emerge as a worldleader in extracting and processing these metals, meaning more jobs and investment for all Queenslanders,” Minister Stewart said.

It builds on the Sustainable Minerals Institute’s vision of finding solutions to other complex problems, which are facing the environment, humanity and the economy.

It supports initiatives that address population growth, food and water security, energy, poverty reduction and escalating inequity.

Professor Rick Valenta said phytomining had the potential to help the mining industry address the expected drop in critical metals supply.

“Lithium, cobalt, copper and nickel are going to be increasingly important for society as renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles become more prevalent.”

his free time.

He believed in uncovering what metals lay in the ground below, just by looking at certain elements in a leaf.

However, the term was coined in 1983 when Rufus Chaney, an agronomist with the US Department of Agriculture invented the word. The phenomenon was extensively tested in the Borneo highlands in the heart of Malaysia’s farmland.

Professor Valenta said the process offers unique advantages that are not matched by other technologies or processes.

“Phytomining is uniquely suited for that role because it both introduces an abundance of new resources that can be unlocked with less invasive methods and it allows the sourcing of metals from mine waste,” Professor Valenta said.

“But these critical metals are becoming increasingly difficult for the mining industry to access due to environmental, social, governance and technical factors.”

“Without supporting alternative methods of extracting these critical metals, the mining industry may find that is unable to keep up with the growing demand for them,” Professor Valenta explained.

The origins of phytomining date back to nearly 500 years ago, where the father of modern mineral smelting, Georgius Agricola, smelted plants in BACK TO CONTENTS

Queensland Minister for Resources Scott Stewart looking at a plant in the SMI laboratory.

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MATERIALS AUSTRALIA - Short Courses

Short Courses - Study at Home

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These short courses provide you with an engaging learning experience. Courses may include flash animations, video of instructors teaching the course in a classroom, video segments from ASM’s DVD series relevant to the learning material, and PDFs of instructor Power Points used in the instructor led training.

All online courses require internet access for reading and viewing course content. Both HTML pages and PDF files for each lesson are downloadable and printable for easy offline access.

www.materialsaustralia.com.au/training/online-training BASICS OF HEAT TREATING

HEAT TREATING FURNACES AND EQUIPMENT

Steel is the most common and the most important structural material. In order to properly select and apply this basic engineering material, it is necessary to have a fundamental understanding of the structure of steel and how it can be modified to suit its application. The course is designed as a basic introduction to the fundamentals of steel heat treatment and metallurgical processing. Read More

This course is designed as an extension of the Introduction to Heat Treatment course. It discusses advanced concepts in thermal and thermo-chemical surface treatments, such as case hardening, as well as the principles of thermal engineering (furnace design). Read More

NEW - INTRODUCTION TO COMPOSITES HOW TO ORGANISE AND RUN A FAILURE INVESTIGATION Have you ever been handed a failure investigation and have not been quite sure of all the steps required to complete the investigation? Or perhaps you had to review a failure investigation and wondered if all the aspects had been properly covered? Or perhaps you read a failure investigation and wondered what to do next? Here is a chance to learn the steps to organise a failure investigation. Read More

MEDICAL DEVICE DESIGN VALIDATION AND FAILURE ANALYSIS This course provides students with a fundamental understanding of the design process necessary to make robust medical devices. Fracture, fatigue, stress analysis, and corrosion design validation approaches are examined, and real-world medical device design validations are reviewed.

Further, since failures often provide us with important information about any design, mechanical and materials failure analysis techniques are covered. Several medical device failure analysis case studies are provided. Read More

Composites are a specialty material, used at increasing levels throughout our engineered environment, from high-performance aircraft and ground vehicles, to relatively low-tech applications in our daily lives. This course, designed for technical and non-technical professionals alike, provides an overarching introduction to composite materials. The course content is organised in a manner that guides the student from design to raw materials to manufacturing, assembly, quality assurance, testing, use, and life-cycle support. Read More

METALLURGY FOR THE NON-METALLURGIST™ An ideal first course for anyone who needs a working understanding of metals and their applications. It has been designed for those with no previous training in metallurgy, such as technical, laboratory, and sales personnel; engineers from other disciplines; management and administrative staff; and non-technical support staff, such as purchasing and receiving agents who order and inspect incoming material.

Read More

PRACTICAL INDUCTION HEAT TREATING

This course provides essential knowledge to those who do not have a technical background in metallurgical engineering, but have a need to understand more about the technical aspects of steel manufacturing, properties and applications.

Read More

Taking a fundamentals approach, this course is presented as an introduction to the world of induction heat treating. The course will cover the role of induction heating in producing reliable products, as well as the considerable savings in energy, labor, space, and time. You will gain in-depth knowledge on topics such as selecting equipment, designs of multiple systems, current application, and sources and solutions of induction heat treating problems. Read More

PRINCIPLES OF FAILURE ANALYSIS

TITANIUM AND ITS ALLOYS

Profit from failure analysis techniques, understand general failure analysis procedures, learn fundamental sources of failures. This course is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice of failure analysis.

Read More

Titanium occupies an important position in the family of metals because of its light weight and corrosion resistance. Its unique combination of physical, chemical and mechanical properties, make titanium alloys attractive for aerospace and industrial applications. Read More

METALLURGY OF STEEL FOR THE NON-METALLURGIST

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APRIL 2022 | 51

16 JUNE 2022

AMC Jakovich Centre Corner McGrath Road and Russell Road, Henderson

Materials Innovations in Process Engineering and Batteries.

Materials Australia is excited to invite you to a seminar on the latest materials and maintenance advancements for chemical process engineering and the emerging battery chemicals market to be held at the AMC Jakovich Centre in Henderson, south of Perth. The seminar date will be on 16 June 2022.

The innovative use of materials and maintenance to support life extension on capital equipment and plant assets is critical to the chemical and mineral processing sectors. These chemical processing industries require constant advancements in design, materials and maintenance technologies and products to support safe, reliable, and cost-efficient operations as new process plants are constructed or existing processing facilities approach the twilight

FIRST NOTICE AND CALL FOR PAPERS PAPERS We invite you to submit a one or two paragraph abstract for consideration. Please forward your abstract to Paul Howard at paulh@gerard-daniels.com.

Abstracts will be required by 15th April 2022.

Successful presenters will be required to submit their

years of their intended producing life.

The emerging battery and battery chemicals industries here in Western Australia has resulted in a new focus on plant design, construction and ongoing asset management.

The seminar goal is to achieve a mix of highquality presentations, which will provide delegates

final technical presentation by 26th May 2022. The seminar proceedings will only include the paper abstract.

Guidelines will be issued for presentations. There is also an opportunity to submit any related technical paper for publication in our Quarterly Journal, Materials Australia.

SPONSORSHIP / INDUSTRY DISPLAYS

an insight into the innovative developments or

A number of sponsorship packages will be available.

trends at this critical time in these industries. We

There will also be opportunities for sponsors to reserve

expect that the seminar will provide industry

space to exhibit their products and technologies.

representatives, original equipment manufacturers

We look forward to your participation.

(OEMs) and other key suppliers the opportunity to showcase their skills and knowledge.

52 | APRIL 2022

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Materials Australia is a Technical Society of Engineers Australia

WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

16 JUNE 2022

AMC Jakovich Centre Corner McGrath Road and Russell Road, Henderson

Materials Innovations in Process Engineering and Batteries.

Following the great success of our two MAMAS Events in 2018 and 2020 in Bunbury, Materials Australia is inviting relevant and interested companies working in these critical and emerging industry sectors to support this timely one-day seminar. We are looking for support from designers, manufacturers, operators and maintainers in the chemical, battery and mineral process engineering fields in and around this vibrant industrial hub in Kwinana and Henderson in WA.

Various opportunities are available for sponsorship with four levels; Bronze $500, Silver $1200, Gold $1750 and Platinum $2500 (one only) – these prices are excluding GST. These will allow your company the opportunity to be promoted in the lead-up to the event as well as receive multiple promotion opportunities on the day.

Sponsorship opportunities also exist to partner with the seminar for a breakfast package, lunch package, and a post seminar networking drinks package. Opportunities are filling quickly so please discuss these opportunities with the seminar organising committee.

Bronze $500 Silver $1200 Gold $1750 Platinum $2500 For more details, please contact either of these members of the seminar organising committee: PAUL HOWARD Seminar Convenor, Materials Australia 0407 711 008 | paulh@gerard-daniels.com EHSAN KARAJI Sponsorship Coordinator, Materials Australia 0488 336 629 | ehsan.karaji@baesystems.com Materials Australia is a Technical Society of Engineers Australia

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APRIL 2022 | 53

JOIN NOW!

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Our Members

Individual Membership Benefits

Materials Australia members are involved in all aspects of materials science, technology and engineering. Members include manufacturing technical officers, professional engineers, academics, research scientists, technical staff and students.

• Accreditation as a Certified Materials Professional (CMatP) if eligible.

Our members are experts in polymers, nano and biomaterials, ceramics, metals, composites and all of their engineering applications.

• Discounts on all Materials Australia conferences and training courses, including the CAMS and APICAM Conferences.

• Digital subscription to Materials Australia Magazine, our quarterly publication that is jam-packed with industry, product, technical and research news.

• Discounts on advertising in Materials Australia Magazine.

• Conferences, training courses, workshops and regular branch meetings, designed to facilitate continued professional development.

• Outstanding networking opportunities through regular branch meetings, conferences and training courses.

There are two types of Materials Australia membership available: Individual and Corporate.

• Regular branch newsletters full of information on local activities.

Individual members can join Materials Australia as a Student Member, Standard Member, Retired Member or a Certified Materials Professional (CMatP).

• Discounts on advertising in Materials Australia Magazine.

Corporate Membership Benefits • Editorial support for articles in Materials Australia Magazine.

• Digital subscription to Materials Australia Magazine.

• Free employment listings on the Materials Australia website.

Corporate members can opt for a Standard, Premium, or Premium Plus

• Free company listing on the Materials Australia website.

membership package.

• Free company listing in the Materials Australia Magazine.

• Discounts on all Materials Australia conference tickets and booths, including the CAMS and APICAM Conferences.

• Discounts on all Materials Australia training courses and workshops.

www.materialsaustralia.com.au or call (03) 9326 7266

Materials Australia is a Technical Society of Engineers Australia