Recycling and renewable materials
This program aims to develop innovative recycling methods and maximise use of industrial wastes in materials processing.
Redefining materials for steelmaking
Research into the utilization of carbon bearing plastic and rubber tyres wastes and renewable materials as raw materials in EAF steelmaking.
Partner
ARC Linkage project: OneSteel
Researchers
Recycling of manganese sludge
We are investigating new technologies for recycling/utilisation of Manganese sludge which is formed from production of ferromanganese /silicomanganese and has long-term environmental concerns.
Partner
ARC Linkage project: TEMCO
Researchers
New building materials from fly-ash
We are currently working on recycling fly ash from Australian thermal power stations into polymer matrix composites for light weight engineering products.
We are also working to achieve sustainability of construction processes by developing new building materials from fly ash.
This project has succeeded in manufacturing lightweight aggregates and bricks from 100% fly ash and proven the superiority of these these bricks over existing products.
Partner
Research Funding: Cement Australia
Researchers
Refractories recycling research
Researching the possibilities for recycling waste refractories containing carbon with emphasis on the interfacial reactions and phase formation.
Partner
ARC Discovery project
Researchers
Sustainability of existing materials and processes
This program aims to develop alternative solutions for processes used in manufacturing.
Carbothermal reductions
Researching carbothermal reduction of stable metal oxides to lower reaction temperatures to improve process efficiency.
Partner
Planned ARC linkage and Discovery projects: TEMCO
Researchers
Enhanced sustainability of concrete
Working to enhance the sustainability of structural concrete with the aim of advocating a revised attitude towards practices in concrete production.
Projects conducted in this area are investigating the effects of systematic Increase of pozzolanic materials on concrete characteristics, the characterisation of self compacting high performance concrete and the physical and chemical characteristics of fly ash as Influenced by its microstructural composition.
Researchers
Coal use in iron manufacturing
Researching the environmental impact of coal use in existing and low emission innovative processes for iron manufacture.
Partner
Research Funding: ACARP, AngloCoal, POSCO Korea, US Steel
Researchers
Composite conveyor frames
A research project focussing on the structural analysis and design of Composite Conveyor Frames.
Partner
Research Funding: Continental Conveyors
Researchers
Alumina refractories
Investigations into the effects of non-wetting additives on the reactions between high alumina refractories and Al-alloys.
Partner
ARC Linkage: Shinagawa Refractories
Researchers
The thermal and electrical properties of NaxCo2O4-δ
Research into the underlying fundamental mechanism of composition-dependent thermal performance of NaxCo2O4-δ
Researchers
New sustainable materials and processes
This program aims to develop innovative raw materials/processes to enhance sustainability
Geopolymer concrete
Designing geopolymer concrete and testing a fibre-hybrid, light-weight, geopolymer concrete that provides high compressive and tensile strengths. Geopolymer concrete is an inorganicpolymeric concrete that contains no ordinary Portland cement (OPC), the main ingredient in concrete. Researchers are developing a systematic and scientific approach for designing geopolymer concrete.
Researchers
Waste plastics in aluminium production
Research utilization of waste plastics as a carbon source for the aluminium industry, helping to reduce GHG emissions and reliance on landfills for waste disposal.
Partner
ARC Linkage project: RioTinto Aluminium
Researchers
Smart materials
Implementing preventive measures such as the smart selection of materials for commercial interiors that will aid in improving the sustainability outcomes. New smart materials are needed to address some of the blocking points faced by those designing and constructing commercial interiors in Australia.
Researchers
Silicon production methodologies
Research technologies for production of solar grade silicon.
Researchers
Life-cycle assessment of materials and processes
This program aims to develop life cycle based models for the design-to-disposal of materials
Meeting manufacturing environmental requirements
Working to implement environmental requirements into product development.
Partner
Research Funding: Gold Coast City Council (GCCC)
Researchers
Sustainable furniture
Working on sustainable materials for furniture panel applications. A product lifecycle approach was used in which all environmental impacts during the material extraction, processing, product manufacturing, distribution, utilization and end-of-life were considered.
Researchers
Location
School of Materials Science and Engineering
University of New South Wales
Building E8, Room 116
UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
Contact
Professor Veena Sahajwalla
Director of SMaRT@UNSW
(02) 9385 4426
(02) 9385 4292
Industry Partnerships
