RECENT ADVANCES
artificial muscles
For some time now we have been interested in the development of polymers that can expand/contract in response to small electrical stimuli. Recently we have witnessed some significant advances in terms of the materials used and muscle fibre design, resulting in force generation capabilities that exceed that of human muscle by an order of magnitude. The first demonstration of nanotube actuators was accomplished in association with an international collaborative team. This was reported in the prestigious journal, Science, in May 1999.
In collaboration with Monash University and Santa Fe Science and Technology (USA) we also discovered that unprecedented performance can be achieved when the artificial muscle fibres are used in room temperature molten salt electrolytes (ionic liquids).
These advances have brought the Electronic Braille screen (being developed with Quantum Technology in Sydney) closer to reality. In collaboration with the Cochlear Implant CRC, the technology is also being used to provide a simple and effective method of steering and positioning the Bionic Ear during implantation.
electronic noses for robots
IPRI has been involved in the development of a range of sensing technologies for use in solution and atmospheric monitoring. This includes a collaborative project with the Electronics Engineering Department at Monash University has enabled us to incorporate electronic nose devices into robots. The e-nose is based on arrays of functional polymers that can detect particular volatile molecules and transfer information to an on board processor that allows the robot to locate the source of emission.
A simple yet important advance in this area is that the polymers can now be produced in forms that make them amenable to ink jet printing. The challenge of developing materials with ubiquitous tuneable sensing capabilities remains.
electronic textiles
During 2002 IPRI consolidated a strategic research Alliance with CSIRO (Textile and Fibre Technology) in Geelong. In a collaborative project involving Prof Julie Steele's Biomechanics Research Centre at UOW, wearable direct biofeedback devices have been developed. These polymer coated textile based devices provide feedback on body movement, providing information that is invaluable during training and rehabilitation routines. The initial focus is the use of a knee sleeve in training routines that will assist in minimising ACL injuries - an area of great interest to the Australian Football League (AFL). The Institute also continues research into the development of wearable energy conversion (polymer photovoltaics) and storage systems (polymer fibre batteries) with a view to developing clothing, blankets or tents with multiple functionality.
energy conversion
The use of novel light harvesting polymers developed in collaboration with Massey University in New Zealand has been shown to be advantageous when used in polymeric photovoltaic devices. Exciting developments have been made in the production of polymers for hydrogen generation, a collaborative project with CSIRO (Molecular Science). New materials designed form the molecular level are still required.
energy storage
The focus of work in this area is on the development of batteries and supercapacitors based on fabrics. The IPRI vision is the development of self powered, mobile sensing fibres and systems for solution and air monitoring during appropriate activities.
a new venture
A particularly exciting new venture is a collaborative project initiated with Prof Graeme Clark (inventor of the Cochlear Bionic Ear) and his group at the Bionic Ear Institute in Melbourne. Preliminary experiments have shown that nerve cell growth can be sustained on organic electronically conducting polymers. Furthermore it has been shown that small electrical stimuli can be used to enhance neurite outgrowth. We have embarked on a research program to use these new materials to enhance the electro-neural interface and further improve the performance of the Cochlear implant.
new arrivals at the Electrochemical Mapping Facility (EMF)With the assistance of the Australian Research Council, an Electrochemical Raman system with mapping capabilities and an Electrochemical ESR system has been acquired. This adds to the Scanning Potential and Localised Impedance systems acquired in recent years. A new electrochemical Atomic Force Microscope has been installed for the characterization of polymer surfaces and the probing of materials properties at the nanoscale. nanoscience and technology
Undoubtedly the world of functional polymers is being directed towards the nanodomain. This relatively unexplored area of research is already revealing fascinating material properties (see recent review by Innis/Wallace*).
* Innis, P.C., Wallace, G.G. “Inherently Conducting Polymer Nanostructures” Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 2002, 2 (5), 441-451.
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An example of a bundle of helical polypyrrole actuators
Sensors for use in electronic noses.
Light harvesting properties of new materials are being researched at IPRI.
IPRI has a strong interest in the development of polymers that can expand/contract in response to small electrical stimuli
The Intelligent Knee Sleeve incorporates an electronic textile strip
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