Polymer research institute attracts influx of overseas visitors

Feb 11, 2005

The Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) is playing host not only to two overseas visiting scientists but also six visiting research students from Finland, Ireland and Korea.

The two visiting scientists are Professor Ric Kaner from the University of California, Los Angeles and leading European researcher, Professor Dermot Diamond.

Ever wondered why a soy sauce sachet can be so difficult to open? Just ask Professor Kaner.

“It’s because the packets consist of oriented polyethylene that is only meant to be torn in one direction.”

Professor Kaner has spent years researching polymers, the long chains of chemicals that can be twisted and moulded into products, and has brought his expertise to Wollongong on a prestigious Fulbright Fellowship.

Dr Kaner, who specialises in chemistry -- particularly materials and conducting polymers, has found that the idea of relating chemical concepts to everyday life, such as the opening of a packet, is very important. He is working with UOW’s Director of Intelligent Polymer Research, Professor Gordon Wallace, into the development of ultra sensitive sensors based on conducting polymers.

During his four-month visit to Australia, Dr Kaner will offer a series of lectures with material suitable for general audiences, as well as lectures designed for advanced students that will examine conjugated polymers in-depth.

Professor Diamond, is also visiting UOW to collaborate with Professor Wallace on smart materials for sensors and actuators. Smart materials can be used in a wide variety of applications such as environmental monitoring, tracking food quality and e-health and personal diagnostics.

Professor Diamond leads pioneering collaborative research into adaptive information technologies with researchers based in Dublin City University (Ireland) and University College Dublin. His work with the Adaptive Information Cluster (AIC) integrates research on adaptive sensor networks, wireless networks, audio and visual extraction and personalisation software.

Professor Diamond’s area of research with the AIC includes low cost platforms for wireless sensing and issues relating to internet-scale sensing and control.

Recently both visiting scientists spoke at an ARC centre workshop on Nanostructured Electromaterials. The workshop also attracted Nobel Prize Winner, Professor Alan MacDiarmid from the University of Pennsylvania, USA, and a variety of renowned scientists from Europe, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. The workshop addressed topics including the development of stronger more highly conducting fibres for use in wearable energy storage or artificial muscles and nanostructured surfaces for mammalian cell communication.

The workshop also provided an opportunity for the Centre’s research students to present their latest findings. There were more than 40 student presentations. It allowed talented undergraduate students to mix with world leaders into nanostructured electromaterials.