Materials Engineering Research
Materials Engineering research at UQ is concentrated on the net shape processing of the light metals, particularly casting and solidification of aluminium and magnesium and the powder processing of aluminium. Work is also conducted in corrosion and polymers, including biopolymers.
Light Metals
The light metals are aluminium, magnesium and titanium. They are used in engineering structures and components when weight is a critical design parameter. Light metals are a key instrument in the automotive industry's drive to lower weight to improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions in response to world environmental pressure. This is critical in the Australian context because the automotive and automotive component business is this country's largest value-added export industry. In addition, there is a well developed aluminium industry and a developing magnesium industry, particularly in Queensland. For these reasons, Light Metals is both a national and a state research priority. The light metal research at UQ concentrates on the net shape processing of aluminium, magnesium and titanium, particularly casting, solidification and powder processing. We have made particular contributions to solidification and sintering science, the control of grain size and impurities, aluminium and magnesium alloy design, rapid manufacturing, and alloys for hydrogen storage.
The activities combine strategic research published in the most important journals (including Science and Nature) and applied research with close industry interaction leading to multiple patents, commercialisation agreements and spin-off companies backed by venture capital. The research is supported by the CAST CRC and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Design in Light Metals.
Links to UQ research in Light Metals:
Polymers:
UQ Polymer research is conducted at the Centre for High Performance Polymers.
Corrosion:
Contact Professor Andrej Atrens.
Wear-resistant Materials:
Contact Dr Jeff Gates.
Hyrodgen Storage Materials:
Contact Professor Arne Dahle.
