Smart materials
Materials that actively interact with the external environment to provide multifunctionality can be the basis for developing superior products.
Traditional materials are typically employed in products based on a compromise between getting the best strength and some other property, such as weight, corrosion resistance or hardness.
Products built using traditional materials are at their best at the start of their life, but degrade over time. Products utilising smart materials are more dynamic. They change their properties, and therefore performance, in response to the environment.
Whether this is a change in shape, colour, thermal properties, stiffness, transparency, or in response to temperature, light intensity, fire, impact, electrical stimulation, smart materials (either reversibly or irreversibly) alter their performance in response to external stimuli.
As a result, smart materials offer multifunctionality, extended lifetimes and a myriad of sensing opportunities, as outlined in the following case studies.
ETEL Ltd
Business opportunity
Development of a ‘smart transformer’ for the electricity distribution sector.
What we did
Developed novel fibre optic sensors to monitor the integrity of the transformer in-situ and remotely.
Result
The successful incorporation of hot-spot temperature sensors in the copper windings of the transformer. Products are currently going to market. Development of networks with smart transformers contributes to the delivery of a more efficient and resilient national energy system.
Heart Beat Sensor
Business Challenge
To create wearable sensors for heart monitoring.
What we did
Using novel 3D printing technologies, we developed fibre optics, embedded, wearable sensors.
Business outcome
These sensors can be used in medical examinations such as MRIs and CT scanning.
Laser Inscription System
Business Challenge
Sensors were needed which could collect data in challenging environments, those with high temperatures, high explosive risk or strong electromagnetic fields.
What we did
Created a laser processing system allowing us to fabricate customised fibre optic sensors.
Business outcome
These customised sensors allow businesses to monitor critical assets or processors without endangering employees.
Fibre optic sensing for structural health monitoring
Business opportunity
Monitor the structural integrity of buildings in-situ and in real time. Why rely on visual inspections when you can have real data?
What we did
We developed novel sensors to monitor stress/strain, temperature, moisture, and gases in remote and harsh environments. We are testing these in a range of environments including inside concrete structures and down geothermal wells.
Result
Success will see greater continuity of service for infrastructure, greater safety in terms of structural health, and optimisation of repairs and maintenance. In other words: savings in costs, time and, potentially, lives.
Self-cleaning surfaces
Business opportunity
The global commercial cleaning market is tipped to reach $US74B by 2022. What if we could make surfaces that were self-cleaning?
What we did
We have developed a proof of concept self-cleaning coating that can be applied to a range of surfaces.
Result
Opportunities to differentiate products using the coating, to produce and supply novel coatings, and/or to save costs associated with reduced cleaning and maintenance.
Diffuse lighting systems
Business opportunity
To displace point source lighting with diffuse ‘glowing’ surfaces.
What we are doing
We are exploring the potential to develop novel wave guiding systems to create more even and diffuse lighting systems for a range of applications. We are seeking industry partners interested in the development of such systems.
Result
A successful demonstration of the technology will provide greater clarity of the benefits and de-risk the commercial application of this technology.