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NANOMATERIALS AND NANOSPD: Engineering Matter from the Inside Out VOLUME 59 | NO 2 ISSN 1037-7107

SEPTEMBER 2026

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

palladium catalysts

nickel foam

thin film

perovskite crystals glassy carbon III-IV semiconductors europium phosphors Nd:YAG

buckyballs MOFs

alternative energy additive manufacturing organometallics

99.9999% aluminum oxide

1.00794

diamond micropowder metamaterials

borophene He osmium 2

4.002602

Hydrogen

nanogels

Helium

2 1

6.941

2 8 1

22.98976928

MOCVD

2 8 18 8 1

2 8 18 32 18 8 1

Francium

Ra (226)

2 8 18 18 9 2

138.90547

50.9415

Vanadium

Nb 92.90638

2 8 18 32 10 2

178.48

104

Rf (267)

Actinium

3D graphene foam

51.9961

2 8 3

Db (268)

Rutherfordium

54.938045

2 8 14 2

55.845

Manganese

2 8 15 2

58.933195

Iron

2 8 16 2

Ni 58.6934

Cobalt

2 8 18 1

63.546

Nickel

95.96

(98.0)

Molybdenum 74

2 8 18 32 11 2

183.84

106

2 8 18 32 32 11 2

Sg (271)

Dubnium

2 8 18 32 13 2

107

Bh (272)

Seaborgium

2 8 18 32 14 2

108

Hs (270)

Bohrium

109

28.0855

111

2 8 18 32 32 17 1

Ds (281)

Meitnerium

Rg (280)

Darmstadtium

112

Cn (285)

Roentgenium

2 8 18 18 3

2 8 18 32 18 2

113

Nh (284)

Pb Fl (289)

Nihonium

208.9804

115

Mc (288)

Flerovium

2 8 18 18 6

Te Po Lv (293)

Moscovium

2 8 18 7

2 8 18 18 7

2 8 18 32 18 7

2 8 18 32 32 18 7

118

Kr 83.798

Livermorium

Ts (294)

Tennessine

2 8 18 18 8

131.293

Xenon

(210)

117

2 8 18 8

Krypton

2 8 18 32 18 8

(222)

Astatine 2 8 18 32 32 18 6

Invar

39.948

Iodine

2 8 18 32 18 6

2 8 8

Argon

126.90447

(209)

116

2 8 7

79.904

Polonium 2 8 18 32 32 18 5

h-BN

Neon

Bromine

127.6

Bismuth 2 8 18 32 32 18 4

2 8 18 6

Tellurium 2 8 18 32 18 5

2 8

20.1797

35.453

78.96

121.76

207.2

114

Chlorine

Antimony 83

Selenium

Lead 2 8 18 32 32 18 3

2 8 18 18 5

74.9216

2 8 18 32 18 4

2 8 6

32.065

Fluorine

Sulfur

2 8 18 5

2 7

18.9984032

Arsenic

Tin

204.3833

Copernicium

2 8 18 18 4

118.71

Thallium 2 8 18 32 32 18 2

72.64

2 8 18 32 18 3

2 8 5

30.973762

2 8 18 4

15.9994

Phosphorus

Oxygen

Germanium

114.818

Mercury 2 8 18 32 32 18 1

Indium

200.59

Gold

110

2 8 18 32 32 15 2

2 8 18 32 18 1

2 8 18 3

69.723

Silicon

Gallium

Cadmium

196.966569

Platinum

(276)

Hassium

2 8 18 32 17 1

112.411

Silver

195.084

Iridium 2 8 18 32 32 14 2

107.8682

192.217

Osmium 2 8 18 32 32 13 2

106.42

2 8 18 18 1

Palladium 2 8 18 32 15 2

190.23

Rhenium 2 8 18 32 32 12 2

102.9055

Rhodium

2 8 18 18 2

Zinc

2 8 18 18

65.38

Copper

2 8 18 16 1

Ruthenium

186.207

Tungsten

2 8 18 15 1

101.07

Technetium

2 8 18 32 12 2

2 8 18 13 2

2 8 18 2

14.0067

2 8 4

2 6

Nitrogen

26.9815386

ultralight aerospace alloys Mo Tc Ru Rh Pd Ag Cd

180.9488

105

2 8 13 2

2 8 18 13 1

Tantalum 2 8 18 32 32 10 2

2 8 13 1

Chromium

2 8 18 12 1

Niobium

Hafnium 2 8 18 32 18 9 2

(227)

Radium

2 8 11 2

Zirconium

Lanthanum 2 8 18 32 18 8 2

2 8 18 10 2

91.224

Yttrium

47.867

2 8 18 9 2

88.90585

2 8 18 18 8 2

2 8 10 2

Titanium

isotopes Y Zr

Barium

Fr (223)

44.955912

137.327

Cesium

Scandium

Strontium 2 8 18 18 8 1

2 8 9 2

2 8 18 8 2

87.62

132.9054

2 8 8 2

40.078

Rubidium

12.0107

2 5

Carbon

Aluminum

Calcium

85.4678

EuFOD

2 8 8 1

39.0983

AuNPs

nanodispersions

2 8 2

Magnesium

Potassium 37

10.811

2 4

Boron

24.305

Sodium

2 3

Beryllium

surface functionalized nanoparticles

9.012182

Lithium

YBCO

2 2

Radon

Og (294)

2 8 18 32 32 18 8

quantum dots

2 8 18 19 9 2

140.116

Th 232.03806

2 8 18 21 8 2

140.90765

Cerium 90

Praseodymium 2 8 18 32 18 10 2

Thorium

Pa 231.03588

2 8 18 32 20 9 2

Protactinium

transparent ceramics

2 8 18 22 8 2

144.242

238.02891

Uranium

2 8 18 23 8 2

Pm Sm (145)

Neodymium 92

Np (237)

2 8 18 32 22 9 2

150.36

Promethium 2 8 18 32 21 9 2

2 8 18 24 8 2

Neptunium

Pu (244)

Plutonium

2 8 18 25 8 2

151.964

Samarium 94

2 8 18 32 25 8 2

Americium

(247)

2 8 18 27 8 2

158.92535

Gadolinium

Am Cm (243)

2 8 18 25 9 2

157.25

Europium 2 8 18 32 24 8 2

Curium

Bk (247)

2 8 18 28 8 2

2 8 18 32 27 8 2

Berkelium

Cf (251)

endohedral fullerenes

2 8 18 29 8 2

2 8 18 32 28 8 2

Es (252)

Einsteinium

2 8 18 30 8 2

167.259

Holmium

Californium

UHP fluorides

Ho 164.93032

Dysprosium

Tm 168.93421

Erbium 2 8 18 32 29 8 2

100

Fm (257)

Fermium

2 8 18 31 8 2

101

Md (258)

2 8 18 32 8 2

173.054

Thulium

2 8 18 32 30 8 2

Lu 174.9668

Ytterbium 2 8 18 32 31 8 2

Mendelevium

102

No (259)

Lutetium 2 8 18 32 32 8 2

Nobelium

103

Lr (262)

zircaloy -4 mischmetal chalcogenides

biosynthetics

carbon nanotubes

Now Invent. laser crystals

2 8 18 32 32 8 3

ITO

Lawrencium

CVD precursors

gold nanocubes OLED lighting

2 8 18 32 9 2

CIGS

scandium powder

radiation shielding rare earth optical fiber dopants sputtering targets

162.5

Terbium

2 8 18 32 25 9 2

NMC

Oganesson

InAs wafers titanium aluminum carbide molybdenum TZM silver nanoparticles niobium C103

GDC

deposition slugs

flexible electronics

platinum ink

tungsten carbide superconductors Bulk & lab scale manufacturers of over 35,000 high purity advanced materials with applications in aerospace, automotive, defense, data centers, pharmaceuticals, space and electronics, all engineered and certified to meet the most rigorous quality standards.

spintronics photovoltaics graphene oxide

ultra high purity materials

InGaAs pyrolitic graphite

metallic glass pyrolitic graphite Ti-6Al-4V

American Elements Opens a World of Possibilities..... Now Invent!

rare earth metals IC

AN ELEM

mesoporus silica RSARY A N N9I9V7 E - 2026 1

www.americanelements.com 99.99999% mercury

metallocenes

li-ion battery materials

SOFC powder

VOLUME 59 | NO 2 SEPTEMBER 2026

CONTENTS

Reports Contents

From the President

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Materials Australia News WA Branch Reports

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Why You Should Become a CMatP

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46 SEPTEMBER 2026 | 3

MATERIALS AUSTRALIA

From the President - Professor Nikki Stanford B.Eng(Hons) Ph.D. CMatP Dear Members, As we move into another exciting year for Materials Australia, it is inspiring to witness the ongoing dedication of our volunteers, members, and technical networks.

15 Symposiums and 3 evening functions, it was an invaluable opportunity to build collaborations that will shape the future of our discipline. I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone involved in the organising of the conference, it was a complete success!

Your collective efforts continue to strengthen our organisation and play a vital role in advancing materials science and engineering across the country. It is this spirit of collaboration and commitment that underpins our success and ensures we remain a vibrant, forward-looking community. A recent major highlight was the 12th Pacific Rim International Conference on Advanced Materials and Processing (PRICM12), which was held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach from 9–13 August 2026. This prestigious triennial conference represented a significant opportunity for Australia to showcase its research excellence on the global stage, while fostering meaningful connections with leading scientists, engineers, and emerging researchers from across the Pacific Rim and beyond.

Beyond PRICM12, Materials Australia continues to deliver a diverse range of events and professional development opportunities. I encourage you to regularly visit our Events page to stay informed about upcoming webinars, seminars, and branch activities, as well as initiatives delivered in partnership with organisations such as Engineers Australia. These programs are designed to support continuous learning, foster connections, and highlight the breadth of expertise within our community.

With nearly 1500 Australian and International delegates,

It is particularly encouraging to see the strong engagement at the branch level.

Materials Australia National Office PO Box 19 Parkville Victoria 3052 Australia

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Prof. Ma Qian RMIT University Dr. Jonathan Tran RMIT University Tanya Smith MATERIALS AUSTRALIA

4 | SEPTEMBER 2026

Meanwhile, our Victorian and Tasmanian Branches continue to build valuable digital resources, with a growing library of webinar recordings now available online. These initiatives not only support knowledge sharing but also ensure accessibility for members across different regions and career stages. As we progress through 2026, we remain focused on strengthening our networks, supporting our members, and championing the critical role of materials science in addressing global challenges, from sustainability and energy to advanced manufacturing and healthcare. Your involvement is central to this mission, and I encourage you to continue engaging with our programs, contributing your expertise, and supporting one another. I look forward to sharing further updates throughout the year and hope to see you at another Materials Australia event soon? Best Regards Nikki Stanford National President

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

T: +61 3 9326 7266 E: imea@materialsaustralia.com.au W: www.materialsaustralia.com.au

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.

NATIONAL PRESIDENT

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

Nikki Stanford

MANAGING EDITOR Gloss Creative Media Pty Ltd

The Western Australian Branch, for example, has been actively enhancing member engagement through events such as “Day in the Life of a Polymer Scientist in WA” and “Non-Intrusive Inspection.”

All communication should be directed to Materials Australia.

ADVERTISING & DESIGN MANAGER Gloss Creative Media Pty Ltd Rod Kelloway 0418 114 624 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

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Cover Image

From feature article on page 52. CL

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | 7

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

PRICM12 | GOLD COA ST | 9 -13 AUGUST 2026

PROFESSOR JIAN-FENG NIE CHAIR OF PRICM12 The 12th Pacific Rim International Conference on Advanced Materials and Processing (PRICM12) was successfully held on the Gold Coast, Australia, from 9–13 August 2026. PRICM is one of the major international materials conferences in the Pacific Rim region and is jointly organised by five leading materials societies: the Chinese Society for Metals (CSM), The Japan Institute of Metals and Materials (JIMM), The Korean Institute of Metals and Materials (KIM), Materials Australia, and The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS). PRICM12 continued this strong tradition of international collaboration, bringing together researchers, engineers, industry representatives and students from across the Pacific Rim and beyond. PRICM12 attracted approximately 1,500 delegates from more than 25 countries and regions, including 240 researchers from Australia, reflecting the strong international standing of the conference and the importance of collaboration within the Pacific Rim materials community. The technical program comprised 15 symposia and more than 1,220 presentations, including five plenary lectures and over 360 keynote and invited presentations. The program also featured lunchtime lectures by Rio Tinto, CSIRO, and JITRI. Together, these speakers brought perspectives spanning fundamental materials science, advanced manufacturing and industrial innovation. The scientific quality of the presentations was very high, with particularly strong participation from students and early-career researchers. A significant proportion of invited speakers were early-career researchers, providing valuable opportunities for emerging researchers to showcase their work to an international audience. The conference also demonstrated strong diversity in scientific leadership, with strong representation of women among the session chairs. The poster sessions generated lively scientific discussion and networking, with a Best Poster Award presented in each symposium to recognise outstanding contributions. Beyond the technical program, PRICM12 provided extensive opportunities for delegates to establish new collaborations, strengthen existing professional networks and renew longstanding friendships. The Welcome Reception, Conference Banquet and other 8 | SEPTEMBER 2026

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social activities were very well attended and created an enjoyable and relaxed environment for interaction among delegates. A highlight of the Welcome Reception was a traditional Aboriginal dance performance, which offered international delegates with a memorable introduction to Australia’s rich Indigenous culture. Feedback received during and after the conference was overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the quality and breadth of the technical program, conference organisation, venue and networking opportunities. The successful delivery of PRICM12 was the result of an enormous collective effort. I would like to sincerely thank the five organising societies — CSM, JIMM, KIM, Materials Australia and TMS — for their strong and continuing support. I also acknowledge the contributions of the International Organising Committee, International Advisory Committee, Local Organising Committee, symposium chairs, plenary, keynote and invited speakers, session chairs, volunteers and conference organisers, especially Tanya Smith and Rod Kelloway. Their dedication, professionalism and hard work were essential to the success of the conference. We are also grateful to our sponsors, including JITRI, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Queensland Tourism & Events, American Elements, Rigaku, Elsevier, FLOW-3D, as well as our exhibitors — JEOL, ZEISS, LECO, Thermo-Calc Software, NETZSCH, Rigaku, AXT, KeAi, CIQTEK, emlogic, NewSpec, TESTECH, Metrohm ANZ, Evident, Bestron, OBJECTIVE 3D, WatersTM — for their generous support. Above all, I would like to thank all delegates for their participation and contributions. Their enthusiasm, scientific exchange and engagement throughout the conference made PRICM12 a vibrant, productive and memorable international event. PRICM12 further strengthened the connections among materials communities across the Pacific Rim and provided a strong foundation for the continued success of the PRICM conference series. We now look forward to PRICM13, to be hosted by TMS in Honolulu, Hawaii, from 19–23 August 2029, where the international materials community will come together once again to exchange ideas, strengthen collaborations and advance materials science and engineering.

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SAVE THE DATE

Join Us Again at the Next Gathering of the Pacific Rim Materials Community

PRICM 13

THE 13TH PACIFIC RIM INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ADVANCED MATERIALS AND PROCESSING

AUGUST 19–23, 2029

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, USA

The conversations, collaborations, and discoveries shared at PRICM12 are only the beginning. In 2029, the global materials community will come together once again for PRICM13—reconnect with colleagues, strengthen existing partnerships, build new collaborations, and continue the exchange of ideas that drives innovation across materials science and engineering. Hosted by The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS), PRICM13 will continue this tradition in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, providing an inspiring setting for scientific exchange and international engagement. Whether you are presenting new research, exploring emerging technologies, or expanding your professional network, PRICM13 will be the place to reconnect with this vibrant global community and help shape the future of materials innovation.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Stay informed about abstract submissions, registration, housing, and program announcements as they become available. Visit www.tms.org/PRICM13.

We look forward to welcoming you back for the next PRICM.

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WA Branch Technical Meeting - 13 April 2026 Non-intrusive inspection and improving confidence in repeat inspection comparison Source: Jake Davies, Sonomatic Jake Davies joined Sonomatic after graduating in Petroleum Engineering from Curtin University. After seven years with the company, he currently holds the position of Senior Integrity Engineer. His expertise focuses on advanced inspection evaluation, including non intrusive inspection (NII), statistical comparison methods, and high resolution data interpretation for critical assets across the energy sector. Jake’s presentation outlined NII as a structured methodology for improving confidence in repeat inspection comparisons through robust data preparation, validation, and statistical analysis. The talk covered interpretation of inspection data, quantification of commonality between datasets, and the application of statistical and two dimensional mapping techniques to visualise and compare degradation mechanisms. The presentation focused on the application of NII to the estimation of internal corrosion in pressure vessel walls by means of systematic external ultrasonic wall thickness measurement, without the need for internal visual inspection (IVI). This approach offers significant economic benefits where taking vessels offline is costly, and even greater benefits where human entry would involve high risk. Jake emphasised that NII is a systematic process requiring a number of coordinated steps: assessment of the asset to determine representative areas to be monitored; development of a detailed scope of work, ranging from surface preparation through to data storage; execution of the periodic inspections; and evaluation of results to determine whether the asset is safe for continued service or whether IVI is required. He stressed that NII is a complete process requiring ongoing commitment, noting that “you can’t just do a bit of NII”. As an example of NII application, Jake referred to pressure vessels in the hydrocarbon processing industry. Periodic inspections are performed on representative areas of the vessel, typically around 2 × 3 metres, defined using fixed datum points. A crawler-mounted ultrasonic probe scans these areas with a typical resolution of 4 × 4 mm, although resolutions as high as 1 × 1 mm are possible. After data validation and confirmation of orientation using three dimensional vessel models, the data are processed to produce a two dimensional thickness map, where each point measurement is analogous to a pixel in a digital image. Colour mapping of wall thickness produces a visual representation of the scanned area. While these images are useful for confirming orientation and scale, and can be suggestive of corrosion, they can also be misleading. More detailed statistical analysis is required to avoid generalisations based on incomplete information. Jake described how this analysis is performed using Sonomatic’s proprietary software. A key summary output is a graph in which the x axis represents measured thickness and the y axis represents the logarithm of the cumulative fraction

16 | SEPTEMBER 2026

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L to R: Jake Davies, Andrew McGregor.

of pixels exceeding a given thickness. The baseline curve for material without corrosion reflects initial wall thickness variation, comprising random variation superimposed on true thickness variation. Uniform corrosion results in a leftward shift of the entire curve, whereas localised corrosion shifts the lower portion of the curve further to the left. Deep pitting can appear as sharp changes in curve curvature. Because scanned areas are defined using fixed datum points, repeat inspections of the same area – typically undertaken after four or five years – can be matched pixel for pixel. This enables direct comparison to track degradation rates, identify emerging issues, and validate underlying assumptions. Analysis of repeated scans can reveal underlying order in what may otherwise appear to be random corrosion behaviour, and sampling techniques can be used to estimate remaining life for the entire vessel. Confidence in the analysis is established through commonality of spatial, statistical, and physical indicators, and is built progressively through repeated inspections. This confidence is ultimately validated when vessels are removed from service and subjected to internal visual inspection. Jake took questions from the audience during and after the presentation. His responses expanded on interpretation of cumulative thickness graphs and two dimensional thickness maps, as well as on applications of NII within the local natural gas processing industry.

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Nanomaterials for Energy Generation, Storage, and Efficiency • Inorganic Nanomaterials • Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes • Perovskite Materials • Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Materials • Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) Donors and Acceptors • Lithium Ion Battery Materials • Quantum Dots

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WA Branch Technical Meeting - 11 May 2026 Enhancing reliability and integrity of seawater service shell and tube heat exchangers through Monel cladding Source: Amir Kabiri Amir Kabiri is a Professional Engineer, Chartered in both Mechanical Engineering and Pressure Equipment Design Verification. A graduate of the University of Kashan in Iran, he has more than two decades of experience in thermal systems, heat transfer equipment, and mechanical design across the mining, oil & gas, and renewable energy sectors. The focus of Amir’s presentation was his experience, while working in Iran, in the remediation and enhancement of the head section of a shell and tube (S&T) heat exchanger (HE) exposed to the corrosive operating conditions inherent in seawater cooling. He was directly involved in the planning, design and successful execution of this challenging project, which had to be undertaken during the limited time available during a scheduled shutdown. Amir started with a description of the operating context. This unit is used as a trimming HE to control the final temperature of the process stream. It draws cooling water at around 30 °C directly from the Strait of Hormuz. Because of it application as a trimmer, the duty varies and hence the outlet temperature ranges from around 50 to 90 °C. The unit designation is Type AES in the TEMA (Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers’ Association) classification. The ‘A’ indicates the design of the removable front head (end cover), which encloses the tube sheet at the end of the shell section (of type ‘E’ design). In this configuration, a horizontal diaphragm separates the inlet (bottom) and outlet (top) halves of the approximately 1.5 m diameter end cover, which is sealed against the tube plate with gaskets and held in place with a flanged connection. The design and operating context make this HE prone to practically all forms of corrosion, including general, pitting, crevice, galvanic, microbially induced, as well as biofouling and erosion corrosion from entrained sand. Amir described how this had led to a characteristic pattern of deterioration of various regions in the cover and tube sheet. Time constraints meant that replacement of the front head was not an option, so refurbishment was imperative. After consideration of the options, including rubber lining, metal cladding stood out as the most viable approach.

(90 10), and aluminium bronze, which is favoured for castings such as pump bodies. Titanium has high corrosion resistance, but the cost, strict welding requirements, and need for galvanic isolation from carbon steel limit its applicability. Ultimately, Monel 400 (around 70 % Ni – 30 % Cu) was chosen. It was used as weld overlay for the water side of the tube sheet, as sheet cladding for the interior of the head, and with the diaphragm replaced by a solid sheet of this material. Fabrication was undertaken in on site workshop facilities. Because of the tight time window for its completion, the work had to be very carefully planned. Amir explained the key steps involved, most of which have three-letter acronyms. These include the welding procedure specifications (WPS), procedure qualification records (PQR), welder qualification tests (WQT), the non destructive testing (NDT), welding maps, inspection and test plans (ITP), and quality control plans (QCP). He used a series of photographs of various stages of the work in progress to illustrate how these plans were executed. Amir concluded the formal part of his presentation with a summary of lessons learned. The main ones were the value of careful planning, of the testing undertaken throughout the process, and of the record keeping. In the case of the sheet cladding, edge preparation and low pressure testing ensured that there could be no water penetration behind the cladding. The tubes are locked to the tube sheet by expanding the tube walls into annular grooves in the holes in the tube sheet. These were re machined after weld cladding, with an additional groove entirely within the weld overlay portion. This proved very effective. Questions from the audience explored various issues that arise with seawater cooling.

Amir summarised the main ways cladding can be applied, notably by weld overlay or by sheet lining. Weld overlay is best done as an automated process, with machining after welding to produce a smooth surface. It uses high cost materials and requires skilled labour. Sheet cladding, typically with 3 to 10 mm plate, is cheaper than weld overlay and involves lower heat input. However, it requires plug welding across the sheet to secure it and prevent vibration, combined with seal welding around all edges. He then summarised the options for materials, listing Monel 400, 316L stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, copper nickel

18 | SEPTEMBER 2026

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L to R: Ehsan Karaji, Amir Kabiri

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MATERIALS AUSTRALIA

WA Branch Technical Meeting - 8 June 2026 Hydrogen diffusion, permeation through pipeline walls in transient and cyclic conditions Source: Dr Gilles Dour, Worley Gilles Dour is a multidisciplinary engineer with a strong research background in materials and process engineering, materials science, and mechanical engineering. In his ten years at Worley, he has specialised in integrity engineering for oil and gas applications. His work has included Risk Based Inspection programs for greenfield and brownfield facilities, assessments for repurposing assets (for H₂, CO₂, NH₃), materials selection for new projects across several sectors, fitness for service and life extension studies, and audits of Asset Integrity Management systems. He has a particular interest and expertise in the transportation of hydrogen in steel pipelines. Gilles had previously spoken about the limits of hydrogen content for transport of petroleum gas, and of supercritical carbon dioxide. The research described in this presentation arose from work that Worley has been undertaking into the transport and storage of hydrogen in pipelines. Pipelines, especially those in existing pipeline infrastructure, are an attractive means of moving green hydrogen from production sites to points of consumption. However, this presents several challenges because API 5L pipeline steels are known to be susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement (HE) when exposed to gaseous hydrogen. Optimising steel composition and microstructure can mitigate some of the loss of ductility associated with HE, but other effects are more difficult to manage – particularly the increase in fatigue crack growth rate, which is especially pronounced in weld joints. These issues become even more critical when designing pipelines intended not only for transport but also for hydrogen storage, where pressure cycling and long term exposure amplify embrittlement risks. An additional complication is the variability of hydrogen production from renewable power – daily in the case of solar – WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

which means pipelines may need to accommodate daily pressure swings from 20 to 120 bar. Gilles then described how he had used the method of Thermal Quadrupoles to compute the time and concentration dependent diffusion of hydrogen into and through multi layer pipe walls. This method, developed by French researchers in the 1990s, was originally applied to heat transfer, but it can also be applied to Fick’s Law diffusion because the governing second order partial differential equations have the same mathematical form. Instead of using stepwise numerical time integration, the method applies a Laplace transformation in time, converting the diffusion equation into a second order ordinary differential equation in space. For one dimensional or pseudo one dimensional situations such as an axisymmetric pipe, each layer and each boundary condition (which may vary with time) can be represented by a 2×2 matrix whose four elements (the ‘quadrupoles’) are calculated directly from the known physical properties. Multiplying the matrices for all layers and boundaries yields the full spatial solution in the Laplace domain. The corresponding solution in physical time is then obtained by numerically evaluating the inverse Laplace transform at the desired times. By applying this extremely efficient procedure – one that avoids the instability and discretisation problems of direct time stepping methods – Gilles was able to model, simply and rapidly, many complex wall configurations with time varying pressure, temperature, and hydrogen concentration in the transported gas. Gilles validated the mathematical model with laboratory tests on samples of 5L steel. Simulations of transient hydrogen exposure showed how the steel at the inner surface becomes embrittled to a depth of several millimetres but, if not cracked, can regain its normal BACK TO CONTENTS

L to R: Ehsan Karaji, Dr Gilles Dour

properties as the hydrogen diffuses outward. Under steady state conditions at 20 bar hydrogen pressure, a concentration gradient is established, with only a small steady permeation of hydrogen through the pipe wall. The practical problem is that the entire wall thickness becomes embrittled – obviously unacceptable for a working pipeline. The real purpose of the modelling was to test the option of using a bi metallic pipe, with a thin (1.5 to 3 mm) metallurgically bonded internal coating of austenitic stainless steel, which has low diffusivity and high solubility for hydrogen. Gilles presented a series of simulations demonstrating that, with daily pressure variations from 20 to 120 bar, essentially all of the variation in hydrogen concentration is confined to the austenitic layer. Thus, the internal coating effectively screens the 5L steel from hydrogen embrittlement while also greatly reducing permeation through the pipe wall. Discussion then turned to possible ways of manufacturing such pipe, including coating existing lines. Weld overlay using a high velocity air fuel (HVAF) process appears to be the simplest approach, but the maximum practical layer thickness of around 1.5 mm is at the lower end of what would be required. Members of the audience contributed several suggestions for alternative manufacturing or coating methods, and how to deal with joining sections of internally coated pipe. SEPTEMBER 2026 | 19

APICAM2027 | SYDNEY AUSTRALIA | 21-23 JULY 2027 APICAM2027 | SYDNEY AUSTRALIA | 21-23 JULY 2027

Come an d meet Gwénaë lle and S ophie, our Con ference Chairs fo APICAM r 2027, at Materials the Australia Booth (N during th o. 27), e Poster Tuesday Session night be tween 7 .0 to discu ss the ex 0-7.30pm c it ing opportu - THe University of Sydney nities th at APICAM 2027 bri ngsof Gwénaëlle Proust is a Professor of Materials Engineering in the School . Civil

APICAM2027 Conference Chairs Professor Gwénaëlle Proust

Engineering and the Academic Director of the Sydney Manufacturing Hub at the University of Sydney. She received her Diplôme d’Ingénieur (equivalent to The 5th Asia-Pacific International Conference on a Bachelor of Engineering) in Materials in 1999 from the Institut des Additive Manufacturing (APICAM)Science is the not-to-be-missed Sciences de l’Ingénieur enofThermique, Énergétique et Matériaux (now École industry conference 2027. Polytechnique de Nantes), France. She was awarded an MPhil in 2002 and APICAM was created to provide an opportunity for industry professionals a PhDand in 2005 from the of Materials Science and and engage Engineering researchers to Department come together, share knowledge in at Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA, before undertaking a two-year the type of networking that is vital to the furthering of the additive postdoctoral appointment at Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico. manufacturing industry. She joined the University of Sydney in 2008. Since 2024 she is the ViceThe conference will feature presentations from leading experts across President of Materials Australia. industry, academia, and government-funded research organisations,

highlighting emerging technologies,the current challenges, and innovative Her research focuses on understanding relationships between solutions. Important areas as additive manufacturing in the processing, microstructure, andsuch properties to improve the performance, biomedical, defence and aerospace industries will be covered reliability, and sustainability of engineering materials. Her work combines experimental investigations by experts each respective field. with particular expertise in additive with computational modelling to optimisefrom manufacturing processes,

The purpose of techniques, this conference is to provide a focused for the and manufacturing. She employs advanced characterisation including scanning electronforum microscopy, presentation of advanced research and improved understanding of electron backscatter diffraction, to investigate microstructural evolution and its influence on material behaviour. aspectspapers of additive The APICAM2027 Gwénaëlle has published more than 100 various peer-reviewed and manufacturing. has secured competitive researchorganising funding committee is seeking abstracts for either an oral or poster presentation. through the ARC’s Discovery and Linkage programs. Symposia Themes > -Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Additive Manufacturing UNSW Sydney > Metal Additive Manufacturing Sophie Primig currently is an Alcoa Distinguished Professor and Australian > Additive Manufacturing for Polymers and Composites Research Council (ARC) Future Fellow in the School of Materials Science > Bioprinting and Biomaterials in Additive Manufacturing & Engineering at UNSW Sydney. She was awarded both her MEng (2008) > Ceramic and Concrete in Additive Manufacturing and PhD (2012) in Materials Science & Engineering from Montanuniversität > Additive Manufacturing of Electronic Devices Leoben, Austria. Following a short period as Post-Doctoral Researcher and > Sustainability in Additive Manufacturing an academic position at the same University, she moved to UNSW Sydney > Post-Processing in Additive Manufacturing in 2015, initially as Lecturer. She was an ARC DECRA Fellow in 2018-2020 > Modelling and Simulation for Additive Manufacturing and a UNSW Scientia Fellow in 2019-2022. > Emerging Technologies in Additive Manufacturing Her research interests are in Physical Metallurgy. She has a track > Additive Manufacturing: Design, Qualification, and Certification record both fundamental and applied research. Her research goal is > inInnovative Applications in Additive Manufacturing to develop an advanced capability in structure-property relationships Conference Chairs across the processing routes of structural metallic materials via additive > Professor Gwénaëlle Proust | University of Sydney manufacturing and advanced thermo-mechanical routes. The focus of her > Professor Sophie Primig | UNSW Sydney applied research is on alloys for high-performance applications such as aerospace, and this has often been linked closelyHost to the needs ofEnquiries: industrial partners. She has published >170 papers to date. Conference Partner Conference

Professor Sophie Primig

Sophie has attracted fundingTanya via theSmith ARC, international industry collaborations, defence, and competitive Materials Australia University schemes. She is the Outgoing Chair of the TMS Phase Transformations Committee and a Fellow of +61 3 9326 7266 the Royal Society of NSW. imea@materialsaustralia.com.au

www.apicam2027.com.au

APICAM2027 | SYDNEY AUSTRALIA | 21-23 JULY 2027

Come an d meet Gwénaë lle and S ophie, our Con ference Chairs fo AC PIC r A F2O7 Materials ALML20 ABASuTstrRaliAaCBo,Roatht the during th e Poste TS (No. 27), TuesdayNOW Session night beOPEr N tween 7 .00-7.30 Ctolo disscin ussgthD pm e eaxctitein 28oppFoertbunit2ies g 02th7at APICAM 2027 bri ngs.

The 5th Asia-Pacific International Conference on The 5th Asia-Pacific International Conference on Additive Manufacturing (APICAM) is the not-to-be-missed Additive Manufacturing (APICAM) is the not-to-be-missed industry conference of 2027. industry conference of 2027. APICAM was created to provide an opportunity for industry professionals APICAM was created to together, provide anshare opportunity for industry professionals and researchers to come knowledge and engage in and researchers to come together, share knowledge and engage the type of networking that is vital to the furthering of the additive in the type of networking manufacturing industry. that is vital to the furthering of the additive manufacturing industry. The conference will feature presentations from leading experts across The conference willand feature presentations from leading experts across industry, academia, government-funded research organisations, industry, academia, government-funded research organisations, highlighting emergingand technologies, current challenges, and innovative highlighting emerging technologies, current challenges, innovative solutions. Important areas such as additive manufacturingand in the solutions. Important areas such as additive manufacturing in the biomedical, defence and aerospace industries will be covered by experts biomedical, defence and aerospace industries will be covered by experts from each respective field. from each respective field. The purpose of this conference is to provide a focused forum for the presentation research and improved understanding The purposeofofadvanced this conference is to provide a focused forum forofthe various aspects additive manufacturing. The APICAM2027 organising presentation ofof advanced research and improved understanding of committee is seeking abstracts for either an oral or poster presentation. various aspects of additive manufacturing. The APICAM2027 organising committeeThemes is seeking abstracts for either an oral or poster presentation. Symposia > Symposia Additive Themes Manufacturing for Polymers and Composites > > Additive of for Electronic Functional Devices ArtificialManufacturing Intelligence (AI) Additiveand Manufacturing > > Process Monitoring, Metrology and Quality Control for Additive Metal Additive Manufacturing > Manufacturing Additive Manufacturing for Polymers and Composites > > Artificial Intelligence and Data-Driven Additive Manufacturing Bioprinting and Biomaterials in Additive Manufacturing > > Bioprinting andConcrete Biomaterials in Additive Manufacturing Ceramic and in Additive Manufacturing > > Ceramic Concrete in of Additive Manufacturing Additiveand Manufacturing Electronic Devices > > Emerging Technologies in Additive Manufacturing Sustainability in Additive Manufacturing > > Innovative Applications in Additive Manufacturing Post-Processing in Additive Manufacturing > > Metal Additive Modelling andManufacturing Simulation for Additive Manufacturing > > Modelling and Simulation AdditiveManufacturing Manufacturing Emerging Technologies inforAdditive > > Post-Processing in Additive Manufacturing Additive Manufacturing: Design, Qualification, and Certification > > Sustainability and Circularity in Additive Manufacturing Innovative Applications in Additive Manufacturing Conference Chairs Conference Chairs > Professor Gwénaëlle Proust | University of Sydney > Professor Gwénaëlle Proust | University of Sydney > Professor Sophie Primig | UNSW Sydney > Professor Sophie Primig | UNSW Sydney Conference Host Conference Host

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

www.apicam2027.com.au

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MATERIALS AUSTRALIA

WA Branch Technical Meeting - 13 July 2026 MIC in utility systems: an overlooked asset integrity threat in onshore LNG facilities Source: Dr Benjamin Tuck, TECHT Ben graduated with a BSc (Biotechnology) from Curtin University, where he continued postgraduate studies to complete a PhD in microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). After four years as a lecturer at Curtin, as well as a period managing laboratories there, he joined TECHT. His primary role is the development of organisation wide MIC management strategies for clients in the resources industries. To set the context, Ben noted that MIC is pervasive, unpredictable, and costly. Globally, MIC is responsible for an estimated 20–40% of corrosion costs – at least AUD 1 trillion per year.

L to R: Dr Steve Algie, Dr Ben Tuck

MIC begins when free moving planktonic microbes in water encounter a surface, especially metal, and establish a biofilm. Within the biofilm, communities of different microbes form protein based lattice structures that protect the colony. These structures are typically around 1000 times more resistant to biocides than planktonic microbes, and can even digest biocide killed microbes, using them as nutrients to strengthen the biofilm. These microbial structures can form anywhere water is present and develop most readily in stagnant water. Ben’s focus was on internal MIC, and he illustrated with photographs how severe this can be in bare metal tanks, potable water storage, safety shower systems, and fire protection circuits.

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Because MIC involves living organisms, it must be treated like a disease. A holistic approach is essential, as multiple causes and corrosion mechanisms may be involved. TECHT’s approach comprises five stages: 1.

Desktop review of drawings and P&IDs

Site walk through to confirm areas at risk

Sampling of water and microbial colonies

Multiple Lines of Evidence (MLOE) testing

Data display and interpretation

Drawings help identify potential stagnant water locations, including piping dead legs and stored water systems. Ben showed additional site photos illustrating deep localised corrosion typical of MIC, along with stagnant water, rusticles, and tubicles – evidence of mineral deposits used by microbes in their metabolism. MIC accelerates other corrosion mechanisms; metal loss is not simply due to microbes consuming it. Sampling must be representative, and because microbes are living organisms, they must be preserved during transport from site to laboratory. This is challenging due to accessibility issues, long distances, and high temperatures. In response, TECHT has developed sampling kits that are easy to use, affordable, transportable, sterile, tailored to specific sample types, and capable of preserving samples for up to seven days. The kits contain specialised media to determine the type and condition of microbes present. These samples feed into MLOE testing. This includes ATP assays and estimation of the most probable number (MPN) of microbial species, which together indicate metabolic activity and viability, as well as DNA testing to identify species. These tests are critical for selecting biocides and determining dosing. Biocides are expensive, and it

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is essential to use enough – but not too much. The final stage is data visualisation. Ben explained that MIC data is often scattered across multiple locations and reports, making it difficult for engineers and managers to gain an integrated understanding and implement effective control measures. The TECHT MIC Dashboard assigns risk values to test points on P&IDs and displays MIC trends at these points over time. The general approach to MIC control is to identify where biofilms may form, determine whether MIC is relevant, and identify high risk operational conditions. From this, a site wide MIC control strategy can be developed, typically involving monitoring, testing, risk review, and recommended actions such as biocide treatments, pipe flushing, pigging, and chemical dosing. The outcome is targeted actions to reduce risk and improve plant integrity. Ben emphasised that a key success factor is the MIC workshop, which helps ensure that all site personnel understand and support the mitigation strategy. In answering questions, Ben confirmed that even small amounts of water in hydrocarbon streams can accumulate in stagnant areas such as dead legs, so internal MIC is not confined to water services. He also confirmed that “MIC loves welds” and microbes can thrive at temperatures between 0°C and 80–90°C (but remain dormant in ice). Also, mature microbial colonies can release planktonic microbes that colonise downstream areas. He explained that it is not necessary to keep microbes alive to preserve their DNA: the DNA molecule is sufficiently open that other molecules can enter and stabilise the structure, allowing analysis. Ben’s talk provided a clear overview of internal MIC mechanisms, diagnostic methods, and practical mitigation strategies relevant to utility systems.

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MATERIALS AUSTRALIA

WA Branch Technical Meeting - 10 August 2026 When AS/NZS 1554.1 Preheat Falls Short: Chemistry, CCT and EN 1011-2 Solutions Source: Louise Petrick Louise, a former Branch President, is an International Welding Engineer, with foundation studies in metallurgy at the University of Pretoria and further metallurgy and welding studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. In this talk she drew on her extensive experience as a consultant developing procedures for challenging welding projects.

and geometry, based on whether the geometry is essentially two or three dimensional. This yields a series of curves showing the minimum t8/5 in the weld as a function of heat input rate, for various preheat temperatures. Combining the estimated t8/5 with the CCT data yields the expected maximum hardness in the weld cross section. Louise then explained how she has dealt with the next level of complexity: when there is no published CCT curve for the steel to be welded. As a way to tackle this problem, she referred to the free online tool provided by the Swedish steel supplier Ovako, accessible at https://steelnavigator.ovako.com/ heat-treatment-guide/. This tool can generate an estimated transformation diagram, including CCT type cooling paths, from a steel composition entered by a user.

A fundamental issue in welding steel is the transformation of the weld metal as it cools. The weld pool solidifies and then transforms to austenite before finally transforming to ferrite at lower temperatures. At high cooling rates brittle martensite may form, while at lower cooling rates the resulting microstructure ranges from hard with low ductility to soft and ductile. The higher the equivalent carbon content of the steel, the lower the critical cooling rate at which martensite can form. In effect, welding steel is a heat treatment process, but one in which cooling rate is the primary control variable. Cooling rate depends on the balance between heat input per unit length of weld and the rate at which heat is conducted into the surrounding material. The geometry of the weld and its surroundings is fixed by the design, which leaves only two practical control variables: the preheat temperature and the heat input rate, typically expressed as kJ/mm of weld deposit. As most welding geometries are broadly similar, standards have been created to assist engineers in recommending preheat and heat input rates. The most common standard used in Australia is AS/NZS 1554.1 Structural steel welding. Louise took the audience through the process for using this standard, starting with identifying the steel—either as pre qualified or by carbon equivalent—to determine the Group Number. This is combined with the combined thickness of the sections that conduct heat away from the weld to find the Joint Weldability Index (JWI). The JWI is then used to select curves relating required WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

L to R: Louise Petrick, Ehsan Karaji

preheat to welding heat input rate. Within the limits of steel types and geometries covered by the standard, following this procedure should produce acceptable hardness levels and control the risk of hydrogen assisted cold cracking. This standard is specifically for construction steels; hardenable steels fall outside its scope. Louise proceeded to describe a case where a thick block of Grade 4140 hardenable steel had to be welded to a Grade 350 steel structure. This situation called for the more fundamentals based approach in BS EN 1011 2:2001 Welding. Recommendations for welding of metallic materials — Arc welding of ferritic steels. This standard is based on the continuous cooling transformation (CCT) characteristics of the steel being welded. The key requirement is the relationship between hardness and the time to cool from 800°C to 500°C, designated t8/5. The standard provides a simplified analysis of cooling rate as a function of preheat, heat input rate BACK TO CONTENTS

Louise described how she entered the results from using the standard and the CCT curve into a spreadsheet, and from this generated curves of hardness versus heat input rate for various preheat temperatures. In this way she was able to select combinations that would produce a target hardness in the weld profile. Finally, Louise emphasised that when dealing with situations that go beyond the scope of AS/NZS 1554.1, recommendations should be taken as a guide and must be verified before they can be qualified, with appropriate production quality assurance and control measures established. She then responded to questions from her very engaged audience, who shared experiences with difficult welding jobs. All agreed that practical realities must be considered. High preheat temperatures are hard to achieve and may be too hot to be safe for welding personnel. While lower preheat is desirable, this requires higher heat input; operator skill is a factor in determining whether a recommended heat input rate is achievable in practice. SEPTEMBER 2026 | 23

MATERIALS AUSTRALIA

NSW Branch Report Connecting Members Through Events, Learning and Industry Engagement Source: Alan Todhunter- NSW Branch President The NSW Branch recently hosted a well-attended online seminar on Patents, presented by Dr Andrew Gregory from FB Rice. The topic covered IP Fundamentals for Materials Innovation: Patents, Trademarks and Other Options. The session provided valuable insights into intellectual property and the patent process for materials professionals and researchers. Members who were unable to attend can still access a recording of the presentation through the Materials Australia website.

students with an opportunity to demonstrate their technical knowledge, network with industry professionals, and engage with the wider materials community in a new location. On Saturday 17 October 2026, between 10am-12pm, the Branch is organising a site visit to BlueScope's Wollongong operations. This promises to be an excellent opportunity for members to gain first-hand insight into advanced steel manufacturing and processing. Following the tour the 2026 MA NSW Student Presentation and Poster Competition will be held at the University of Wollongong. Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (tentative) Location: Ground Level, Building 43.

Building on the success of last year's program, the Branch has an exciting line-up of online events planned for later this year. These include presentations by our newest Certified Materials Professionals (CMatP), showcasing their expertise and professional journeys, as well as the return of the popular PhD Mini-Conference, where research students will present their latest work and connect with the broader materials community. Planning is also underway for an in-person Student Competition to be hosted at the University of Wollongong. This event, traditionally held in Sydney, will provide

Vale: Chris Cobain Source: Ehsan Karaji - WA Branch President It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Chris Cobain on 21 June 2026. Chris was a highly respected Materials Engineer whose expertise, knowledge, and generosity made a lasting impact on Western Australia's materials and engineering community. Throughout his career, Chris was passionate about advancing the profession, sharing his knowledge, and supporting the development of others. His dedication to technical excellence and professional collaboration earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues across the industry. Many of us had the privilege of working with Chris, attending professional events with him, or benefiting from his guidance, mentorship, and friendship. He will be remembered not only for his technical expertise, but also for his integrity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to our professional community. On behalf of Materials Australia, we extend our heartfelt

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condolences to Chris's family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. As one of the founding members of the Materials Australia WA Branch, Chris made an invaluable contribution to the growth and development of our organisation and to the advancement of the materials profession in Western Australia. His legacy will endure through the many people he inspired and supported throughout his career, and he will be greatly missed.

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MATERIALS AUSTRALIA

VIC/TAS Branch Report - 5 August 2026 LMATS Talk - Connecting Theory to Real-World Failure Analysis Source: Dr Victor Le On the 5th August, the VIC/TAS Branch of Materials Australia held a seminar in collaboration with LMATS and Monash University on the topic of Materials Failure Analysis. Dr Iman Imanieh, LMATS Materials & Chemical Department Manager, delivered an engaging, interactive presentation to attendees including undergraduate and postgraduate students and working professionals. The seminar included case studies of real-life failure analysis carried out by LMATS, as well as Dr Iman Imanieh’s personal experiences through his working career. The seminar highlighted the overarching goal of failure analysis in a consulting and industrial setting in service for clients and the broader connection of materials failure analysis and nondestructive testing (NDT). The seminar concluded with an Q&A and networking session

facilitating connections between students and professionals, sharing knowledge and growing personal connections. For more information on VIC/TAS events, e: vicandtas@materialsaustralia.com.au

Robert C Gifkins 2026 Annual Lecture - 27 August 2026 Magnesium Alloys: The Cinderella Story of Modern Metallurgy On Thursday 27 August, Professor JianFeng Nie delivered a lecture for the Robert C Gifkins 2026 Annual Lecture series. The lecture was held with support from Monash University and in the New Horizons Research Centre. Professor Jian-Feng Nie presented a simulating and eye-opening lecture on the history and progress of magnesium alloy research and highlighted the breakthroughs in materials characterisation that have allowed the progress of magnesium alloy materials design over the last three decades. In attendance were fellow professors, doctoral students, and undergraduate students. The lecture was opened by Rob O'Donnell, outlining the history of

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the Gifkins lecture in honor of Robert C Gifkins and introducing Professor JianFeng Nie. Professor Nie laid out the challenge of magnesium alloys, promising lightweight and abundance, but with limited market share compared to aluminum due to its limited strength, ductility and poor corrosion resistance. Over the past three decades, advances in physical metallurgy, atomic-resolution electron microscopy and computational modelling have advanced our understanding of magnesium alloys, and of deformation of metallic materials in general. Current uses of magnesium alloys such as bioresorbable metal implants and car body panels were

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highlighted. The lecture closed with the observation that the current price of magnesium alloys on both the basis of volume and weight was lower than aluminum alloys. The post-lecture Q&A session raised some intriguing questions, such as the compatibility of magnesium alloys in contact with other metals in automative applications and the opportunity for magnesium alloys in the robotics market. A networking opportunity followed, giving all attendees an opportunity to connect with other attendees. The lecture was recorded and will be posted on the Materials Australia website for viewing on demand.

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MATERIALS AUSTRALIA

CMatP Profile: Associate Professor Damon Kent on the ARC College of Experts with involvement in assessing research proposals for national grant schemes. These roles use my expertise and experience born from pursuing a genuine interest in the science and engineering of materials.

What inspired you to choose a career in materials science and engineering?

Dr Damon Kent is Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Engineering Sciences in the School of Science, Technology and Engineering at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), based at the Moreton Bay campus. He obtained his PhD from the University of Queensland and worked as a mechanical engineer in commercial manufacturing before moving into academia. His research focuses on the development and processing of metallic alloys and metal-based composites for applications across the medical, aerospace and automotive industries, applying advanced characterisation to study the fundamental structure of materials. He leads UniSC's Advanced Materials and Manufacturing research cluster, holds an adjunct appointment at UQ, and serves on the ARC College of Experts.

Where do you work and describe your job? I work at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), where I am an Associate Professor of Engineering Sciences based at the Moreton Bay campus. I've been at UniSC since January 2015 and have been Program Coordinator for Mechanical Engineering since 2021. My role spans both teaching and research, delivering courses in undergraduate physics and materials engineering, supervising HDR students and postdoctoral researchers, and leading UniSC's Advanced Materials and Manufacturing research cluster. I hold an adjunct appointment at the University of Queensland and serve

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I had some great teachers at school, but it was my father who I credit most for setting me on this path. When I asked him a question in childhood, he was sure to give extraordinarily detailed responses, usually accompanied by much eye rolling from us as kids, for what we thought should have been simple answers. This was the gateway without me quite realising it, to a genuine appreciation for science and its remarkable explanatory power. One memory that has stayed with me is doing experiments at home growing blue copper sulphate crystals. There was something fascinating about watching the faceted forms emerge with regularity and symmetry out of seemingly nothing. It gave the sense that the universe was organising itself according to rules that can be understood. My fascination with crystalline structures has never really left. I often find microstructures genuinely beautiful, not just scientifically but as you would an artwork. And I remain in awe that we have tools capable of revealing structure all the way down to the atomic scale. I still remember the first atomic resolution image I captured early in my career by transmission electron microscopy. The fact that we can ‘see’ atoms I still find surprising to this day.

Who or what has influenced you most professionally? I have been fortunate to be taught by and work alongside many luminaries in the field. Some of the most formative influences came during my undergraduate years at the University of Queensland, where I was taught by Emeritus Professor David St John and the late Professor Patrick Kelly. Despite international profiles, I remember that they took time to share their deep knowledge and enthusiasm with a scraggly bunch of undergraduate

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students, and it showed. In those days, there were benches lined with polishing units and students standing for hours hand polishing specimens with a shared enthusiasm to reveal the hidden microstructures. It's the kind of experience that is genuinely difficult to replicate in modern university settings. After graduating I worked in industry, before Professor Graham Schaffer gave me the opportunity to undertake HDR studies at UQ, introducing me to aluminium powder metallurgy, with Emeritus Professor John Drennan as my co-supervisor providing expertise and training in advanced characterisation. This time involved countless hours spent in darkened microscopy labs, and at that time even red-lit rooms to process film, which I look back on with fondness. After, I worked with Professor Matthew Dargusch at UQ researching on metallic biomaterials and advanced manufacturing of medical devices. He has provided mentoring and support as I’ve moved to establish my career at UniSC and we continue to collaborate. Those experiences shaped how I think about teaching and mentorship, particularly the potential to influence someone's development and career. It is one of the things that brings real worth to what we do.

Which has been the most challenging job/ project you’ve worked on to date and why? The most challenging period of my career has been establishing engineering education and research at UniSC's Moreton Bay campus from 2020. In addition to the challenges that come with commencing afresh at a greenfield campus site, almost immediately after the buildings were opened, COVID arrived and for the first couple of years we were largely confined to teaching and interacting with students online. Despite this unfortunate start, the engineering programs have grown rapidly, and with that has come ongoing pressure to balance the expansion while maintaining the quality teaching that attracts students to UniSC in the first place. However, seeing graduates now moving into professional engineering careers from a campus that didn't exist six years ago makes it deeply worthwhile.

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MATERIALS AUSTRALIA

What does being a CMatP mean to you? The CMatP has meant different things to me at different stages of my career, but its value has been most tangible as we have built the engineering programs at UniSC. Developing specialist materials engineering courses for our undergraduate program, and more recently for the new Masters’ programs, requires staying genuinely connected to the discipline and to the broader professional community beyond the academic literature. Materials touch almost every industry, and the CMatP is a reminder that the work we do in universities sits within a much larger ecosystem. For those of us in teaching roles, that connection matters both for keeping our own knowledge current and for showing students what it means to be a professional in the field.

What gives you the most satisfaction at work? There are two things that give me deep satisfaction, and I don't think I could choose between them. The first is the opportunity to think deeply and immerse yourself in a problem, exploring the edges of what is known, with the potential to contribute something genuinely new. That kind of focused intellectual inquiry is a privilege that university affords in a way few other careers can. The second is working with students and early career researchers. There is something uniquely rewarding in being part of their arc of development, I think of students I first encountered still finding their way in first-year engineering, whom I've worked with all the way through to completing PhDs, before embarking on further careers. To contribute to someone else's development and future career is one of the most rewarding aspects of academic life.

lesson from primary school. Our teacher gave an exam where the first instruction was to read all the questions carefully before starting. We all launched straight in, racing through and panicking about the limited time, only to discover at the end that the last question was an instruction to ignore everything else and only answer that last one. Of course, nobody had read that far. This lesson has stayed with me throughout my career, that is to resist the instinct to just get started before you've properly understood what lies before you.

What have been your greatest professional and personal achievements? Professionally, two things stand out. The first is what we have built at UniSC's Moreton Bay campus, establishing facilities and developing accredited engineering programs which now produce graduates entering the profession. That is a collective achievement, but one I am proud to have been part of. The second is the evolution of my research from metallurgy into biomaterials and the deeply complex question of how materials interface with human physiology. It is genuinely multidisciplinary territory with the potential to contribute meaningfully to human health. Personally, I am very proud of where I have come from growing up in the small country town of Stanthorpe in a close family to where I am now in my career. I was not surrounded by

obvious pathways into university. I am acutely aware that my parents and their generation didn't necessarily have the same opportunities that I have been afforded and the difference this has made for my life now with my own partner and children.

What are you optimistic about? I am optimistic that we can be a major contributor to address many of the current challenges we face - environmental, medical, social. I genuinely believe that materials science and engineering will underpin many of the solutions required such as new energy technologies, medical advances, and more sustainable ways of making and building. These all involve materials problems waiting to be solved. Materials science and engineering is not just a technical discipline; it is an enabler for the technologies that can address these big societal challenges.

What are the top three things on your “bucket list”? • To travel more nationally and internationally. There is still so much to see, and I don't think I've made nearly enough time for it. • To live and work in Italy. My mother's family heritage is Italian, and I grew up surrounded by its food and culture. I would love to immerse myself there. • To watch Australia win its first World Cup final if they have not already at the time of publication!

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? In terms of career, the best advice I received was to follow your interests and not get too caught up in where you're headed. If you're doing something you genuinely enjoy and care about, you'll do it well and the rest tends to take care of itself. But the thing that has probably stuck with me longest wasn't advice, it was a WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

Dr Damon Kent with UniSC postdoctoral researcher Dr Hejie Li with samples of zinc being developed for bioresorbable implants.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | 27

MATERIALS AUSTRALIA

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

Dr Ivan Cole ACT Dr Syed Islam ACT Prof Yun Liu ACT A/Prof. Adrian Lowe ACT Dr Olga Zinovieva ACT Prof Mohammad Asaduzzaman Chowdhury BANGLADESH Dr Rajib Nandee BANGLADESH Debdutta Mallik EGYPT Martin Li, HONG KONG Prof. Jamie Quinton NEW ZEALAND Dr Rumana Akhter NSW Dr Xianghai An NSW Prof Julie Cairney NSW Prof John Canning NSW Dr Phillip Carter NSW Dr Li Chang NSW A/Prof Igor Chaves NSW Matthew Cole NSW Peter Crick NSW Prof Madeleine Du Toit NSW Dr Ehsan Farabi NSW Prof Michael Ferry NSW Dr Yixiang Gan NSW Michele Gimona NSW Dr Bernd Gludovatz NSW Dr Andrew Gregory NSW Buluc Guner NSW Dr Ali Hadigheh NSW Dr David Harrison NSW Dr Alan Hellier NSW Brook Hinckley NSW Dr Carl Jonsson NSW Simon Krismer NSW Prof Jamie Kruzic NSW John Laby NSW Prof Huijun Li NSW Dr Yanan Li NSW A/Prof Xiaopeng Li NSW Prof Xiaozhou Liao NSW Dr Hong Lu NSW Dr Tim Lucey NSW Rodney Mackay-Sim NSW Dr Warren McKenzie NSW Edgar Mendez NSW Dr Ranming Niu NSW Dr Keita Nomoto NSW Dr Anna Paradowska NSW

Prof Garth Pearce NSW Prof Elena Pereloma NSW A/Prof Sophie Primig NSW Dr Gwenaelle Proust NSW Zhijun Qiu NSW Dr Blake Regan NSW Ehsan Rahafrouz NSW Dr Mark Reid NSW Prof Simon Ringer NSW Dr Richard Roest NSW Dr Bernd Schulz NSW Arya Sharifian NSW Dr Luming Shen NSW Sasanka Sinha NSW Robert Small NSW Michael Stefulj NSW Carl Strautins NSW Alan Todhunter NSW Judy Turnbull NSW Jeremy Unsworth NSW Dr Philip Walls NSW Dr Alan Whittle NSW Dr Richard Wuhrer NSW Dr Vladislav Yakubov NSW Prof Richard Yang NSW Andre Van Zyl NSW Dr Michael Bermingham QLD Michael Chan QLD Prof Richard Clegg QLD Oscar Duyvestyn QLD John Edgley QLD Dr Jayantha Epaarachchi QLD Dr Jeff Gates QLD Payam Ghafoori QLD Mo Golbahar QLD David Haynes QLD Nikolas Hildebrand QLD A/Prof Mainul Islam QLD Dr Damon Kent QLD Jeezreel Malacad QLD Michael Mansfield QLD Sadiq Nawaz QLD Bhavin Panchal QLD Ashley Bell SA Ingrid Brundin SA Neville Cornish SA Prof Colin Hall SA Brendan Dunstall SA Dr Andre Hatem SA Mikael Johansson SA Rahim Kurji SA Andrew Ouwejan SA Ali Rafieeye SA Andrew Sales SA Dr Thomas Schläfer SA Dr Christiane Schulz SA Prof Nikki Stanford SA Prof Youhong Tang SA Dr Mohammad Uddin SA Kok Toong Leong SINGAPORE Prof Klaus-Dieter Liss USA Dr Muhammad Awais Javed VIC Michael Bourchier VIC Dr Christian Brandl VIC Dr John Cookson VIC Nasser Cura VIC Dr Minh Nhat Dang VIC Ana Celine Del Rosario VIC Dr Yvonne Durandet VIC Dr Mark Easton VIC Dr Reza Emdad VIC

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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 nearly 200 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.

Dr Peter Ford Bruce Ham Dr Shervin Eslami Harandi Dr Shu Huang Long Huynh Dr Jithin Joseph Akesh Babu Kakarla Russell Kennedy Dr Poom Kettalard Trevor Layzell Daniel Lim Dr Amita Iyer Robert Le Hunt Dr Thomas Ludwig Dr Roger Lumley Dr Gary Martin Dr Srikanth Mateti Dr Rachel Mathew Dr Siao Ming (Andrew) Ang Glen Morrissey Dr Khurram Munir Prof Jian-Feng Nie Dr Chrysoula Pandelidi Dr Eustathios Petinakis A/Prof Andrew Phillips Vishnu Vijayan Pillai Dr Leon Prentice Prof Muhammad Mehran Qadir Dr Dong Qiu Dr. Rizwan Abdul Rahman Rashid John Rea Dr Christine Scala Khan Sharp Dr Surinder Singh Mark Stephens Dr Graham Sussex Pranay Wadyalkar Dr Wei Xu Dr Ramdayal Yadav Dr Matthew Young Angelo Zaccari Dr Morgan Huihui Zhang Dr Yuman Zhu Mohsen Sabbagh Alvani Dr Murugesan Annasamy Graeme Brown John Carroll Sridharan Chandran Conrad Classen Dr Karl Davidson Stuart Folkard Toby Garrod Prof Vladimir Golovanevskiy Mark Hamilton Paul Howard Dr Paul Huggett Michael Jafarian Ivo Kalcic Srikanth Kambhampati Ehsan Karaji Ka-Seng Leung Mathieu Lancien Dr Evelyn Ng Deny Nugraha Mary Louise Petrick Johann Petrick Biju Kurian Pottayil Prof Andrew Ruys Dr Mobin Salasi Daniel Swanepoel Dr Kishore Venkatesan

VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC VIC WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA WA

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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. • A CMatP may be offered an opportunity as a mentor for student members. • Networking directly with other CMatPs who have recognised levels of qualifications and experience. • The opportunity to assume leadership roles in Special Interest Networks, to assist in the facilitation of new knowledge amongst peers and members.

What is a Certified Materials Professional? A Certified Materials Professional is a person to whom Materials Australia has issued a certificate declaring they have attained all required professional 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 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. Certification will be retained as long as there is evidence of continuing professional development and adherence to the Code of Ethics and Professional behaviour.

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

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

www.materialsaustralia.com.au

Advertise with Materials Australia! Email rod@materialsaustralia.com.au for more information Advertising with Materials Australia will give you the opportunity to: • Maintain and build on professional relationships • Connect with a highly targeted audience • Showcase your new products and services

• Gain instant market feedback • Increase and strengthen brand awareness • Stay at the forefront of industry developments and innovations • Show your dedication to, and support of, the industry

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | 29

INDUSTRY NEWS

Good Sense: Turning Diamond Dust Into Quantum Advantage Source: Sally Wood CSIRO is turning low-value diamond ‘dust’ into high-performance quantum materials that can detect tiny magnetic signals, unlocking powerful new approaches to chemical and biomedical sensing.

Diamonds have long been coveted for their beauty. Their dazzling colour and clarity make them perfect candidates for luxury jewellery. However, it's their other unique characteristics, including their hardness, thermal conductivity and chemical resistance, which make diamonds suitable for various applications in industry and advanced technologies. At the quantum scale, carefully engineered diamonds can behave like tiny sensors – able to ‘feel’ magnetic signals from nearby molecules. In simple terms, they can pick up incredibly faint signals that would otherwise be invisible to conventional instruments. This capability could help us detect contaminants in water, identify disease biomarkers, and monitor chemical processes in real time. A CSIRO team, together with partners from the University of Melbourne and Japan’s National Institute for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), is developing advanced manufacturing methods that take diamond ‘dust’ – tiny particles sourced from cheap industrial processes – and transform it into precision nanodiamonds suitable for quantum technologies. The team’s goal is to develop a scalable, lower-cost pathway to quantum-grade diamond materials that can be produced locally. This will advance Australia’s critical quantum technologies, strengthen regional innovation capability, and reduce our reliance on unpredictable global supply chains.

tetrahedral arrangement, forming a rigid 3D network. Quantum-grade diamonds contain specific atomic-scale ‘defects’ in this lattice, that allow for the creation of quantum systems. And because they are one of the strongest structures in nature, diamonds are able to host quantum systems at room temperature, without needing to be cooled down to cryogenic temperatures (-273 degrees C) like in other materials.

Shine Bright Like A Diamond One of the most useful of these ‘defects’ is known as the nitrogenvacancy (NV) centre. This occurs when one carbon atom is replaced by a nitrogen atom and a neighbouring carbon atom is missing in the lattice. When we shine green light on an NV centre, it fluoresces, or glows red. The brightness and behaviour of this fluorescent glow changes depending on the surrounding environment, such as magnetic fields, electric fields, temperature or strain. By measuring these changes, scientists can use NV centres to act as a nanoscale sensor. But making good NV centres, particularly near the diamond surface where they can detect what’s happening outside the crystal, isn’t straightforward. The process typically involves blasting the diamond with radiation to create vacancies (essentially bumping out some of the carbon atoms), then heating it so those vacancies are adjacent to nitrogen atoms to form NV centres. For nanodiamonds, the surface matters just as much, because the outer layer has a huge impact on how stable, bright and sensitive the NV centres are.

What Makes A Diamond 'Quantum'?

Why Quantum Diamonds Matter For Sensing

A diamond’s structure is formed by a lattice of carbon atoms. In this crystalline structure each carbon atom is bonded to four others in a

This exciting technology is expected to accelerate the deployment of quantum-enabled innovations across sectors including medical diagnostics,

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The project strengthens one of Australia’s most important international science partnerships, bringing together complementary expertise in quantum materials, advanced manufacturing and characterisation to accelerate the development of next-generation sensing technologies. Image credit: CSIRO.

environmental monitoring, defence, navigation, and future quantum computing systems. NV-diamond sensors can detect faint magnetic signals associated with molecules, creating new pathways for identifying chemicals in complex mixtures. This could lead to all sorts of new discoveries, as well as cleaner, safer chemical manufacturing. In the future of biomedical diagnostics, diamond-based quantum sensors could support faster, more accessible detection of biomarkers, while also helping detect trace contaminants in environmental monitoring, providing faster feedback for remediation and decision-making. And in the world of defence and national security, compact, roomtemperature quantum sensors have potential uses in threat detection, resilient navigation, and fielddeployable monitoring systems. Today, many diamond-based quantum systems rely on scarce and expensive single-crystal diamond materials, which are expensive and difficult to produce. By developing a lower-energy, scalable WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

INDUSTRY NEWS route to nanodiamonds with sensingready NV centres, CSIRO researchers are working to reduce cost barriers and broaden access to diamond quantum sensing.

sensing performance and pilot-scale production – supports sovereign capability and represents a major step toward securing Australia’s role in the global quantum economy.

Building Sovereign Capability In Quantum Materials

It also helps de-risk supply chains for Australian researchers, industry partners, and government users who need trusted, locally supported technologies. Through strategic international collaboration and domestic capability building, this research is creating new opportunities for Australian science, industry, and manufacturing.

Quantum technologies are increasingly shaped by access to specialised materials and manufacturing knowhow. QST is a global leader in quantum materials and hosts world-class quantum beam facilities that are not available in Australia. This partnership will allow CSIRO researchers to access these specialised capabilities to develop and test new fabrication approaches, while contributing Australia’s strengths in nanomaterials processing, surface chemistry and quantum sensing. The end game is for the team to recreate the capability locally, without the need for large international multi-scale facilities. Developing an Australian pathway for quantum-grade diamonds – from local starting material through to validated

What's Next Over the next phase, the team will focus on improving consistency and performance – including controlling how close NV centres sit to the surface and how the nanodiamond surface is treated for stability and sensing. Partner testing and characterisation will help refine the manufacturing recipe, while CSIRO works on validating the materials in real-world sensing scenarios.

If scientists can unlock the process of turning diamond dust into highperformance quantum diamonds at scale, Australia can capture more value from local resources while enabling next-generation quantum sensing – from chemical detection to health and environmental applications – backed by trusted, sovereign manufacturing capability. This work is being advanced through collaboration with Japan’s National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST) and the University of Melbourne. The partnership combines QST’s world leading quantum beam and irradiation facilities with Australian expertise in nanodiamond processing, surface and quantum sensing. Backed by funding from the Australian Government’s Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund, the project strengthens Australia–Japan science ties while establishing a new, end-to-end capability for producing quantum-grade diamond materials ultimately positioning Australia as a trusted partner in the global quantum technology supply chain.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Effect of Convergence Angles on Strain Measurements – Gatan eaSI 4D STEM Study Source: Arnab Chakraborty, Sales and Applications Specialist, Coherent Scientific

Introduction Strain mapping is a critical analysis for understanding how local lattice distortions can tailor the functional properties of metal-oxidesemiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). In such devices, thin films, and heterostructures, strain engineering is routinely employed to enhance performance. Modern 4D STEM approaches enable quantitative strain measurements at exceptional spatial resolutions and sensitivity.

What is Strain Mapping in 4D STEM? In 4D STEM strain mapping, a focused electron probe is scanned across the specimen in

two dimensions (x, y) while a 2-D diffraction pattern is recorded at every probe position. The resulting four-dimensional dataset contains two spatial dimensions and two diffraction dimensions. By comparing diffraction patterns acquired from strained regions against a reference pattern from an unstrained region, local lattice distortions and strain tensors can be quantified.

Advantages of Strain Mapping via eaSI 4D STEM • Nanometer-scale spatial resolution • High strain map sensitivity through diffraction-based analysis • Quantitative measurements of εxx and εyy strain components

• Compatibility with semiconductor devices, thin films, interfaces, and nanostructured materials • Integration with STEMx, GIF Continuum, Stela detector, and DigitalMicrograph workflows

Materials and Methods Energy-filtered 4D STEM datasets were acquired using a JEOL F200 TEM operating at 200 kV with a GIF Continuum equipped with a Stela hybrid-pixel camera. A 10 eV energyselecting slit was used to remove diffuse intensity caused by inelastic scattering in CBED patterns. Data were acquired with a pixel dwell time of 2 ms.

Figure 1(a-d): (a,b) ADF images and (c.d) corresponding CBED patterns acquired at semi convergence angle of 2.5 and 0.7 mrad.

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INDUSTRY NEWS Figure 1(e): Diffraction intensity profile from CBED patterns.

Below: Figure 1(f,g): (f) Measured εxx strain profiles across the green line in Figure 1(a, b) using a 2.5 mrad and 0.7 mrad. (g) Measured εyy strain profiles across the green line.

The specimen is a FinFET structure prepared by FIB lift-out wherein SiGe layers were grown to introduce localized strain. Two datasets were collected using semi-convergence angles of 2.5 mrad and 0.7 mrad to evaluate strain measurement precisions.

variations and improved strain measurement precision. It is important to highlight that lowering convergence angle limits number of pixels used in sampling of each CBED disk, leading to simultaneous loss in resolution of disks in reciprocal space.

Results

This evaluation successfully revealed that datasets acquired with a 0.7 mrad convergence angle produced significantly lower variation in measured εxx and εyy strain components around the SiGe layers than those acquired with a 2.5 mrad convergence angle. The results demonstrate that convergence angle selection is a critical parameter in optimizing strain mapping performance.

Figures 1 (a, b) shows the acquired annular dark field (ADF) images obtained under different convergence angles. Figures 1 (c, d) are the reference (CBED) patterns from an unstrained Si-substrate region highlighted by green rectangle in Figures 1a and 1b and used for strain analysis. Comparison of diffraction intensity profiles in Figure 1 (e) demonstrated that larger convergence angles (2.5 mrad) result in greater intensity variations within CBED disks due to dynamical diffraction effects leading to uncertainty in strain measurements. However, a smaller semi-convergence angle at same camera length significantly reduced intensity WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

improve precision, throughput, and in-situ characterization capabilities.

Conclusion The combination of STEMx, the GIF Continuum, and the Stela camera provides a straightforward and efficient approach for measuring local strain within materials. By reducing the probe convergence angle to below 1 mrad, strain measurement precision can be significantly improved. However, due to diffraction limit, lower convergence angles result in reduced spatial resolution. Consequently, an optimal balance must be achieved between spatial resolution and strain measurement precision to suit the requirements of the analysis.

Reference:

Future Outlook As detector technologies continue to advance, 4D STEM strain mapping will play an increasingly important role in semiconductor process development, advanced electronics, quantum materials, and energy devices. Faster hybrid-pixel detectors combined with GPU-accelerated analysis will further BACK TO CONTENTS

Gatan Experiment Brief: The Effect of Convergence Angle on Strain Measurement Precision (EB-StrainMapping-FL1-CA-FEB25)

For further information please contact : Coherent Scientific Pty Ltd sales@coherent.com.au www.coherent.com.au SEPTEMBER 2026 | 33

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INDUSTRY NEWS

New Study Advances Dry Mrna Vaccine Patch Design Source: Sally Wood New research could help make future mRNA vaccines easier to store and distribute. The study, involving

RMIT University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Medical School, identified conditions that help protect the particles that carry mRNA in dry vaccine patches, offering practical guidance for future patch design. The study examines what happens to the fragile particles used to carry mRNA when they are dried into the dissolvable material used in microneedle patches. The patches use hundreds of tiny tips to deliver vaccine into the skin as an alternative to traditional injections. Reducing the need for coldchain logistics could help remove one barrier to vaccine delivery, particularly in lower-resource settings. In 2024, 14.3 million children globally received no vaccines at all, according to the World Health Organization and UNICEF. The paper builds on earlier research led by MIT showing the patches could be printed and stored at room temperature using a model mRNA system. This new study goes further by

explaining why some dry patch formulations perform better than others, drawing on RMIT’s materials characterisation expertise, MIT’s work in microneedle and mRNA delivery technologies, and Harvard Medical School expertise in virology and immunology. Lead author Dr Brendan Dyett from RMIT said the findings represent an important step towards making vaccines easier and cheaper to distribute. “Many mRNA vaccines need to be stored at very low temperatures, adding cost and complexity to transport and delivery,” Dyett said. “Our study helps explain how the particles that carry mRNA respond to drying and rehydration, which is an important step towards designing future vaccine patches that are more stable and practical to distribute.” The team used advanced imaging and X-ray techniques to study particles that carry mRNA before drying, during drying and after rehydration. This allowed the researchers to see how the particles changed through the process and to determine which formulation conditions best preserved their

Microneedle patches. Image credit: Cherry Cai, RMIT.

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structure and biological activity. The study found that both the design of the nanoparticles and the amount of polymer used in the patch material influenced how well the particles survived drying and re-dissolving, providing practical guidance for future dry mRNA vaccines and therapies. Lead researcher RMIT Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond AO said the work could help pave the way for mRNA vaccines and treatments that are more practical to use in a wider range of settings. “This research is helping build the foundation for microneedle patches that could make advanced vaccines and therapies simpler to use and easier to access,” Drummond said. “The long-term goal is to support technologies that are not only effective, but practical for the places and communities that need them most.” Next steps include further optimising the nanoparticle and patch formulations, testing how the design translates to immune responses and exploring whether similar approaches could be applied to other mRNA medicines.

Dr Brendan Dyett holding a vaccine patch. Image credit: Cherry Cai, RMIT.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | 35

INDUSTRY NEWS

‘Super Fungi’ Offer Greener Path To Recover Critical Minerals Source: Sally Wood A ‘superpowered’ fungus engineered at The University of Queensland could be used to extract critical minerals from toxic mining waste while also helping to remediate sites.

Environmental engineers at UQ’s new Biosustainability Hub are growing unique fungal strains that can be used to detoxify mining tailings and capture traces of important rare earths without the need for harsh chemicals. Critical minerals are currently recovered from mining tailings using a method called leaching, which relies on acids and solvents that are expensive and can be damaging to the environment. A new leaching method pioneered by Dr Denys Villa-Gomez instead uses ‘super fungi’ strains that produce organic acids capable of cleaning mine waste and recovering valuable metals. “We take fungi that grows naturally in mining and then we engineer them to actually be super, so they can cope with toxic environments and tolerate harsh conditions,” Dr Villa-Gomez said. “We know the process works well for extracting high-value critical minerals such as vanadium and scandium, key compounds in electronics and microchips.” The creation of the ‘super fungi’ is done through adaptive laboratory evolution, where the fungi are put under challenging conditions over time so only the strongest survive and evolve into more effective strains. “It’s just like how a superhero gets powers because they are exposed to radiation,” Dr Villa-Gomez said. State-of-the-art bioreactors at UQ’s Biosustainability Hub then process the mining waste by combining it with the engineered fungi and feedstock. PhD candidate Fernanda Soto-Montandon said as the fungi

Dr Denys Villa-Gomez examining fungal samples. Image credit: The University of Queensland.

consumes the feedstock they begin producing natural organic acids as part of their metabolism. “Those acids then break down the mining waste, destabilising the mineral structure and releasing the trapped metals into a liquid form,” she said. “From there, the metals can be recovered and reused, turning what was once waste into a valuable resource through a low‑impact biological process.” The $70 million Biosustainability Hub was launched last week by Federal Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill. Hub director Professor Esteban Marcellin said the facility is helping manufacturing, energy, mining and food production industries transition to cleaner operations. “We use cutting-edge synthetic biology to engineer microbes and biological systems to turn waste, emissions and low‑value materials into sustainable, high‑value products,” Professor Marcellin said. “The Hub provides companies with a bridge from fundamental discovery to real-world application. From sustainable mining and waste management, fermentation scale-up and bioreactor optimisation, we are accelerating the journey from lab to market.” Dr Villa-Gomez said exploring the use of fungus as a bioleaching tool was an environmentally responsible and cost-effective alternative to traditional mineral extraction processes.

Dr Denys Villa-Gomez and Fernanda Soto with a red dirt sample. Image credit: The University of Queensland.

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“In the future, it’s hoped we could deploy these fungi directly at mine sites, recovering minerals while helping remediate the land at the same time,” she said. “We are engaging with industry partners to test these technologies in the field.” WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

INDUSTRY NEWS

Spinning Seaweed Into Sweaters Source: Sally Wood You may not realise it, but every time you wear, wash or dry your clothes, they’re shedding fibres which get into the air, your bedroom floor, your washing machine, and out into the world.

While this may not be an issue for items made of natural materials like 100% cotton or wool, many modern clothes are made of polyester blends that shed microplastics made from fossil fuels. These microplastics can cause long-term negative impacts such as health issues, environmental toxicity and harm to animals. To create another natural alternative, researchers at the Deakin Institute for Frontier Materials are working with Australian startup Uluu to transform farmed seaweed into a new generation of sustainable and biodegradable textile fibres.

Circular Economy Collaboration Uluu is a Western Australian company that’s fermenting seaweed and turning it into a natural polymer pellet that can mimic plastic. They do this by breaking the seaweed down into sugars, feeding them to microbes which produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs, or biodegradable polyesters) before extracting them to make pellets ready for manufacturing. The project brings Uluu’s biodegradable pellet technology together with Deakin’s globally-recognised textile research capabilities and facilities. “This collaboration with Uluu is a really excellent opportunity for circular economy,” said Associate Professor Christopher Hurren. “You’ve got a material derived from the sea which can be turned into a fibre that will break down at its end-of-life to go back into the soil where it can once again grow back into a fibre.”

Creating Natural Fibre Alternatives At the heart of this shared endeavour is a process known as melt extrusion. Deakin is the only Australian university that has filament melt extrusion and short staple spinning equipment in the lab. Researchers use heat and pressure to transform the Uluu polymer into a liquid which is then passed through a spinneret or die, like water through a showerhead. As it cools, this liquid forms fine, continuous filaments that can be turned into yarn for knitted or woven products, which can also be further transformed into shorter staple fibres for different types of textiles. “We’re hoping to replace plastic at scale with a material that delivers all the things we love about plastic, but at the end of its life we have the choice to reuse, recycle or compost the material,” said Uluu co-founder Dr Julia Reisser. “Most scientists we talked to never thought we’d be able to melt spin our polymers into fibres, but Deakin University WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

came to our side and we’ve made amazing progress with fibres, yarns and now textiles.”

From Research To Real-World Impact The overarching goal of all of this is to help create a viable, scalable alternative to synthetic fibres, which currently make up a significant proportion of global textiles and contribute to microplastic pollution. For the Deakin team – which includes Associate Professor Hurren, Dr Bin Tang, and Associate Professor Rangam Rajkhowa – the project highlights the value of translational research, bridging scientific discovery and real-world application. “We’re also able to help Uluu with things like colouration and properties of the fibres, as well as understanding compostability and breakdown of the fibres at the end of their life,” said Associate Professor Hurren. Eventually, textiles made from materials such as these have the potential to replace nylon or polyester in day-today clothing, so that future school uniforms, activewear, puffer jackets and much more could be created from fully biodegradable fibres. BACK TO CONTENTS

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Enabling Rapid Insights with Desktop FEG-SEM at ANFF-NSW@UTS By Dr Curtis Irvine, UTS ANFF & Theano Stafidas, ATA Scientific The ANFF-NSW facility at the University of Technology Sydney is part of the Australian National Fabrication Facility network, collaborating with the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney. Together, these institutions provide researchers with advanced nanofabrication infrastructure and expertise to support both academic and industry-led innovation.

At UTS, the facility offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including coating systems, reactive ion and ion beam etching, masked and maskless photolithography, chemical vapour deposition (CVD), and electron beam deposition. Central to these workflows is the Phenom Pharos FEGSEM, providing rapid, high-quality imaging directly in the fabrication environment.

Supporting Research Through Accessible Microscopy A core priority for ANFF-NSW@UTS is delivering reliable research infrastructure alongside responsive technical support, enabling researchers to achieve results quickly and confidently. The facility supports a wide range of projects, including: • Chemical vapour deposition and crystal growth • Fabrication of silicon carbide (SiC) metalenses • Development of cavities and resonators based on twodimensional materials such as hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) • Fabrication of one-dimensional photonic crystal cavities for coupling to quantum emitters These projects require fast, reliable feedback during fabrication—a need often limited by the availability of large, shared SEM facilities. The Thermo Scientific Phenom Pharos Desktop FEG-SEM provides the ideal solution, delivering high-resolution imaging quickly and directly at the point of use.

From Demonstration to Essential Tool The Phenom Pharos FEG-SEM was introduced to the facility in 2024 as a demonstration unit, and its impact was immediate. Researchers were impressed by its combination of simplicity, speed, and high-quality imaging, leading to its permanent integration into the lab. Unlike conventional SEMs, it features rapid sample loading that eliminates lengthy vacuum pump-downs, while its intuitive interface allows new users to become proficient quickly and operate the system independently. PhD student Evan Williams notes: “My experience has been great so far—the speed and ease of use combined with the quality of imaging has made my workflow much more efficient.”

High-Quality Imaging in a Compact Platform The Phenom Pharos addresses two traditional barriers 38 | SEPTEMBER 2026

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Credit: Andrew Beveridge / ANFF.

to FEG-SEM adoption: size and complexity. Its compact, walk-up design delivers image quality comparable to larger SEMs, with a field emission gun (FEG) providing high beam brightness, stability, and a lifetime far exceeding traditional tungsten sources. Operating across 1–20 kV, with a resolution of 2.0 nm, it supports low-voltage imaging of beam-sensitive or insulating materials—such as polymers, fibres, and coatings—as well as higher-voltage analysis for deeper structural insight. Secondary and backscattered electron detectors provide strong topographical and material contrast, enabling nanoscale characterisation with minimal sample damage. Rapid load-lock exchange reduces vacuum cycle times, while the integrated stage and intuitive software allow users to move from sample loading to imaging in minutes—making high-quality SEM analysis faster and more accessible than ever. This capability is demonstrated across a range of applications: Figure 1: Fused nanodiamond growth on a cluster of seeds (E. Williams) Figure 2: One-dimensional photonic crystal cavities, showing silicon (light) and electron beam resist on hBN (dark) (O. Cranwell) Figures 3 & 4: Silicon carbide metalens structures postetching (Dr X. Huang) Figure 5: hBN microdisk resonator (A. Gale) These examples highlight the system’s versatility across materials science, photonics, and nanofabrication research. WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

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Figure 1. Image of a fused nanodiamond growth on a cluster of seeds. By Evan Williams.

Figures 3 [above] and 4 [below]. Silicon Carbide metalens after etching. By Dr Xiaoying Huang

Figure 2. One-dimensional photonic crystal cavities. Light region is silicon, dark is electron beam lithography resist on hBN. By Otto Cranwell

A Valuable Addition to the Nanofabrication Ecosystem The addition of the Phenom Pharos FEG-SEM has had a measurable impact on research productivity. By enabling rapid, high-resolution imaging directly within the fabrication workflow, users can quickly assess sample quality, identify defects, and iterate processes without delay. The system has become an integral tool for routine sample checks, reducing reliance on larger SEM facilities and accelerating the pace of experimentation. “Overall, the system is reliable and user-friendly. It has become a valuable tool for quickly checking materials processing results,” says Dr Curtis Irvine, UTS.

Figure 5. hBN microdisk resonator. By Angus Gale

The team acknowledges the support of the Australian National Fabrication Facility and the University of Technology Sydney in enabling access to this advanced capability.

For further details contact:

Researchers interested in accessing these capabilities and more are encouraged to contact the Australian National Fabrication Facility, or reach out to ATA Scientific to arrange your personal demonstration.

ANFF-NSW@UTS

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ATA Scientific Pty Ltd

www.atascientific.com.au | T: +61 2 9541 3500 E: enquiries@atascientific.com.au Dr Curtis Irvine www.anff.org.au/locations/nsw-node/ E: rpf.queries@sydney.edu.au BACK TO CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER 2026 | 39

INDUSTRY NEWS

Turning Plastic Waste Into Clean Fuel Using Sunlight Source: Sally Wood

Scientists are advancing a promising solution to two of the world’s biggest challenges – plastic pollution and clean energy by transforming waste plastics into valuable fuels using sunlight. A new paper led by Adelaide University PhD candidate Xiao Lu explores how solar-powered technologies can convert discarded plastics into hydrogen, syngas and other useful industrial chemicals, offering a pathway toward a more sustainable, circular economy. Globally, more than 460 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, with millions of tonnes leaking into the environment. At the same time, the urgent need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels has driven the search for cleaner energy sources. The research, published today in Chem Catalysis, highlights how plastics – rich in carbon and hydrogen – can be repurposed as an untapped resource rather than waste. “Plastic is often seen as a major environmental problem, but it also represents a significant opportunity,” said Ms Lu. “If we can efficiently convert waste plastics into clean fuels using sunlight, we can address pollution and energy challenges at the same time.” The process, known as solar-driven photoreforming, uses light-activated materials called photocatalysts to break down plastics at relatively low temperatures. These reactions can produce hydrogen – a clean fuel with zero emissions at the point of use – as well as other valuable chemicals used in industry. Unlike traditional water splitting for hydrogen production, plastic-based photoreforming is more energy-efficient because plastics are easier to oxidise, and the process is potentially more viable for large-scale application.

However, this study also outlines significant challenges that must be overcome before the technology can be widely deployed. “One major hurdle is the complexity of plastic waste itself,” Professor Duan said. “Different types of plastics behave differently during conversion, and additives such as dyes and stabilisers can interfere with the process. Efficient sorting and pre-treatment are therefore essential to maximise performance and product quality.”

Recent studies have demonstrated impressive results, according to senior author Professor Xiaoguang Duan from the School of Chemical Engineering at Adelaide University.

Another challenge lies in the design of photocatalysts. These materials must be both highly selective and durable, able to withstand harsh chemical conditions while maintaining efficiency over time. Current systems can suffer from degradation, limiting their long-term use.

Researchers have achieved high rates of hydrogen production, acetic acid and even diesel-range hydrocarbons. In some cases, conversion systems have operated continuously for more than 100 hours, highlighting their growing stability and performance.

“There is still a gap between laboratory success and realworld application,” Professor Duan said. “We need more robust catalysts and better system designs to ensure the technology is both efficient and economically viable at scale.”

21 July – 23 July 2027 The University of Sydney NSW, Australia

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Industrial 3D Printer Buyers Guide By Dr. Cameron Chai, Kevin Price and Peter Airey 3D printing is developing a strong foothold in Australia, where it is well suited to economical low-volume, highvalue production and rapid prototyping that can accelerate product development. While many advantages have been covered in previous Materials Australia articles, this article focuses specifically on polymer 3D printing.

Choosing the Right Industrial Polymer 3D Printer Entry-level 3D printing is now highly affordable, with hobby FDM systems within reach of most users. These machines are useful if their limitations are understood, but higher production volumes, larger parts, greater realism or finished parts require broader choices in technologies, materials and printer platforms. Here are some key options and considerations when choosing an industrial polymer 3D printer.

Polymer 3D Printing Technologies Several polymer 3D printing technologies are available, often under different manufacturer names. Each has its own strengths and limitations.

FDM – Fused Deposition Modelling FDM extrudes polymer filament layer by layer to build

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a 3D shape. While hobby-grade systems are relatively inexpensive, they often lack process controls, such as heated build chambers, that are essential for high-quality, repeatable industrial printing. FDM is widely used for functional prototyping and end-use parts, offering excellent mechanical strength, chemical resistance and thermal stability, with industrial systems able to produce larger parts in a single run.

SAF – Selective Absorption Fusion SAF is an advanced powder-bed technology. A thin layer of polymer powder is deposited, High Absorbing Fluid is jetted where fusion is required, and infrared energy completes the process layer by layer. SAF enables consistent, scalable production of accurate, durable polymer parts for end-use applications requiring repeatability and competitive cost-per-part.

PolyJet PolyJet works similarly to an inkjet printer, depositing layers of liquid photopolymer that are instantly UV-cured. It offers true multi-material printing, layer resolutions down to 14µm and a vast colour range.

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PolyJet’s precision and fine surface finish make it ideal for realistic prototypes, intricate models and functional components with exceptional detail.

SLA – Stereolithography SLA is a vat photopolymerisation technology that selectively cures liquid resin with a UV laser, one layer at a time. The build platform rises from the resin bath as the part forms. SLA produces components with high dimensional accuracy, fine feature resolution and smooth surface finishes, making it suitable for detailed prototypes, master patterns, dental models and presentation-quality parts.

P3-DLP – Programmable Photopolymerisation P3-DLP is similar to SLA but cures each resin layer simultaneously using a digital light projector. This enables faster build speeds, excellent repeatability and features smaller than 50µm. P3-DLP parts suit functional end-use applications, with high dimensional accuracy, tight tolerances, isotropic properties and surface finishes comparable to injection moulding. Relative comparison of technologies, rated 1 = good to 5 = exceptional FDM PolyJet SAF

SLA P3-DLP

Layer resolution

Thin walls

Surface finish

Ease of use

Product developmentversatility

5 Sometimes the right combination of technology, system, materials and software may be dictated by your specific 4 application. 4 Condition Solution

5 Do you need production tooling, moulds or jigs?

FDM

Are you looking to build realistic looking prototypes (colours, dimensions, textures etc)?

PolyJet

3D Printing Software Although 3D printing technologies differ, they all start with a digital CAD model. Software ease of use and versatility can strongly influence printing efficiency and success. Printing software manages file preparation, print parameters and workflow integration. If your 3D printing expands, consider whether it can control multiple machines, integrate with existing systems and scale with demand. Furthermore, manufacturers like Stratasys employ GrabCAD software across all thieir platforms, simplifying addition of more 3D printing systems and technologies

Materials Range Materials selection is another key consideration. The growing range of printable polymers includes engineering thermoplastics such as ABS, ASA, Nylon and PC, supplied as filaments, resins or powders depending on the technology. Each material offers properties suited to different applications, including high temperature, high strength, carbon fibre reinforcement, biocompatibility and colour options. Stratasys offer the widest range of (Preferred) materials, which are further complemented by other Validated and Open materials for maximum versatility. Choosing the Right System for your Application WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

Are you looking to make production-ready parts? If so, do you want to economically produce large quantities? If so, is surface finish a primary concern?

SAF P3-DLP or SLA

If so, are you looking for functional performance?

FDM

If so, will the parts be in service for extended periods? FDM, P3-DLP or SAF

Partnering with Stratasys Stratasys is a world leader in industrial 3D printers, having pioneered FDM and PolyJet technologies. Their systems cover the technologies described in this article, while its GrabCAD-based software environment works across its instruments. They also offer a broad polymer range, increasing the chance of matching the right material to your intended application. For more details, download the 3D Printing Buyers Guide. BACK TO CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER 2026 | 43

INDUSTRY NEWS

Carbon Fibre 101 By Dr. Cameron Chai Carbon fibre offers an exceptional combination of strength, stiffness and low density. Individual carbon fibres can have tensile strengths of approximately 3.5–7 GPa and tensile moduli of around 230–700 GPa, depending on fibre grade, compared with typical steel elastic moduli of approximately 180–210 GPa and tensile strengths ranging from around 400 to more than 2,000 MPa depending on grade. Carbon fibre also has a density of approximately 1.8 g/cm³, compared with around 7.8 g/cm³ for steel, giving it a significant advantage in specific strength and stiffness. However, unlike isotropic steel, carbon fibre is highly anisotropic, with its mechanical properties strongly dependent on fibre direction and composite architecture.

However, carbon fibre is almost never used in its native form, rather employed as a reinforcement material in Carbon Fibre Reinforced Composites (CFRP). CFRPs are typically used in high-end applications due to their light weight, high strength-to-weight ratio combined with stiffness and thermal stability. Example applications include: • Aerospace e.g. aircraft wings • Automotive – body panels, aerodynamic components, wheels and driveshafts • Bicycles – Frames and wheels • Propellor blades • Sporting equipment - Golf club shafts, racquets, skis and snowboards Some applications, such as motorsport can rely on the smallest gains which can translate into performance

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benefits and winning advantages. As the name suggest CFRPs consist of carbon fibre, typically fabrics or textiles that reinforce a polymer matrix. The matrix is most commonly epoxy, but could also consist of polyester or vinyl ester. This article will focus on the fibre reinforcement.

Carbon Fibre Tow Each strand of carbon fibre (~5-10µm in diameter) is smaller in diameter than a human hair. Carbon fibre tow (sometimes also called ribbon due to its flat configuration) consists of several thousand individual fibres and are described accordingly i.e. a 12K carbon fibre tow consists of 12,000 fibres. Typical sizes are 3K, 6K, 12K and 15K, but sizes anywhere between 1K and 50K can be found. In terms of thickness, a 6K tow is twice as thick as a 3K tow and a 12K tow 4 times as thick as 3K tow. Due to the highly directional nature of carbon fibres and hence carbon fibre tow, it is only used in specific applications such as winding pressure vessels, with the exception of being used to make carbon fibre cloth and woven fabrics.

Carbon Fibre Cloth and Woven Fabrics Carbon fibre cloths and woven fabrics are made using carbon fibre tows. The most common variations are plain weave and 2x2 twill.

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Carbon fibre tow

1x1 Plain weave

Plain Weave Plain weave, or 1x1 resembles a chequerboard, with each tow being woven in an over/under pattern. This configuration produces a tight weave that is ideal for flat sheets and tubes.

Twill Weave The most common carbon fibre fabric is a 2x2 twill weave whereby each tow passes over 2 tows, then under 2 tows. This creates distinct diagonal pattern, while the looser weave pattern results in a more pliable fabric that is better suited to complex shapes as compared to plain weave fabrics. 4x4 twill weaves are also available, and as the name suggests each tow passes over and under 4 tows.

Harness-Satin Weaves This weave derived from silks that drape effortlessly over complex shapes resembles a brick pattern. Typically denoted as 4HS or 5HS, tows pass over 3 (or 4) tows then under 1 tow. This relatively loose weave is suited to complex shapes,

2x2 Twill weave

with the higher the number in the name, the more flexible the fabric.

Triaxial While this weave may resemble a 2x2 twill, triaxial weaves have filaments aligned at 60° intervals, effectively providing filaments in 3 orientations resulting in increased damage tolerance and energy absorption.

Cloth Weights Carbon fibre cloth is also categorised by weight, i.e, grams/square metre and can range from 80 gsm upwards. Weights in the 200gsm range are amongst the most common. Weights as high as 650gsm do exist but are uncommon. Lighter weight fabrics are more pliable and easier to form into complex shapes, and where added strength or stiffness is required, multiple layers are used.

CFRP Manufacturing Processes There are a number of differmet processes for manufacturing CFRP components. The methods used can be strongly dependent on the finished part, required geometry and available budget and resources.

Process

Typical Applications

Key Characteristics

Prepreg + autoclave

Aerospace, motorsport, high-performance components

Excellent fibre volume fraction and low void content

Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM)

Automotive, aerospace, industrial components

Closed-mould process suitable for repeatable production

Vacuum Infusion

Wind turbines, marine, large structures

Lower-cost process for large components

Compression moulding

Automotive, sporting goods, industrial components

Fast production of relatively high-volume parts

Filament winding

Pressure vessels, pipes, tanks, driveshafts

Excellent for cylindrical/axisymmetric structures

Pultrusion

Rods, beams, profiles, structural sections

Continuous production of constant cross-section components

Wet lay-up

Prototypes, marine, low-volume components

Simple and relatively inexpensive

Automated Fibre Placement (AFP)

Aerospace structures, large composite components

Highly automated placement of prepreg or dry fibre

Automated Tape Laying (ATL)

Large aerospace panels and structures

Automated placement of wide composite tapes

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | 45

UNIVERSITY SPOTLIGHT

Griffith University Source: Sally Wood Griffith University has developed a research profile that reflects the way materials science now operates: across disciplines, across industries, and increasingly at the intersection of advanced technologies, manufacturing and applied discovery.

Since its establishment in 1971, Griffith has grown into one of Australia’s major research universities, with strong activity across science, engineering, health and emerging technologies. Within that broader landscape, materials science and engineering has become an important and expanding part of the university’s identity, particularly in areas where materials development supports future devices, advanced fabrication, biomedical applications and sustainable manufacturing. Griffith says its programs span all disciplines and place it among the world’s top 2 percent of universities.

Advanced Technologies At The Nanoscale One of the clearest examples of Griffith’s current direction is the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Research Institute, or QUATRI. Launched in 2025 at the Nathan campus, QUATRI is focused on advanced semiconductor technologies, low-energy devices and durable ultra-precise sensors. Its work sits at the nexus of quantum physics, micro- and nano-fabrication, and advanced materials development, positioning Griffith strongly in fields where material behaviour at very small scales determines the performance of future technologies. For the materials sector, this is significant. Griffith’s investment in QUATRI points to a research agenda that extends beyond conventional structural materials into functional materials for electronics, sensing and next-generation devices. The institute’s expertise in microfabrication and advanced physical sciences supports work where composition, structure and performance are tightly linked, and 46 | SEPTEMBER 2026

Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Research Institute. Image credit: Griffith University.

where new materials can enable major advances in computing, sensing and energy-efficient technologies. Griffith also notes that QUATRI’s research simplifies access for commercial collaborators, signalling a clear interest in translation as well as discovery.

ADaPT’s facilities reinforce that role. Griffith describes the institute as integrating key research and development equipment for advanced design and prototyping, including a medical-grade metal 3D printer, advanced post-fabrication processing capability and nanotechnology equipment.

Design, Prototyping And New Materials

That mix of infrastructure supports not only early-stage design work, but also the manufacture and refinement of complex components and materialsbased prototypes. In a university setting, this kind of capability is important because it allows materials ideas to be tested in forms that are much closer to end use.

A second major pillar of Griffith’s materials capability is the Advanced Design and Prototyping Technologies Institute, or ADaPT. The institute brings together multidisciplinary expertise across the university and works with industry partners in advanced custom design, rapid prototyping and new materials, positioning itself within the broader context of Industry 4.0. This gives Griffith a valuable bridge between materials research and manufacturing application, allowing the university to connect material development with fabrication, product design and commercial prototyping. BACK TO CONTENTS

The institute also reflects a broader theme within Griffith’s work: the relationship between materials, lightweight design, sustainability and applied engineering. By linking advanced design and prototyping with new materials, Griffith is working in an area that increasingly matters across multiple sectors, from medical devices and advanced manufacturing to sustainable product development. WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

UNIVERSITY SPOTLIGHT

Advanced Design and Prototyping Technologies Institute (ADaPT). Image credit: Griffith University.

Materials For Health And Biomedicine Griffith’s materials-related research also extends into health and biomedical settings. The Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics is the university’s flagship biomedical research institute and brings together discovery, development and commercialisation in areas including drugs, vaccines and diagnostics. While the institute is not defined solely through materials science, its research environment and infrastructure are highly relevant to biomaterials, diagnostics platforms and nano-

enabled technologies where the interaction between materials and biological systems is critical. This biomedical dimension adds further depth to Griffith’s materials profile. It highlights the way modern materials research increasingly overlaps with life sciences, device development and translational medicine. In that sense, Griffith’s strengths are not confined to one traditional materials pathway, but spread across several technologically important fronts where materials performance is central to application.

From Teaching To Translation Griffith’s teaching profile supports this broader research ecosystem. Its engineering materials course introduces students to the core principles of materials science and engineering, covering the composition, structure, properties, processing and applications of major material classes including metals, ceramics, polymers and composites. That is an important foundation, showing that materials is embedded in the university’s engineering education as well as its research institutes. This combination of education, research infrastructure and industryconnected institutes gives Griffith a distinctive materials profile. Rather than concentrating all materials work within a single conventional department, the university’s capability is distributed across quantum and advanced technologies, prototyping and fabrication, engineering education, and biomedical research. That model reflects the way the field itself has evolved. Materials science today is less often siloed and more often shaped by the problems it is trying to solve, whether those involve sensors, semiconductors, lightweight structures, medical devices or sustainable production systems.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | 47

BREAKING NEWS UOW Researchers Achieve WorldFirst In Underwater 3D Concrete Printing University of Wollongong (UOW) researchers have partnered with construction technology company LUYTEN 3D to achieve Australia’s first underwater 3D concrete printing system, and the world’s first “single-mix” concrete formulation that sets and builds stably underwater without chemical accelerators. “Our trials confirm that our single-mix solution is not just theoretically sound but practically viable. It offers the structural integrity needed for realworld application while simplifying the logistics of underwater deployment,” UOW project lead Dr Aziz Ahmed said. The breakthrough challenges conventional underwater construction, which typically relies on multi-stage systems or rapid-setting chemical accelerators to stop concrete washing out. The UOW–LUYTEN team’s accelerator-free mix achieves stability through smart material design alone, making it simpler and safer to deploy. The technology enables structures to be built or repaired directly on-site underwater, reducing the need for costly dry docking, marine works or extended shutdowns. The technology has immediate applications in defence, ports and coastal infrastructure, including potential use in the AUKUS submarine program and the construction of sustainable anchors for floating offshore wind farms. As Australia confronts ageing maritime infrastructure and increasing climate pressures, the team sees the work as a platform for future innovation, including research into construction techniques for extraterrestrial environments.

Professor Qin Li from Griffith University. Image credit: Griffith University.

Machine Learning Unlocks Greener Pathway To Urea Production Urea is an extremely important chemical, especially for fertilisers. But, making urea is energy intensive and relies heavily on fossil fuels. However, new findings from Griffith University and the Queensland University of Technology have highlighted new ways to produce urea electrochemically, using electricity and waste gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NO) instead. “The challenge is that when CO and NO react on a catalyst, they usually don’t form urea,” said co-lead author Professor Qin Li from Griffith University. “Instead, they tend to make unwanted by‑products such as ammonia or hydrocarbon compounds. This makes selective urea production very difficult.” The research team combined quantum chemistry simulations and machine learning to reveal better catalyst designs that encouraged CO and NO to combine and form a carbon–nitrogen bond, instead of producing unwanted side reactions. They studied: pairs of metal atoms anchored on the edges of carbon materials (called dual‑atom catalysts); how these metal pairs interacted with CO and NO at the same time; and why some metals encouraged urea formation while others did not. This resulted in the examination of 90 catalyst designs using high‑accuracy computer simulations, then using machine learning to rapidly screen more than 1,400 additional candidates.

UOW project lead Dr Aziz Ahmed. Image credit: UOW.

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The most important discovery was how strongly CO and NO stuck to the catalyst together, not how each gas stuck on its own. The team identified a single number, called the “co adsorption energy”, that reliably predicted whether a catalyst would make urea, or instead make ammonia or hydrocarbons.

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BREAKING NEWS Toxic Solar Panels Cleaned To Bring Them Indoors Safer and more environmentally friendly indoor solar panels could soon help power electronics in homes and offices, thanks to University of Queensland researchers. A team of chemical engineers led by UQ’s Dr Miaoqiang Lyu and Professor Lianzhou Wang have developed a new fabrication method that eliminates the need for toxic lead and other hazardous solvents in perovskite indoor solar panels. “Indoor solar cells themselves are not new, but the power conversion efficiency of the commercial silicon-based technology is only around 10 per cent,” Dr Lyu said. “Halide perovskites are an emerging technology that could replace silicon, offering much higher efficiencies and commercial potential. However, most still rely on leadbased hazardous materials. The technology we developed eliminates those materials while still delivering high efficiency.” UQ PhD student Zitong Wang, who is under the supervision of Dr Lyu and Professor Wang, developed a safe and scalable vapour-based manufacturing process for fabricating high-quality lead-free perovskite material with fewer performance-limiting defects. Indoor perovskite solar cells operate under low-intensity artificial light, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and fluorescent lamps. Using the new method, the panels achieved an efficiency of 16.36 per cent — the highest reported for this type of lead-free perovskite indoor solar cell made using an industry-compatible evaporation method. “This material has very attractive properties that can absorb indoor light and convert very weak indoor light efficiently into electricity,” Dr Lyu said. “By removing those solvents entirely, the process is much better suited to scalable manufacturing.”

RMIT University Associate Professor Biplob Pramanik in the laboratory where researchers developed a dual-bubble wastewater treatment approach that significantly improves microplastic removal. Image credit: RMIT.

New Approach Boosts Microplastic Removal From Wastewater RMIT University researchers have developed a more effective way to capture microplastics from wastewater, using a combination of microbubbles and nanobubbles to achieve removal rates of more than 90% before pollution reaches waterways. The dual-bubble approach can be adopted by wastewater treatment plants without major infrastructure changes by optimising existing operating conditions, including air pressure, saturation time and bubble size. Lead author Associate Professor Biplob Pramanik said the approach suggests a practical way to reduce microplastic pollution – a growing global issue. “Wastewater treatment plants are a major pathway for microplastics as they slip through filtration processes, posing risks to ecosystems and human health,” Pramanik said, who is also the director of RMIT’s Water Effective Technology and Tools Research Centre. “Our approach is simple to implement and significantly increases the removal of microplastics during the primary stage of treatment.” The study investigated an enhanced version of dissolved air flotation, a widely used water treatment process that removes contaminants by attaching them to air bubbles and lifting them to the surface. The researchers found plastic removal rates increased when microbubbles and nanobubbles were used together, outperforming systems that relied on either bubble type alone. Microbubbles provide the lifting force needed to carry particles to the surface, while nanobubbles improve particle attachment and aggregation by increasing interactions between particles, making the process more effective.

UQ researchers Dr Miaoqiang Lyu and Professor Lianzhou Wang. Image credit: The University of Queensland.

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Dr Sirajum Monira, who completed the research during her RMIT PhD studies, said the approach remained highly effective in realistic wastewater conditions. “By capturing the microplastics before they become concentrated in sewage sludge, we can reduce the amount entering biosolids and ultimately minimise their release back into the environment.”

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | 49

BREAKING NEWS Deakin Launches Circalloy To Strengthen Advanced Manufacturing Deakin University has officially launched circAlloy, a new research centre dedicated to transforming how Australia designs, uses, reuses and recovers metal resources, strengthening the nation's capability in sustainable manufacturing and the circular economy. Bringing together researchers, industry partners and government stakeholders, circAlloy (ARC Training Centre for Resource Efficient Alloys in a Circular Economy) will drive innovation in resource-efficient alloy technologies and support the transition to more sustainable and resilient materials systems. The Centre – supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre program - addresses nationally significant challenges facing Australian industry, including reducing waste, improving material efficiency, lowering emissions and strengthening sovereign capability in advanced manufacturing.

Swinburne engineering students Jade Longmuir, Atticus Booth, Chloe Lim, and Noah Battersby developed an award-winning wasteto-resource solution that has now been adopted by a village in Timor-Leste. Image credit: Swinburne University.

Deakin University Caretaker Vice-Chancellor Professor Matthew Clarke said circAlloy would help position Australia as a leader in sustainable materials innovation.

Award-Winning Engineering Student Solution To Benefit Remote Village

“Australia mines and exports metals, yet too much of the value – and too much of the material itself – slips through our fingers as waste,” Professor Clarke said. “Every tonne of metal we waste carries with it wasted energy, wasted water and wasted money.”

A group of first-year engineering students at Swinburne University of Technology have had their award-winning waste-to-resource solution implemented in a village in Timor-Leste.

“A nation that designs, uses and recovers its resources more intelligently is a nation that is more self-reliant, more competitive and more secure. That is precisely what circAlloy will achieve.”

Students Atticus Booth, Chloe Lim, Jade Longmuir and Noah Battersby participated in the Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Challenge in 2025, where students tackle challenges in communities from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Researchers will develop next-generation alloy materials and processes that use fewer raw materials, require less energy to produce, last longer in service, and are easier to reuse and recycle at end of life.

The head of Loidahar village in Timor-Leste, the 2025 challenge focus area, attended the EWB showcase event in late 2025 and has since chosen to implement the students’ solution in the community.

The Centre's collaborative model brings together universities, industry and government to ensure research remains closely connected to real-world needs and delivers practical outcomes with economic, environmental and social benefits.

The group also won the Community Partner Award at the showcase event, given to the team whose project most strongly considers the village’s aspirations and meets the challenge’s themes. The team developed a briquette system using organic waste mixed with locally grown cassava starch and water, which are pressed with a specially designed press before drying. These briquettes can then be burnt, providing a solution that manages household and agricultural organic waste while providing a fuel source for cooking. People in Loidahar village use wood fires for cooking, but new laws restrict cutting firewood; limited waste management options mean agricultural and household waste is also burnt. Associate Professor Scott Rayburg said the Swinburne challenge group was very successful. “This is a fantastic achievement for the team and demonstrates that students, even in first year, can have meaningful real-world impact,” he said.

The opening of Deakin University’s new research centre circAlloy. Image credit: Deakin University.

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BREAKING NEWS Twisted Light Breakthrough Could Enable Earlier Disease Detection Researchers from the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS) have developed a powerful new way to use light to measure tiny changes in biological fluids such as blood using samples as small as a millionth of a drop. The breakthrough, led by teams at Adelaide University, RMIT University and the University of St Andrews (UK), could enable faster and more sensitive medical tests, particularly where only very small sample volumes are available. It could also lead to compact lab-on-a-chip devices capable of analysing tiny biological samples in real-time. At the heart of the discovery is so-called twisted light. These are beams that spiral as they travel, just like a corkscrew. This unusual structure gives light a property known as orbital angular momentum, which the researchers measure to probe the physical properties of materials. Scientists have struggled to measure exactly how much this light is twisting, limiting its usefulness in precision sensing. That barrier has been overcome through the development of a new approach based on analysing speckle patterns, the grainy interference patterns produced when light scatters through material. By decoding these patterns, they were able to measure the twist of light with up to 1000 times greater precision than existing methods. “This gives us a completely new level of control,” said Adelaide University’s Aman Punse who is a Higher Degree by Research Candidate in the School of Biological Sciences. “We can now detect extremely small changes that were previously invisible.” The researchers then turned this advance into a practical sensing tool. By generating twisted light inside a microscopic fluid channel, they showed that tiny changes in a liquid, such as its composition, alters how the light twists.

New imaging tools unveiled at The University of Western Australia. Image credit: The University of Western Australia.

New Imaging Tools To Tackle National Research Priorities New research equipment installed at The University of Western Australia will support innovative multimodal and correlative microscopy to address national needs in energy, critical minerals, environment, agriculture and health research. Launched by Minister for Science and Innovation, the Hon Stephen Dawson, the multimodal microscopy suite represents an investment of around $20 million through university, State and Federal Government funding through NCRIS Microscopy Australia and ARC LEIF. The new infrastructure sits within UWA’s Centre for Microscopy Characterisation and Analysis, which is the Western Australian Microscopy Australia Facility. Microscopy Australia’s open access policy ensures that researchers anywhere can access the facilities and its dedicated expertise to deliver high-quality training and support for the best possible research outcomes fostering collaboration between academia and industry. UWA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Anna Nowak said the new multimodal microscopy suite would expand capability to undertake highly advanced imaging analysis. “This new research infrastructure will enable our researchers to investigate samples from the macro to the nano scale,” Professor Nowak said. “It’s exciting for us to have access to this technology in Western Australia for the first time, particularly the nano-SIMS which is one of only three in the world currently. “It allows us to take elemental and isotopic images at very high resolution a few thousand times smaller than a human hair, which is small enough to see inside an individual cell.

COMBS researchers have developed a powerful new way to use light to measure tiny changes in biological fluids. Image credit: Adelaide University.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | 51

BREAKING NEWS Bubble Problem Solved: Linking Porous Electrode Design To Green Hydrogen Production Hydrogen could be the key to a clean energy future, but a tiny problem has been holding it back: bubbles. A multidisciplinary team of UNSW researchers, in collaboration with researchers from TotalEnergies and EPFL, has found a new way to boost the efficiency of green hydrogen production. Their solution focuses on optimising the design of electrolysers – the systems used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity, which, when powered by renewable energy, produce “green hydrogen”. To date, industrial-scale electrolysers have faced a critical bottleneck: hydrogen bubbles generated during operation accumulate within the porous electrodes, blocking active sites and severely limiting mass transport at high current densities. “Green hydrogen production through water electrolysis is essential for decarbonising hard-toabate sectors such as steelmaking and heavy-duty transport,” said Professor Peyman Mostaghimi, the lead researcher on the team from UNSW’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. These hydrogen bubbles are generated in the electrolyser during the operation and accumulate on the porous electrode, blocking reaction sites. “We found that the shape and structure of the porous electrode are just as important as the electrochemistry. If the structure is designed properly, you can stop bubbles from clogging the system and make it much more efficient.” It was also the first time operando synchrotron imaging, coupled with state-of-the-art porescale numerical methods, had been used to visualise hydrogen bubble formation, growth, and accumulation during electrolysis.

University of Wollongong (UOW) physicist Dr Enbang Li has demonstrated that gravity can subtly influence the behaviour of light. Image credit: UOW.

Light-Based Gravity Sensing Could Improve Groundwater, Climate And Underground Monitoring A study by University of Wollongong (UOW) physicist Dr Enbang Li has demonstrated that gravity can subtly influence the behaviour of light, a breakthrough that could underpin future technologies for monitoring groundwater, tracking glacier melt, locating mineral deposits and detecting underground changes linked to volcanic activity and carbon storage. The study shows early experimental evidence that photons interact with the Earth’s gravitational field in measurable ways, laying the groundwork for a new generation of ultra-sensitive gravity sensors. Dr Li said the work could lead to more precise and compact nextgeneration sensing technologies for environmental monitoring, navigation and underground mapping. “Tiny shifts in gravity can reveal critical changes beneath or around us, from underground water levels to magma buildups below volcanos that could indicate future eruptions. Our research suggests light-based sensing technologies may one day provide a new way to detect and monitor those changes with very high precision,” Dr Li said. Gravity sensing is already used in mining, infrastructure, defence and geoscience to “see” beneath the Earth’s surface by detecting differences in underground density of rocks, minerals, water or tunnels. However, photonic gravity sensors could offer advantages over conventional technologies through improved sensitivity, stability and miniaturisation. Most current gravity sensors rely on mechanical systems that are susceptible to vibration and movement, limiting their use on moving platforms. Light-based sensing technologies could overcome those limitations, with the potential to produce gravity sensors that work reliably on moving platforms such as planes or submarines.

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BREAKING NEWS Cutting-Edge Quantum Lab Launches At Griffith PsiQuantum’s Asia-Pacific Test and Validation Lab has moved to the next stage of development, with lab construction at Griffith University’s Brisbane South (Nathan) campus complete and officially launched. Dr Dylan Saunders, PsiQuantum Principal Scientist and Griffith University alumnus. The announcement marks a significant milestone in PsiQuantum’s expansion in Queensland and its mission to build the world’s first utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer. The Asia-Pacific Test and Validation Lab features highpowered cryogenic systems that will cool, test, and measure photonic quantum chips, accelerating progress towards utility-scale quantum computing in Australia. “This partnership underpins a vital need for building not only opportunities and infrastructure to support leading researchers in quantum technology, it also creates unique pathways for our students who are futurefocused on careers in STEM.” The new facility will serve as a critical hub for the testing, calibration, and integration of PsiQuantum’s highperformance photonic quantum chips and subsystems, which the company will assemble at scale to form the quantum computer. Griffith University Pro Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Andrea Bishop said, “The opportunities that PsiQuantum’s Asia-Pacific Test & Validation Lab at Griffith’s Brisbane South campus will offer both students and researchers are incredibly exciting.” A key feature of the lab is ‘Poseidon,’ one of the most powerful custom high-cooling-power cryogenic systems in Australia. Poseidon is a modular platform allowing PsiQuantum’s Brisbane team to cool, test and measure several photonic quantum chips at once.

he microscale optical device developed in the study, integrated with imaging hardware to analyse light at the source. Image credit: Zhejiang University.

Tiny Chip Could Help Cameras Spot Hidden Details A tiny new chip could give cameras and sensing systems a far sharper view of the world, helping them detect subtle differences in materials and environments that standard colour imaging systems cannot see. In research led by Zhejiang University in collaboration with RMIT University, scientists have demonstrated a new way to build light analysis capability directly into imaging hardware. Cameras are highly effective at capturing images, but applications such as machine vision, automated inspection and environmental monitoring depend on understanding different colours and wavelengths of light, not just what something looks like. That information can reveal differences in materials, surface conditions or environmental changes that appear identical to the human eye. Until now, extracting that kind of detail has typically required separate, specialised instruments. The new study points to an alternative approach, where light analysis happens alongside imaging rather than being handled by external laboratory equipment. The work shows how the compact device could support real-world applications without bulky external equipment. RMIT researchers led by Distinguished Professor Baohua Jia contributed expertise in nanomanufacturing, optical characterisation and device testing, working closely with the Zhejiang University team led by Professor Jianrong Qiu to evaluate the performance of the integrated system.

PsiQuantum’s Test & Validation Lab opens at Griffith University. Photo credit: Sarah Keayes/The Photo Pitch.

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At RMIT, highly specialised nanofabrication lab equipment can build and image structures about 1,000 times smaller than a human hair in real time.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | 53

FEATURE – Nanomaterials and NanoSPD

Nanomaterials and NanoSPD:

Engineering Matter from the Inside Out

54 | SEPTEMBER 2026

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FEATURE – Nanomaterials and NanoSPD

Materials can change long before their chemistry does. Reduce a particle, grain, pore or layer to billionths of a metre and familiar metals, ceramics, polymers and semiconductors can begin to conduct, react, deform or interact with light in markedly different ways. These changes arise because surfaces, interfaces, defects and quantum effects assume a much greater role as dimensions fall.

Nanoporous electrodes can provide large reactive areas for batteries and catalysts; nanoparticles can carry therapeutics or improve coatings; and nanostructured metals can use grain boundaries and other defects to alter strength, diffusion, corrosion and functional response.

This is the operating territory of nanomaterials: a broad family underpinning advances in energy storage, catalysis, electronics, medicine, coatings, sensing and high-performance structural materials.

People exploited nanoscale effects long before they could observe them. Metallic nanoparticles helped create the changing colours of ancient glass and later stainedglass windows, while finely divided materials were used in pigments, ceramics and metallurgical processes.

Within that family, nanomaterials produced by severe plastic deformation— widely known as NanoSPD—occupy a distinctive position. Rather than assembling a material atom by atom or depositing a nanoscale film, NanoSPD uses very large plastic strains, often combined with high pressure, to reorganise the internal structure of a bulk solid. The result can retain a practical, macroscopic form while containing ultrafine or nanoscale grains, dense networks of interfaces and deliberately engineered defects. It is a top-down route to changing properties from the inside out.

What Is a Nanomaterial? Nanotechnology is commonly associated with dimensions of approximately one to 100 nanometres, where materials may display properties that differ from both individual atoms and their conventional bulk forms. One nanometre is onebillionth of a metre, but size alone does not define the field. What matters is whether nanoscale dimensions or structures produce useful changes in mechanical, electrical, optical, magnetic, thermal, chemical or biological behaviour. The term covers more than free nanoparticles. It includes zerodimensional particles and quantum dots; one-dimensional nanotubes and nanowires; two-dimensional sheets and films; and bulk materials containing nanoscale grains, pores, precipitates or interfaces. At these dimensions, a much larger proportion of atoms may sit at or near a surface or boundary, while electrons may be confined in ways that alter light absorption, conductivity or magnetism. WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

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A Short History: Seeing and Controlling the Small

A more recognisably scientific foundation emerged in the 19th century, including Michael Faraday’s mid-1850s work on colloidal gold, which demonstrated the relationship between extremely small particles and optical behaviour. The ability to investigate the nanoscale changed dramatically during the 20th century. Electron microscopy made very small structures visible, while the scanning tunnelling microscope and atomic force microscope, developed in the 1980s, allowed researchers to image surfaces with atomic-scale resolution and, in some cases, manipulate individual atoms. The discovery of fullerenes and, later, graphene further established nanoscience as a major international field. At the same time, physical metallurgists were asking whether the internal grains of a bulk metal could be refined to ultrafine or nanometre dimensions without turning the material into a powder or film. Conventional rolling, forging and drawing had always modified grain structures, but severe plastic deformation brought a systematic approach to imposing exceptionally large strains while preserving the overall dimensions needed for repeated processing.

NanoSPD: Building Nanostructure Through Deformation High-pressure torsion is one of the foundational NanoSPD techniques. First introduced by Percy Bridgman in 1935, it subjects a sample to torsional shear while it is compressed under high hydrostatic pressure. In 1988, Ruslan Valiev and colleagues demonstrated its effectiveness in creating ultrafine-grained structures SEPTEMBER 2026 | 55

FEATURE – Nanomaterials and NanoSPD

dominated by high-angle grain boundaries, helping initiate the modern era of NanoSPD research. Other established methods include equal-channel angular pressing, in which a billet is forced through intersecting channels of equal cross-section so it can be processed repeatedly; accumulative roll bonding, where sheets are stacked, rolled, divided and restacked; twist extrusion; multidirectional forging; friction stir processing; and surface treatments that concentrate deformation in the outer layers. Continuous and hybrid processes are also being developed to produce longer billets, tubes and sheets. During severe deformation, dislocations multiply and rearrange, existing grains subdivide and new boundaries form. With sufficient strain, the structure may evolve into an ultrafine-grained or nanocrystalline state containing dense grain boundaries, vacancies, dislocations and other non-equilibrium features. The process can also trigger phase transformations, mix constituents in the solid state, consolidate powders or stabilise phases that are difficult to retain through conventional processing. NanoSPD is therefore more than a grain-refinement technique. Metals and alloys remain its largest area of activity, but severe plastic deformation has also been applied to glasses, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers and composites. Research now extends from structural performance to hydrogen storage, photocatalysis, thermoelectrics, superconductivity, radiation tolerance, corrosion resistance and biomedical materials.

Why Nanoscale Structure Matters The classic attraction of grain refinement is strength. Grain boundaries impede dislocation motion, so decreasing grain size can make many crystalline metals harder and stronger. However, strength is only one part of the design problem. A uniformly nanocrystalline metal may have limited strain-hardening capacity, while its fine structure can coarsen during heat exposure or long-term service. Research is therefore increasingly focused on controlling the distribution of nanoscale features rather than simply pursuing the smallest possible grain. 56 | SEPTEMBER 2026

Gradient structures, bimodal grainsize distributions and other heterostructured architectures combine regions with different strengths and deformation behaviours. Their interfaces can redistribute strain and generate additional hardening, offering routes to improved combinations of strength, ductility, fatigue resistance and damage tolerance. Severe deformation can also alter functional behaviour. Defects and grain boundaries provide rapid diffusion paths and reaction sites; phase transformations can change electrical, magnetic or catalytic properties; and solid-state mixing can create compositions that are difficult to obtain by melting. These effects are supporting work on battery electrodes, hydrogenstorage materials, catalysts, medical alloys and materials for extreme environments.

The Contemporary Research Landscape Several themes now define the NanoSPD agenda. One is the processing of compositionally complex materials, including high-entropy and refractory alloys, where severe deformation can combine powder consolidation, mechanical mixing and microstructural refinement. Another is the extension of high-pressure torsion to ceramics and other comparatively brittle materials, using pressure to suppress fracture while shear drives structural change. A second priority is scale. Conventional high-pressure torsion specimens are small and strain can vary from centre to edge. Equal-channel and rollingbased methods offer larger products, while newer approaches such as highpressure torsion extrusion target long components and deliberately graded structures. Researchers are also using modelling, synchrotron methods, acoustic emission and other in situ or operando tools to understand friction, slippage, strain distribution and phase BACK TO CONTENTS

evolution during processing. NanoSPD is also increasingly being integrated with powder-based manufacturing routes, heat treatment and surface engineering. The objective is not to replace established processes, but to use severe deformation where it can deliver a particular microstructure, bond dissimilar materials, enhance a surface or create a high-value component that is difficult to produce by other means.

The Australian Research Landscape Australia’s nanomaterials research is distributed across universities, national facilities and applications ranging from clean energy to medicine. At the University of Queensland, the Nanomaterials Centre and the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology work across energy, environmental and healthcare applications, including nanoarchitectured and semiconductor materials for batteries, fuel cells, photocatalysis, solar fuels, biosensing and targeted delivery. Adelaide University’s Centre for Materials in Energy and Catalysis develops advanced materials and nanostructured catalysts for batteries, electrolysis, carbon dioxide reduction, green ammonia and solar-driven chemistry. In New South Wales, the University of Sydney Nano Institute works across WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

FEATURE – Nanomaterials and NanoSPD

nanocomposites, nanotubes, nanowires, nanoparticles and carbon materials, while UNSW’s Australian Centre for NanoMedicine links engineering, science and medicine in diagnostics, drug delivery, therapeutics, and cell and tissue engineering. The University of Newcastle adds strengths in advanced nanomaterials for energy, environmental protection and health. At Griffith University, the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Research Institute spans nanoscale physics, semiconductor materials, microfluidics and silicon-carbide devices for power electronics and sensing. Its capabilities include the growth of nanometre-thin silicon-carbide films and the development of technologies designed to operate in demanding thermal and mechanical environments. Within NanoSPD specifically, several Australian groups are contributing to fundamental understanding and potential scale-up. At Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials, researchers are applying high-pressure torsion and equalchannel angular pressing to advanced alloy systems. Recent work has used HPT to synthesise refractory high-entropy alloys directly from blended elemental powders, while related studies combine powder processing, ECAP and HPT to examine alloy formation, microstructure and mechanical performance. At the University of Wollongong, research spans the mechanics and

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modelling of highpressure torsion, synchrotron-based investigation of deformation and rolling-derived routes for ultrafinegrained sheet. The cold angular rolling process is being developed as a continuous method combining rolling with equalchannel angular deformation, with the aim of processing sheet without the length limitations of a batch billet. Other work applies severe-deformation concepts to practical questions such as hard, nanostructured white-etching layers in rail steels.

assessment. Where nanoparticles can become airborne or enter biological and environmental systems, safe handling and responsible design must be considered alongside performance.

Researchers associated with Monash University and the University of Western Australia have also advanced deformation-based materials architecture. High-pressure torsion extrusion targets long products with radial gradients in grain structure and internal helical architectures, particularly for lightweight alloys.

Looking Ahead: From Small Features to Scalable Systems

At UWA, operando acoustic-emission research has distinguished signals associated with plastic deformation from those caused by workpiece slippage during HPT, addressing a process-control issue affecting repeatability. Related research examines solid-state mixing and severe deformation of magnesium-based hydrogen-storage materials. This activity is supported by the Australian National Fabrication Facility, which provides access to micro- and nanofabrication equipment and process specialists through a national network.

Challenges on the Path to Application

NanoSPD faces additional practical questions. Processes must deliver uniform properties across useful component dimensions; tools must withstand high pressures and loads; deformation paths must be controlled; and ultrafine structures must remain stable during downstream processing and service. Qualification is particularly demanding in aerospace, biomedical, transport and energy applications, where small microstructural variations can influence fatigue, corrosion or failure. Friction, workpiece slippage and incomplete understanding of deformation mechanics also remain important areas of investigation.

Nanomaterials are moving from isolated particles and coatings towards integrated systems in which dimensions, interfaces and defects are engineered across several scales. NanoSPD contributes a complementary capability: creating nanoscale complexity inside bulk, load-bearing matter. The next stage will be determined less by how small researchers can make a feature than by how precisely they can place, stabilise and manufacture it. For materials scientists and engineers, that shifts the question from whether nanoscale structure changes performance—it plainly can—to how those changes can be controlled, scaled and applied responsibly. In Australia, a research base spanning deformation processing, nanofabrication, energy materials, quantum devices and nanomedicine is approaching that question from several directions.

For nanomaterials broadly, the central challenge is translation. Laboratory performance must be reproduced at larger scale, at acceptable cost and with reliable control over size, chemistry, dispersion and interfaces. Manufacturing also requires suitable metrology, standards and lifecycle

Together, these fields demonstrate that the future of nanomaterials will depend not only on seeing and understanding matter at exceptionally small scales, but on converting that knowledge into materials and processes capable of performing reliably in the world beyond the laboratory.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | 57

FEATURE – Nanomaterials and NanoSPD

Giving Waste Plastics A Second Life As HighPerformance Materials Source: Sally Wood A new has shown that, rather than being discarded, plastics can be transformed into valuable carbon nanomaterials that help solve both energy and environmental challenges. Plastics are one of the world’s most persistent waste problems — durable, difficult to recycle, and increasingly polluting our environment. The research team, based at Adelaide University, demonstrated a universal and scalable method to upcycle common plastics — including PET, PVC, polyethylene and polypropylene and their mixtures — into single-atom catalysts (SACs). These advanced materials contain metal atoms anchored and isolated in a graphene substrate, making them highly efficient in chemical reactions. SACs produced from plastic waste showed excellent performance in breaking down diverse micropollutants in water and in boosting clean-energy technologies such as batteries and fuel cells.

are seeing a surge in demand from researchers worldwide working in this area,” he added. First-author Dr Shiying Ren from Adelaide University added, "Our work shows that plastics, which are usually considered a waste and an environmental burden, can actually be a valuable resource for making advanced catalysts. This approach opens a sustainable pathway to address both plastic pollution and the demand for new materials.” A/Prof Xiaoguang Duan, a lead author on the paper, said, “What excites us the versatility of the method, it works across different plastics and mixtures, and produces advanced yet low-cost catalysts that can be applied in water purification, batteries, and beyond. The insights from synchrotron X-rays were essential in proving how the catalysts are structured and why they perform so well.” The discovery offers a powerful way to give waste plastics a second life as high-

performance materials, advancing both a circular economy and next-generation clean technologies. Unlike many recycling approaches, this method works across multiple plastics and even mixtures, producing gram-scale yields that point to real-world feasibility. The atomic insights made possible by ANSTO’s XAS Beamline were essential to unlocking this sustainable solution. By confirming that the metals were truly present as isolated single atoms, XAS provided the evidence needed to understand why these catalysts are so effective. “This is a great example of how our capabilities directly support highimpact sustainability research,” Dr Johannessen added. “The Adelaide group, led by Professor Shaobin Wang and A/Prof Xiaoguang Duan, are one of the most productive in the field, and our collaboration shows how synchrotron science can accelerate innovation in environmental and energy technologies.”

At ANSTO’s Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne, researchers used X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) to probe the atomic-scale structure of the catalysts. These measurements confirmed that the metals were not forming nanoparticles but were dispersed as single atoms, chemically bound within the carbon framework in the favourable coordination environment — the secret sauce to their exceptional performance. “This project highlights how advanced characterisation at the Synchrotron enables breakthroughs in sustainability,” said Dr Bernt Johannessen, Senior Scientist at the Australian Synchrotron and co-author of the study. “By revealing the atomic structure of these new catalysts, we helped the team understand why they work so well and how to scale the method. The XAS technique is a uniquely powerful tool in studies like these, because it can clearly distinguish between nanoparticles and truly single-atom sites, and we

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a TEM images of five SACs derived from single-type plastics. b HAADF-STEM images of five SACs derived from single-type plastics and single atoms are circled in red. c TEM images of five SACs derived from mixed plastics (MPs). d HAADF-STEM images of five SACs derived from MPs and single atoms are circled in red. e HAADF-STEM and the corresponding EDS mapping images of five SACs derived from MPs. The scale bar is 500 nm.

FEATURE – Nanomaterials and NanoSPD

Nanoplastics Detection Chip Revolutionises Plastic Pollution Monitoring Source: Sally Wood A first-of-its-kind method that’s cheap, portable and powerful in detecting harmful nanoplastics particles has been developed by an international consortium of researchers, with far-reaching implications for global health and environmental science. While the dangers of microplastics are widely recognised, smaller nanoplastics are more insidious, infiltrating food, water, and even human organs, and detecting them has been difficult and expensive. Researchers at the University of Melbourne and the University of Stuttgart in Germany have developed a novel “optical sieve” to cost-effectively detect, classify and count nanoplastic particles in real-world environments. Dr Lukas Wesemann, who led the Australian arm of the research at the University of Melbourne, said the innovation is able to expose the extent of nanoplastics pollution that can persist for centuries, and provides hope for scalable monitoring of this global environmental and health crisis. “Until now, detecting and sizing plastic particles with diameters below a micrometre – one millionth of a metre – has relied on costly tools such as scanning electron microscopes, and been nearly impossible outside advanced laboratories, leaving us blind to their true impact,” Dr Wesemann said. “Our novel optical sieve is an array of tiny cavities of varying sizes in a gallium arsenide microchip.” When a liquid containing nanoplastics is poured over the sieve, each plastic particle is captured in a void of matching size, sorting them into categories down to a diameter of 200 nanometres. “Crucially, it requires only an optical microscope and a basic camera to observe distinct colour changes to light reflecting off the sieve, which allows us to detect and count the sorted particles,” Dr Wesemann said.

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Researchers at the University of Melbourne and the University of Stuttgart in Germany have developed a novel “optical sieve” to cost-effectively detect, classify and count nanoplastic particles. Image credit: University of Melbourne.

University of Melbourne Associate Professor Brad Clarke and co-author said the invention could make pollution monitoring far more affordable, accessible and mobile. “Understanding the numbers and size distribution of nanoplastics is crucial to assess their impact on global health, and aquatic and soil ecosystems,” he said. “Unlike microplastics, smaller nanoplastics can cross biological barriers, including the blood-brain barrier, and accumulate in body tissues, raising profound health concerns of toxic exposure.” The researchers validated the technique using lake water mixed with nanoplastics, with future testing potentially including identifying nanoplastics in blood samples. “In contrast to existing methods like

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dynamic light scattering, our new method does not require separating the plastics from biological matter,” Dr Wesemann said. The researchers are exploring scaling the innovation into a commercially available environmental testing solution. The team included scientists from the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems and Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants in the School of Chemistry. The research was supported by funding, including from the Australian Research Council, European Research Council, the Australia–Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme (Universities Australia-DAAD), the University of Stuttgart and the University of Melbourne.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | 59

FEATURE – Nanomaterials and NanoSPD

Light As A Feather Nanomaterial Extracts Drinking Water From Air Source: Sally Wood An international scientific collaboration has developed a novel nanomaterial to efficiently harvest clean drinking water from water vapour in the air. The nanomaterial can hold more than three times its weight in water and can achieve this far quicker than existing commercial technologies, features that enable its potential in direct applications for producing potable water from the air. The collaboration is led by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Carbon Science and Innovation (ARC COE-CSI), UNSW Associate Professor Rakesh Joshi, and Nobel Laureate Professor Sir Kostya Novoselov. Professor Joshi is based at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW). Prof Novoselov is based at the National University of Singapore. A United Nations report, estimates that 2.2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water. On Earth, there is about 13 million gigalitres of water suspend in the atmosphere (Sydney harbour holds 500 gigalitres). While that is only a fraction of the total water on Earth, it still amounts to a substantial source of fresh water. “Our technology will have application in any region where we have sufficient humidity but limited access to or availability of clean potable water,” Dr Joshi said.

Xiaojun (Carlos) Ren, UNSW School of Materials Science and Engineering and first author on the paper, holds the graphene oxide aerogel. Image credit: UNSW.

Professor Novoselov said, “This is an excellent example of how interdisciplinary, global collaboration can lead to practical solutions to one of the world’s most pressing problems— access to clean water.”

What the research team discovered is that the way the calcium coordinates with the oxygen in the graphene changes the strength of the hydrogen bonds between the water and the calcium to make those bonds even stronger.

Finding Magic In The Bonding The novel nanomaterial is based on the well-studied form of the graphene oxide, which is a single atom thick carbon lattice functionalized with oxygen containing groups. Graphene oxide has good water adsorption properties, which are properties that enable water to bond to the surface of a material.

“We measured the amount of water adsorbed onto graphene oxide by itself and we measured X. We measured the amount of water adsorbed onto calcium itself and we got Y. When we measured the amount of water adsorbed onto the calciumintercalated graphene oxide we got much more than X+Y. Or it is like 1+1 equals a number larger than 2,” said Xiaojun (Carlos) Ren, UNSW School of Materials Science and Engineering and first author on the paper.

Calcium also has good water adsorption properties. The research team decided to see what happened if you intercalate calcium ions (Ca2+) into the graphene oxide. What happened was unexpected.

“This stronger than expected hydrogen bonding is one of the reasons for the material’s extreme ability to adsorb water,” he says.

An important characteristic of materials that effectively adsorb water is strong hydrogen bonds between the water and the material it adsorbs onto, something that graphene oxide and calcium each have. The stronger the hydrogen bond, the more a material can adsorb water.

It’s Also Light As A Feather

But some magic happens when you intercalate calcium to the oxygen in the graphene oxide.

Aerogels are riddled with micro- to nanometre-sized pores giving them a massive surface area, which helps this aerogel form adsorb water far quicker than the standard graphene oxide.

In calcium-intercalated graphene oxide, it is the synergy between calcium and oxygen that facilitates the extraordinary adsorption of water.

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There was one more design tweak the team did to enhance the material’s water adsorbing ability – they made the calcium-intercalated graphene oxide in the form of an aerogel, one of the lightest solid materials known.

The aerogel also gives the material sponge-like properties

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FEATURE – Nanomaterials NanoSPD| 21-23 JULY 2027 APICAM2027 | SYDNEYand AUSTRALIA

that make the desorption process, or release of the water from the membrane, easier. “The only energy this system requires is the small amount needed to heat the system to about 50 degrees to release the water from the aerogel,” said Professor Daria Andreeva, the co-author of the paper.

The Power Of The Supercomputer

Come an d meet Gwénaë lle and S ophie, our Con ference Chairs fo APICAM r 2027, at Materials the sustainable solution to the growing challenge Auof strfresh alia Bowater oth (No. during th availability in regional Australia and in water-stressed 27), e Poster regions T u e s S d es ay night across the globe,” said Professor Karton. between sion 7.0 to discu ss the ex 0-7.30pm c The Power Of Science Without Borders iting opportu nities th a t A This is still a fundamental research discovery PICAMthat 2027needs brithis ngs. further development. Industry have collaborated on project to help scale up this technology and develop a prototype for testing.

The research is based on experimental and theoretical The 5th Asia-Pacific International Conference on “What we have done is uncover the fundamental science work that relied on the Australian National Computational Additive Manufacturing (APICAM) is the not-to-be-missed behind the moisture adsorption process and the role of Infrastructure (NCI) supercomputer in Canberra. hydrogen bonding. This knowledge will help provide clean industry conference of 2027. Professor Amir Karton from the University of New England led drinking water to a large proportion of those 2.2 billion the computational work to provide the crucial understanding APICAM was created to that provide an opportunity for industry people lack access to it, demonstrating theprofessionals societal of the underlying mechanism. impact collaborative research from our Centre,” said and researchers to comebytogether, share knowledge and engage inCOECSI Director and one of the coauthors on the paper, Professor “The modelled simulations done on the supercomputer the type of networking that is vital to the furthering of the additive Liming Dai. explained the complex synergistic interactions at the manufacturing industry. molecular level, and these insights now help to design even The research is a global collaboration between research better systems for atmospheric water generation, a groups frompresentations Australia, China, Japan, Singapore and across India. Theoffering conference will feature from leading experts

industry, academia, and government-funded research organisations, highlighting emerging technologies, current challenges, and innovative solutions. Important areas such as additive manufacturing in the biomedical, defence and aerospace industries will be covered CALby L Fexperts OR from each respective field. ABST

RACTS N O W The purpose of this conference is to provide a focused forum for the OP EN Closing Dof presentation of advanced research and improved understanding ate 28 Feborganising various aspects of additive manufacturing. The APICAM2027 2027 committee is seeking abstracts for either an oral or poster presentation.

Symposia Themes Symposia Themes The 5th Asia-Pacific International Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Additive Manufacturing Additive Manufacturing (APICAM) is the >not-to-be> Additive Manufacturing for Polymers and Composites > Metal Additive Manufacturing missed industry conference of 2027. > Additive Manufacturing of Electronic and Functional > Additive Manufacturing Devices for Polymers and Composites APICAM was created to provide an opportunity for > Bioprinting>and Biomaterials in Additive Manufacturing industry professionals and researchers to come Process Monitoring, Metrology and Quality Control for > Ceramic and Concrete in Additive Manufacturing together, share knowledge and engage in the type Additive Manufacturing of networking that is vital to the furthering>of Additive the Manufacturing of Electronic > Artificial Intelligence and Devices Data-Driven Additive additive manufacturing industry. > Sustainability Manufacturing in Additive Manufacturing The conference will feature presentations>from Post-Processing in Additive > Bioprinting and Manufacturing Biomaterials in Additive Manufacturing leading experts across industry, academia, and > Modelling >andCeramic Simulation for Additive Manufacturing and Concrete in Additive Manufacturing government-funded research organisations, > Emerging Technologies in Additive Manufacturing > Emerging Technologies in Additive Manufacturing highlighting emerging technologies, current > Additive Manufacturing: Design, Qualification, Certification > Innovative Applications in Additive and Manufacturing challenges, and innovative solutions. Important > Innovative Applications in Additive Manufacturing > Metal Additive Manufacturing areas such as additive manufacturing in the

> Modelling and Simulation for Additive Manufacturing biomedical, defence and aerospace industries Conference Chairs will be covered by experts from each respective > Post-Processing in AdditiveofManufacturing > Professor Gwénaëlle Proust | University Sydney field. > Sustainability and Circularity in Additive Manufacturing > Professor Sophie Primig | UNSW Sydney The purpose of this conference is to provide a Conference Host Conference focused forum Host for the presentation of advanced Enquiries: research and improved understanding of Tanya Smith various aspects of additive manufacturing. The Materials Australia APICAM2027 organising committee is seeking +61 3 9326 7266 abstracts for either an oral or poster presentation. imea@materialsaustralia.com.au

Conference Partner

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

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FEATURE – Nanomaterials and NanoSPD

New Nano-Material Takes Shape Source: Sally Wood The potential use of low-energy light to shape ferroelectric thin films for micro-devices is advancing with an international team of researchers recently reporting success with ‘photostriction’. Light-induced nonthermal deformation of materials, or photostriction, has the advantage of directly converting photon energy into mechanical motion, offering exciting possibilities for wireless, light-powered sensors and optomechanical devices, says Flinders University researcher Dr Pankaj Sharma. Since its discovery in the 1960s, scientists have explored photostriction in a wide range of materials – from semiconductors and oxides to ferroelectrics and polymers. However, many of these systems face challenges. “Conventional semiconductors show weak responses, leadbased materials raise environmental concerns, and some light-sensitive compounds are unstable,” said Flinders University senior lecturer in physics Dr Pankaj Sharma, lead and corresponding author. “Ferroelectrics, the electrical analogues of magnets, show promise but are mostly limited to UV light, and epitaxial thin films grown on substrates are constrained by their supports,” he said. Now, the research team has demonstrated major photostrictive effects under visible light in unconstrained thin films of BiFeO3 – a multiferroic. BiFeO₃, or bismuth ferrite, is an inorganic compound with a perovskite structure that is a room-temperature multiferroic material, meaning it exhibits both ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic properties. Its ability to have its magnetic and electric properties controlled by external fields makes it a

Dr Pankaj Sharma, from the College of Science and Engineering. Image credit: Flinders University.

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promising material for new electronic and spintronic devices, as well as for applications like photocatalysis and energy storage. The new study shows that these nanostructured films, created through a low-cost, scalable spray-pyrolysis process, exhibit record-high light-driven strains using remarkably low optical power. “Light can precisely control the internal structure and electronic responses of these films,” said Dr Sharma, from the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University. “This points to a future where micro-devices can be powered and actuated entirely by light.” Dr Haoze Zhang, postdoctoral fellow and first author of the study at Flinders University, added: “These materials could form the foundation for light-controlled actuators, wireless sensors, and self-powered optomechanical systems. The key lies in unconstrained nanocrystalline BiFeO3 films, which feature a dense network of domain walls — atomically thin boundaries within the crystal,” he said. “When illuminated, these walls efficiently separate photoinduced charge carriers, while the nanocrystals move more freely, generating strong electromechanical responses,” explained Dr Zhang. “The resulting photostriction is up to five times greater than bulk BiFeO3 crystals, rivalling advanced halide perovskites but without their stability or toxicity issues.” By tuning light wavelength and intensity, the team demonstrated fine control over piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties, establishing a versatile platform for energyefficient, multifunctional nanoscale devices.

Dr Haoze Zhang in the lab with Dr Sharma. Image credit: Flinders University.

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FEATURE – Nanomaterials and NanoSPD

New Way To Trap Toxic PFAS In Water Source: Sally Wood Contamination of ground, surface and drinking water by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) affects millions of people worldwide. A promising new method developed by Flinders University scientists paves the way to help remove the most difficult-tocapture variants of these persistent pollutants from water. The research team, led by Flinders ARC Research Fellow Dr Witold Bloch, has discovered adsorbents that effectively capture PFAS, including short-chain forms that are especially difficult to remove using existing technologies. The study, published in the top-tier journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition, showcases the use of a nanosized molecular cage that acts as a highly selective ‘PFAS trap’. “While some long-chain PFAS can be partially removed using existing water treatment technologies, the capture of shortchain PFAS – which are more mobile in water – remains a major unresolved challenge,” says project leader Dr Witold Bloch, from Flinders University’s College of Science and Engineering. “We discovered that a nano-sized cage captures short-chain PFAS by forcing them to aggregate favourably inside its cavity. This unusually strong binding mechanism is different from that of traditional adsorbent materials.”

Flinders researchers Caroline Andersson and Dr Witold Bloch with a 70m-fold enlarged 3D printed model of the actual size of the microscopic cage designed to capture and remove PFAS.

The team embedded these molecular cages into mesoporous silica – an adsorbent that normally shows no PFAS binding properties. First author Caroline Andersson, a PhD candidate in chemistry at Flinders University, says the presence of the embedded nanosized cage enables a broad range of PFAS to be removed from water, including short-chain variants that are notoriously difficult to isolate. The Flinders team has invented a nano-sized molecular ‘cage’ to absorb PFAS variants. “The most exciting aspect of this project was that we first conducted in-depth studies of how PFAS bind within the cage on the molecular level,” she says. “That allowed us to understand the precise binding behaviour and then use that knowledge to design an effective adsorbent for PFAS removal.” Laboratory testing showed the adsorbent material can remove up to 98% of PFAS at environmentally relevant concentrations in model tap water. “The adsorbent also demonstrated reusability, remaining highly effective after at least five cycles of reuse. These results highlight its potential for integration into water filtration systems for polishing drinking water at the final stage of treatment,” added Dr Bloch. “This research represents an important step toward the development of advanced materials capable of tackling one of the world’s most persistent environmental contaminants,” he concludes. PFAS molecules from industrial manufacturing, aviation firefighting foam and consumer products, which find their way

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Flinders researchers Caroline Andersson and Dr Witold Bloch with a 70m-fold enlarged 3D printed model of the actual size of the microscopic cage designed to capture and remove PFAS. Image credit: Flinders University.

into fresh water as well as marine environments are creating growing concerns about health risks to humans, livestock and wildlife. The study, led by Dr Bloch and PhD researchers Caroline Andersson and Jemma Virtue, was supported by Australian experts including Flinders University Professors Martin Johnston, Michelle Coote and Justin Chalker.

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FEATURE – Nanomaterials and NanoSPD

Nanocarriers for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Diagnosis and Treatment Source: Melissa K. Stanfield, William Louis, Namita, Yadav, Nhiem Tran, Kate Fox – RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia; Shawn Goussous – Nanocube Health, Melbourne, Australia.

1. Meet our research team Working at the cross-section of engineering, biomedical sciences, cancer biology and chemistry; the team in the Biomedical Engineering department at RMIT University are establishing new technology, bringing tailored nanocarriers to the forefront of cancer research.

life. This project involves employing nanocarriers as a dual detection and treatment pathway to advance the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Herein, we are working with Nanocube Health to develop a nanocarrier that can

detect pancreatic cancer and offer subsequent drug delivery to the cancer cells. The objective of this project is to observe chemical change upon a cellular interaction, which will provide insights to optimal conditions for cell detection.

Working in partnership with Melbourne based start-up Nanocube Health, the team are designing novel nanocarriers that are able to detect and treatment difficult to reach cancers, such as pancreatic cancer. The team’s research focuses on innovating the design of nanocarriers, introducing chemical motifs that can be detected and tracked in vivo, while simultaneously recognising cancer biomarkers.

2. Nanocarriers as tools in biomedical innovation and therapy Defined as untethered nanostructures that contain an engine or are capable of transforming diverse types of energy sources to mechanical forces and perform a medical task. Applying nanomedicines to allow one to access remote and hard-to-reach body regions, and perform various medical tasks (including drug delivery, tumour detection and diagnosis, targeted therapy). Often manufactured from an array of composite materials (Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), semiconductors (i.e. silicon, polymers). Although nanocarrier-based strategies have demonstrated remarkable potential in cancer therapy, significant challenges remain in translating these systems from laboratory concepts to clinically effective medicines.

3. The aim of the research Our technology employs nanorobotics to seek out, bind to, and flag cancer cells using an injected encapsulated shell with real-time read-out capabilities. The platform enables earlier diagnosis, offering the potential to significantly improve survival rates and quality of 64 | SEPTEMBER 2026

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FEATURE – Nanomaterials and NanoSPD

4. Detecting Pancreatic cancer

5. Demonstration of prototype scaffold

Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to detect early, and that is the main reason it has one of the lowest survival rates among major cancers. Almost 90% of patients die within 5 years of diagnosis. Early-stage pancreatic cancer is usually asymptomatic or non-specific. When symptoms do appear often the disease has metastasised, making clinical detection inherently delayed. As the pancreas sits deep in the abdomen, tumours are not easily physically examined, early lesions are not visible on routine imaging. Unlike breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer, there is no widely accepted population screening test for pancreatic cancer.

Nanocarriers are often inert platforms that need to be chemically modified to allow for specific biomolecular interactions and platform tracking. The team at RMIT is focusing on developing a boutique platform, that has undergone chemical modification for its application in cancer therapy. Several analysis techniques involve evaluating biomolecule conjugation efficiency and post-conjugation biomolecule recognition. Chemical ‘enhancers’ have been introduced to the nanoparticles, to improve their ability to be detected in vivo.

6. Biological assessment of nanocarriers Our research leverages a sophisticated spectrum of cellular models to evaluate how surface-modified nanobots interact with and penetrate cancer tissue. By utilizing everything from traditional tissue cultures to cutting-edge 3D spheroids, organoids, and microfluidic "organ-on-a-chip" systems, we can accurately mirror complex human biology in the lab. These advanced frameworks allow us to precisely map how nanobot chemistry influences cell membrane breaching, internalization, and tumour permeability—providing the essential data needed to optimize their targeting accuracy and therapeutic delivery before moving to clinical stages.

7. Future of nanotechnology for medical engineering Nanotechnology is expected to play a transformative role in medical engineering by enabling more precise, efficient, and personalized healthcare. It involves manipulating materials at the nanoscale (1–100 nanometers) to create advanced medical tools, devices, and treatments. Some areas currently undergoing extensive research are nanoparticles for targeting drug delivery; nanosensors for early disease detection and

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FEATURE – Nanomaterials and NanoSPD

diagnosis; regenerative medicine; supporting tissue engineering and assist to repair damaged organs, bones etc; nanorobots able to travel through the bloodstream and advanced medical imaging enhancing commonly used imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans. Although presenting an exciting pathway forward for nanotechnology; significant challenges must be overcome to ensure the viability of these technologies. The future of nanotechnology in medical engineering is highly promising. As research advances, nanomedicine is expected to revolutionize disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Innovations such as nanorobots, smart drug delivery systems, regenerative therapies, and personalized medicine could make healthcare more effective, less invasive, and more accessible, leading to longer and healthier lives.

8. Summary The research team at RMIT is working to progress nanotechnology and nanomaterials for biomedical engineering. Working at the interface of chemistry, nanotechnology and biomedical engineering to design and execute novel platforms that can detect biomolecules and biomarkers related to cancer. While introducing an enhancer platform that provides the materials a pathway for in vivo detection. Nanotechnology is pathing the way as a useful tool to improve medical diagnostics and treatment.

References [1] Wu, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006 128 (36), 12001-12006 [2] Jeong Ah Park, et al., Sens. Actuators, B, 399,2024, 134876, [3] Yamana et al., Nanoscale Adv., 2023,5, 3857-3861

Author Biographies Prof. Kate Fox Professor Kate Fox, Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Deputy Dean for R&I at RMIT University. Her research is centred on biomedical engineering, biomaterials, and additive manufacturing (3D printing), with a strong focus on developing improved medical implants. She is particularly known for work on 3D-printed and diamond-based implant materials, aiming to create implants that are more durable and compatible with the human body. Dr. Nhiem Tran Dr. Nhiem Tran is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Science at RMIT University. He leads the Biomaterial Interfaces research group and his groups research focuses on biomaterials, nanomedicine, and drug delivery systems, particularly lipid nanoparticles, self-assembled materials. Dr Shawn Goussous Dr Shawn Goussous is Co-Founder and Chief Scientist at NanoCube Health, where he leads the development of nanosensing and nanorobotic technologies for earlier pancreatic cancer detection. A nanoscientist specialising in nanomaterials, nanosensing and biomimetic innovation, he holds a PhD in Materials Engineering from the University of Melbourne and honorary appointments with RMIT University and the University of Melbourne.

[4] Marques, et al., J. Controlled Release, 320,2020,180-200. [5] Everett JN, Simeone DM. Pancreatic cancer. In: World Cancer Report: Cancer Research for Cancer Prevention. International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2020 [6] Willyard C. Early detection could improve pancreatic cancer's poor survival rates. Nature. 2025.

Dr. Melissa Stanfield Dr Melissa Stanfield is a postdoctoral research fellow at RMIT University in the School of Engineering. She works at the intersection of polymer chemistry, materials science, and biomedical engineering, with a focus on developing advanced biomaterials and nanomaterials for healthcare applications. Namita Yadav Namita Yadav is a postdoctoral fellow at RMIT University. She joined the team as cancer biologist to develop pancreatic cancer spheroid & organoid models, to study the nanocarrier platform in-vitro followed by in-vivo studies in order to evaluate the biocompatibility of the nanocarriers. William Louis William Louis is PhD candidate at RMIT University. He is a biomedical engineer with expertise in material design for biomedical applications. His research focuses on developing nanocarriers for biomedical applications and evaluating their cellular interactions.

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FEATURE – Nanomaterials and NanoSPD

Next-Generation Nanomedicine Delivery System Source: Sally Wood Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI) researchers and collaborators have developed a revolutionary nanomedicine delivery system with the potential to improve outcomes for cancer patients.

Dr Ju said the team has patented a library of this new class of LNPs and that “the team is very excited about the potential of this new platform technology and is looking for industry partners to work with to develop new mRNA therapeutics”.

The study was co-led by Dr Yi (David) Ju at ONJCRI and Professor Frank Caruso at the University of Melbourne, together with colleagues from RMIT.

“Within five years, we hope to validate the platform with new therapeutic applications in animal models. Importantly, these LNPs can be produced using the same assembling equipment as current vaccines, but with components that are significantly more affordable than those found in existing LNP drug delivery formulations.”

Nanomedicine has been a significant area of interest for the cancer research community as it offers innovative and targeted treatment delivery. Using the Australian Synchrotron and state-of-the-art cryo-imaging, the team has developed a new class of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that form complex internal arrangements such as cubes or hexagons.

The research was supported by Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project grants; ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award; National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Investigator Grant 2; and the NHMRC Ideas Grant.

These structures significantly expand the potential of LNPs by providing more surface area and greater versatility for carrying a wide variety of cargo. Dr Shiyao Li, first author of the paper and Postdoctoral Researcher at ONJCRI said, “Our new lipid nanoparticles are more like honeycombs, with tightly packed and ordered compartments. Just like a honeycomb stores honey efficiently, our particles can pack and deliver medicines much more effectively.” “A key benefit of our new class of LNPs is that their nonlamellar structures are tuneable, meaning their internal order and size can be precisely adjusted by varying the formulation. This flexibility allows us to design delivery systems for different classes of therapeutic molecules.” Professor Caruso said, “The breakthrough will bring insights into nanostructured materials design and allow new applications in diverse fields, from molecular delivery for cancer treatments, to protein and gene therapies, and even diagnostic nanomaterials. There is wide capacity to tailor these materials to different delivery needs.”

Dr Shiyao Li. Image credit: La Trobe University.

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FEATURE – Nanomaterials and NanoSPD

Beyond Flat Graphene: Structural Design for Mechanical Protection and Thermal Management Source: Huanzhi Song, Youzhe Yang, Yi Wang, Jie Yang and Yingyan Zhang, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia

1. Meet our research team Advanced manufacturing increasingly depends on materials that can remove heat, withstand deformation and remain reliable at very small scales. These requirements are especially important in electronic and flexible devices, where local temperature rise and mechanical deformation can occur simultaneously. At RMIT University, our research explores how graphenebased materials can be tailored for demanding engineering applications. Instead of using flat graphene, we investigate folded graphene, layered graphene/hBN hybrid structures and graphene reinforced polymer composites. These configurations allow us to examine how shape and material combination affect flexibility, fracture resistance and heat transfer. We use all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, which capture the movement and interaction of individual atoms. These virtual experiments show where stress builds up, how cracks propagate and how heat moves through a material. They explain physical phenomena and accelerate materials design before physical fabrication. This article presents three representative studies from our team. They examine heat transfer in graphene/hBN layered structures, the response of graphene origami to external loading, and its use in reinforcing polymer composites in heat dissipation. Together, they demonstrate different ways of using graphene-based materials for efficient thermal management and enhanced mechanical reliability.

2. Why structural design of two-dimensional materials matters in manufacturing Graphene and other two-dimensional materials have excellent mechanical and thermal properties at nanoscale. In manufactured products, these materials are usually used as reinforcing fillers for metal/polymer composites. During fabrication and operation, the materials may wrinkle, fold, or develop defects. These changes can strongly affect the distribution of fillers in the composites, which in turn determine the final properties of the composites. Therefore, material design is equally important as the material itself. Flat graphene provides high strength and efficient heat removal, but its electrical conductivity can limit its use in electronic devices. It also has limited capacity to accommodate large deformation. Placing graphene between hBN layers can provide electrical insulation and surface protection while retaining a pathway for heat transfer. Folding graphene creates additional space for deformation and increases contact with surrounding polymers. These design choices must be matched to the intended function of the component. A material developed for electronic cooling may require high in plane heat dissipation and electrical insulation, while a flexible or protective component 68 | SEPTEMBER 2026

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Figure 1. Representative Two-Dimensional Materials and Engineered Graphene Structures.

may place greater importance on deformation capacity and resistance to local loading. In polymer composites, the contact between the filler and polymer can be more important than the thermal conductivity of the filler alone. The following case studies address three practical design questions: how graphene and hBN can be combined for electrically safe heat spreading, how folded graphene responds to concentrated loading, and how graphene origami affects heat transfer at the interfaces in polymer composites. The research findings provide useful guidance for designing innovative graphene-based devices.

3. Case Study 1: Graphene/hBN layered structures for safe and controllable heat dissipation Thermal management materials for electronic devices must transfer heat efficiently without introducing electrical risks. Graphene has a very high thermal conductivity, but it is also electrically conductive. In contrast, hBN has an atomic structure similar to graphene while providing electrical insulation, thermal stability and high fracture resistance. Combining these two materials can therefore provide efficient heat removal together with electrical and structural protection. In this study, a graphene sheet was placed between two hBN layers to form a three- layer van der Waals heterostructure [1]. The layers were held together through van der Waals interactions. Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations were used to examine heat transfer along the plane of the structure. The heterostructure achieved an in plane thermal conductivity of 587.66 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹, approximately 40% higher than that of a WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

FEATURE – Nanomaterials and NanoSPD

comparable three-layer hBN structure. Although a structure composed entirely of graphene had a higher thermal conductivity, it could not provide the electrical insulation and protective function of the hBN outer layers [2]. Tensile simulations also showed that the hBN layers remained intact when the central graphene layer began to fracture, demonstrating their protective role. The study examined how hydrogen functionalization, vacancies, tensile strain, hBN layer number, interlayer interaction and temperature affected heat transfer. Adding hydrogen to 1% of carbon atoms reduced the thermal conductivity by 55%. The hydrogen changed the local atomic bonding and strongly disrupted the transfer of thermal energy. Vacancies produced a similar but less pronounced effect. A carbon vacancy concentration of 0.1% in the graphene layer reduced the thermal conductivity by approximately 30%. Boron and nitrogen vacancies in the outer hBN layers caused smaller reductions, showing that the structural quality of the central graphene layer was particularly important. A small tensile strain initially flattened minor wrinkles in the structure and temporarily improved heat transfer. At larger strains, increasing structural distortion reduced the thermal conductivity. Adding more hBN layers, excessively strengthening the interaction between layers and increasing the operating temperature also reduced in-plane heat transfer. These results show that functionalization, defects, layer thickness and residual deformation introduced during manufacturing can significantly affect thermal performance. The same factors can also be used as design parameters when carefully controlled. Graphene/hBN layered structures therefore offer potential for electronic systems that require heat spreading, electrical insulation and structural protection.

As shown in Fig. 3, the indentation load and depth curve were divided into three stages. During the first stage, the indentation load fluctuated around zero. The indenter tip initially interacted only with a ridge of the graphene origami over a small contact area, resulting in a very small interaction force. As the indentation depth increased, the graphene origami gradually unfolded and became smooth as the ridges and valleys disappeared. No carbon bonds were stretched during this unfolding process, and the structure therefore experienced no significant external stress. After unfolding was completed, the indentation process entered the second stage. The flattened graphene began to deform through the stretching of carbon bonds, and the indentation load increased rapidly with indentation depth. High stress first developed around the edge of the contact area, while the stress distribution gradually spread from the center towards the four edges. When the load reached its maximum value, carbon bonds began to break in the highly stressed central area, marking the onset of fracture. During the third stage, the indentation load dropped rapidly as more carbon bonds broke. The initial crack expanded and gradually developed into a hole. Once the hole became sufficiently large, the indenter passed through the graphene sheet and the indentation process was completed. Unlike flat graphene, graphene origami provided additional deformation space and buffering distance through unfolding before substantial stretching occurred. The roughness of graphene origami was controlled by the hydrogen density used to form the original structure. Increasing roughness improved both the maximum indentation load and maximum indentation depth. Compared with flat graphene, graphene origami supported maximum indentation loads that were 8% to 37% higher, while its maximum indentation depth increased by 68% to 138%. A rougher origami structure therefore provided greater indentation resistance and a stronger buffering capacity under transverse loading [4]. The origami morphology had little effect on the effective Young’s modulus, which remained approximately 1 TPa for different roughness levels. Its fracture strength also remained close to that of flat graphene. At the same time, graphene origami exhibited a negative Poisson’s ratio, and its bending stiffness increased with roughness. The folded structure therefore improved bending resistance without substantially reducing the intrinsic strength of graphene.

Figure 2. In plane thermal transport in a graphene/hBN (GBN) van der Waals heterostructure [1]. Left: the three layer GBN structure and nonequilibrium molecular dynamics model. Right: relative thermal conductivity at different hydrogen coverages.

4. Case Study 2: Improving flexibility and indentation resistance through graphene origami Flat graphene has extremely high strength and stiffness, but its deformation capacity before fracture is relatively limited. This restricts its use in flexible devices and impact protection. The second study examined whether an origami morphology could improve the flexibility and load carrying capacity of graphene under nanoindentation while retaining its intrinsic strength [3]. WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

Increasing the layer number provided a further improvement in load carrying capacity. The maximum indentation load of the bilayer structures was at least 60% higher than that of the single layer graphene origami. This enhancement was attributed to van der Waals interactions and more effective load transfer between the layers. These results demonstrate that origami morphology can significantly improve the deformation capacity, indentation resistance and buffering distance of graphene without substantially reducing its intrinsic strength. Graphene origami therefore offers potential for flexible electronic devices, lightweight protective materials and nanoscale impact protection.

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Figure 3. Nanoindentation process and mechanical response of graphene origami [3]. The figure presents the graphene origami model, molecular dynamics nanoindentation setup, load versus indentation depth curve for the three indentation stages, and stress distributions during deformation and fracture.

5. Case Study 3: Graphene origami in polymer composites for improved interface heat transfer

The folded structure also introduced an important tradeoff. The in-plane thermal conductivity of the graphene origami composite was approximately 51% of that obtained using flat graphene. The creases and hydrogenated regions disrupted the otherwise continuous heat transfer pathway along the graphene sheet. Graphene origami therefore improved heat transfer between the filler and polymer while reducing heat transfer along the filler itself.

Polymer materials offer flexibility, processability and the The study demonstrates that graphene origami is not only a flexible and impact This directional difference is important for composite design. ability to conform to contacting surfaces, making them useful butobjective also a functional filler for improving interface heat transfer in the main is to transfer heat across the filler and in electronic packaging and thermal management. However,resistant Ifstructure, polymer interface, the increased contact provided by graphene most polymers have low thermal conductivity and require polymer composites. Tailoring its folded geometry, interface contact and orientation conductive fillers such as graphene. Even when a filler conducts origami offers a clear advantage. If rapid heat spreading along heat efficiently, poor contact with the surrounding polymer offers a new approach to designing flexible thermal management materials. can prevent thermal energy from moving effectively across the interface. Hydrogenation

The effective thermal conductivity across the graphene origami and polymer interface was approximately 2.28 times that of the flat graphene interface. Randomly hydrogenated graphene produced a much smaller increase of approximately 1.14 times. This comparison shows that the improvement was mainly produced by the three-dimensional folded morphology rather than by hydrogen addition alone.

Hot Source

Heat flux

Pristine Graphene

Amorphous Cell

Hot Sink

Embedding

Interface thickness (h)

Hot Sink

The third study investigated whether the folded shape of graphene origami could improve interface heat transfer in polymer nanocomposites [5]. Three fillers were compared: flat graphene, randomly hydrogenated graphene and graphene origami. The randomly hydrogenated sheet contained the same number of hydrogen atoms as graphene origami but remained relatively flat. This comparison separated the influence of folded morphology from that of hydrogen functionalization.

Graphene Origami

The rough surface of graphene origami contacted more polymer molecules and strengthened the interaction between More polymer chains interaction the filler and surrounding material. Analysis of atomic movement showed that graphene origami restricted the motion of nearby polymer molecules more effectively than flat Figure 4. Heat transfer in a graphene origami reinforced polymer graphene. The atomic vibrations of the folded graphene and formation of graphene origami and the Figurenanocomposites 4. Heat transfer[5]. in Upper: a graphene origami reinforced polymer nanocomposites polymer were also better matched, allowing thermal energy to composite heat transfer model. Lower left: effects of graphene origami pass more easily between the two materials. Together, these[5]. Upper: and randomly on the interface in formationhydrogenated of graphene graphene origami and therelative composite heatand transfer model. effects reduced the resistance to heat transfer at the interface plane thermal conductivities. Lower right: Higer interaction with polymer Lower left: effects of graphene origami and randomly hydrogenated graphene on the chains by graphene origami. [6].

relative interface and in plane thermal conductivities. Lower right: Higer interaction 70 | SEPTEMBER 2026

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6. Summary

FEATURE – Nanomaterials and NanoSPD

Author Biographies

the filler is required, the folding degree, filler orientation and hydrogenated regions must be further optimized.

Prof. Yingyan Zhang

The study demonstrates that graphene origami is not only a flexible and impact resistant structure, but also a functional filler for improving interface heat transfer in polymer composites. Tailoring its folded geometry, interface contact and orientation offers a new approach to designing flexible thermal management materials.

Yingyan Zhang is the Professor in the School of Engineering at RMIT University, specialising in solid mechanics, computational mechanics and computational materials. Her research covers two-dimensional nanomaterials, polymer composites, heat conduction, structural stability, and mechanics at the micro and nanoscale, with a strong focus on using computational modelling to understand and improve advanced engineering materials.

6. Summary The three studies show that the performance of graphene based materials is controlled by their geometry, layer arrangement and contact with surrounding materials, rather than by the properties of graphene alone. Graphene and hBN layered structures provided a balance between heat spreading, electrical insulation and mechanical protection. Graphene origami accommodated greater local deformation and supported higher indentation loads while largely retaining the strength of graphene. When incorporated into a polymer, the folded morphology increased contact with nearby polymer molecules and improved heat transfer across the interface.

Distinguished Prof. Jie Yang Jie Yang is the Distinguished Professor in Engineering in the School of Engineering at RMIT University. His research focuses on advanced composite structures, nanocomposites, metamaterials, structural stability and dynamics and smart structures. His work brings together material design, computational modelling and structural analysis to develop lightweight, multifunctional and high-performance engineering materials and structures. One of his most significant achievements is being recognized by Clarivate as a Highly Cited Researcher (Cross-Field). Currently Prof Yang is the Lead Editor-in-Chief of Engineering Structures.

These improvements also involved practical tradeoffs. Folding increased deformation capacity and interface contact but reduced heat conduction along the graphene sheet. Adding protective hBN layers provided insulation and structural protection but produced a lower thermal conductivity than an all graphene structure. For manufacturers, there is therefore no single arrangement that maximizes every property. The most suitable design depends on whether the product requires electrical insulation, local heat removal, rapid in plane heat spreading, flexibility or resistance to external loading. Molecular dynamics simulations can be used to compare these options before fabrication and to identify manufacturing variables that require careful control, including defect concentration, residual strain, layer number, folding degree, filler orientation and interface quality.

Dr. Youzhe Yang Youzhe Yang is an engineering PhD graduate from RMIT University. Dr. Yang’s research focuses on thermal transport and interface engineering in graphene, hBN and polymer nanocomposites. The work combines molecular dynamics simulation and machine learning to support the design of composite materials for thermal management and other engineering applications.

References:

Dr. Yi Wang

[1] Y. Yang, J. Ma, J. Yang, Y. Zhang, Molecular Dynamics Simulation on In-Plane Thermal Conductivity of Graphene/Hexagonal Boron Nitride van der Waals Heterostructures, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 14 (2022) 45742-45751.

Yi Wang is an engineering PhD graduate from RMIT University. Dr. Wang’s research focuses on graphene origami and graphene reinforced polymer nanocomposites. The work examines how folding, layer arrangement and interface design affect deformation capacity, indentation resistance, impact protection, load transfer and energy absorption.

[2] Y. Yang, J. Ma, J. Yang, N. Wei, Y. Zhang, Tuning cross-plane thermal conductivity of multilayer graphene/h-BN vdW heterostructures via composition distribution, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 231 (2024) 125808. [3] Y. Wang, Y. Zhang, R. Gover, J. Yang, Y. Zhang, Fracture resistance of graphene origami under nanoindentation, Carbon, 207 (2023) 67-76.

Mr. Huanzhi Song

[4] Y. Wang, Y. Yang, R. Gover, Y. Zhang, J. Yang, Y. Zhang, Dynamic penetration behaviors of graphene origami under high-velocity impact, Journal of Materials Science & Technology, 190 (2024) 33-41. [5] H. Song, Y. Yang, R. Yang, J. Yang, Y. Zhang, Investigation on heat transfer performance of graphene origami/paraffin nanocomposites using molecular dynamics, Composites Communications, 58 (2025) 102532. [6] H. Song, R. Yang, J. Yang, Y. Zhang, Interfacial thermal conductance of ZnO/hBN vdW heterostructures, International Journal of Thermal Sciences, 224 (2026) 110744.

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Huanzhi Song is a PhD candidate in the School of Engineering at RMIT University. His research uses computational modelling and molecular dynamics simulations to investigate heat transfer and mechanical behaviour in twodimensional nanomaterials. His work focuses on materials for thermal management, including ZnO and hBN nanostructures and polymer composites.

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In-situ Electron Microscopy for Visualising Dynamic Structure–Property Relationships of Materials Source: Xiaozhou Liao – University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

1. Introduction Understanding how materials respond to external stimuli is central to establishing structure–property relationships and designing materials with improved performance. While conventional electron microscopy (EM), especially transmission electron microscopy (TEM) provides atomic-resolution snapshots of microstructures, it cannot directly capture the transient processes that link one structural state to another. Consequently, many fundamental mechanisms have been inferred from static imaging rather than directly observed. Capturing these dynamic processes in real time is therefore essential for revealing the microscopic origins of material behaviour. In-situ TEM has transformed the TEM from a static imaging tool into a dynamic platform for materials research by enabling structural evolution to be monitored while external stimuli are applied. Recent advances in aberration-corrected microscopy, high-speed detectors, and specialized specimen holders have further expanded the capabilities of in-situ EM, making it an indispensable technique for investigating dynamic phenomena across both structural and functional materials.

2. Linking Stimuli, Structure, and Properties by In-situ Electron Microscopy The defining advantage of in-situ TEM lies in its ability to establish direct correlations between external stimuli, structural evolution, and material properties, enabling cause-and-effect relationships to be established with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. Modern in-situ TEM experiments can incorporate a wide range of external stimuli, including mechanical loading, electrical biasing, heating, cooling, magnetic fields, and gaseous or liquid environments. Depending on the scientific questions, these stimuli drive different structural responses, such as dislocation motion, twinning, phase transformations, diffusion, or polarisation switching. Coupled with advanced imaging, diffraction, spectroscopy, and four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), in-situ EM enables structural, chemical, and property information to be acquired simultaneously, providing a comprehensive picture of dynamic processes across multiple length scales. The following sections illustrate how this stimulus–structure– property framework has transformed our understanding of two representative classes of materials. We first discuss structural materials, where in-situ EM has revealed the nano scale mechanisms governing plastic deformation in metals and alloys. We then highlight functional materials, demonstrating how in-situ TEM has provided unprecedented insights into polarisation switching, domain dynamics, and degradation in ferroelectric systems.

3. Case Study 1: Watching Defects Move in Metals and Alloys: Multiscale Insights into Deformation For structural materials, mechanical properties such as strength, ductility, and strain-hardening capability are of primary importance for engineering applications. These properties are governed by a wide range of microstructural defects spanning from the atomic scale to the micrometre scale. Although the deformation behaviour of these defects is difficult to capture using conventional ex-situ characterisation, in-situ TEM enables their evolution to be directly visualised during mechanical loading, providing unique insights into the dynamic relationship between microstructure and mechanical performance. The following examples illustrate how in-situ TEM reveals deformation mechanisms across multiple length scales, from micrometre-scale dislocation cellular structures to submicron-scale deformation twins and atomic-scale crystalline-to-amorphous transformations.

Figure 1. Deformation behaviours of dislocation cellular structures in AM 316L stainless steel. (A) In-situ straining TEM observations during tensile deformation. (B) Schematic illustrating the deformation behaviours of two types of dislocation cell walls. (C) Mechanical properties of samples produced using different AM scan speeds. [1]

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Tracking straining-induced evolution of dislocation cellular structures Additive manufacturing (AM) produces alloys with unique microstructures, among which dislocation cellular structures are one of the most distinctive features. These structures consist of dislocation-rich cell walls surrounding dislocationWWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

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poor cell interiors and contribute to the exceptional strength of AM alloys. However, the mechanisms responsible for their strengthening effect had remained under debate. Using a Bestron microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based in-situ straining platform, we directly tracked the evolution of dislocation cell walls during deformation and identified two distinct types of cell walls: those with measurable crystallographic misorientations and those without [1]. These two types of cell walls interact with moving dislocations through different mechanisms, resulting in markedly different structural stability during deformation (Fig. 1A). Cell walls containing crystallographic misorientations remain stable and act as effective dislocation sinks, whereas those without misorientation gradually dissolve under large strains because of dislocation rearrangement (Fig. 1B). These real-time observations demonstrate that dislocation cellular structures strengthen AM alloys through the combined effects of boundary strengthening and dislocation strengthening. Guided by this mechanistic understanding, the AM scanning strategy was further optimised to increase the fraction of stable cell walls, leading to simultaneous improvements in strength and ductility (Fig. 1C). Revealing the Effects of Twinning Configurations Deformation twinning is a key plastic deformation mechanism in low-stacking-fault-energy face-centred cubic alloys. While deformation twins are well known to enhance strain hardening and ductility in bulk materials, their behaviour in submicronand nano-scale specimens remains poorly understood because of pronounced size effects. Using focused ion beam fabrication together with quantitative in-situ TEM enabled by a Hysitron PI-95 system, we prepared miniature specimens with well-controlled twinning configurations and directly observed their deformation behaviour (Figs. 2A–2C) [2]. Direct observations showed that increasing twin density promotes more homogeneous plastic deformation and improves ductility, provided that stress-concentration sites are absent. In contrast, intersecting twins generate local stress concentrations that promote necking and fracture, while twin-boundary sliding, rather than twin-boundary migration, leads to highly localised deformation, pronounced softening, and reduced ductility. Together, these observations provide valuable guidance for designing high-performance micro- and nano-scale metallic components. Observing crystalline-to-amorphous transition at crack tip In-situ straining TEM also enables direct observation of deformation processes at the atomic scale. Using a Gatan straining holder together with high-resolution TEM, we captured a deformation-induced crystalline-to-amorphous phase transformation at the crack tip of an ultrafine-grained Cantor high-entropy alloy (Fig. 2D) [3]. Real-time observations revealed that the transformation results from the combined effects of high lattice friction and strong grain-boundary resistance to dislocation motion, providing new insights into deformation mechanisms in complex alloys and potential pathways for improving toughness.

4. Case Study 2: Watching Ferroelectrics at Work: RealTime Imaging of Domain Dynamics Ferroelectric materials show spontaneous electric polarisation WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

Figure 2. Nano- and atomic-scale in-situ TEM studies of microstructural evolution. (A) Focused ion beam -fabricated dog-bone specimens with designed twinning configurations. (B) Mechanical response of specimens with different twinning configurations. (C) In-situ observation of deformation involving twin–twin interactions. (D) Deformation-induced crystalline-toamorphous transition at a crack tip in a Cantor high-entropy alloy. [2,3]

and the polarisation can be switched by electric fields. They exhibit a strong coupling between polarisation and strain, underpinning their broad applications in non-volatile memories, logic devices, actuators, and sensors. Central to these functionalities is the ability to reversibly switch polarisation and re-arrange ferroelectric domains under external stimuli. Insitu TEM provides a direct means of visualising these dynamic processes and uncovering the microscopic mechanisms governing polarisation switching under electric biasing, straining and heating, and combining of them. Controlling Polarisation Switching Reducing the electric field required for polarisation switching is critical for developing low-power ferroelectric devices. Here we show an example of using a Hysitron PI 95 TEM Picoindenter in-situ electric-biasing/straining/heating TEM holder to study the domain evolution of relaxor ferroelectric PMN–38PT single crystals lamella under electrical and mechanical loading [4]. A schematic of experimental set up is shown in Fig. 3A. Under an applied electric field, electrical loading led to 180° ferroelectric domain reversal in the tetragonal microdomains but did not alter the ferroelastic domain structure (Fig. 3B) [4]. Mechanical loading revealed an additional pathway for controlling polarisation. When a sufficiently large stress was applied, the material underwent a hierarchical ferroelastic domain transition, involving the progressive reorganisation of domains across multiple length scales (Fig. 3C, (a)–(b)). Such stress-induced domain restructuring altered the local energy landscape and facilitated subsequent polarisation switching under external electric field (Fig. 3C, (b)–(d)). The schematics of BACK TO CONTENTS

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polarisation switching path under mechanical strain and electric biasing are shown in Fig. 3C (e)–(m). Under electrical biasing alone, domain switching was initiated at 3.2 V. In contrast, after applying a mechanical stress of 190 MPa, switching began at only 2 V, which is a remarkable reduction of approximately 40%. These observations highlight the strong interplay between mechanical strain and polarisation dynamics, and suggest that engineering ferroelastic domain structures offers a promising route to lowering switching barriers and achieving more controllable polarisation reversal in bulk ferroelectric materials. Together, these in-situ observations illustrate how in-situ microscopy can reveal transient domain states and switching pathways that are inaccessible to conventional static characterisation. By directly connecting external stimuli with nanoscale structural evolution, in-situ TEM provides mechanistic insights into how ferroelectric switching can be controlled through electric fields, mechanical stress, and their coupling. Seeing Ferroelectric Degradation One of the long-standing challenges in ferroelectric materials research has been understanding why these materials gradually lose their switching capability after repeated electrical cycling, causing ferroelectric degradation. Although degradation limits the lifetime and reliability of many electronic devices, directly observing the nano-scale processes has remained extremely difficult. Recent advances in MEMS-based in-situ TEM have transformed this situation. By integrating miniaturised electrodes and heating elements onto highly stable MEMS chips, we can now apply electrical bias and temperature while maintaining atomic-resolution imaging. Using aberration-corrected TEM together with the A

Figure 4. (A) A schematic diagram of the experimental setup. A focused ionbeam fabricated PMN-0.38PT lamella was fixed between two Pt electrodes. (B) Schematic diagrams showing lattices of a1/a2 domains. (C) A series of TEM images (top) and schematics (bottom) showing the evolution of domain structure in PMN-0.38PT under a cyclic electric field. (D, E) Electric field mappings before and after cyclic electric loadings, respectively. (E) A grayscale image obtained from the subtraction of the image in (D) from the image in (E), showing the variation in local image intensity. [5]

DENSsolutions Lightning in-situ biasing and heating platform, our team studied the degradation process of relaxor ferroelectric PMN–0.38PT single crystal lamella [5]. A schematic of the experimental setup and the initial domain pattern are shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, respectively. The evolution of ferroelectric domains and the formation of unswitchable c domains were directly observed during repeated electrical switching (Fig. 4C). Differential phase contrast (DPC) imaging revealed that electrical charges progressively accumulated at domain walls during cycling (Figs. 4D and 4F). These trapped charges stabilised specific ferroelectric domains (c domains), preventing them from switching under subsequent electric loading. As a result, the material gradually lost its ability to reverse polarisation and induce ferroelectric degradation [5]. These observations provide new insight into one of the key reliability challenges facing ferroelectric devices. More importantly, they demonstrate how modern in-situ electron microscopy is enabling researchers to directly observe functional materials while they operate. Such capabilities are expected to play an increasingly important role in the development of nextgeneration memory, sensors and energy-efficient electronic devices.

Figure 3. (A) A schematic diagram of the experimental setup for in-situ electric-biasing and straining experiments. (B) A series of images showing the evolution of ferroelectric/ferroelastic domains under electrical loading. Scale bar, 400 nm. (C): (a)–(d) A series of experimental images showing the evolution of ferroelectric/ferroelastic domains under mechanical and electrical loading. (e)–(m) illustrations of the switching process. (e): initial state; (f) and (g): mechanical loading only; (h)–(j) low electrical bias; (k) and (l) high electrical bias; (m) predicted higher electric bias. [4]

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Beyond conventional electrical and mechanical loading, in-situ TEM has revealed less intuitive routes for controlling ferroelectric domains. A focused electron beam, for example, can generate a local electric field through charge accumulation, enabling reversible nanoscale domain manipulation without electrodes or physical contact [6]. Sample dimensions themselves can also reshape switching behaviour: in PMN–38PT single crystal lamellae, reducing the sample thickness changed domain evolution from rapid propagation across ferroelastic domain walls to a constrained switching mode dominated by surface WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

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reconstruction, local strain, and domain-wall pinning [7]. These observations highlight the unique ability of in-situ TEM not only to visualise polarisation dynamics, but also to reveal how switching pathways emerge from the interplay between electric fields, surface effects, strain, and micro/nanoscale dimensions.

5. Conclusions and Outlook In-situ EM has fundamentally transformed the way structure– property relationships are investigated by enabling materials to be observed while they respond to external stimuli. As shown by the examples discussed in this article, direct visualization of dynamic structural evolution has provided unprecedented insights into the nanoscale mechanisms governing plastic deformation in metals and alloys, as well as polarisation switching and degradation in ferroelectric materials. These advances demonstrate that in-situ EM is far more than an imaging technique, instead, it is a powerful experimental platform for establishing direct links between external stimuli, structural evolution, and material properties. Looking ahead, the future of in-situ EM will rely increasingly on the integration of advanced imaging techniques, including aberration-corrected TEM, 4D STEM, electron ptychography, spectroscopy, and high-speed direct electron detectors, as well as the continued development of specialised in-situ electron microscopy holders that enable sophisticated environmental, thermal, electrical, mechanical, and electrochemical stimuli during observation. Together with quantitative image analysis, artificial intelligence, and multimodal correlative characterisation, these advances will enable more comprehensive and quantitative investigations of dynamic processes across multiple length and time scales. As these capabilities continue to mature, in-situ EM is expected to play an even greater role in uncovering fundamental mechanisms and accelerating the rational design of nextgeneration structural and functional materials.

References: [1]

J. Liu, H. Wang, R. Niu, C. Ren, K. Sisco, Y. Liu, Z. Chen, J. Cairney, Y. Mai, S. Ringer, X. Liao, Deformation behaviors of dislocation cellular structures in alloys produced by additive manufacturing, Materials Today 95 (2026) 103268.

[2]

J. Liu, R. Niu, J. Gu, Y. Liu, S. Ni, J. Cariney, M. Song, Y.-W. Mai, T. Zhu, X. Liao, Effects of twinning configurations on the mechanical performance of small-scale FCC metallic materials, Acta Mater. 306 (2026) 121880.

[3]

H. Wang, D. Chen, X. An, Y. Zhang, S. Sun, Y. Tian, Z. Zhang, A. Wang, J. Liu, M. Song, S.P. Ringer, T. Zhu, X. Liao, Deformation-induced crystallineto-amorphous phase transformation in a CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy, Sci. Adv. 7 (2021) eabe3105.

[4]

Z. Chen, L. Hong, F. Wang, S.P. Ringer, L.Q. Chen, H. Luo, X. Liao, Facilitation of Ferroelectric Switching via Mechanical Manipulation of Hierarchical Nanoscale Domain Structures, Phys. Rev. Lett. 118 (2017) 017601.

[5]

Q. Huang, Z. Chen, M.J. Cabral, F. Wang, S. Zhang, F. Li, Y. Li, S.P. Ringer, H. Luo, Y.W. Mai, X. Liao, Direct observation of nanoscale dynamics of ferroelectric degradation, Nat. Commun. 12 (2021) 2095.

[6]

Z. Chen, X. Wang, S.P. Ringer, X. Liao, Manipulation of Nanoscale Domain Switching Using an Electron Beam with Omnidirectional Electric Field Distribution, Phys. Rev. Lett. 117 (2016) 027601.

[7]

Z. Chen, F. Li, Q. Huang, F. Liu, F. Wang, S.P. Ringer, H. Luo, S. Zhang, L.-Q. Chen, X. Liao, Giant tuning of ferroelectricity in single crystals by thickness engineering, Sci. Adv. 6 (2020) eabc7156.

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Author Biographies Prof. Xiaozhou Liao Xiaozhou Liao is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering in the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at the University of Sydney (USyd). His research focuses on microstructure–property relationships and advanced transmission electron micros-copy of structural and functional materials. Dr. Ying Liu Ying Liu joined Prof. Xiaozhou Liao’s research group in 2023. Her research is centred on uncovering atomic-scale mechanisms governing nanoscale properties and phenomena in ferroic materials using advanced transmission electron microscopy, with expertise in in-situ electrical biasing, heating, and mechanical straining. Dr. Jinqiao Liu Jinqiao Liu is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Prof. Xiaozhou Liao’s group. He received his PhD from USyd in 2025. His research focuses on in-situ mechanical deformation of metals and alloys, with particular emphasis on micro- and nanoscale structure–property relationships and nanoscale deformation mechanisms of additive manufacturing materials. Mr. Ruiqing Lu Ruiqing Lu is a PhD candidate at USyd, where he began his doctoral studies in 2025. His research focuses on elucidating the atomicscale deformation mechanisms of metals and alloys, particularly the interactions between twins in alloys, with the aim of designing next-generation alloys with outstanding mechanical properties.

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Boron Nitride Nanomaterials for Solving Major Technology Challenges Source: Professor Chen – Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University Discoveries of new nanomaterials have played a fundamental role in the development of nanotechnology and in recent industrial advances. Carbon nanotubes and graphene are among the most representative examples. As a structural analogue of carbon-based materials, boron nitride (BN) is a versatile ceramic composed of alternating boron and nitrogen atoms. At the nanoscale, BN can also form nanotubes and atomically thin nanosheets. These nanomaterials exhibit properties that strongly complement those of their carbon counterparts, enabling applications that are not achievable with carbon nanomaterials. These unique BN nanomaterials are the main focus of this feature article. The nanotechnology research team at Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials has investigated BN nanomaterials for more than two decades. During the first decade, its research centred on fundamental studies of BN nanotubes. In the second, the team shifted its focus towards the commercialisation of BN nanotubes while expanding fundamental research into BN nanosheets, often referred to as “white graphene”. This article briefly reviews the commercialisation of BN nanotubes before presenting several case studies involving BN nanosheets.

Commercialisation of BN nanomaterials Any new material must be produced in sufficient quantities to enable thorough testing of its properties and potential applications. However, BN nanotubes have historically been much more difficult to synthesise at scale than carbon nanotubes. Deakin’s team developed a patented massproduction process based on mechanochemical activation followed by thermal annealing. In 2018, the patent was licensed to BNNT Technology Ltd, a joint-venture company established to scale up the process at a time when there was no commercial supplier of BN nanotubes. By 2021, through several research and development projects, our team had helped BNNT Technology Ltd achieve kilogram-scale production of BN nanotubes with a purity above 95%. BNNT Technology Ltd subsequently became the world’s largest supplier of BN nanotubes.

conductivity, chemical inertness, oxidation resistance, thermal stability and mechanical robustness. Strong covalent B-N bonds and a wide bandgap enable BN structures to conduct heat efficiently while suppressing electronic conduction - an uncommon combination that is particularly valuable for dielectric composites, electronic packaging, battery separators, and solid-state electrolytes. Several examples of the team’s research are presented below.

Case study 1. In-situ production and functionalisation of BN nanosheets We developed a gas-assisted mechanochemical route for the scalable production and in situ functionalisation of BN nanosheets. In this process, bulk hexagonal (h-) BN is treated in a sealed high-energy ball mill containing a selected reactive gas, i.e. ammonia. Mechanical impacts shear and exfoliate the layered BN while simultaneously generating highly reactive edges, vacancies, and fresh surfaces. The NH3 molecules chemisorb at these newly formed sites, terminating dangling bonds and suppressing interlayer cross-linking, fracture, and amorphisation. As a result, BN can be converted into thin nanosheets comprising only a few atomic layers while retaining its layered hexagonal crystalline structure. The gas acts not only as a milling atmosphere but also as a process-protection medium and exfoliation aid. Conventional liquid surfactants or solid exfoliating agents introduce contamination (Fig. 1a) [1] This mechanochemical process can also produce doped and composite nanosheets in a single step. When ethylene (C2H4) gas is used, carbon-containing species are incorporated

The successful commercialisation of BN nanotubes also contributed to the development of a broader Deakin–industry commercialisation ecosystem, leading to the creation of two new spin-off companies and joint ventures, including ASXlisted Li-S Energy Ltd, which develops lithium–sulfur battery technologies, and White Graphene Ltd, which specialises in BN nanosheets. These commercialisation initiatives are founded on the Nanotechnology team’s fundamental research into the distinctive properties and functional capabilities of BN nanomaterials.

Exploring New Properties and Applications of BN Nanosheets The distinctive properties of BN nanomaterials arise from their unusual combination of electrical insulation, high thermal 76 | SEPTEMBER 2026

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Figure 1. Schematic illustration of the gas-assisted ball milling process for BN nanosheet production and in-situ functionalisation.

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Figure 2. (a) Schematic illustration of an amino-functionalized BN nanosheet/graphene interlayer positioned above a CNT/S cathode. (b) Cross-sectional SEM image showing the interlayer conformally covering the CNT/S electrode. (c) Long-term cycling performance of Li-S cells with and without the FBNNS/graphene interlayer at 1 C and 3 C. (d) Schematic of an FBNNS-coated separator.

into the BN nanosheets during milling. The as-synthesised BN nanosheets retain their layered structure after 30 hours of milling and exhibit carbon distributed throughout the nanosheets as a result of C-N bond formation. This demonstrates the simultaneous exfoliation and carbon incorporation, or functionalisation, of BN nanosheets. The level of dopant incorporation can be controlled by adjusting the milling time, impact intensity, gas type, and gas pressure. When h-BN and graphite are milled together, graphene/h-BN heterostructure nanosheets can be produced. [2] Functionalised BN nanosheets transform the normally inert chemical nature of BN into an adjustable chemically active form, while composite BN nanosheets exhibit controlled electrical conductivity. In 2020, this patented production process was licensed to White Graphene Ltd, to support the scale-up and commercialisation of BN nanosheets.

Case study 2. Functionalised BN nanosheets solving the major issues in Li-S batteries Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are promising next-generation energy-storage systems because of their high theoretical specific capacity and energy density and the abundance and low cost of sulfur. However, their practical application is limited by the dissolution and migration of lithium polysulfides between the cathode and anode, commonly known as the polysulfide shuttle effect, which causes activematerial loss, low Coulombic efficiency, and rapid capacity fading. Functionalized BN nanosheets (FBNNSs) have been investigated as an effective strategy for controlling polysulfide transport. When amino-functionalized BNNSs are combined with graphene to form a cathode interlayer, their positively charged surface groups electrostatically adsorb negatively charged polysulfides and retain them near the cathode for subsequent electrochemical reuse. Meanwhile, graphene provides a conductive network that reduces charge-transfer resistance and improves sulfur utilization. A Li-S cell containing WWW.MATERIALSAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

this FBNNS/graphene interlayer retained approximately 700 mAh g-1 at 1 C and 558 mAh g-1 at 3 C after 1000 cycles, with capacity-decay rates of only 0.0067% and 0.0037% per cycle, respectively [3]. In a complementary approach, carbonate-functionalized BNNSs coated onto the separator possess a negatively charged surface that repels polysulfide anions, restricts their migration toward the lithium-metal anode, and suppresses the shuttle effect while maintaining porous pathways for Li+ transport. Cells using the FBNNScoated separator retained approximately 1027 mAh g-1 at 1 C and 897 mAh g-1 at 3 C after 1000 cycles [4]. Through these complementary adsorption and repulsion mechanisms, FBNNSs can effectively suppress the shuttle effect and substantially improve capacity retention, rate capability, Coulombic efficiency, and long-term cycling stability. These findings underscore the significant potential of FBNNSs to advance practical Li-S batteries and pave the way for their eventual commercialisation.

Case study 3: Functionalised BN nanosheets enhancing solid-state battery performance Solid-state batteries are considered as future safe and higher energy density battery technology. Their main challenges include low ion bulk conductivity, interfacial issues such as poor contact with electrodes, non-uniform Li+ flux, anion accumulation, and dendritic lithium growth. Our work addresses these coupled challenges by using FBNNSs as active interfacial regulators in solid-state electrolytes and artificial solid-electrolyte interphases. Because BN is electronically insulating, FBNNSs can be positioned close to lithium metal without creating conductive shortcuts. In our first design, amine-functionalized BNNSs were incorporated into a flexible ion-gel electrolyte (Figure 3a). The amino groups interact strongly with TFSI- through Lewis acid-base and electrostatic interactions. This partially immobilizes anions, increases the fraction of current carried by BACK TO CONTENTS

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Figure 3. (a) Amine-functionalized BNNSs in an ion-gel electrolyte improve Li+ transport and mechanical robustness. (b) Hydroxyl-functionalized BNNSs combined with PVA form a hybrid artificial SEI.

Li+, and raises the Li+ transference number from 0.12 to 0.23. Mechanistically, this suppresses concentration polarization at the Li metal surface, leading to a more homogeneous Li+ concentration gradient and more uniform Li plating. This leads to more stable Li deposition and improved battery performance: an LiFePO4|Li cell retained 92.2% of its initial capacity after 60 cycles. [5] We further extended this concept from solid-state electrolyte regulation to Li-metal interface protection by designing a hybrid artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) composed of hydroxyl-functionalized BN nanosheets and PVA (Figure 3b). The OH-functionalised BNNSs disperse uniformly in the PVA layer and increase the reduced modulus of the artificial SEI, helping it tolerate volume change during Li plating/stripping. More importantly, the hydroxyl groups strongly interact with TFSI- and lower the Li+ migration energy barrier. The BNOH holds TFSI- more effectively than PVA alone, generates more free Li+, and accelerates Li+ migration at the electrodeelectrolyte interface. This interfacial ion-dynamics regulation increases the Li+ transference number from 0.178 to 0.327. The protected Li symmetric cells cycled for 3500 h at 2 mA cm-2, and solid-state LiFePO4|Li cells showed much better capacity retention and lower resistance. [6] Together, these studies show that functionalisation is the key feature that turns BN nanosheets from inert fillers into multifunctional interfacial materials. By selecting amine, hydroxyl or other surface groups, FBNNSs can immobilize anions, enhance Li+ transference, homogenize ion flux, strengthen soft electrolytes, and stabilize lithium-metal interfaces.

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Case study 4. BN nanosheets for cooling AI datacentres and high-power electronics Artificial intelligence (AI) data centres and other electronic devices generate a large amount of heat that affects their performance, safety and reliability. Efficient heat dissipation and cooling technology have become a critical challenge. Thermally conductive materials that combine high thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, and good mechanical compatibility are essential, and BN nanosheets uniquely satisfy all these requirements. Our research established the fundamental thermal transport mechanisms of BN nanosheets and translated these findings into practical thermal management materials. Using optothermal Raman spectroscopy and first-principles calculations, we demonstrated that monolayer BN possess an exceptionally high in-plane thermal conductivity of 751 W m-1 K-1 [7]. Building on these fundamental discoveries, we further developed scalable processing strategies to overcome the intrinsically anisotropic thermal transport of BN materials. By engineering randomly oriented BN architectures through spark plasma sintering (SPS), we produced bulk BN materials from nanosheets with a quasi-isotropic thermal conductivity exceeding 280 W m-1 K-1 (Figure 4c-d) [8]. We further developed spray-dried BN microspheres as thermally conductive fillers, enabling polymer composites with significantly enhanced through-plane thermal conductivity. This structural design enables efficient multidirectional heat spreading, addressing a key limitation of conventional anisotropic BN fillers and providing an attractive solution for next-generation thermal interface materials used in high-power electronics and AI datacentre cooling.

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Case study 5. Gas adsorption and separation Under the mechanical impact generated during ball milling, BN nanosheets adsorb unsaturated hydrocarbons, such as C2H2 and C2H4 , through quasi-chemical C-N interactions, resulting in exceptionally high adsorption capacities of 282 and 228 cm3g-1, respectively. By contrast, saturated hydrocarbons, such as CH4 and C2H 6 , are stored primarily through physisorption and therefore exhibit relatively lower adsorption capacities of 188 and 152 cm3g-1, respectively. Under the same conditions of 20 hours of milling, BN nanosheets also show substantial adsorption capacities for other gases, including approximately 232 cm3g-1 for CO2 , 240 cm3g-1 for H2 , and 137 cm3g-1 for NH3 (Figure 5a). [9] The adsorption capacity can be further increased by optimising the milling conditions, i.e. increasing the ball-to-powder ratio and extending the milling time. The adsorption capacity for C2H4 can reach 1048 cm3g-1 (Figure 5b).

Figure 4. (a) Optical image of a monolayer BN on SiO2/Si covered with an Au film. (b) Comparison of the thermal conductivity of some semiconductors and insulators. (c) Digital photo of a BN pellet sintered using SPS at 2200 °C. (d) The cross-plane thermal conductivity of SPS-sintered BN pellets as a function of temperature.

The different rates of gas-pressure reduction observed during milling reflect differences in adsorption kinetics (Figure 5c). These kinetic differences provide a basis for separating gas mixtures whose components have different adsorption affinities for BN nanosheets under ball milling. Figure 5d illustrates the separation

Figure 5. (a) Gravimetric adsorption capacities of BN for different gases after ball milling for 20 hours. (b) Effect of milling time and ball-to-powder ratio on C2H4 adsorption capacity. (c) Pressure reduction of different hydrocarbon gases during ball milling. (d) Schematic illustration of olefin-paraffin separation process.

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of olefin-paraffin mixtures using BN nanosheets. During ball milling, the olefin is preferentially adsorbed and stored by BN nanosheets, whereas most of the paraffin remains in the gas phase and can be removed by pumping. The adsorbed olefin can subsequently be recovered through controlled heating treatment. This cyclic process of selective adsorption, gas-phase removal, and thermal recovery offers an energyefficient approach for separating olefin-paraffin, CO2 -CH4 , and CO2 -N2 gas mixtures. [10] In addition, our research has expanded into a broad range of applications. Functionalised BN nanosheets are used as fuel materials for laser-driven proton-boron (p-11B) fusion reactions, which are regarded as a potential route to clean nuclear energy. BN nanosheets contain a high proportion of 11 B and can be engineered into tailored structures suitable for use as fusion reaction targets. [11] BN nanosheets also serve as excellent substrates for enhancing the sensitivity and reusability of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The multifunctional BN supporting layers enrich analyte molecules on plasmonic surfaces, suppress nanoparticle oxidation, and enable repeated substrate regeneration. [12] Overall, our studies showcase distinctive fundamental advances in BN nanomaterials and mechanochemistry, together with efforts to translate these discoveries into practical applications and commercial technologies that address major industrial and societal challenges.

Author Biographies Ying Ian Chen Professor Chen is a Deakin Distinguished Professor and Director of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Research Hub for Safe and Reliable Energy Storage and Conversion Technologies, based at the Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University. His current research covers new materials discovery, mechanochemistry, solid-state batteries and clean energy technologies. Srikanth Mateti Dr Srikanth Mateti is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), Deakin University, Australia. His research focuses on mechanochemistry, boron nitride nanomaterials, hydrogen storage, gas separation, batteries and sustainable energy materials. He has pioneered scalable mechanochemical production of two-dimensional boron nitride nanomaterials and their applications in gas adsorption, solid-state hydrogen storage, molecular separation and clean-energy technologies.

References 1. Xing, et al, Scientific Reports, 2016, 6, 35532 2. Meteti, et al, Nanoscale Horiz., 2019, 4, 642 3. Fan, et al, Adv. Energy Mater. 2017, 7, 1602380 4. Fan, et al, ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 2019, 2, 2620 5. Kim, et al, Advanced Materials 2024, 36, 2401625. 6. Kim, et al, Advanced Functional Materials, 2020, 30, 1910813, 7. Cai, et al. Science Advances, 2019, 5, eaav0129 8. Mateti, et al, Advanced Functional Materials, 2018, 28, 1707556 9. Mateti, et al, Materials Today, 2022, 57, 26 10. Mateti, et al, Materials Horizons, 2024, 11, 2950 11. Tosca, et al, High Power Laser Science and Engineering, 2025, 13, e72. 12. Q. Cai, et al, Advanced Functional Materials, 2016, 26, 8202

Baozhi Yu Dr Baozhi Yu is a Senior Research Fellow at Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials. His research focuses on lithiumsulfur, lithium-metal and solid-state batteries, functional nanomaterials, electrolyte and interface engineering, and practical cell development and commercialisation, particularly boron nitride nanosheets for safer high-energy batteries. Qiran Cai Dr Qiran Cai is an ARC DECRA Fellow at the Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Australia. His research focuses on heat transport in advanced materials and the development of thermal management technologies for nextgeneration electronic systems, with particular interests in boron nitride, diamond and interface engineering.

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SHORT COURSES

Short Courses - Study at Home

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.

https://www.materialsaustralia.com.au/training-courses-and-workshops/online-training BASICS OF HEAT TREATING

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

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

HEAT TREATING FURNACES AND EQUIPMENT

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

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

METALLURGY OF STEEL FOR THE NON-METALLURGIST

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

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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

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