ian wark research institute - unisa · 2018-11-08 · director’s report 03 2008 was a milestone...
TRANSCRIPT
The
TM
Ian Wark Research InstituteARC Special Research Centre for Particle and Material Interfaces
Annual Report 2008 Experience. The Difference.
VisionAn international magnet for research, The Wark
advances global knowledge and understanding in
interface science and engineering, underpinning
Australian industry through breakthrough science
and technology transfer.
MissionAs a critical member of an elite international
group of colloid and interface science research
organisations, The Wark performs outstanding
research and attracts sponsors, staff and students
from around the globe.
Operating PrinciplesThe activities of The Wark are underpinned by
our guiding principles:
• Strategic Direction. Invest in areas that
build on existing strengths whilst pushing
the research boundaries into emerging areas.
Demonstrate an unswerving commitment to
fundamental research.
• Partnership. Undertake intensive collaboration
with global industry partners to build research
relevance and innovative application.
• Continuous Improvement. Practice
continuous benchmarking with internationally
renowned research organisations.
• Building Research Capacity. Attract world-
class experienced and early career researchers,
as well as PhD students. Support research and
analytical skills with high level technical skills.
• Career Development. Provide enviable
career opportunities, nurture talent, and
reward behaviour that supports an open and
interactive research culture.
Cover: Synchrotron X-ray tomograph of water distribution in a packed bed of 200µm silica spheres. CsCl has been added to the water to enhance adsorption contrast so that only the fluid is visible.
Image courtesy of Dr Ivan Kempson, conducted at the Advanced Photon Source, Chicago, USA.
Contents
Advisory Board Report 2
Director’s Report 3
Management Structure 4
Staff 6
Postgraduate Students 8
Major Research Sponsors 10
Research Funding 11
International Collaboration 12
Research Commercialisation 14
Research Highlights 16
Research Projects 30
Honours and Awards 34
Graduates 36
Seminars 38
Visitors to the Institute 40
Conference Attendance
and Invited Lectures 42
Publications 46
International Collaborators 52
Ian Wark Research InstituteARC Special Research Centre for Particle and Material Interfaces
University of South Australia
Mawson Lakes Campus
Mawson Lakes Blvd
Mawson Lakes South Australia 5095
Australia
T +61 8 8302 3694
F + 61 8 8302 3683
W www.unisa.edu.au/iwri
CRICOS provider number 00121B
Photography: Sam Noonan
The
TM
02
Advisory Board Report
The Advisory Board commends the fourteenth
Annual Report of the Ian Wark Research Institute
(The Wark™) to the Council of the University of
South Australia.
Mineral processing research is the mainstay of
The Wark; it is pleasing to see growth and clear
direction in biointerfaces research, focussed
by our enabling skills in surface and colloid
science. The infrastructure, including the
buildings, the space available, and the range of
high quality equipment, is of very high standard
and steadily improving. All funding sources are
under pressure, with much uncertainty about
when “normality” will return. Nevertheless,
the Vice Chancellor has taken a direct interest
in the strategic plan through to 2016, and has
provided welcome solutions to two looming
issues – namely, the funding gap between the
cessation of the ARC Special Research Centre
and whatever scheme is to follow; and the
refreshment and replacement of the leadership
team. With this positive approach, a new
strategic relationship with BHP-Billiton, and its
established record for high quality research,
The Wark should weather the current turmoil
satisfactorily.
The funding division in 2008 was Industry
(43.7%), Federal/State Government (29.3%)
and the University (27.0%). The Wark Fund
is now established under the chairmanship of
Antony Simpson, and we hope the opportunity
to fund postgraduate scholarships, for example,
will attract alumni and other parties who have
enjoyed their relationship with The Wark.
The Advisory Board has a long-term, robust and
constructive relationship with the Director, and
congratulates him on his many highly prestigious
awards and invited lectures.
Our warmest congratulations go to the recipient
of the Ian Wark Research Institute Medal for
2008, Dr Jingfang Zhou.
Max Richards AM FTSEChairmanJuly 2009
Director’s Report
03
2008 was a milestone year in many respects. It
represented the fourteenth year of operation
of the Ian Wark Research Institute, The WarkTM.
Highlights include:
• The Wark’s papers for 2000-2008 in physical
chemistry appear predominantly in A* and
A journals and are consistently cited twice
as frequently compared with the national
and world benchmarks. There is a similar
performance in Resources Engineering and
Extractive Metallurgy.
• Funding has been received through the
National Collaborative Research Infrastructure
Strategy (NCRIS) for two new facilities. Both
are now well advanced in construction and
equipment procurement.
Microfluidics and Nano-Fabrication Facility
The South Australian node is located at The
Wark. The $8M facility will play a vital role in
the design and manufacture of microchips for
chemical, biological and clinical applications and
will open in mid 2009.
The work to be performed in this 21st century
laboratory will contribute to smart solutions that
improve environmental outcomes, deliver drugs
more efficiently, and contribute to the evolution
of future clever products, by making many
processes faster, more efficient and cheaper.
Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy
The new South Australian research facility, as
part of the national network, is world-class
in the instrumentation and expertise it offers
researchers, across a broad range of disciplines
with applications in industries such as defence,
health, biotechnology, manufacturing, and
pharmaceuticals. It is due for delivery and
commissioning in mid 2009 and will complement
our existing state-of-the-art facilities.
Materials and Minerals Science Learning and Research Hub
The University of South Australia has
been awarded $40M through the Federal
Government’s Education Investment Fund
(EIF) toward a $73M landmark education and
international research facility at Mawson Lakes,
for which the State Government of South
Australia has also pledged support.
The Materials and Minerals Science Learning
and Research Hub will comprise a dynamic
cluster of linked education and research
activities galvanised by The Wark and Mawson
Institutes, and integrating efforts from UniSA’s
strong School of Mathematics and Statistics. A
Materials and Minerals Science Learning and
Research building will sit at the heart of the
Hub and house state-of-the-art facilities for the
next generation of engineering, materials and
minerals science graduates and researchers.
Architects have been chosen and “M2”, as it is
now known, will be completed in the second half
of 2011.
Our research efforts in colloids and
nanostructures, minerals processing and
biointerfaces continue to blossom. Apart from
the excellent research conducted, the translation
into practice and commercialisation activities are
particularly pleasing. We have now increased
our numbers to 160 staff and students, with 40
different nationalities represented.
New staff include: Michael Bottroff, IT
Officer; Venkata (Ramana) Chimala, Research
Associate in Mineral Processing; Jason Connor,
Senior Research Fellow in Mineral Processing;
Saeed Farrokhpay, Research Fellow in Mineral
Processing; Mahaveer Kurkuri, Research
Associate in Biodiagnostics; Chi Ndi, Research
Associate; Yujie Yang, Research Assistant.
With departures: Leanne Britcher, Senior
Research Fellow; Dom Davda, IT Officer; Maria
Sinche Gonzalez, Research Assistant; Shuhua
He, Research Associate; Peter Murphy, Senior
Research Fellow; Nguyen (Peter) Tran, Research
Associate. Vassili Yaminsky passed away on 13
July 2008, causing great sadness to us all. We
remember him warmly as a friend, colleague and
an unusually perceptive scientist.
Our ARC Special Research Centre funding ceased
at the end of 2008. We are now embarking
upon new research initiatives that will guarantee
a splendid future for The Wark.
The support from the University, our Advisory
Board and Research and Technology Advisory
Committee, along with the wonderful efforts of
our staff, students and colleagues worldwide, is
gratefully acknowledged.
John Ralston AO FAA FTSEDirectorJuly 2009
04
Management Structure
University of South Australia Council
Office of theDeputy Vice-Chancellor
(Researchand Innovation)
AdvisoryBoard
Reseach and Technology
Advisory Committee
DirectorLaureate Professor John Ralston
Executive
Bio and PolymerInterfaces
SectorCo-ordinator
Prof Clive Prestidge
Colloids andNanostructures
SectorCo-ordinator
A/Prof Daniel Fornasiero
Mineral ProcessingSector
Co-ordinatorProf Stephen Grano
Materials andEnvironmentalSurface Science
Sector Co-ordinatorA/Prof Bill Skinner
Scientific ServicesCorporate Services
05
Advisory Board
The Advisory Board convened on two occasions during 2008. Members were:
Dr Max Richards (Chair) Chair, School of Botany Foundation, University of Melbourne
Dr Megan Clark Vice President, Technology, BHP-Billiton Ltd
Dr Matthew Cuthbertson Chief Executive Officer, CRC for Advanced Automotive Technology Ltd
Prof Calum Drummond Chief, CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering
Dr Chris Goodes General Manager Innovation - Recovery, Rio Tinto Technology & Innovation
Prof Tom Healy Particulate Fluids Processing Centre, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of
Melbourne
Dr Brian Hickman (Deputy Chair) Company Director and Past Chief Executive Officer, Amdel Ltd
Dr Rachel Lucas Principal, Heidrick & Struggles Australia
Dr Jim May Former Chief Executive, AMIRA Ltd
Prof Caroline McMillen Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President - Research and Innovation, University of South Australia
Ms Ann Nelson Deputy CEO/Director Bioscience Infrastructure, BioInnovation SA
Mr Joe Pease Chief Executive, Xstrata Technology
Dr Neville Plint Head, Research & Development, Anglo Platinum Ltd
Laureate Prof John Ralston Director, Ian Wark Research Institute, University of South Australia
Dr Leanna Read Managing Director and CEO, TGR BioSciences Pty Ltd
Dr Ray Shaw General Manager Technology Support, Rio Tinto Technology
Mr Antony Simpson Past Chair, Mason & Cox Pty Ltd
Mr Keith Smith Managing Director, Oncaidia Pty Ltd
Ms Madelene Pierce (Executive Officer) Ian Wark Research Institute, University of South Australia
Research and Technology Advisory Committee
The Research and Technology Advisory Committee meets biennially. It convened in February 2007 and will reconvene in May 2009. Prior to the
meetings, members visit the Institute for several days of intensive discussions with staff and students. Members are:
Prof Brian Vincent (Chair) Leverhulme Professor of Physical Chemistry and Director, Bristol Colloid Centre, University of Bristol,
United Kingdom
Dr Terry Blake Surface Science Kodak (retired), United Kingdom
Dr Matthew Cuthbertson Chief Executive Officer, CRC for Advanced Automotive Technology Ltd, Australia
Prof Cyril O’Connor Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Director, Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town,
South Africa
Prof Marcus Textor Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Ms Madelene Pierce (Executive Officer) Ian Wark Research Institute, University of South Australia
Executive
The Executive met on a monthly basis:
Laureate Prof John Ralston (Chair) Director
A/Prof Jonas Addai-Mensah Dean, Research Education
Dr David Beattie Academic Staff Representative
Prof Hans Griesser Deputy Director (Industry)
Mr Craig Hackney Facilities & Information Systems Manager
Prof Roger Horn Deputy Director (Academic)
Mr Paul Luppino Professional Staff Representative
Mr Santanu Ray Postgraduate Student Representative
Mr Philip Moore Manager: Scientific Services
Ms Sandra Ray Operations Manager
A/Prof Bill Skinner Academic Staff Representative
Dr Terry Wilks Institute Manager
Mr Paul Byrne (Executive Officer)
Staff
06
Director Laureate Professor John Ralston, BSc(Hons) MSc DipEd PhD Melbourne DIC London, UK, Dr.h.c Abo Akademi, Finland
Deputy Directors Professor Hans Griesser, DipChem SciTeachingCert PhD ETH Zurich, SwitzerlandProfessor Roger Horn, BSc(Hons) Monash PhD Cambridge, UK
Institute Manager Terry Wilks, BSc(Hons) MSc PhD Newcastle, UK
Research Professors Stephen Grano, BMetEng(Hons) Queensland MAppSc SAIT PhD UniSA Clive Prestidge, BSc(Hons) Loughborough, UK PhD Bristol, UK
Namita Roy Choudhury, BSc(Hons) BTech MTech(Hons) Calcutta, India PhD Kharagpur, India
Associate Research Professors Jonas Addai-Mensah, BEng(Hons) UST, Ghana MSc TIIT, Israel PhD QueenslandDaniel Fornasiero, Maitre es Science Grenoble, France PhD Adelaide
Sunil Kumar, BSc(Hons) MSc(Hons) GNDU, India PhD IIT, Delhi, India William Skinner, BSc Melbourne BAppSc PhD RMIT
Senior Research Fellows David Beattie, BSc(Hons) PhD Edinburgh, UKLeanne Britcher, BAppSc(Hons) PhD UniSAJason Connor, BAppSc(Hons) Central Queensland PhD UniSANaba Dutta, BSc(Hons) BTech Calcutta, India PhD Kharagpur, IndiaDusan Losic, BSc Novi Sad, Serbia PhD FlindersHamid Manouchehri, BSc MSc(Hons) Tehran, Iran PhD Lulea, SwedenPeter Murphy, BSc(Hons) PhD FlindersSatomi Onishi, BSc Tokyo University of Science, Japan MSc Ibaraki, Japan PhD Saitama, JapanRossen Sedev, MSc Sofia, Bulgaria PhD Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria
Research Fellows Igor Ametov, BSc PhD Moscow State, Russia BEng AdelaideTimothy Barnes, BAppSc(Hons) UniSA GradDipEd Adelaide PhD UniSARick Fabretto, BSc(Hons) Flinders BEd PhD UniSASaeed Farrokhpay, BSc MSc Amir Kabir, Iran, PhD UniSAColin Hall, BAppSc(Hons) UniSASarah Harmer, BAppSc(Hons) PhD UniSAIvan Kempson, BAppSc(Hons) PhD UniSAMihail Popescu, MSc Bucharest, Romania PhD Emory, USASpomenka Simovic, BSc MSc Belgrade, Yugoslavia PhD UniSABenjamin Thierry, BEng INP Grenoble, France MSc Montreal, Canada PhD McGill, CanadaCatherine Whitby, BSc(Hons) UNSW PhD MelbourneVassili Yaminsky, DipSc PhD Moscow State, RussiaMassimiliano Zanin, BEng Trieste, Italy PhD Cagliari, Italy
Research Associates Artem Borysenko, MSc Kharkiv State, Ukraine PhD National Academy of Sciences, UkraineVenkata Ramana Chimala, BEng Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, IndiaRenate Fetzer, Dip Physics Ulm, Germany PhD Saarland, GermanySabina Gredelj, BEng(Hons) PhD UniSAShuhua He, BSc MEng University of Science and Technology Beijing, PR China PhD UniSA
Tatiana Khmeleva, MEng Ural Polytechnic, Russia PhD UniSAMarta Krasowska, MSc Maria Curie Sklodowska, Poland PhD Polish Academy of Sciences, PolandMahaveer Kurkuri, BSc Karnatak, India MSc Mysore, India PhD Karnatak, IndiaVera Lockett, MSc Ural State, Russia PhD Russian Academy of Science, RussiaAgnieszka Mierczynska-Vasilev, MSc PhD Lodz, PolandChi Ndi, BSc Buea, Cameroon MSc Leiden, The Netherlands PhD UniSACraig Priest, BAppSc(Hons) PhD UniSARada Pushkarova, BEng Kiev, Ukraine PhD UniSASurya Subianto, BAppSc(Hons) PhD QUTHui Tan, BEng Hunan, PR China DipChemEng, MSc Stellenbosch, South Africa PhD MelbourneSu Nee Tan, BSc Tulane, USA MSc Minnesota, USA PhD UniSANguyen-Duc Tran, BAppSc(Hons) PhD UniSAJingfang Zhou, BSc(Hons) Xiamen, PR China MSc Henan, PR China PhD UniSA
Research Assistants Louie Del Castillo, BSc Unciano Medical College, PhilippinesMaria Sinche Gonzalez, BMetEng San Agustin National University, Peru MEnvMan EADE Business Admin Autonomous School, Spain BAdminSci Inca Garcilazo de la Vega University, Peru MSustainable Use of
Mineral Resources Madrid Polytechnic University, SpainYujie Yang, BSc Hebei Medical University, PR China
Scientific Services Scott Abbott, BAppSc(Hons) PhD UniSAChris Bassell, BAppSc BEng UniSAJohn Denman, BTech BSc(Hons) Flinders PhD UniSALiping Ding, BEng(Hons) MEng Northeastern, PR China PhD QueenslandAleksandr Kaplun, BSc Kiev State, UkrainePhilip Moore, Advanced Chem Plant Operation Poole Tech College, UK, DipOH&S Management NSC, AdelaideRay Newell, BSc MSc UNSW PhD UniSADennis Palms, MSc PhD Johannes-Gutenberg, GermanyMaria Provatas, BSc Flinders BAppSc UniSAKeith Quast, BAppSc MAppSc SAITAndrew Robinson, BAppSc SAITEric Tavenner, BSc Missouri-Rolla, USA MSc Southwest Missouri State, USA PhD QueenslandTosha Tichy, DipAppSc UniSADaniel Weissmann, ScTechCert SAIT
Research and Technology Support Michael Bottroff, Cert IV (Info Tech) TAFEDom Davda, CertHECompStudies Southampton Institute of HE, UK HND Graphic Design Middlesex. UKDarren Faulkner, Fitting & Machining App, Adv Cert Engineering TAFEPeter Gray, Electrical Mechanic App TAFECraig Hackney, ScTechCert SAIT BBus UniSAMarek Jasieniak, BSc(Hons) Cracow, PolandCzeslaw Poprawski, DipMechEng TUW, Poland ScTechCert SAITNicola Sleep, BTech BSc(Hons) FlindersPhilip Souter, Post-trade Certificate TAFE
Administration Paul Byrne, BA(Hons) AdelaideJulie Freytag
Kim Gauci
Tracy Greeneklee, Cert IV Business (Admin) TAFE Cert IV (Info Tech) TAFEChristina Koutlakis
Paul Luppino, AssDipAcc TAFEMadelene Pierce, BA(Hons) FlindersKathryn Prohaska
Sandra Ray, GradDipMgmt MBA UniSABaden Smith, AssDipAdvGraphicDes TAFEMaureen Terry
Paul Wotley, BSc(Hons) AdelaideKerry Zweck, Cert IV Business (Admin) Jobs Statewide
Adjunct Research Professors Dr Terry Blake, Visiting Professor, University of Mons-Hainaut, Belgium and Past Head, Surface Science Kodak, United KingdomDr M Iko Burgar, CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering, Victoria, AustraliaDr Bart Follink, Chief of Division, CSIRO Minerals, Victoria, AustraliaProf Ron Martin, Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, CanadaProf Jordan Petrov, Institute of Biophysics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, BulgariaDr Allan Pring, South Australian Museum, Adelaide, AustraliaProf Jarl Rosenholm, Physical Chemistry, Abo Akademi, Turku, Finland
Adjunct Research Associate Professor Dr Nataliya Mishchuk, Institute of Colloid and Water Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences, Kiev, Ukraine
Adjunct Senior Research Fellows Mr George Levay, Levay & Co Environmental Services, Adelaide, AustraliaDr Marek Zbik, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia
Adjunct Research Fellows Dr Kristen Bremmell, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, AustraliaDr Joan Thomas, Jefferson Lab (The College of William and Mary), Virginia, USADr Gunhild von Oertzen, Consultant in Numerical Modeling and Energy Distribution, Namibia
07
08
Postgraduate Students
Degrees Awarded
Vic Absolon PhD in Applied Science
Gary Hanly PhD in Applied Science
Melanie McGuire PhD in Applied Science
Kinnari Shelat PhD in Applied Science
Yoo Hyun (Daniel) Sung PhD in Applied Science
Jingfang Zhou PhD in Applied Science
PhD Candidates
Nick Absalom BSc(Hons) FlindersRobert Acres BSc(Hons) FlindersFurqan Ahmed MBBS MCPS Sindh Medical College & Jinnah Post-graduate Medical Centre Karachi, Pakistan, MPhil
University of Karachi, PakistanHeramb Bal BEng Pune, India MEng UniSAAudrey Beaussart MEng European School of Materials Science and Engineering Nancy, FranceXun Bian BEng MEng Wuhan University of Technology, PR ChinaSusana Brito E Abreu BEng Licenciado Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, PortugalChiu Ping Chan BSc(Hons) UniSADaniel Chipfunhu BSc(Hons) MSc University of ZimbabweMartin Cole BSc(Hons) Flinders
Left to right: Dr Agnieszka Mierczynska-Vasilev, PhD candidate Ms Audrey Beaussart, Dr David Beattie and PhD candidate Ms Iliana Sedeva
09
Jessica Cook BSc (Hons) UniSALorena Del Castillo BSc MSc University of the PhilippinesBen Demchenko BSc(Hons) UniSA
Terry Dermis BSc(Hons) UniSAIvan Djordjevic BAppSc BSc(Hons) UniSAMariya Foundas BProcessEng(Hons) Moscow State Institute of Food, RussiaJairo Garnica Rodriguez BEng Universidad Nacional de Colombia, MEng MPhil QueenslandNasrin Ghouchi Eskandar BSc(Hons) Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, IranCarlos Gontijo Eng de Ninas Universidade Federal do Minas Gerais, BrazilAravind Govindaraj Kannan BTech, Central Electrochemical Research Institute, IndiaColin Hall BAppSc(Hons) UniSAWendy Harrington BSc(Hons) UniSAMingzhao He MSc Northeastern University, PR China LICEng Lulea, SwedenAllister Henderson BSc(Hons) AdelaideKaryn Jarvis BAppSc BSc(Hons) UniSALi Jiang BSc Ludong, PR China MSc Tianjin University, PR ChinaJessica Kinal BEng(Hons) CurtinHua Li BPhil/BA MPhil Tianjin University, PR ChinaHuixin Li BEng Hebei Chemical Engineering Institute, PR ChinaSundar Mayavan BTech Central Electrochemical Research Institute, India, MSc Anna, IndiaMayur Mistry BAppSc BSc(Hons) UniSASolomon Muganda BSc(Hons) University of ZimbabweAtaollah Nosrati BSc Petroleum University of Technology, Iran MSc Tarbiat Modarres University, IranMatthew Oaten BAppSc(Hons) UniSAMani Paneru MTech IIT Bombay, IndiaSrinivas Parimi BSc Andhra, India MSc GriffithLuke Parkinson BSc Adelaide BSc(Hons) QueenslandAnuttam Patra BSc(Hons) Calcutta, India MSc IIS Bangalore, IndiaThiru Ponnusamy Meenakshisundaram BEng(Hons) Regional Engineering College Trichy, India, MAppSc UniSALee San Puah BEng(Hons) University of Science, MalaysiaGujie Qian BEng Tongji University, PR China, MEng East China University of Science & Technology, PR ChinaAndry (Laza) Randriamanjatosoa BEng Polytechnic University of Antananarivo, Madagascar MSc Tuebingen, GermanySantanu Ray BSc MSc Jadavpur, IndiaEvgueni Resnianski BSc MSc Novosibirsk State, RussiaIliana Sedeva MSc Sofia, Bulgaria GradDipEd AdelaideYunyu Shi BChemEng East China University of Science and Technology, PR China, MChemEng AdelaideSin Ying Tan BEng(Hons) CurtinSandra Thompson BAppSc(Hons) UniSADiana Tran BChemEng(Hons) AdelaideMy Yung Truong BEng AdelaideMohanraj Vellore Janarthanan BPharm JSS College of Pharmacy, India MPharm CurtinFeng Wang BMed Guangxi College of TC Medicine, PR China MSc Waikato, New ZealandWenbo Wang BMinProc Southern Institute of Metallurgy, PR China, MSc University of Science and Technology Beijing,
PR ChinaDanfeng Xu BSc Northeastern, PR China MSc Tianjin, PR ChinaDie Yang BEng Anhui University, PR China, MSc University of Science & Technology, PR ChinaXiangfei Ye BEng Tianjin, PR China MSc Nanyang, Singapore/Technical University of Munich, GermanyKai Ying Yeap BChemEng(Hons) AdelaideHardi Ys BSc Syiah Kuala, Indonesia MSc Andalas, IndonesiaYang Yu BSc Nankai University, PR China MSc Tianjin University, PR ChinaLin Zhou BChemEng Daqing Petroleum Institute, PR China MSc Tianjin University, PR China
MAppSc Candidates
Joseph Chan BSc(Hons) FlindersLachlan Hyde BSc (Hons) FlindersDjoko Julianto BEng Institute of Technology Bandung, IndonesiaJoseph Putubu BSc Papua New Guinea
Major Research Sponsors
10
Amdel Ltd
AMIRA International Ltd
Anglo Platinum Ltd
Australia-India Strategic Research Fund
– Australian Government
Australian Antarctic Program
– Australian Government
Australian Research Council
BHP Billiton Ltd
BHP Billiton Nickel West Ltd
BHP Billiton (Olympic Dam Corporation) Pty Ltd
BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance
Boliden Minerals AB
Cancer Council of South Australia
Carl Zeiss Vision Australia
COREM
CP Kelco Oy
CRC for Advanced Automotive Technology
CRC for Polymers
CSIRO Minerals
CSIRO Petroleum
Cytec Australia Holdings Pty Ltd
Department of Primary Industries & Resources
- South Australian Government
Fermiscan Ltd
Freeport-McMoRan Mining Company
Intellection Pty Ltd
ITEK Pty Ltd
Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre
LabTech Systems Ltd
Lundin Mining Corporation
Magotteaux Australia Pty Ltd
MHE Technologies Ltd
National Collaborative Research Infrastructure
Strategy – Australian Government
National Health and Medical Research Council
– Australian Government
Newcrest Resources Inc
Norilsk Process Technology Pty Ltd
Nyrstar
Ok Tedi Mining Ltd
Orica Australia Pty Ltd
Outotec
OZ Minerals Ltd
Penford Australia Ltd
Phelps Dodge Mining Company
Premier’s Science & Research Fund
– South Australian Government
pSivida Ltd
Rio Tinto Kennecott Utah Copper
Rio Tinto Ltd
Starpharma Holdings Ltd
Talison Minerals Pty Ltd
Teck Cominco Ltd
Tiwest Joint Venture
Vale Inco Ltd
Visiocorp Australia Pty Ltd
Xstrata Copper
Xstrata Technology
ZBB Technologies Ltd
Left to right: Sector Coordinators - Prof Stephen Grano, A/Prof Daniel Fornasiero, Prof Clive Prestidge and A/Prof Bill Skinner
Research Funding
11
16, 000, 000
14,000, 000
12,000, 000
10,000, 000
8,000, 000
6,000, 000
4,000, 000
2,000, 000
01997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Funding Division - 2008
Federal/State Government
29.3%
University of South
Australia
27.0%
Industry
43.7%
Operating Revenue for the Period 1997 - 2008
12
International Collaboration
The Wark has formal partnerships and
agreements with institutions in 11 countries to
promote international cooperation in research
and research education. During 2008, our
collaborative activities focused on five highly
prestigious institutions.
Max Planck Institute for Metals Research, Stuttgart, GermanyCollaborative activities in the area of physical and interfacial chemistry, in particular the wetting of structured surfaces and solid-liquid interfaces.
Prof Siegfried Dietrich, Director of Research at
the Max Planck Institute for Metals Research
(MPI-MR), visited The Wark for one week in mid-
February. This was concurrent with a four-week
visit by his colleagues, Dr Andrea Gambassi, Dr
Markus Rauscher and Dr Mykola Taskinkevych,
and a former member of his department, A/Prof
Alvaro Dominguez (presently at the University of
Seville).
During the visit:
• A series of seminars was given by the visitors,
followed by several small group sessions in
which a number of questions of common
interest were identified.
• Existing collaborative work with Dr Mihail
Popescu continued - self-propelling by
diffusiophoresis; trapping of interacting
brownian particles at a fluid-fluid interface;
transport of colloid-polymer solutions in
narrow channels.
• Opportunities for additional collaborative
projects were identified in the area of
dynamic wetting phenomena, with the
intention of submitting several new research
proposals in 2009.
As a follow-up, Dr Marta Krasowska and Dr
Renate Fetzer visited the MPI-MR in the winter
of 2008, and three joint publications are in
preparation.
Mr Markus Mezger, a PhD student jointly
supervised by Prof Harald Reichert and Laureate
Prof John Ralston, graduated from MPI-MR in
2008. Ms Monica Marinescu, an MSc student,
participated in our International Visiting Student
Traineeship Program from 13 August to 19
December.
The Wark’s formal partnership and collaborative
activities with the MPI-MR provided the impetus
for Prof Peter Høj, Vice Chancellor and President
of the University of South Australia, to meet with
Prof Joachim Spatz, Managing Director, and Prof
Siegfried Dietrich during a visit to Europe in July
2008.
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, IndiaCollaborative activities in the area of physical chemistry, surface engineering, nanotribology.
The Wark and the Indian Institute of Science
(IISc) in Bangalore together hold an international
collaborative grant “Fluid Flow and Lubrication
at the Nanometre Scale” under the Australia-
India Strategic Research Fund. This bilateral fund
is co-sponsored by the Australian Government
through the Department of Innovation, Industry,
Science and Research and the Indian Government
through its Department of Science and
Technology.
One of the activities sponsored under this grant
is a series of workshops held jointly between the
two institutions, allowing the researchers with
an interest in the project to meet and discuss
research directions and results. The first of
these was held in Adelaide on 22-24 October,
under the title “Microfluidic Design and Device
Fabrication”.
Three of our collaborators from the IISc, Dr
Ganapathy Ayappa, Dr Sanjay Biswas and Dr
Raghuraman Govardhan, attended the workshop
and a further 21 researchers (including 7 PhD
students) attended from The Wark. One visiting
scientist from The Netherlands also attended.
On the first day of the workshop, 11
presentations were made, 3 from the IISc and 8
from The Wark, with time allowed for discussion
after the talks. Further discussions amongst the
participants, and in particular the nominated
researchers on the project, were held on the
second and third days. Presentations made
on 22 October included overviews of recent
research in friction, microfluidic flow, molecular
and mathematical modelling, wetting, flow in
capillaries and porous media, and a look ahead
to the microfluidic fabrication facilities under
development at The Wark.
A reciprocal visit to the IISc in Bangalore was
undertaken by Prof Roger Horn in November
2008.
13
Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, JapanCollaborative activities in the area of physical chemistry and interfacial physics. Laureate Prof John Ralston is the only Australian Fellow of the Graduate School of Engineering.
Laureate Prof John Ralston and Ms Sandra
Ray visited the University of Tokyo from 29
September - 1 October. The purpose of the
visit was to further collaboration between the
two institutions, particularly in relation to staff
and student exchange. Existing collaboration
facilitated the establishment of a key laboratory
in microfluidics, under the Australian NCRIS
Nanofabrication banner. This establishes The
Wark as a national focus in the area and involves
a joint laboratory with the University of Tokyo. A
joint publication and a patent application were
produced during 2008.
A reciprocal visit by five staff and two students
from the University of Tokyo was undertaken
from 21-24 November, including an Australia-
Japan Joint Seminar Program. This visit was led
by Prof Takehiko Kitamori. The other participants
were Dr Arata Aota, Dr Kasuma Mawata, Mr
Kyojiro Morikawa, Mr Hisashi Shimizu, A/Prof Yo
Tanaka and A/Prof Manabu Tokeshi.
Materials Research Center, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, SwitzerlandCollaborative activities in the area of biomaterials.
The long-standing collaboration between Prof
Marcus Textor, from the Laboratory for Surface
Science and Technology, and Prof Hans Griesser
has continued with the exchange of student
visits and collaborative research activities. This
has again led to joint publications. Prof Textor
also makes a significant contribution to The
Wark through membership of our Research and
Technology Advisory Committee.
Dr Lucy Clasohm and Dr Jarred Clasohm,
graduates of The Wark in 2005 and 2007
respectively, are employed as Postdoctoral Fellows
in the Department of Materials Science.
Mr Michael Müller, a BSc student from the
Department of Materials Science, participated
in our International Visiting Student Traineeship
Program from 4 August to 4 December. His
research project was titled “Fabrication of
conducting polymer electrochromic cell proto-
types”.
Tianjin University, PR ChinaCollaborative activities in the areas of chemical engineering, environmental science and engineering, material science and engineering. Laureate Prof John Ralston is an Honorary Professor of Tianjin University.
A delegation from The Wark visited Tianjin
University from 17-23 September. The visit was
intended to continue discussions on a whole of
life relationship between the two institutions,
including collaborative research proposals,
exchange of staff and students, and possibly joint
PhD programs (a longer term goal).
An Australia-China International Workshop was
held, involving presentations by eight Wark staff
– A/Prof Jonas Addai-Mensah, A/Prof Daniel
Fornasiero, Prof Roger Horn, A/Prof Sunil Kumar,
Laureate Prof John Ralston, Prof Namita Roy
Choudhury, Dr Rossen Sedev and Dr Benjamin
Thierry. Four staff from Tianjin University also
gave presentations – Prof Xiwen Du, Prof Yali Li,
Prof Wenguang Liu and Prof Conghua Lu.
Six graduates from Tianjin University are currently
enrolled in PhD programs in The Wark and more
are anticipated.
Left to right: PhD candidates - Mr Gujie Qian, Ms Li Jiang, Mr Lin Zhou, Ms Danfeng Xu and Mr Xiangfei Ye
Research Commercialisation
ITEK, the commercialisation arm of the University
of South Australia, is working closely with
The Wark in relation to commercialisation
opportunities. The accompanying table lists
technologies/patents which are in various
stages of development and these highlights are
discussed by way of examples.
LipoCeramic™ Technologies: Drug Delivery Breakthrough in the Pharmaceutical Industry
This is an innovative drug delivery technology
with huge potential for worldwide sales.
Led by Professor Clive Prestidge, a research
team has developed a unique mechanism for
administering poorly soluble drugs to patients.
Called LipoCeramic™ Technologies, the drug
delivery system increases the body’s ability to
absorb poorly soluble drugs. This bioavailability
is increased by administering the drug in a
nanoparticle-coated capsule with a matrix
structure that provides a much larger surface area
than traditional tablets.
Poorly soluble drugs comprise about 40 per cent
of formulations produced by the multi-billion-
dollar global pharmaceutical industry. Increasing
the absorption rate of these drugs represents a
huge commercial opportunity through reviving
previously abandoned drug formulations,
re-inventing end-of-life products into new
formulations and improving the viability of new
product lines.
ITEK has assisted the research team to gain
funding and investment of nearly $1M to take
the innovative drug delivery technology from
concept to a viable commercial opportunity, and
to establish patent protection via four patent
‘families’. The focus now is on opportunities in
the global pharmaceutical market and developing
a commercialisation strategy, and identifying a
guaranteed accurate regulatory pathway for this
technology.
Microfluidic Mineral Separation
Led by Laureate Professor John Ralston, The
Wark has been funded, under the National
Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy
(NCRIS), as the South Australian node of
the Australian National Fabrication Facility
(ANFF), and has established a new facility
unique to Australia, specializing in the design,
fabrication and development of microchips and
nanostructures for micro- and nanofluidics. Total
capital investment exceeds $8M.
An example of the application of this technology
is microfluidic solvent extraction, which is
traditionally employed in high-value, low-volume
separations for analytical applications. However,
microfluidics is equally suited to intensify
industrial processes, such as mineral processing
where larger samples must be processed at
high rates and with maximal product yields.
Microfluidic solvent extraction is advantageous
as it offers a smaller footprint, a closed system
with no moving parts contacting the fluids, the
possibility to use smaller volumes of solvents,
negligible evaporation, better control over
aggressive or hazardous substances, and easier
recycling.
ITEK has been involved in the ongoing
development of the patent strategy, and
commercial and industry validation.
Antimicrobial Coatings
A platform technology based on antimicrobial
coatings has been developed by researchers
from The Wark (Professor Hans Griesser) and
the Sansom Institute (Dr Susan Semple). The
significance of this project relates to the
enormous medical problems and costs that
bacterial infections associated with implants
and biomedical devices cause. A solution to
the problem will bring quality-of-life benefits to
patients, cost benefits to the health system, and
commercial benefits to the manufacturer(s) of
antibacterially coated biomedical devices. This
technology platform hinges on novel antibacterial
compounds that have been recently extracted
and identified from Australian plants of the
genus Eremophila. These compounds will be
coated, by staff employed under an NHMRC
Development Grant, as thin layers first onto
model materials used for biomedical device
fabrication and then onto real-life biomedical
products, and evaluated for their ability to deter
colonization by several biofilm-forming human
pathogenic bacteria. Initial data have shown that
such coatings can prevent the settlement from
suspension of the human pathogen bacterium
Staphylococcus epidermidis; the work now needs
to advance to more sophisticated bacteriological
tests, and to pre-clinical safety testing and studies
of antibacterial mechanism of action.
ITEK has assisted the team to raise funds
via an NHMRC Development grant, and a
Commercial Development Initiative grant from
BioInnovationSA, and has conducted extensive
market research in the area and supported patent
protection of the technology, which is currently
in PCT phase. Legal support was also provided
to Professor Griesser who secured additional
funding from, and a license to, an orthopaedics
company. ITEK expects to engage in further
industry development and validation once the
current research milestones are complete.
14
Patents List 2000-2008
Patent Title PatentType Country PatentAppNo Status
Bioactive Coating of Biomedical Implants PCT PCT/AU2005/000055 Filed
Bioactive Coating of Biomedical Implants Provisional Australia 2004900202 Filed
Bioactive Coating of Biomedical Implants Regional United States of America 10/586,261 Filed
Bioactive Coating of Biomedical Implants Regional Australia 2005204981 Filed
Bioactive Coating of Biomedical implants Regional Europe 05 700 087.9 Filed
Dried Formulations Of Nanoparticle-Coated Capsules PCT PCT/AU2006/000771 Filed
Nanoparticle-coated Capsule Formulation for Dermal Drug Delivery PCT PCT/AU2008/000555 Filed
Capsule Formation by Nanoparticles Provisional Australia 2005902937 Filed
Nanoparticle-Coated Capsule Formulation for Dermal Drug Delivery Provisional Australia 2007902112 Filed
Dried Formulations of Nanoparticle-coated Capsules Regional Europe 06741188.4 Filed
Dried Formulations of Nanoparticle-coated Capsules Regional Canada 2608226 Filed
Dried Formulations of Nanoparticle-coated Capsules Regional Australia 2006255477 Filed
Dried Formulations of Nanoparticle-coated Capsules Regional Japan 2008-514997 Filed
Dried Formulations of Nanoparticle-coated Capsules Regional United States of America 11/916570 Filed
Craze Resistant Plastic Substate and Method of Production PCT Australia PCT/AU/2005/001874 Filed
Craze Resistant Plastic Substate and Method of Production Provisional Australia 2004907060 Filed
Craze resistant plastic article and method of production Regional Australia 2005316191 Filed
Craze resistant plastic article and method of production Regional Europe 05815896.5 Filed
Improved catalytic electrode coating Provisional Australia 2007903308 Filed
Patterned Plasma Surface Modifications Provisional Australia 2006902825 Filed
Photoresponsive surfaces Regional United States of America 6800370 Granted
Drug Release From Nanoparticle-Coated Capsules PCT Australia PCT/AU2007/000602 Filed
Drug Release From Nanoparticle-Coated Capsules Provisional Australia 2006902311 Filed
Drug Release From Nanoparticle-Coated Capsules (2) Provisional Australia 2006906840 Filed
Nanoparticle-coated Capsule Formulation for Treatment of Inflammation Provisional United States of America 61/046,539 Filed
Drug Release from Nanoparticle-Coated Capsules Regional Australia 2007247770 Filed
Drug Release from Nanoparticle-Coated Capsules Regional Japan 2009-508053 Filed
Patterned plasma Surface Provisional Australia 2004902642 Filed
Antimicrobial Surfaces Provisional United States of America 61/024325 Filed
Agents and Methods for Photodynamic and/or Photothermal Therapy Provisional Australia 2008904042 Filed
Bubble Generation Apparatus Provisional Australia 2008905161 Filed
Extraction Apparatus and Processes Provisional Australia 2008904363 Filed
Electrowetting Cells and Devices Provisional Australia 2008903526 Filed
Formation of nanoporous materials Provisional Australia 2008906329 Filed
Active Polymeric Films Provisional Australia 2008906500 Filed
15
16
Research Highlights
AMIRA P260 20th Anniversary
Since its commencement in April 1988, the
AMIRA P260 series of projects has made a
significant contribution to the efficiency of
mineral sulphide flotation worldwide. In doing
so, it has improved fundamental understanding
of the flotation process across a range of
areas including the impact of the grinding
environment, of oxidation, particle size,
hydrophobicity, energy inputs and the role of
a range of materials in acting as depressants.
Importantly for sponsoring companies, it has
addressed problems related to site-specific ore
characteristics on at least twenty sites world-
wide.
In 2007, an evaluation study of the P260 series
of projects was conducted by RMDSTEM Ltd, a
specialist management consulting group with
capabilities in the evaluation of research and
development predominately in the resources
sector. Results show a return to industry of
better than 20:1 for each dollar invested.
The Wark has been personally involved in this
project since its inception, firstly through Prof
John Ralston, who wrote the original proposal,
and now through Prof Stephen Grano who heads
the current project team of Dr Igor Ametov,
Dr Saeed Farrokhpay, A/Prof Daniel Fornasiero,
Dr Sabina Gredelj, Dr Hamid Manouchehri, Mr
Czeslaw Poprawski, A/Prof Bill Skinner and Dr
Max Zanin. Student researchers have also played
a key role and thus far, the P260 series of projects
has produced 14 PhD and 5 Masters graduates.
In order to celebrate this milestone event, a
20th anniversary dinner was held in Adelaide on
28 May for both past and present researchers,
students and industry representatives. Keynote
speakers for the evening included Dr Paul
Greenhill and Mr Bruce Fraser, AMIRA P260
Research Directors, Mr Greg Lane of the former
Aberfoyle Resources Ltd, one of the original
sponsor companies, Laureate Prof John Ralston,
Director of The Wark and Prof Peter Høj, Vice
Chancellor and President of UniSA.
Left to right: Past and present P260 researchers - Mr Michael Pietrobon, Mr Grant Small, A/Prof Daniel Fornasiero, A/Prof Bill Skinner, Laureate Prof John Ralston, Mr George Levay (Levay and Co Environmental Services), Prof Stephen Grano and Prof Roger Smart
Left to right: Present P260 PhD candidates - Mr Daniel Chipfunhu, Mr Xiangfei Ye, Ms Danfeng Xu, Mr Yunyu Shi, Mr Wenbo Wang, Mr Solomon Muganda, Ms Susana Brito E Abreu and Mr Lin Zhou
17
Final Findings in the Phar Lap Arsenic Mystery
Further to findings released in October 2006
which concluded that two sources of arsenic
were present in hair samples obtained from
Phar Lap, Dr Ivan Kempson from The Wark and
Mr Dermot Henry, Manager of Natural Science
Collections at Museum Victoria, were able to
determine that it was possible to distinguish
between arsenic which had been digested and
arsenic which had been used in the taxidermy
process. These findings, released in June, have
proven that Phar Lap, one of Australia’s most
successful racehorses, ingested a large dose of
arsenic 30 to 40 hours prior to his death.
Hair samples from horses preserved using arsenic
were obtained from the National Museum of
Scotland and along with taxidermied mammals
from Museum Victoria, samples were analysed
at the Advanced Photon Source synchrotron in
Chicago. Using the intense x-rays generated
by the synchrotron, it is possible to detect low
concentrations of metals in very small samples
and this allows for detailed chemical mapping on
a nanometre scale. Through this analysis, it was
determined that it was possible to distinguish
between the two forms of arsenic.
2007 Ian Wark Research Institute Medal PresentationDr Jarred Clasohm
My first contact with the Ian Wark Research
Institute came in 2002 while I was carrying out
an Honours degree at the University of South
Australia. My research project that year was
undertaken at The Wark, working under the
supervision of Professor Roger Horn. It was
my first taste of real scientific research and
although the project was challenging, I found
the experience highly rewarding. I came back
the following year to begin a PhD, again working
with Professor Horn.
One of the things that attracted me to The
Wark was the high quality of the research being
conducted, and because of the large community
of staff and student researchers with projects
spread across the diverse fields of materials,
surface and colloid science, I had the opportunity
to also learn about topics not directly related to
my own project. I am grateful for the excellent
supervision of Professor Horn who was always
available to answer my questions and provide
helpful advice and who also gave me the
freedom that was necessary for my development
as an independent researcher. I am now working
at the Swiss Federal Technical University (ETH)
in Zurich and I am thankful that I had the
opportunity to complete my PhD at The Wark – a
great preparation for a career in science.
Courtesy of the Herald-Sun
Dr Jarred Clasohm and Laureate Professor John Ralston
XXIV International Mineral Processing Congress
Seven staff from The Wark attended the XXIV
International Mineral Processing Congress, held
in Beijing, PR China from 24-28 September.
The Congress was attended by 850 delegates
representing 45 countries.
Laureate Prof John Ralston was invited to
present a plenary lecture titled “Extreme
Flotation: How Particle Size, Contact Angle and
Hydrodynamics Influence Flotation Limits”. Dr
Jonas Addai-Mensah, Dr Igor Ametov, A/Prof
Daniel Fornasiero (pictured above) and Dr Hamid
Manouchehri also presented papers.
The accompanying exhibition was represented
by 56 companies, including two booths for
The Wark and the Australian Mineral Science
Research Institute (AMSRI), managed by Ms
Sandra Ray and Dr Terry Wilks respectively. It is
estimated that up to 500 delegates visited the
two booths.
Laureate Prof John Ralston will lead the Technical
Program Committee for the XXV International
Mineral Processing Congress to be held in
Brisbane, Australia from 6-10 September 2010.
The Wark has already joined as an IMPC 2010
sponsor.
Publication in Science
Laureate Prof John Ralston was co-author of an
article in the very prestigious journal Science:
Markus Mezger, Heiko Schröder, Harald Reichert,
Sebastian Schramm, John S Okasinki, Sebastian
Schöder, Veijo Honkimäki, Moshe Deutsch,
Benjamin M Ocko, John Ralston, Michael
Rohwerder, Martin Stratmann, Helmut Dosch,
‘Molecular Layering of Fluorinated Ionic Liquids
at a Charged Sapphire (0001) Surface’, Science,
322, 424-428, (1095-9203), 2008.
Room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are
promising candidates for a broad range of
“green” applications, for which their interaction
with solid surfaces plays a crucial role. In
this high-energy x-ray reflectivity study, the
temperature-dependent structures of three ionic
liquids with the tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluoropho
sphate anion in contact with a charged sapphire
substrate were investigated with submolecular
resolution. All three RTILs show strong interfacial
layering, starting with a cation layer at the
substrate and decaying exponentially into the
bulk liquid. The observed decay length and
layering period point to an interfacial ordering
mechanism, akin to the charge inversion effect,
which is suggested to originate from strong
correlations between the unscreened ions. The
observed layering is expected to be a generic
feature of RTILs at charged interfaces.
18
Research Partnership with BHP Billiton Olympic Dam Operations, South Australia
BHP Billiton is a major research sponsor of The
Wark, participating in a broad range of projects -
including multi-partner collaborative projects via
AMIRA International - and is a major sponsor of
the Australian Mineral Science Research Institute
(AMSRI). BHP Billiton has also contributed to
significant large capital equipment purchases,
such as our quantitative mineralogy, and mini
pilot plant. They have also had a representative
on The Wark’s Advisory Board for many years.
As a result of recent developments and expansion
plans at BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam Operations
in South Australia, the company has chosen
The Wark as a select research provider over the
next five years. For this purpose, and in order to
retain the highly specialised minerals processing
staff and expertise which will be required within
The Wark, BHP Billiton has entered into a five
year contract, based on an Umbrella Agreement,
that will provide $500K per financial year
(July-June) in support of the research project. It
is anticipated this investment will exceed the
minimum guarantee, as the various projects
come on stream. The work is directed at
enhancing existing operations, and developing
mineral processing technologies in relation to the
planned Olympic Dam expansion.
New Record for Publications
In 2008, The Wark produced a total of 104
publications:
• Book Chapters (B) 5
• Refereed Journal Articles (C1) 74
• Refereed Conference Papers (E1) 25
This total is higher than our previous record set in
2006 for 100 publications (1+72+27).
Using both the final (PCE cluster) and draft
ARC ranking lists, we were able to rank 67 C1
publications (no ARC ranking is yet available for
the remaining 7 C1 publications). In terms of
the ranking categories, the break-up of these 67,
including percentage values, is:
• A* (top 5%) 25 (37.3%)
• A (the next 15%) 19 (28.4%)
• B (the next 30%) 14 (20.9%
• C (bottom 50%) 9 (13.4%)
Therefore, over 65% of our 2008 publications
appeared in the top 20% of the research outlets.
The Wark’s papers for 2000-2008 in physical chemistry are consistently cited twice as frequently compared to the national and world benchmarks, with a similar performance in resources engineering and extractive metallurgy.
19
Photo courtesy of BHPB Billiton
20
Bio and Polymer InterfacesSector Coordinator: Prof Clive Prestidge
Research Themes• Bio-interface science
• Smart surfaces for biomaterial applications
• Nanostructured colloids for therapeutics
delivery and biodiagnostic applications
• Polymer interfaces.
New Research ProjectsTwo new national competitive grants were
awarded in the areas of bioactive surfaces and
biodelivery:
• NH&MRC development grant, “Development
and Evaluation of Novel Antibacterial Coatings
for the Prevention of Infection of Biomedical
Implants and Devices”, Prof Hans Griesser
in collaboration with Dr S. Semple (Sansom
Institute) and Prof M. Perkins (Flinders
University). (Total funding: $332,000)
• NH&MRC development grant, “LipoceramicTM
Technologies: A Solution to the Low and
Variable Bioavailability of Poorly Soluble
Drugs”, Prof Clive Prestidge in collaboration
with Dr B. Boyd (Monash University) and Dr
A. Davey (Sansom Institute). (Total funding:
$246,000)
New collaborative projects with industry have
commenced, eg ARC Linkage project with Citech
Holdings Ltd, “Novel Biodiagnostic Platforms for
Human Metabolites”, Prof Clive Prestidge, Prof
Hans Griesser and Dr T. Vaithianathan (Mawson
Institute). (Total funding: $695,000)
A number of new collaborative projects with
academia have commenced, eg The Cancer
Australia and Prostate Cancer Foundation of
Australia project, “Preclinical Evaluation of Novel
Prostate-Targeted Nanoparticles for Imaging
Primary and Metastatic Prostate Cancer”. Dr
Benjamin Thierry in collaboration with Prof P.
Russell, B.J. Walsh, J. Bucci, P. de Souza and A.
Khatri (University of Sydney). (Total funding:
$590,000)
Staff and StudentsDr Spomenka Simovic was awarded the
University of South Australia’s Hypatia Fellowship
for Women (funded for 3 years) enabling her
to continue her research on nanostructured
materials for drug delivery.
Dr Mahaveer Kurkuri joined the project team
working on the ARC Discovery grant “Advanced
Nanostructured Biointerfaces for Cell Capture:
Mechanistic Understanding of Binding Events
to the Development of a New Generation of
Biodiagnostic Tools”.
There are currently more than 15 PhD students
working on sector related projects. Kinnari
Shelat completed a PhD thesis on “Tailoring
Polymer Blends and Nanocomposites to Tune the
Barrier Properties”.
A/Prof Sunil Kumar was appointed to the
editorial board of the Journal of the Australian
Ceramic Society. Prof Clive Prestidge was
appointed as an editor to the Journal of
Biomedical Nanotechnology and joined the
international advisory board of the Journal of
Liposome Research.
Research Outcomes and New DirectionsSector related publications increased significantly
in 2008. Approximately 30 fully refereed journal
articles and 4 book chapters were published
across the following areas:
21
• Functional colloids and nanoparticles of
therapeutic delivery and diagnostics, eg
porous silica and silicon particles, metals
nanoparticles, dendrimers, DNA-lipid
complexes and colloidosomes
• Novel surface functionalisation of inorganic
and polymeric materials for biomaterial
application.
A number of ARC Linkage projects were
successfully completed, ie with (i) Starpharma
Holdings concerned with the biopharmaceutical
application of dendrimers and (ii) The pSivida
Group concerned with the pharmaceutical
application of porous silicon.
Recent research success is leading to potential
biomaterial and bio-diagnostic applications, eg:
• Novel citric-acid based elastomers have been
synthesized for potential tissue engineering
applications
• Low temperature alpha alumina coatings for
surgical instrument applications (A/Prof Sunil
Kumar in collaboration with University of
Arkansas, USA)
• Building on previous projects in bio-
interfaces engineering and using advanced
microfabrication concepts, a cross-disciplinary
project lead by Dr Benjamin Thierry is
developing a platform technology able to
capture tumour cells circulating in the blood
of cancer patients. Although present only in
extremely small numbers, these cells provide
vital diagnostic and prognostic information.
Molecular analyses of these cancer cells
captured within microfluidic devices could
ultimately enable the design of improved and
personalized cancer treatment.
Dr Tim Barnes (left) and Dr Benjamin Thierry using Optical Waveguide Lightmode Spectroscopy (OWLS). OWLS is a highly sensitive (~1ng/cm2) providing in-situ, real-time adsorption kinetics at the solid-liquid interface. For example, we are investigating the adsorption of dendrimers onto supported lipid bilayers. Dendrimers offer significant potential for use in a range of biomedical applications, particularly the delivery of drug and DNA/RNA.
Colloids and NanostructuresSector Coordinator: A/Prof Daniel Fornasiero
22
Research Themes• Stability of colloidal particles, including their
aggregation, dispersion and adsorption on
solid or gas surfaces
• Manipulation of surface chemical and
physical nano-heterogeneities to influence the
properties of these surfaces with simple and
complex fluids.
Research OverviewThe sector’s key projects for 2008 included:
• Integrated Predictive Evaluation of Traps and
Seals – IPETS; CSIRO Petroleum, Australian
School of Petroleum, IWRI and CSIRO
Exploration and Mining, (AU$480,000, 2005-
2008) Ralston, Sedev.
• Model Studies of the Wettability of Reservoir
and Seal Rocks as Recovered and After
Treatments to Alter Surface Properties;
ARC Linkage with PIRSA, Santos and Origin
(AU$225,000, 2006-2008) Sedev, Ralston,
Borysenko.
• Fluid Flow over Heterogeneous Surfaces on
the Nanometre Scale: Australia-India Strategic
Research Fund, DIISR (AU$292,000, 2008-
2011) Horn, Ralston, Sedev, Prestidge.
• Polymers at Mineral Interfaces; ARC Linkage
and AMIRA P498B (AU$1,100,000, 2005-
2008) Beattie, Fornasiero, Ralston, Addai-
Mensah.
• Impact of Recycled and Low Quality Water on
Sustainable Mineral Processing Practices; ARC
Linkage with AMIRA (AU$700,000, 2008-
2011) Fornasiero, Ralston and Moran.
• Australian Mineral Science Research Institute
(AMSRI); ARC Linkage with AMIRA and
Universities of South Australia, Melbourne,
Newcastle and Queensland (2006-2010).
• ARC Special Research Centre for Particle and
Material Interfaces (2000-2008).
Selected Key Publications• V. Lockett, R. Sedev, C. Bassell, and J.
Ralston, Angle-Resolved X-Ray Photoelectron
Spectroscopy of the Surface of Imidazolium
Ionic Liquids, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 10
(2008) 1330-5.
• J. Ralston, M.N. Popescu, and R. Sedev,
Dynamics of Wetting from an Experimental
Point of View, Ann. Rev. Mater. Res. 38 (2008)
23-43.
• J. Zhou, R. Sedev, D. Beattie, and J. Ralston,
Light-Induced Aggregation of Colloidal Gold
Nanoparticles Capped by Thymine Derivatives,
Langmuir 24 (2008) 4506-11.
• V. Lockett, R. Sedev, J. Ralston, M. Horne, and
T. Rodopoulos, Differential Capacitance of the
Electrical Double Layer in Imidazolium Based
Ionic Liquids-Influence of Potential, Cation
Size, and Temperature, J. Phys. Chem. C 112
(2008) 7486-95.
• M.N. Popescu, J. Ralston, and R. Sedev,
Capillary Rise with Velocity-Dependent
Dynamic Contact Angle, Langmuir, 24 (2008)
12710-6.
• S. Ray, R. Sedev, C. Priest, and J. Ralston,
Influence of the Work of Adhesion on
the Dynamic Wetting of Chemically
Heterogeneous Surfaces, Langmuir 24 (2008)
13007-12.
• D.Y.C. Chan, O. Manor, J. Connor, R.G. Horn,
Soft Matter: From Shapes to Forces on the
Nanoscale, Royal Society of Chemistry, 4
(2008) 471-474.
23
• R.Manica, J.N. Connor, L.Y. Clasohm, S.L.
Carnie, R.G. Horn, D.Y.C. Chan, Transient
Responses of a Wetting Film to Mechanical
and Electrical Perturbations, Langmuir, 24
(2008) 1381-1390.
• L.T. Cuba-Chiem, L. Huynh, J. Ralston,
D.A. Beattie, In Situ Particle Film ATR-
FTIR Spectroscopy of CMC Adsorption on
Talc: Binding Mechanism, pH Effects, and
Adsorption Kinetics, Langmuir, 24 (2008)
8036-8044.
• M. Mezger, H. Schroder, H. Reicher, S.
Schramm, J. Okasinski, S. Schoder, V.
Honkimaki, M. Deutsch, B.M. Ocko, J.
Ralston, M. Rohwerder, M. Stratmann, H.
Dosch, Molecular layering of fluorinated ionic
liquids at a charged sapphire (0001) surface,
Science, 322 (2008) 424.
Patents• Electrowetting Cells and Devices; M. Paneru,
C. Priest, R. Sedev, and J. Ralston. Prov. Pat.
2008903526, Univ. South Australia, 9 July
2008.
• Extraction Apparatus and Processes; C. Priest,
J. Ralston, R. Sedev, K. Mawatari, and T.
Kitamori; Prov. Pat. 2008904363, Univ. South
Australia, 25 August 2008.
Future GoalsStaff and students will continue to be involved
in the Australian Mineral Science Research
Institute. It is envisaged that there will be
significant contributions to the Materials and
Minerals Science Learning and Research Hub,
as well as the planned Centre of Excellence
application.
Dr Marta Krasowska using the atomic force microscope (AFM). The AFM allows surface topography and adsorbed molecules to be imaged, and interaction forces measured between surfaces
24
Materials and Environmental Surface ScienceSector Coordinator: A/Prof Bill Skinner
Research Themes• Reaction mechanisms at material and
environmental surfaces/interfaces
• Surface spectroscopies
• Synchrotron science.
Research OverviewAs foreshadowed, 2007/08 saw a major push
into the uranium industry. Two, short-term
projects with BHP-Billiton on processing issues at
Olympic Dam, resulted in a 3-year, ARC Linkage
Grant, “Improving aqueous processing and
control of Cu-U leach tails behaviour” (Addai-
Mensah/Skinner). On an energy materials theme,
an ARC Linkage Grant, “Novel Nanostructured
Polymeric Membranes for Energy Storage
Applications” (Roy Choudhury/Skinner) was
won with ZBB International, manufacturer of
liquid-polyelectrolyte storage batteries. This adds
to previous success in ARC Discovery (Dutta/Roy
Choudhury) on “New high temperature proton
conducting polymer electrolyte for sustainable
energy conversion”.
Electro-optical materials have also been a key
focus of industry research, including an ARC
Linkage Grant (Griesser et al) on nanostructured
systems. Titania-based pigment research projects
also ran throughout 2007/08, reaching a total of
15 years of continuous funding in this area.
Successes in key infrastructure in 2008 included
a new ToF-SIMS instrument (Physical Electronics
TRIFT V Nano-ToF) via the National Collaborative
Research Infrastructure Scheme (NCRIS) funding
(Griesser) and Scanning Transmission X-ray
Microscopy (STXM) via ARC LIEF (Skinner), to
be located on Beamline 14-ID at the Australian
Synchrotron in Melbourne. STXM provides
chemical imaging at the <50 nm scale in the
“water window”, benefiting Wark activities
across a range of disciplines. The Wark was
also involved in obtaining a Metastable Induced
Electron Spectroscopy (MIES) instrument, located
at Flinders University, via ARC LIEF (Griesser/
Skinner).
On the invitation of the Department of
Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Dr
Naba Dutta joined the Australian delegation to
the Nanotech 2008 Conference and Trade Show
in Boston, Massachusetts, from 1-5 June. Dr
Sarah Harmer-Bassell has received a prestigious
Lumsden Award in collaboration with Prof Wayne
Nesbitt of the University of Western Ontario
(UWO). The award provides funding for travel
to UWO to undertake research in mineral surface
chemical spectroscopy.
Selected Key Publications• Priest, C., Stevens, N., Sedev, R., Skinner,
W. and Ralston, J., Inferring wettability of
heterogeneous surfaces by ToF-SIMS, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 320, 563-
568 (2008).
• Mayavan, S., Roy Choudhury, N. and Dutta,
N.K., Pt-catalyst nanoparticles from directed
deposition in functional block copolymer,
Advanced Materials, 20, 1819 (2008).
• Mistry, M.K., Roy Choudhury, N., Dutta, N.K.,
Knott, R., Shi, Z. and Holdcroft, S., Novel
Organic-Inorganic Hybrids with Increased
Water Retention for Elevated Temperature
Proton Exchange Membrane Application,
Chemistry of Materials, 20(21), 6857 (2008).
• Subianto, S., Roy Choudhury, N. and Dutta,
N.K., Palladium-catalysed phosphonation of
SEBS block copolymer, Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry 46, 5431
(2008).
• Dutta, N.K., Bhowmick, A.K. and Roy
Choudhury, N., Thermoplastic Elastomers,
Current Topics of Elastomer Research, Taylor
& Francis Group LLC, CRC Press, Florida, USA
(Ch 4, p 101) (2008).
• Denman, J.A., Kempson, I.M., Kirkbride, K.P.
and Skinner, W.M., Discrimination of pencil
markings on paper using elemental analysis,
Forensic Science International, 175, 123-129
(2008).
• Coumbaros, J., Denman, J., Kirkbride, K.P.,
Walker, G.S. and Skinner, W., An Investigation
into the Spatial Elemental Distribution within
a Pane of Glass by Time of Flight Secondary
Ion Mass Spectrometry, Journal of Forensic Science, 53(2), 312-320 (2008).
• Gräfe, M., Beattie, D.A., Smith, E.R., Skinner,
W.M., Singh, B., Copper and arsenate co-
sorption at the mineral-water interfaces of
goethite and jarosite, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 322(2), 399-413 (2008).
• Beattie, D.A., Chapelet, J.K., Gräfe, M.,
Skinner, W.M., Smith, E., In situ ATR-FTIR
particle film studies of sulphate adsorption in
the presence of Cu(II), Environmental Science and Technology, 42(24), 9191–9196 (2008).
Right: Kratos Axis Ultra X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS). XPS is a technique used to analyse the surface chemistry of a material. Information that can be obtained includes: the empirical formula of pure materials, the elemental composition of the surface, the chemical state of the elements on the surface and electronic state of the surface elements.
25
26
Mineral ProcessingSector Coordinator: Prof Stephen Grano
Research Themes• Flotation
• Leaching
• Solvent extraction (involvement in the
Australian Mineral Science Research Institute).
Research OverviewIn 2008, the sector’s research centred around five
major activities:
• Optimising Froth Zone Performance in Mineral
Flotation and associated ARC Linkage
• Improving Sulphide Mineral Flotation and
associated ARC Linkage
• Differential Flotation of Copper Minerals from
Final Concentrate (BHP Billiton)
• Gangue Recovery (BHP Billiton)
• Australian Mineral Science Research Institute
(AMSRI).
The industry project titled Optimising Froth Zone
Performance in Mineral Flotation was completed
in mid-2008 (a proposal for a project extension
was distributed in early 2008). Dr Hamid Reza-
Manouchehri was appointed to the position
of Senior Research Fellow in P260E. Dr Jason
Connor, Dr Saeed Farrokhpay and Mr Ramana
Chimala joined the sector as Senior Research
Fellow, Research Fellow and Research Associate
respectively.
In P260E, the heterogeneity of hydrophobicity of
individual particles in samples of differing mean
contact angle was determined by Time of Flight
Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS).
This work involved correlating the mean contact
angle determined for a range of samples by the
Washburn technique against a calculated contact
angle using Principal Component Analysis in
ToF-SIMS. In the case of chalcopyrite particles,
a sample having a mean contact angle of 75o
may have a 95% confidence interval of 50o to
95o. This has very significant consequences
in the flotation behaviour of these particle
ensembles, giving rise to their multi-component
behaviour in flotation. In some cases, particles
in the low contact angle range are below the
critical contact angle to affect bubble-particle
attachment, giving rise to a maximum recovery
achievable in flotation. This new approach may
allow the prediction of maximum recovery based
on measurements of mean and polydispersity
of contact angle. The critical contact angle
required to affect flotation is a strong function of
particle size. An IP disclosure and patent for new
methods to increase coarse, composite particle
recovery have been submitted.
A significant technology transfer achievement in
P260E has been to demonstrate in three separate
plants the beneficial effect of reduced pulp
density on coarse, liberated molybdenite recovery.
In practice, molybdenite recovery may lag copper
recovery by between 5-30%, while normal pulp
densities are usually of the order of 30-40%
(w/w) in roughing flotation. Indeed, the pulp
density is often increased during operation due
to the necessity to maximise solids throughput.
An operational response to maximise retention
time in flotation is to reduce water additions in
an effort to maintain recovery. However, and
somewhat counter-intuitively, it has been found
that reduced pulp density actually increases
both the rate and maximum recovery of coarse,
liberated molybdenite particles. The mechanism
responsible for this phenomena is being
determined in a separate fundamental study in
which it has been found that the co-existence of
calcium and fine silica leads to silica adsorption
onto the edges and faces of molybdenite and a
reduction in its hydrophobicity.
27
An Umbrella Agreement was signed with BHP
Billiton for a series of projects relevant to Olympic
Dam of the Uranium Customer Sector Group.
In 2008, the main focus has been (i) differential
flotation of minerals in copper concentrates for
which an ARC Linkage grant was awarded in the
second round of 2008, and (ii) gangue recovery
to examine methods to reduce acid consumption
in leaching.
Future GoalsThe main goals for 2009 are to achieve continuity
of the P260 project as P260F “Influence of
Process Mineralogy and Pulp Chemistry on the
Flotation of Fine and Coarse Minerals” (2010-
2013) with an associated ARC Linkage proposal
“Collection of Coarse, Composite Particles by
Bubbles in Flotation” planned for submission
in the second round of 2009. There will be
continued activity supporting the Australian
Mineral Science Research Institute and strategic
support for the planned Centre of Excellence
application. Opportunities in dry processing
(Manouchehri) and plastics recycling (Zanin) are
being actively pursued, as is a significant initiative
in ionic liquids (Ralston, Sedev, Lockett). The
Materials and Minerals Science Learning and
Research Hub provides an enormous opportunity
for growth.
Left to right: PhD candidate Mr Daniel Chipfunhu, Dr Igor Ametov, Dr Jason Connor, PhD candidate Ms Danfeng Xu and Mr Ramana Chimala
28
FunctionsThe primary function of Scientific Services is to
underpin the research activities of The Wark.
This is partly achieved by taking responsibility
for significant equipment installations with an
estimated replacement value of $35M. The
15 full time staff provide training to staff
and students, enabling them to characterise
surface and bulk properties of materials. A
fast turnaround analysis service is also provided
for researchers wishing to take advantage of
the considerable experience and skills of sector
staff. This service extends to data interpretation
if required. A growing function of the sector
is to provide a consulting service to industry,
which harnesses the combined knowledge
and experience of Scientific Services staff and
researchers.
OverviewDuring the period from January 2004 to
December 2008 services were provided to 382
clients. 504 enquiries were processed in 2008,
resulting in a total of 454 research support and
consulting projects. Of these, 231 were analysis
services for researchers and the remaining 224
were short term consulting projects for industry.
Industry consulting projects were conducted for
76 individual companies clearly indicating that a
significant number of clients returned to us for
further work throughout the year. One company
requested 25 separate consulting projects and
42.6% of clients commissioned 2 or more
projects. The income through research support
activity generated 20.9% of income. Income
derived from industry consulting projects was
almost identical to 2007 income.
Automated mineralogy was added to the range
of services on offer to researchers and industry
through the delivery and installation of a
QEMSCAN®.
Work commenced on the construction of a new
Microfluidics and Nanofabrication Clean Room.
Orders were placed for a Mask Aligner, Substrate
Bonder with hot embossing option, a Deep
Reactive Ion Etcher and a Micro Mill. The Micro
Mill will be the most advanced tool of its type
in Australia and 1 of only 10 in the world. The
facility will be the South Australian Node of the
ANFF (Australian National Fabrication Facility).
An order was placed for a new nanoTOF
surface analysis instrument, which will be the
most advanced of its type in Australia. The
instrument will also be one of two National
Flagship instruments located in South Australian
universities. It is expected to be available for
research and industry access during the second
quarter of 2009. This facility is part of the South
Australian Node of the AMMRF (Australian
Microscopy and Microanalysis Research Facility).
Funding for the Clean Room, Nanofabrication
Equipment and nanoTOF was largely made
possible through NCRIS (National Collaborative
Research Infrastructure Strategy) Fabrication,
Characterisation and Government of South
Australia funding.
MetricsCompanies with head offices based in South
Australia accounted for 58% of all clients but
72% of the total consulting income. Interstate
and international companies represented 42% of
total clients and 28% of total consulting income.
The type of work performed was predominantly
problem solving and consulting with the latter
being projects involving materials selection,
product development, process development
and optimisation, expert opinion and litigation,
specifying and/or sourcing technology or
equipment, literature review and technology
audits. These two categories comprised 92.9%
of the total work performed.
Mining and Minerals and Consumer Products
accounted for 85% of total income from industry
consulting projects.
Future GoalsEquipment ordered in 2008 for the Microfluidics
and Nanofabrication Clean Room will be
delivered and installed during the first half of
2009. Orders will be placed for a Spin Coater
and Optical Profilometer with delivery and
installation anticipated during the second half of
2009.
Analysis results for samples produced by the
Mini Pilot Plant are typically required within 6
– 12 hours of submission. To achieve this target
it will be necessary to have dedicated facilities
on campus. During the first half of 2009, a
laboratory will be refurbished and fitted out with
appropriate equipment. It is expected that this
facility will be operational by the end of the third
quarter of 2009.
To support the anticipated work load
following installation and commissioning
of the QEMSCAN® and Microfluidics and
Nanofabrication Clean Room, a Mineralogist and
a second Nanofabrication Technologist will be
employed during the second half of 2009.
Scientific Services Manager: Mr Philip Moore
Client location as a percentage of total clients in 2008
SA Clients 58%
Interstate Clients 31%
International Clients 11%
Income by client location as a percentage of total income in 2008
SA Clients 72%
Interstate Clients 25%
International Clients 3%
Type of work in 2008 as a percentage of total income
Solve 52.81% Explore 3.62%
Consult 40.13%
AMMRF 1.16%
Advise 0.26%
Access 2.07%
Income from Industry Sectors 2008
Mining & Minerals 68%
Other 1%
Plastics 1%
Metals 1%
Health & Pharmaceuticals 3%
Energy 1%Electronics 2%
Education 5%
Consumer Products 16%
Biotech 2%
29
Dr Scott Abbott and Mrs Maria Provatas
Research Projects* Total funding over $50,000
BIO AND POLYMER INTERFACES
*A physicochemical approach for optimizing drug delivery from BioSilicon
Research Sponsors: Australian Research Council Linkage Grant and pSivida Ltd
Chief Investigators: C Prestidge, A Evans (Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, UniSA) and P Pendleton
(Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, UniSA)
*Advanced nanostructured biointerfaces for cell capture
Research Sponsor: Australian Research Council Discovery Grant
Chief Investigators: H Griesser, B Thierry, C Prestidge, M Brown (Royal Adelaide Hospital) and M Tabrizian
(University of Montreal)
*Biophysical analysis for determination of disease
Research Sponsor: Fermiscan Ltd
Chief Investigators: C Prestidge, W Skinner, T Barnes, B Thierry and I Kempson
*Development and evaluation of novel antibacterial coatings for the prevention of infection of biomedical
implants and devices
Research Sponsors: National Health and Medical Research Council and ITEK Pty Ltd
Chief Investigators: H Griesser, M Perkins (Flinders University) and S Semple (Sansom Institute, UniSA)
*Engineered nanotube membranes for molecular separation and biosensing
Research Sponsor: Australian Research Council Fellowship
Chief Investigator: D Losic
*Immunotargeted nanoparticles to improve tumour delivery of chemosensitising cytotoxic drugs and
b-radiation
Research Sponsor: National Health and Medical Research Council
Chief Investigators: H Griesser, B Thierry, P Majewski, M Brown (Royal Adelaide Hospital) and J Taylor
(Royal Adelaide Hospital)
Inducing bioactivity in three dimensional tissue engineering scaffolds
Research Sponsor: NED University
Chief Investigator: S Kumar
*Interfacial studies of nanoparticulate dendrimers for improved biopharmaceutical application
Research Sponsors: Australian Research Council Linkage Grant and Starpharma Holdings Ltd
Chief Investigators: C Prestidge and H Griesser
*Integrated approach to the development of advanced nanostructures as cancer diagnostics and
therapeutic agents
Research Sponsor: Cancer Council of South Australia
Chief Investigators: H Griesser, B Thierry, P Majewski and M Brown (Royal Adelaide Hospital)
Molecular level structural mapping of proteins adsorbed onto well defined nanopatterned surfaces
relevant to designing next generation orthopaedic implants
Research Sponsor: UniSA – ARC Discovery Project Development Scheme
Chief Investigator: S Kumar
Nano encapsulation systems for improving stability and delivery of protein therapeutics
Research Sponsor: UniSA – ARC Discovery Project Development Scheme
Chief Investigator: C Prestidge
*Surface for tissue engineering
Research Sponsor: CRC for Polymers
Chief Investigator: H Griesser
30
*Test systems for microstreak equipment
Research Sponsor: LabTech Systems Ltd
Chief Investigator: H Griesser
Up conversion energy transfer for nanoparticulate triggered photodynamic therapy
Research Sponsors: Australian Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council and
Fluorescence Applications in Biotechnology and Life Sciences Network
Chief Investigator: B Thierry
COLLOIDS AND NANOSTRUCTURES
*Control of aggregate structure settling and dewatering in mineral tailings processing
Research Sponsors: Australian Research Council Linkage Grant and Rio Tinto Ltd
Chief Investigators: R Smart (ACeSSS, UniSA), M Zbik and G Morris (Victoria University)
Controlled particle attachment at fluid interfaces
Research Sponsor: Fluorescence Applications in Biotechnology and Life Sciences Network
Chief Investigator: C Whitby
Effect of aging of MIBC on coal flotation
Research Sponsor: BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance
Chief Investigators: K Quast, P Moore and D Fornasiero
*Electrical double layer and electron transfer in ionic liquids
Research Sponsor: CSIRO Minerals
Chief Investigators: J Ralston, R Sedev and M Horne (CSIRO Minerals)
*Enhanced depression and dispersion of minerals in flotation (P498C)
Research Sponsor: AMIRA International Ltd
Chief Investigators: D Beattie, D Fornasiero, J Addai-Mensah and J Ralston
*Fluid flow and lubrication on the nanometre scale
Research Sponsor: Australia India Strategic Research Fund Grant
Chief Investigators: R Horn, J Ralston, R Sedev and C Priest
*Impact of recycled and low quality water on sustainable mineral processing practices
Research Sponsor: AMIRA International Ltd
Chief Investigators: D Fornasiero, C Moran (University of Queensland) and J Ralston
*Model studies of the wettability of reservoir and seal rocks as recovered and after treatments to alter
surface properties
Research Sponsors: Australian Research Council Linkage Grant and CSIRO Petroleum
Chief Investigators: R Sedev, J Ralston and J Kaldi (University of Adelaide)
*Particle-bubble interactions
Research Sponsor: CSIRO Minerals
Chief Investigators: J Ralston, D Fornasiero and P Koh (CSIRO Minerals)
Physics and chemistry of the electrified solid/room temperature ionic liquids interface
Research Sponsor: UniSA – ARC Discovery Development Scheme
Chief Investigators: R Sedev and J Ralston
*Polymers at mineral interfaces (P498B)
Research Sponsors: Australian Research Council Linkage Grant and AMIRA International Ltd
Chief Investigators: D Beattie, D Fornasiero, J Addai-Mensah and J Ralston
MATERIALS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SURFACE SCIENCE
*Characterization of metal contaminants in Antarctic sediments
Research Sponsor: Australian Antarctic Program
Chief Investigator: I Kempson
31
32 Classification of reactive and non-reactive rock
Research Sponsor: Orica Australia Pty Ltd
Chief Investigators: W Skinner and P Moore
*Development of novel nanostructured electro-optical systems
Research Sponsors: Australian Research Council Linkage Grant and Visiocorp Australia Pty Ltd
Chief Investigators: H Griesser, P Murphy, G Wallace (University of Wollongong), P Innis (University of
Wollongong) and S Edwards (Visiocorp Australia Pty Ltd)
*Gradient index optical coatings by plasma polymerisation
Research Sponsor: CRC for Advanced Automotive Technology
Chief Investigators: H Griesser, P Murphy and R Short (Mawson Institute, UniSA)
*Improved fouling mitigation: The properties and mechanisms of action of sodium aluminosilicate scale
inhibition polymers
Research Sponsor: Cytec Australia Holdings Pty Ltd
Chief Investigator: J Addai-Mensah
*Improving aqueous processing and control of copper-uranium leach tails behaviour
Research Sponsors: Australian Research Council Linkage Grant and BHP Billiton Ltd
Chief Investigators: J Addai-Mensah and W Skinner
*Materials research and engineering facility for conducting polymer devices
Research Sponsors: Premier’s Science & Research Fund, Visiocorp Australia Pty Ltd
and Carl Zeiss Vision Australia
Chief Investigators: P Murphy and R Short (Mawson Institute, UniSA)
Multichip module processing: Structure performance understanding
Research Sponsor: Defence Science and Technology Organisation
Chief Investigator: N Roy Choudhury
*Novel nanostructured polymeric membranes for energy storage applications
Research Sponsor: ZBB Technologies Ltd
Chief Investigators: N Roy Choudhury and W Skinner
*Optimisation of pigment coating surface treatments
Research Sponsor: Tiwest Joint Venture
Chief Investigators: W Skinner and J Addai-Mensah
*Plastic mirror development
Research Sponsor: CRC for Advanced Automotive Technology
Chief Investigators: P Murphy, H Griesser and R Short (Mawson Institute, UniSA)
MINERAL PROCESSING
*Characterizing and controlling the surface properties of fine mineral particles generated during grinding
and the effect on flotation properties
Research Sponsor: Magotteaux Australia Pty Ltd
Chief Investigators: S Grano and S Gredelj
*Distinguishing and quantifying the relative contributions of oxidized iron from grinding media and
mineral sources
Research Sponsor: Magotteaux Australia Pty Ltd
Chief Investigators: S Grano and S Gredelj
*Gangue recovery fundamental studies – Flotation
Research Sponsor: BHP Billiton Ltd
Chief Investigators: J Addai-Mensah and S Grano
*Gangue recovery fundamental studies – Leach and Surface Chemistry
Research Sponsor: BHP Billiton Ltd
Chief Investigators: J Addai-Mensah and S Grano
*Improving sulphide mineral flotation (P260E)
Research Sponsors: Australian Research Council Linkage Grant and AMIRA International Ltd
Chief Investigators: S Grano, D Fornasiero and W Skinner
*Increasing copper and molybdenum recovery from low recovery ores
Research Sponsor: Rio Tinto Kennecott Utah Copper
Chief Investigators: M Zanin and S Grano
*Increasing PGM recovery in the Western Limb tailings retreatment plant deslime circuit
Research Sponsor: Anglo Platinum Ltd
Chief Investigators: S Grano and H Manouchehri
Investigation of a novel method to study microbial adhesion to mineral surfaces
Research Sponsor: CSIRO Minerals
Chief Investigator: R Horn
*Mineral flotation – Integrating science and practice
Research Sponsor: Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre
Chief Investigators: P Moore and W Skinner
*Optimisation of flotation systems for tantalum recovery from pegmatite core and plant tailings
Research Sponsor: Talison Minerals Pty Ltd
Chief Investigators: R Newell, K Quast, T Tichy, P Moore and A Kaplun
* Optimising froth zone performance in mineral flotation (P541B)
Research Sponsors: Australian Research Council Linkage Grant and AMIRA International Ltd
Chief Investigators: S Grano, R Horn and JP Franzidis (University of Queensland)
* Optimising the recovery of fine and coarse particles in mineral flotation
Research Sponsors: Australian Research Council Linkage Grant and AMIRA International Ltd
Chief Investigators: S Grano and D Fornasiero
*Separation of enargite from Frieda River-Nena final concentrate
Research Sponsor: Xstrata Qld Ltd
Chief Investigators: S Grano, P Moore and K Quast
*Separation of minerals in final concentrate at Olympic Dam
Research Sponsor: BHP Billiton Ltd
Chief Investigators: S Grano and I Ametov
SCIENTIFIC SERVICES
*Quantitative mineralogy facility
Research Sponsors: UniSA, BHP Billiton Ltd, OZ Minerals Ltd and Department of Primary Industries &
Resources
Chief Investigators: S Grano, W Skinner and P Moore
CORPORATE
*Australian Mineral Science Research Institute
Research Sponsors: AMIRA International Ltd, Australian Research Council Linkage Grant, South Australian
Government and UniSA
Chief Investigator: J Ralston
*Special Research Centre for Particle and Material Interfaces
Research Sponsor: Australian Research Council
Chief Investigator: J Ralston
*Fabrication of advanced materials
Research Sponsors: National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy, UniSA and South Australian
Government
Chief Investigator: J Ralston
*SA Regional facility for microscopy
Research Sponsors: National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy, UniSA and South Australian
Government
Chief Investigator: H Griesser
33
Ms Audrey Beaussart (below) UniSA International Travel Grant – Student
Mobility
Audrey used this grant to help fund an eight
week internship at the Department of Chemistry,
University of Otago, New Zealand where she
worked on ATR-FTIR experiments with Prof Jim
McQuillan. Audrey’s area of research is mineral
processing with the principal goal of her project
to characterise the adsorption of polymeric
depressants on hydrophobic minerals (talc,
graphite, molybdenite), to understand how the
adsorbed polymer layer affects the flotation
recovery of these minerals. She is in the third
year of her PhD and her principal supervisor is Dr
David Beattie.
Dr Renate FetzerBest dissertation for priority program, “Nano
and Microfluidics” German Science Foundation
(DFG). AKF Dissertation Prize for 2008 of the
German Physical Society (GPS), Condensed
Matter Division.
A/Prof Sunil KumarEditorial Board Member, Journal of the Australian
Ceramic Society.
34
Honours and Awards
Mr Srinivas Parimi (opposite left)Joint winner - Best Wark Student Seminar
– Dendrimer transport across lipid bilayers:
Liposome leakage and cell death.
Srinivas is in the third year of his PhD and is
working in the area of nanopharmaceutical drug
delivery. His principal supervisor is Prof Clive
Prestidge.
Mr Luke Parkinson (opposite right)Joint winner - Best Wark Student Seminar
– The interaction of a rising microbubble and a
hydrophilic, titania surface.
Luke is in the third year of his PhD and is working
in the area of bubble-particle interactions and
attachment processes (thin liquid films, drainage,
rupture mechanisms and dynamic dewetting). His
principal supervisor is Laureate Prof John Ralston.
Mr Luke ParkinsonHealy-Hunter Medal, 26th Australian Colloid
and Surface Science Student Conference,
Warrnambool, Australia, 4-8 February 2008.
Laureate Prof John RalstonOfficer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2008
Queen’s Birthday Honours.
John received the honour “for service to science
and to scientific research, particularly in the field
of physical chemistry and minerals processing,
to education and the creation and application of
new scientific knowledge to industry”.
Prof Namita Roy Choudhury and Dr Surya SubiantoAINSE Award 2008 – SAXS characterization
of proton exchange membrane nanostructure
modified by conductive and non conductive
inclusions.
Namita and Surya were awarded $5890 by
the Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and
Engineering. This allowed them to access the
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology
Organisation’s (ANSTO) state-of-the-art SAXS
facility.
Dr Spomenka SimovicInaugural recipient of the UniSA Hypatia
Postdoctoral Fellowship for Women.
These Fellowships are awarded to female early
career researchers with outstanding potential to
undertake research in the science, technology,
engineering, mathematics or medical/health
areas. Spomenka completed her PhD in 2004
at UniSA and is currently working in the area
of physical chemistry and drug delivery with
particular emphasis on nanoparticle stabilised
emulsions, microencapsulations, enhancing
bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs and dermo/
cosmetic applications
A/Prof Bill SkinnerElected to the Australian Synchrotron User
Advisory Committee.
Ms Angel Tan (left)Best poster presentation prize, Australasian
Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA),
Canberra, Australia, 6-9 December 2008.
This prize was presented by the Australian
Chapter of the Controlled Release Society.
Angel’s co-supervisors are Prof Clive Prestidge,
Dr Spomenka Simovic and Dr Andrew Davey
(Pharmacy and Medical Sciences).
The Wark HDR Student Travel GrantsThese grants are for the purpose of attending
conferences held at locations either in Australia
or internationally. In 2008, the following
students were recipients:
Mr Ivan Djordjevic
Mr Mingzhao He
Mr Srinivas Parimi
Ms Iliana Sedeva
Ms Sin Ying Tan
Mr Frank Wang
Ms Kai Ying Yeap
2008 Ian Wark Research Institute MedalDr Jingfang Zhou was awarded the Ian Wark
Research Institute Medal for 2008. Jingfang’s
thesis was titled, “Thymine-functionalized gold
nanoparticles: Synthesis, surface structure and
colloid stability” and her principal supervisor was
Laureate Prof John Ralston. After completing her
thesis, Jingfang took up a position within The
Wark as a Research Associate.
The Ian Wark Research Institute Medal is awarded
annually to the graduate or graduand from The
Wark with the most outstanding thesis.
The Medal is based on the creativity
and originality of the research, the
student’somprehension of the field and the
significance and utility of the research as
a contribution to, or as an application of
knowledge.
35
36
Graduates
Vic AbsolonAssociateship Met Kalgoorlie School of Mines MSc Imperial College London, UK
MBA Melbourne PhD UniSA
A comparison of biological and chemically induced leaching mechanisms of chalcopyrite
A study of the dissolution mechanism
which governs the leaching of copper
from chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) in acidic media
at atmospheric pressure. Conditions for
rapid, sustained and completed release of
copper from CuFeS2 concentrate at 75oC
have been established for both chemical
leaching and bioleaching with the archaea
Acidianus brierleyi, Metallosphaera prunea,
Metallosphaera sedula and Sulfolbus
metallicus and YS3 consortium.
Graduate Position: Absol Pty Ltd,
Metallurgical Consultancy, Adelaide, Australia
Gary HanlyBSc(Hons) Newcastle PhD UniSA
The wetting of a titania surface: Surface charge and thin liquid films
Titania surface wetting is influenced by
its surface charge. Thin liquid films on a
titania surface are also influenced by surface
charge, which affects their thickness and
rupture mechanisms. Altering the pH, salt
concentration and hydrophobicity changes
the amount of surface charge. These effects
are examined in this thesis.
Graduate Position: Defence Science and
Technology Organisation, Adelaide, Australia
Melanie McGuireBSc(Hons) Adelaide PhD UniSA
Improved dewatering of iron oxide dispersions
Improving the dewatering efficiency of
iron oxide dispersions with polyacrylamide
polymers and metal salts was investigated.
Effects of flocculant structure type and
concentration, metal salt type and pH
on the surface chemistry, pulp rheology
and dewaterability of dispersions were
considered. Surface chemistry and
application of shear had the greatest impact.
Graduate Position: Technical Assistant,
Mining, Minerals and Metals Technology
Group, Griffith Hack, Melbourne, Australia
37
Kinnari ShelatBSc MSc Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India PhD UniSA
Tailoring polymer blends and nanocomposites to tune the barrier properties
High performance flexible polymer packing
is an integral part in the supply of a wide
range of products and it plays a critical
role in protection, preservation, material
handling, food safety, human health and
efficient delivery. However, for the polymer
materials to function as an efficient barrier,
packing must be engineered at a molecular
level to inhibit the permeants. Polymer
blends, nanostructured polymers and
nanocomposites represent novel classes
of materials for barrier applications with
enormous advantage relative to the existing
materials. In polymer blends, composites
and nanocomposites can be tuned to
specific application over a broad range by
proper selection and control of the structure,
interfacial interaction, morphology and
processing. To date, several approaches have
been developed in these fields that range
from application of high shear or stress field,
spontaneous mixing, electric or magnetic field
to make high performance barrier material.
However, a fundamental understanding
of co-relation of structured morphology-
properties and barrier performance relation
is lacking in respect to the interfacial
interaction, interphase formation or state of
ordering. This thesis represents the structure-
property relationship of barrier polymers in
their blends and nanocomposites to achieve
tunable barrier characteristics.
Graduate Position: Research Associate,
Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences,
University of Queensland, Australia
Yoo Hyun (Daniel) SungBSc MSc Korea PhD UniSA
The nature of gold mineralization in the multistage Archean Sunrise Dam gold deposit, Eastern Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia
The mineralization in the Sunrise Dam gold
deposit consists of five hydrothermal stages,
and the major gold deposition occurred
during the later mineralizing events (D3,
D4a and D4b) which are characterized
by more diverse mineralogy derived from
compositionally evolving hydrothermal fluids.
The enrichment of invisible gold in pyrite
resulted from a small-scale remobilization
during dissolution-reprecipitation and
recrystallization processes, whereas higher
enrichment of gold in arsenopyrite reflects
primary co-precipitation without post-
deposition processes.
Graduate Position: Senior Researcher,
Korea Resources Corporation, South Korea
Jingfang ZhouBSc Xiamen, PR China MSc Henan, PR China
PhD UniSA
Thymine-functionalized gold nanoparticles: Synthesis, surface structure and colloid stability
Thymine-functionalized self-assembled
monolayer protected gold nanoparticles were
synthesized. Their morphology and surface
structure were characterized using TEM,
UV-vis, FTIR, DSC-TGA and XPS techniques.
The colloid stability of thymine-capped gold
nanoparticle dispersions as a function of
the type and concentration of monovalent
salt, pH and particle size in alkaline aqueous
solution were investigated. The manipulation
of colloid stability with light was further
explored.
Graduate Position: Research Associate, Ian
Wark Research Institute, University of South
Australia
38
Seminars
Prof Colin BainDepartment of Chemistry, University of Durham,
United Kingdom
How do micelles break down?
Dr Pavel BedrikovetskiAustralian School of Petroleum Engineering,
University of Adelaide, Australia
Suspension/colloid transport in porous media
Prof Ana BrettDepartment of Chemistry, Universidade de
Coimbra, Portugal
Nanobioelectrochemistry: AFM characterization of DNA-modified electrodes and applications
Prof Christopher MA BrettDepartment of Chemistry, Universidade de
Coimbra, Portugal
New materials and applications for electrochemical sensors and biosensors
Dr Iko BurgarCSIRO Materials Science and Engineering,
Australia
NMR spectroscopy from liquids to solids, essential knowledge and practice
Prof Nigel J CookNatural History Museum, University of Oslo,
Norway
Trace element geochemistry of sphalerite
Prof Hans GL CosterSchool of Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering, University of Sydney, Australia
Characterisation of bio-mimetic nanostructures using low frequency impedance spectroscopy
A/Prof Vincent CraigDepartment of Applied Mathematics, Australian
National University, Australia
The complex influence of electrolytes on bubble coalescence
Dr Raymond DagastineDepartment of Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia
Dynamic forces between particles, bubbles and drops
Dr Alvaro Dominquez Department of Theoretical Physics, University of
Seville, Spain
Two-dimensional structures of colloids at fluid interfaces
Dr Andrea GambassiMPI for Metals Research, Stuttgart, Germany
Measuring and tailoring femto-newton critical Casimiar forces
Prof Horst HahnResearch Laboratory Nanomaterials, Technische
Universitat Darmstadt, Germany
Electronically tunable nanomaterials
Dr Shaun HendyThe MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials
and Nanotechnology, Victoria University of
Wellington, New Zealand
Effective slip boundary conditions for heterogenous surfaces in fluid dynamics
Prof Luuk KoopalLaboratory of Physical Chemistry and Colloid
Science, Wageningen University, The Netherlands
Seminar and lecture series - Adsorption from solution
Heading
H39
Prof Deborah LeckbandDepartment of Chemistry, University of Illinois,
Urbana Champaign, USA
Cell adhesion and directed migration in engineered microenvironments
A/Prof Enzo PalomboEnvironment and Biotechnology Centre,
Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
Antimicrobial properties of traditional medicine plants
Dr Sally PlushPharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of
South Australia
Nanoassembled capsules as molecular imaging agents
Dr Markus RauscherMPI for Metals Research, Stuttgart, Germany
Dynamics of colloids in polymer solutions
Ms Yvonne SchmittDepartment of Experimental Physics, Saarland
University, Germany
Protein films: dynamics and morphology
Prof Francois Schue Laboratoire Organisation Moleculaire, University
of Montpellier 2, France
Seminar series - Advanced polymer biomaterials
Dr Paul StevensonSchool of Engineering, University of Newcastle,
Australia
On columns of gas-liquid foam
Dr Mykola TaskinkevychMPI for Metals Research, Stuttgart, Germany
Complete wetting of geometrically patterned substrates
Prof John WeckertCentre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics,
Charles Sturt University, Australia
I don’t care what you do so much as long as you worry about it: Some considerations on responsibility
Dr Shelley WiederhornNational Institute of Standards and Technology,
USA
Cell adhesion
Left to right: Dr Surya Subianto, Prof Namita Roy Choudhury and PhD candidate Ms My-Yung Troung
Visitors to the Institute
Extended Visits
Prof Luuk Koopal
Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Colloid
Science, Wageningen University, The Netherlands
Dr Nataliya Mishchuk
Institute of Colloid and Water Chemistry, National
Academy of Sciences, Kiev, Ukraine
Dr Marisa Monte
Centre for Mineral Technology, Brazil
Prof Francois Schue
Laboratoire Organisation Moleculaire, University
of Montpellier 2, France
Prof John Weckert
Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics,
Charles Sturt University, Australia
Short Term Visits
Dr Arata Aota, Prof Takehiko Kitamori, Dr
Kasuma Mawata, Mr Kyojiro Morikawa, Mr
Hisashi Shimizu, A/Prof Yo Tanaka and A/Prof
Manabu Tokeshi
Department of Applied Chemistry, University of
Tokyo, Japan
Dr Ganapathy Ayappa, Dr Sanjay Biswas and Dr
Raghuraman Govardhan
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian
Institute of Science Bangalore, India
Prof Colin Bain
Department of Chemistry, University of Durham,
United Kingdom
Dr Pavel Bedrikovetski
Australian School of Petroleum Engineering,
University of Adelaide, Australia
Dr Terry Blake
Surface Science Kodak (retired), United Kingdom
Mr Dave Bojcevski and Ms Jacqui McGill
BHP Billiton Olympic Dam Operations, Adelaide,
Australia
Prof Ana Brett and Prof Christopher MA Brett
Department of Chemistry, Universidade de
Coimbra, Portugal
Dr Iko Burgar
CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering,
Melbourne, Australia
Dr Steven Carnie
Department of Mathematics and Statistics,
University of Melbourne, Australia
Prof Miao Chen
CSIRO Minerals, Melbourne, Australia
Prof Nigel J Cook
Natural History Museum, University of Oslo,
Norway
Prof Hans GL Coster
School of Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering, University of Sydney, Australia
A/Prof Vincent Craig
Department of Applied Mathematics, Australian
National University, Australia
Dr Raymond Dagastine
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia
Prof Siegfried Dietrich, Dr Andrea Gambassi, Dr
Markus Rauscher and Dr Mykola Taskinkevych
MPI for Metals Research, Stuttgart, Germany
Dr Alvaro Dominquez
Department of Theoretical Physics, University of
Seville, Spain
Prof Fraser Forbes and Prof Zhenghe Xu
Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of
Alberta, Canada
Dr Thomas Glinsner
EVGroup, Austria
Prof Horst Hahn
Research Laboratory Nanomaterials, Technische
Universitat Darmstadt, Germany
Dr Shaun Hendy
The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials
and Nanotechnology, Victoria University of
Wellington, New Zealand
Ms Christine Henry
Department of Applied Mathematics, ANU,
Australia
Mr Bill Johnson and Ms Helen Johnston and Mr
David Way
Xstrata Copper, Brisbane, Australia
Prof Deborah Leckband
Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois
Urbana Champaign, USA
40
Dr Peter Lilly
Minerals Down Under - National Research
Flagship, Australian Resources Research Centre,
Perth, Australia
Prof Tim Napier-Munn
Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre
(JKMRC), University of Queensland, Australia
Mr Toshikazu Obata and Dr Koukou Suu
Institute for Semiconductor Technologies, Japan
Mr Kevin O’Keefe
Talison Minerals Pty Ltd, Perth, Australia
A/Prof Enzo Palombo
Environment and Biotechnology Centre,
Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
Dr Sally Plush
Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of
South Australia
Mr Brian Power
Realtek Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Ms Yvonne Schmitt
Department of Experimental Physics, Saarland
University, Germany
Mr Jim Siemon
Nyrstar, Melbourne, Australia
Dr Paul Stevenson
School of Engineering, University of Newcastle,
Australia
Dr Shelley Wiederhorn
National Institute of Standards and Technology,
USA
Dr Ian Wright
Surface Technology Systems, United Kingdom
Overseas Student Visits
Ms Sara Zavala Betancourt
Instituto Tecnologico de Durango, Mexico
Ms Camila Conegundes de Jesus
Escola Polytecnica da Universidade de Sao Paulo,
Brazil
Mr Holger Fiedler
Freiberg Technical University of Mining and
Technology, Germany
Mr Henrik Grenman
Abo Akademi University, Finland
Ms Qiushi Huang
Dalian University of Technology, PR China
Ms Sara Joyce-Ermoli and Mr Mikael Lilo
Ecole Superieure D’Ingennieur de Recherché en
Materiaux, France
Mr Krishna Kant and Ms Charu Vashisth
Amity University, India
Mr Stefan Klink
Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
Ms Christina Knobel
Technical University of Vienna, Austria
Ms Denise Mantovani and Mr Paulo Sousa
Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais Escola De
Engenharia, Brazil
Ms Monica Marinescu
Max Planck Institute for Metallforschung,
Germany
Mr Petr Martinek
Institute of Chemical Technology, Prague, Czech
Republic
Mr Jan Metje
Clausthal University of Technology, Germany
Ms Suvasree Mukherjee
Behala College, Kolkata, India
Mr Michael Muller
ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Mr Manoel Nogueira de Abreu Filho
University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Ms Muireann O’Loughlin
National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
Ms Melanie Ramiasa
Ecole Nationale Superieure de Chemie de
Rennes, France
Mr Robert Roskamp
Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research,
Germany
Ms Anke Schimmer
University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim,
Germany
Mr Gurvinder Singh
University of Aarhus, Denmark
Ms Malgorzata Sobczak
Technical University of Lodz, Poland
Ms Marietta Stadlin
Ecole Polytecnique Federale de Lausanne,
Switzerland
Ms Roya Talari
Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Health
Services, Iran
Mr Kamil Zuber
AGH University of Science and Technology,
Poland
41
H42
Conference Attendance and Invited Lectures*Oral/†Poster
Dr Scott Abbott
2nd AMMRF Strategic Planning Workshop,
Sydney, Australia, 14-15 May 2008
Dr Scott Abbott
French-Australia Solid-State NMR Workshop,
University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia, 13-
17 December 2008
*A/Prof Jonas Addai-Mensah, *A/Prof Daniel
Fornasiero, *Prof Roger Horn, *A/Prof Sunil
Kumar, *Laureate Prof John Ralston, *Prof
Namita Roy Choudhury, *Dr Rossen Sedev and
*Dr Benjamin Thierry
Australia China International Workshop, Tianjin
University, PR China, 17-23 September 2008
*A/Prof Jonas Addai-Mensah, *Dr Igor
Ametov, *A/Prof Daniel Fornasiero, *Dr Hamid
Manouchehri and Laureate Prof John Ralston
(plenary lecture)
XXIV International Mineral Processing Congress,
Beijing, China, 24-28 September 2008
Dr Tim Barnes, *Ms Audrey Beaussart, †Ms
Lorena Del Castillo, Mr Jairo Garnica Rodriguez,
*Ms Karyn Jarvis, * Mr Mani Paneru, *Mr Luke
Parkinson (academic coordinator), Prof Clive
Prestidge, Dr Rossen Sedev, †Ms Sin Ying Tan and
*Ms Diana Tran
26th Australian Colloid and Surface Science
Student Conference, Warrnambool, Australia,
4-8 February 2008
*Dr Tim Barnes, *Ms Nasrin Ghouchi Eskandar,
*Ms Karyn Jarvis, *Mr Srinivas Parimi, Prof Clive
Prestidge, †Dr Spomenka Simovic, *†Ms Angel
Tan, Dr Benjamin Thierry (invited lecture), †Mr
Mohanraj Vellore Janarthanan and †Mr Frank
Wang
Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association
(APSA) Conference and Australian Controlled
Release Society Meeting, Canberra, 6-9
December 2008
†Dr Artem Borysenko
9th International Conference on Magnetic
Resonance in Porous Media, Cambridge, USA,
13-17 July 2008
*Dr Artem Borysenko
Conference of Australian and New Zealand
Society for Magnetic Resonance (ANZMAG),
Couran Cove, Australia, 7-11 December 2008
*Dr Artem Borysenko, *Dr Mihail Popescu, Dr
Craig Priest and Laureate Prof John Ralston
Australia-India Strategic Research Fund First
Workshop - Microfluidic Design and Device
Fabrication, Ian Wark Research Institute,
Australia, 22-24 October 2008
†Mr Martin Cole, Prof Hans Griesser (invited
speaker) and A/Prof Sunil Kumar
8th World Biomaterials Congress, Amsterdam,
The Netherlands, 28 May - 1 June 2008
†Mr Martin Cole, *Dr Naba Dutta and *Prof
Namita Roy Choudhury
SPIE Smart Materials, Nano+Micro-Smart
Systems, Melbourne, Australia, 9-12 December
2008
Dr Naba Dutta
CSIRO Fibrous Proteins, Mt Eliza, Australia, 1-3
April 2008
*Dr Naba Dutta
NSTI Nanotech 2008, Boston, USA, 1-5 June
2008
*Dr Naba Dutta, *Prof Namita Roy Choudhury
and *Dr Surya Subianto
RACI Polymer Division 30th Australian Polymer
Symposium, Melbourne, Australia, 30 November
- 4 December 2008
Dr Renate Fetzer (invited lecture)
DPG Spring Meeting of the Condensed Matter
Division, Berlin, Germany, 25-29 February 2008
†Dr Renate Fetzer
7th Liquid Matter Conference, Lund, Sweden, 27
June - 1 July 2008
*A/Prof Daniel Fornasiero, Mr Solomon
Muganda, *Mr Ataollah Nosrati, *Mr Keith
Quast, *Ms Sin Ying Tan and Mr Xiangfei Ye
CHEMECA 2008, Newcastle, Australia, 1-5
October 2008
43Mr Jairo Garnica Rodriguez
6th International Symposium on Contact Angle,
Wettability and Adhesion, Maine University
Orono, USA, 14-16 July 2008
Mr Jairo Garnica Rodriguez and *Dr Rossen
Sedev
82nd ACS Colloid and Surface Science
Symposium, Raleigh, USA, 15-18 June 2008
*Ms Nasrin Ghouchi Eskandar and *Prof Clive
Prestidge
Controlled Release Society Meeting, New York,
USA, 13-18 July, 2008
Prof Hans Griesser (invited speaker)
20th Australian Conference on Microscopy and
Microanalysis
Perth, Australia, 10-15 February 2008
Prof Hans Griesser (invited speaker)
Analytical Methods for Biomaterials, Tissue
Engineering and Nanotechnology
Canberra, Australia, 22 February 2008
Prof Hans Griesser (invited speaker)
25 Years of Biointerface Science, Washington DC,
USA, 24-27 August 2008
Prof Hans Griesser (invited speaker)
Gordon Research Conference, Aussois, France,
14-19 September 2008
Prof Hans Griesser (invited speaker)
Nano-molecular Analysis for Emerging
Technologies, Teddington, UK, 5-6 November
2008
Prof Hans Griesser (invited speaker), Prof Roger
Horn, †Dr Dusan Losic, *†Dr Mihail Popescu and
†Dr Eric Tavenner
International Conference on Nanoscience and
Nanotechnology (ICONN 2008), Melbourne,
Australia, 26-29 February 2008
Prof Roger Horn
International Workshop on Mechanics – Based
on Design Materials, Perth, Australia, 14-16 July
2008
Prof Roger Horn and *Dr Eric Tavenner
IUMRS-International Conference on Electronic
Materials 2008, Sydney, Australia, 27 July - 1
August 2008
Prof Roger Horn
Forum on Invisible Water, Adelaide, Australia, 21
August 2008
Prof Roger Horn, †Dr Satomi Onishi and †Dr
Mihail Popescu
22nd International Congress of Theoretical and
Applied Mechanics (ICTAM 2008), Adelaide,
Australia, 24-30 August 2008
Prof Roger Horn
The Great Energy Debate, Adelaide, Australia,
8-9 October 2008
Prof Roger Horn (invited speaker)
6th International Conference Industry Tribology,
New Delhi, India, 6-8 November 2008
Prof Roger Horn (invited speaker)
NanoSikkim III, Pelling, West Sikkim, India, 10-14
November 2008
*Ms Karyn Jarvis
Porous Semiconductors Science and Technology
(PSST) Conference, Majorca, Spain, 10-14 March
2008
†Mr Marek Jasieniak
11th International Conference on Plasma Surface
Engineering (PSE 2008), Garmisch-Partenkirchen,
Germany, 15-19 September 2008
*Dr Marta Krasowska, *Mr Luke Parkinson,
*Dr Mihail Popescu, Laureate Prof John Ralston
(invited plenary lecture) and *Dr Rossen Sedev
17th International Symposium on Surfactants in
Solution, Berlin, Germany, 17-22 August 2008
*Dr Marta Krasowska, †Mr Luke Parkinson and
*Dr Rossen Sedev
22nd Conference of the European Colloid and
Interface Society (ECIS 2008), Cracow, Poland, 31
August - 5 September 2008
A/Prof Sunil Kumar
35th International Conference on Metallurgical
Coatings and Thin Films, San Diego, USA, 28
April - 2 May 2008
A/Prof Sunil Kumar
International Symposium on Biomechanics and
Biology of Bone Healing, Berlin, Germany, 15-17
May 2008
*†Dr Vera Lockett, *Laureate Prof John Ralston
and Dr Rossen Sedev
3rd Australasian Symposium on Ionic Liquids,
Melbourne, Australia, 15-16 May 2008
*Dr Vera Lockett, *Dr Mihail Popescu, A/Prof
Bill Skinner (Special Topic Committee Chair -
Condensed Matter, Materials and Surface Physics)
and †Dr Eric Tavenner
18th National Congress Australian Institute of
Physics, Adelaide, Australia, 30 November - 5
December 2008
Dr Hamid Manouchehri
MetPlant 2008, Perth, Australia, 15-19 August
2008
Mr Ray Newell
AusIMM International Uranium Conference,
Adelaide, Australia, 18-19 June 2008
44
Dr Satomi Onishi (invited lecture)
5th International Symposium on Surface Science
and Nanotechnology (ISSS5), Tokyo, Japan, 9-13
November 2008
Dr Satomi Onishi (invited lecture)
23rd Seminar of Advanced Particle Handling
Science, Kyoto, Japan, 17 November 2008
Mr Luke Parkinson (invited lecture)
Institute for Surface Chemistry (YKI), Stockholm,
Sweden, 14 August 2008
Dr Mihail Popescu (invited lecture)
Biodynamics and Related Areas Workshop,
Bucharest, Romania, 17-19 September 2008
*Dr Mihail Popescu, Dr Craig Priest and Laureate
Prof John Ralston
Australia-Tokyo Joint Seminar Program, Adelaide,
21 November 2008
Prof Clive Prestidge (invited lecture)
Scan Probe Microscopy Workshop, Intelligent
Polymer Research Institute, University of
Wollongong, Australia, 28-29 August 2008
Prof Clive Prestidge (invited lecture)
Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School
of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University
of Adelaide, Australia, 17 October 2008
Dr Craig Priest
Complex Fluids and Microfluidics Workshop,
Melbourne, Australia, 1-2 September, 2008
†Dr Craig Priest
12th International Conference on Miniaturized
Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences
(MicroTAS2008), San Diego, USA, 12-16 October
2008
45
Laureate Prof John Ralston (plenary lecture)
Beneficiation of Phosphates Conference, Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil, 11-16 February 2008
Laureate Prof John Ralston
Farewell Symposium for Brian Vincent, Royal
Society of Chemistry, Lords Cricket Ground, UK,
2 April 2008
*Prof Namita Roy Choudhury
International Conference on Polymeric Materials
(IUPAC MACRO 2008), Taipei, 29 June-4 July
2008
*Dr Eric Tavenner and †Mr Yang Yu
Australian Research Network for Advanced
Materials Annual Workshop, Deakin University
Geelong, Australia, 15-18 December 2008
*Dr Massimiliano Zanin
V International Mineral Processing Seminar
(PROCEMIN 2008), Santiago, Chile, 22-24
October 2008
Left to right: Mr Simon Field (Visiocorp Australia), Mr Colin Hall, Mr Kamil Zuber (Mawson Institute) and Dr Rick Fabretto
Publications
46
Book Chapters
Choudhury, N, Govindaraj Kannan, A & Dutta,
N, (2008), ‘Novel nanocomposites and hybrids
for lubricating coating applications’, Tribology of Polymeric Nanocompsites, Elsevier, UK, 501-542,
(9-7804-4453-1551), (B.J. Briscoe Eds), 2008
Costa, F R, Dutta, N, Choudhury, N & Bhowmick,
A K, (2008), ‘Thermoplastic elastomers’, Current Topics in Elastomers Research, CRC Press Taylor
and Francis Group, Boca Ratan, FL 33487-
2742, 101-164, (9-7808-4937-3176), (Anil K.
Bhowmick Eds), 2008
Dutta, N & Choudhury, N, (2008), ‘Self-Assembly
and supramolecular assembly in nanophase
separated polymers and thin films’, Functional Nanostructures: Processing, Characterization and Application, Springer, NY, 220-304, (9-7803-
8735-4637), (Sudipta Seal Eds), 2008
Prestidge, C, (2008), ‘From Novel Monodisperse
‘Silicone oil/water emulsions to drug delivery’,
New Frontiers in Colloid Science, RSC Publishing,
London, 70-89, (9-7808-5404-1138), (Simon
Biggs, Terence Cosgrove, Peter Dowding Eds),
2008
Ralston, J, (2008), ‘Nanobubbles, dissolved gas,
boundary layers and related mysterious effects
in colloid stability’, New Frontiers in Colloid Science, Royal Society of Chemistry, UK, 122-
147, (9-7808-5404-1138), (Simon Biggs, Terence
Cosgrove, Peter Dowding Eds), 2008
Refereed Journal Articles
Addai-Mensah, J, Bal, H M & Yeap, K Y, (2008),
‘Polyelectrolyte enhanced flocculation, particle
interactions and dewaterability of fine gibbsite
dispersions’, Asia-Pacific Journal of Chemical Engineering, 3, 4-12, (1932-2135), 2008
Al-Bataineh, S, Jasieniak, M, Britcher, L &
Griesser, H, (2008), ‘TOF-SIMS and principal
component analysis characterization of the
multilayer surface grafting of small molecules:
Antibacterial furanones’, Analytical Chemistry,
80, 430-436, (0003-2700), 2008
Barnes, T, Ametov, I & Prestidge, C, (2008),
‘Dendrimer adsorption on charged particulate
surfaces’, Asia-Pacific Journal of Chemical Engineering, 3, 13-17, (1932-2135), 2008
Barnes, T, Ametov, I & Prestidge, C, (2008),
‘Naphthalene sulphonate functionalized
dendrimers at the solid-liquid interface: influence
of core type, ionic strength and competitive ionic
adsorbates’, Langmuir, 24, 12398-12404, (0743-
7463), 2008
Beattie, D, Chapelet, J, Grafe, M, Skinner, W &
Smith, E, (2008), ‘In situ particle film ATR-FTIR
studies of SO4 adsorption on goethite in the
presence of copper ions’, Environmental Science and Technology, 42, 9191-9196, (1382-3124),
2008
Britcher, L, Barnes, T, Griesser, H & Prestidge,
C, (2008), ‘PEGylation of porous silicon using
click chemistry’, Langmuir, 24, (15), 7625-7627,
(0743-7463), 2008
Chan, D Y, Manor, O, Connor, J & Horn, R,
(2008), ‘Soft matter: from shapes to forces on
the nanoscale’, Soft Matter, 4, (3), 471-474,
(1744-683X), 2008
Cheng, X-M, Nie, B-m & Kumar, S, (2008),
‘Preparation and bioactivity of SiO2 functional
films on titanium by PACVD’, Nonferrous Metals Society of China. Transactions, 18, (3), 627-630,
(1003-6326), 2008
Chiem, L T, Huynh, L, Ralston, J & Beattie,
D, (2008), ‘In Situ particle film ATR-FTIR
spectroscopy of Carboxymethyl cellulose
adsorption on talc: Binding mechanism, pH
effects, and adsorption kinetics’, Langmuir, 24,
(15), 8036-8044, (0743-7463), 2008
Chiem, L T, Huynh, L, Ralston, J & Beattie, D,
(2008), ‘In Situ particle film ATR-FTIR studies
of CMC adsorption on talc: The effect of ionic
strength and multivalent metal ions’, Minerals Engineering, 21, 1013-1019, (0892-6875), 2008
47
Cloud, A N, Kumar, S, Kavdia, M, Abu-Safe, H H
& Gordon, M H, (2008), ‘Protein adsorption on
low temperature alpha alumina films for surgical
instruments’, Surface and Coatings Technology,
203, 913-917, (0257-8972), 2008
Coumbaros, J, Denman, J A, Kirkbride, K, Walker,
G & Skinner, W, (2008), ‘An investigation into
the spatial elemental distribution within a pane
of glass by Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass
Spectrometry’, Journal of Forensic Sciences, 53,
(2), 312-320, (0022-1198), 2008
Denman, J A, Kempson, I, Skinner, W &
Kirkbride, K P, (2008), ‘Discrimination of pencil
markings on paper using elemental analysis:
An initial investigation’, Forensic Science International, 175, 123-129, (0379-0738), 2008
Djordjevic, I, Britcher, L & Kumar, S, (2008),
‘Morphological and surface compositional
changes in poly(lactide-co-glycolide) tissue
engineering scaffolds upon radio frequency glow
discharge plasma treatment’, Applied Surface Science, 254, 1929-1935, (0169-4332), 2008
Fabretto, M, Hall, C, Vaithianathan, T,
Mazurkiewicz, J, Innis, P C, Wallace, G G
& Murphy, P, (2008), ‘The mechanism of
conductivity enhancement in poly (3,4-
ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonic)
acid using linear-diol additives: Its effect on
electrochromic performance’, Thin Solid Films, 516, 7828-7835, (0040-6090), 2008
Fabretto, M, Vaithianathan, T, Hall, C,
Mazurkiewicz, J, Innis, P C, Wallace, G G &
Murphy, P, (2008), ‘Faradaic charge corrected
colouration efficiency measurements for
electrochromic devices’, Electrochimica Acta, 53,
2250-2257, (0013-4686), 2008
Fabretto, M, Zuber, K, Hall, C & Murphy, P,
(2008), ‘High conductivity PEDOT using humidity
facilitated vacuum vapour phase polymerisation’,
Macromolecular Rapid Communications, 29,
1403-1409, (1022-1336), 2008
Gafe, M, Beattie, D, Smith, E, Skinner, W &
Singh, B, (2008), ‘Copper and arsenate co-
sorption at the mineral-water interfaces of
goethite and jarosite’, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 322, (2), 399-413, (0021-
9797), 2008
Griesser, H, Ys, H, Ndi, C, Britcher, L, Vasilev, K,
Jasieniak, M, Griesser, S & Semple, S, (2008),
‘Combating infections at biomedical implants
and devices by antibacterial coatings’, Chemistry in Australia, 75, (11), 5-8, (0314-4240), 2008
Harmer-Bassell, S, Mierczynska-Vasilev, A, Beattie,
D & Shapter, J, (2008), ‘The effect of bulk iron
concentration and heterogeneities on the copper
activation of sphalerite’, Minerals Engineering,
21, 1005-1012, (0892-6875), 2008
Henry, C, Parkinson, L A, Ralston, J & Craig,
V J, (2008), ‘A mobile gas-water interface in
electrolyte solutions’, The Journal of Physical
Chemistry Part C: Nanomaterials and Interfaces, 112, (39), 15094-15097, (1932-7447), 2008
Jarvis, K L, Barnes, T, Badalyan, A, Pendleton, P &
Prestidge, C, (2008), ‘Impact of thermal oxidation
on the adsorptive properties and structure of
porous silicon particles’, The Journal of Physical Chemistry Part C: Nanomaterials and Interfaces, 112, (26), 9717-9722, (1932-7447), 2008
Jarvis, K L, Barnes, T & Prestidge, C, (2008),
‘Aqueous and thermal oxidation of porous
silicon microparticles: Implications on molecular
interactions’, Langmuir, 24, (24), 14222-14226,
(0743-7463), 2008
Kolasinska, M, Zembala, M, Krasowska, M &
Warszynski, P, (2008), ‘Probing of polyelectrolyte
monolayers by zeta potential and wettability
measurements’, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 326, (1), 301-304, (0021-9797), 2008
Lockett, V, Rukavishnikova, I V & Stepanov, V P,
(2008), ‘Interface formation energy in lithium
fluoride-alkali metal iodide systems’, Rasplavy (Melts), 3, 40-44, (0235-0106), 2008
Lockett, V, Rukavishnikova, I V & Stephanov, V
P, (2008), ‘The density of fluoride-iodide melts
with a limited mutual solubility of components’,
Russian Journal of Physical Chemistry, 82, (2),
177-180, (0036-0244), 2008
Lockett, V, Sedev, R, Bassell, C A & Ralston, J,
(2008), ‘Angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy of the surface of imidazolium ionic
liquids’, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 10,
1330-1335, (1463-9076), 2008
Lockett, V, Sedev, R, Ralston, J, Horne, M &
Rodopoulos, T, (2008), ‘Differential capacitance
of the electrical double layer in imidazolium-
based ionic liquids: Influence of potential, cation
size, and temperature’, The Journal of Physical Chemistry Part C: Nanomaterials and Interfaces, 112, (19), 7486-7495, (1932-7447), 2008
Lopez-Galindo, A, Hach-Ali, P, Pushkarev, A V,
Lytovchenko, A S, Baker, J H & Pushkarova, R,
(2008), ‘Tritium redistribution between water and
clay minerals’, Applied Clay Science, 39, (3), 151-
159, (0169-1317), 2008
48 Losic, D, (2008), ‘Microstructured surfaces
engineered using biological templates: a facile
approach for fabrication of superhydrophobic
surfaces’, Journal of the Serbian Chemical Society, 73, (11), 1123-1135, (0352-5139), 2008
Losic, D, Cole, M A, Dollmann, B C, Vasilev, K
& Griesser, H, (2008), ‘Surface modification of
nanoporous alumina membranes by plasma
polymerization’, Nanotechnology, 19, (24), 1-7,
(0957-4484), 2008
Majewski, P & Chan, C P, (2008), ‘Removal of
cryptosporidium parvum by silica coated with
functionalized self-assembled monolayers’,
Journal of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, 8,
1-4, (1533-4880), 2008
Majewski, P & Chan, C P, (2008), ‘Water
purification by self-assembled monolayers
on silica particles’, International Journal of Nanotechnology, 5, 291-298, (1475-7435), 2008
Majewski, P & Thierry, B, (2008),
‘Superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles for
bio-applications’, Recent Patents on Materials Science, 1, (2), 116-127, (1874-4648), 2008
Manica, R, Connor, J, Clasohm, L Y, Carnie, S L,
Horn, R & Chan, D Y, (2008), ‘Transient responses
of a wetting film to mechanical and electrical
perturbations’, Langmuir, 24, (16), 8726-8734,
(0743-7463), 2008
Manica, R, Connor, J, Dagastine, R R, Carnie, S
L, Horn, R & Chan, D Y, (2008), ‘Hydrodynamic
forces involving deformable interfaces at
nanometer separations’, Physics of Fluids, 20, (3),
032101-1-032101-12, (1070-6631), 2008
Mayavan, S, Choudhury, N & Dutta, N, (2008),
‘Platinum catalyst nanoparticles from directed
deposition in functional block copolymers’,
Advanced Materials, 20, (10), 1819-1824, (0935-
9648), 2008
McFarlane, A J, Yeap, K Y, Bremmell, K & Addai-
Mensah, J, (2008), ‘The influence of flocculant
adsorption kinetics on the dewaterability of
kaolinite and smectite clay minerals dispersions’,
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 31, (7), 39-48, (0927-
7757), 2008
McGuire, M J, Addai-Mensah, J & Bremmell, K,
(2008), ‘Improved dewaterability of iron oxide
dispersions: The role of polymeric flocculant type,
pH and shear’, Asia-Pacific Journal of Chemical Engineering, 3, 18-23, (1932-2135), 2008
Mezger, M, Schroder, H, Reichert, H, Schramm,
S, Okasinki, J, Schoder, S, Honkimaki, V, Deutsch,
M, Ocko, B M, Ralston, J, Rohwerder, M,
Stratmann, M & Dosch, H, (2008), ‘Molecular
layering of fluorinated ionic liquids at a charged
sapphire (0001) Surface’, Science, 322, 424-428,
(1095-9203), 2008
Mezger, M, Schoder, S, Reichert, H, Schroder, H,
Okasinski, J, Honkimaki, V, Ralston, J, Bilgram,
J, Roth, R & Dosch, H, (2008), ‘Water and
ice in contact with octadecyl-tricholorosilane
functionalized surfaces: A high resolution x-ray
relectivity study’, Journal of Chemical Physics, 128, (244705), 1-13, (0021-9606), 2008
Mierczynska-Vasilev, A, Ralston, J & Beattie, D,
(2008), ‘Adsorption of modified dextrins on talc:
Effect of surface coverage and hydration water
on hydrophobicity reduction’, Langmuir, 24, (12),
6121-6127, (0743-7463), 2008
Mistry, M K, Choudhury, N, Dutta, N, Knott, R,
Shi, Z & Holdcroft, S, (2008), ‘Novel organic-
inorganic hybrids with increased water retention
for elevated temperature proton exchange
membrane application’, Chemistry of Materials, 20, 6857-6870, (0897-4756), 2008
Pan, W R, Rozen, W M, Stretch, J, Thierry, B,
Ashton, M W & Corlett, R J, (2008), ‘Advanced
imaging technologies for mapping cadaveruc
lymphatic anatomy: Magnetic resonance and
computed tomography lymphangiography’,
Lymphology, 41, (NA), 126-130, (0024-7766),
2008
Parimi, S, Barnes, T & Prestidge, C, (2008),
‘PAMAM dendrimer interactions with supported
lipid bilayers: A kinetic and mechanistic
investigation’, Langmuir, 24, 13532-13539,
(0743-7463), 2008
Parkinson, L A, Sedev, R, Fornasiero, D & Ralston,
J, (2008), ‘The terminal rise velocity of 10-100
[mu]m diameter bubbles in water’, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 322, (1), 168-172,
(0021-9797), 2008
Peng, P, Voelcker, N H, Kumar, S & Griesser, H,
(2008), ‘Concurrent elution of calcium phosphate
and macromolecules from alginate/chitosan
hydrogel coatings’, Biointerphases, 3, (4), 105-
116, (1559-4106), 2008
Popescu, M, Ralston, J & Sedev, R, (2008),
‘Capillary rise with velocity-dependent dynamic
contact angle’, Langmuir, 24, 12710-12716,
(0743-7463), 2008
Prestidge, C, Barnes, T, Mierczynska-Vasilev,
A, Kempson, I, Peddie, F & Barnett, C, (2008),
‘Peptide and protein loading into porous silicon
wafers’, Physica Status Solidi. A: Applications and Materials Science, 205, (2), 311-315, (1862-
6300), 2008
49Priest, C, Quinn, A, Postma, A, Zelikin, A N,
Ralston, J & Caruso, F, (2008), ‘Microfluidic
polymer multilayer adsorption on liquid crystal
droplets for microcapsule synthesis’, Lab On a Chip, 8, 2182-2187, (1473-0197), 2008
Priest, C, Stevens, N I, Sedev, R, Skinner, W
& Ralston, J, (2008), ‘Inferring wettability of
heterogeneous surfaces by ToF-SIMS’, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 320, 563-567,
(0021-9797), 2008
Pushkarova, R & Horn, R, (2008), ‘Bubble-solid
interactions in water and electrolyte solutions’,
Langmuir, 24, (16), 8726-8734, (0743-7463),
2008
Rahman, A B, Kumar, S & Gerson, A, (2008), ‘The
speciation of Si and other alloying elements in
the oxide surface film of galvanically corroded
weld fusion zone of laser welded AA6061
aluminium alloy’, Corrosion Science, 50, 1267-
1273, (0010-938X), 2008
Ralston, J, Popescu, M & Sedev, R, (2008),
‘Dynamics of wetting from an experimental point
of view’, Annual Review of Materials Research,
38, 23-43, (1531-7331), 2008
Ray, S, Sedev, R, Priest, C & Ralston, J, (2008),
‘Influence of the work of adhesion on the
dynamic wetting of chemically heterogeneous
surfaces’, Langmuir, 24, 13007-13012, (0743-
7463), 2008
Saiki, Y, Horn, R & Prestidge, C, (2008), ‘Droplet
structure instability in concentrated emulsions’,
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 320, (2),
569-574, (0021-9797), 2008
Saiki, Y, Horn, R & Prestidge, C, (2008),
‘Rheological transition of concentrated emulsions
during successive shearing cycles’, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 327, (2), 440-445,
(0021-9797), 2008
Shelat, K J, Dutta, N & Choudhury, N, (2008),
‘Interfacial interaction and morphology of
EVOH and ionomer blends by scanning thermal
microscopy and its correlation with barrier
characteristics’, Langmuir, 24, (10), 5464-5473,
(0743-7463), 2008
Simovic, S & Prestidge, C, (2008), ‘Colloidosomes
from the controlled interaction of submicrometer
triglyceride droplets and hydrophilic silica
nanoparticles’, Langmuir, 24, 7131-7137, (0743-
7463), 2008
Subianto, S, Choudhury, N & Dutta, N, (2008),
‘Palladium-catalyzed phosphonation of SEBS
block copolymer’, Journal of Polymer Science. Part A, Polymer Chemistry, 46, 5431-5441,
(0887-624X), 2008
Szili, E, Kumar, S, Smart, R, Lowe, R, Siaz, E
& Voelcker, N H, (2008), ‘Plasma enhanced
chemical vapour deposition of silica onto
titanium: Analysis of surface chemistry,
morphology and hydroxylation’, Surface Science,
602, 2402-2411, (0039-6028), 2008
Tarasova, A, Griesser, H & Meagher, L, (2008),
‘AFM study of the stability of a dense affinity-
bound liposome layer’, Langmuir, 24, 7371-
7377, (0743-7463), 2008
Tarasova, A, Hamilton-Brown, P, Gengenbach,
T R, Griesser, H & Meagher, L, (2008), ‘Colloid
probe AFM and XPS study of time-dependent
aging of amine plasma polymer coatings in
aqueous media’, Plasma Processes and Polymers, 5, 175-185, (1612-8850), 2008
Terpilowski, K, Krasowska, M, Chibowski, E &
Malysa, K, (2008), ‘Influence of teflon surface
roughness on the contact angle and the bubble
attachment in water’, Polish Journal of Chemistry, 82, 11-16, (0137-5083), 2008
Thierry, B, Jasieniak, M, de Smet, L, Vasilev,
K & Griesser, H, (2008), ‘Reactive epoxy-
functionalized thin films by a pulsed plasma
polymerization process’, Langmuir, 24, (18),
10187-10195, (0743-7463), 2008
Thierry, B, Winnik, F, Merhi, Y, Griesser,
H & Tabrizian, M, (2008), ‘Biomimetic
hemocompatible coatings through
immobilization of hyaluronan derivatives on
metal surfaces’, Langmuir, 24, 11834-11841,
(0743-7463), 2008
Thierry, B, Zimmer, L, McNiven, S, Finnie, K,
Griesser, H & Barbe, C, (2008), ‘Electrostatic self-
assembly of PEG copolymers onto porous silica
nanoparticles’, Langmuir, 24, (NA), 8143-8150,
(0743-7463), 2008
Trinh, M-U, Ralston, J & Fornasiero, D, (2008),
‘Characterisation and stability of lipid-
DNA complexes’, Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 67, 85-91, (0927-7765), 2008
Vasilev, K, Britcher, L, Casanal, A S & Griesser,
H, (2008), ‘Solvent induced porosity in ultrathin
amine plasma polymer coatings’, The Journal of Physical Chemistry Part B: Condensed Matter, Materials, Surfaces, Interfaces & Biophy, 112,
(35), 10915-10921, (1520-6106), 2008
50 Whitby, C, Fornasiero, D & Ralston, J, (2008),
‘Effect of oil soluble surfactant in emulsions
stabilised by clay particles’, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 323, 410-419, (0021-9797),
2008
Zbik, M, Smart, R & Morris, G, (2008), ‘Kaolinite
flocculation structure’, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 328, (1), 73-80, (0021-9797),
2008
Zhou, J, Sedev, R, Beattie, D & Ralston, J, (2008),
‘Light-induced aggregation of colloidal gold
nanoparticles capped by thymine derivatives’,
Langmuir, 24, 4506-4511, (0743-7463), 2008
Zhu, H, Kumar, A, Ozkan, J, Bandara, R, Ding, A,
Perera, I, Steinberg, P, Kumar, N, Lao, W, Griesser,
S, Britcher, L, Griesser, H & Willcox, M, (2008),
‘Firmbrolide-coated antimicrobial lenses: Their in
vitro and in vivo effects’, Optometry and Vision Science, 85, (5), 292-300, (1040-5488), 2008
Zuber, K, Fabretto, M, Hall, C & Murphy, P,
(2008), ‘Improved PEDOT conductivity via
suppression of crystallite formation in Fe(III)
Tosylate during vapor phase polymerization’,
Macromolecular Rapid Communications, 29, (18),
1503-1508, (1022-1336), 2008
Refereed Conference Papers
Addai-Mensah, J & Ralston, J, (2008),
‘Polyelectrolyte mediated dewatering of mixed
mineral dispersions’, XXIV International Mineral Processing Congress, Science Press, China, 2087-
2096, Beijing China, XXIV Int Mineral Processing
Congress, (Geng Jianye Eds), 2008
Ametov, I, Grano, S, Zanin, M, Gredelj, S,
Magnuson, R, Bolles, T & Triffet, B, (2008),
‘Copper and molybdenite recovery in plant and
batch laboratory cells in porphyry copper rougher
flotation’, Proceedings of XXIV International Mineral Processing Congress, Science Press,
1129-1137, Beijing, China, XXIV IMPC, (Duo,
Yao, Liang, Long Eds), 2008
Ciccarelli, J M, Li, J, Smart, R, Schumann, R &
Miller, S, (2008), ‘Estimation of acid neutralisation
rate of silicate minerals using kinetic dissolution
cell method’, Proceedings of the Sixth Australian Workshop on Acid and Metalliferous Drainage,
ACMER, 377-380, Burnie, Tasmania, Sixth
Australian Workshop on Acid and Metalliferous
Drainage, (L.C. Bell, B.M.D. Barrie, B. Braddock &
R.W. McLean Eds), 2008
Fornasiero, D & He, S, (2008), ‘Minimising
copper activation of iron sulfide minerals during
grinding’, Proceedings of the 24th International Mineral Processing Congress, Science Press,
1048-1053, Beijing, China, 24th International
Mineral Processing Congress, (Wang Dian Duo,
Sun Chuan Yao, Wang Fu Liang, Zhang Li Cheng,
Han Long Eds), 2008
Gerson, A & Jasieniak, M, (2008), ‘The effect
of surface oxidation on the Cu activation of
entlandite and pyrrhotite’, International Minerals Processing Congress, Science Press, 1054-1063,
Beijing, China, XXIV International Minerals
Processing Congress, (WD Guo, SC Yao, WF
Liang, ZL Cheng, H Long Eds), 2008
Gontijo, C D, Miettinen, T I, Fornasiero, D &
Ralston, J, (2008), ‘Extreme flotation: How
particle size, contact angle and hydrodynamics
influence flotation limits’, Proceedings of the 24th International Mineral Processing Congress, Science Press, 1038-1047, Beijing, China, 24th
International Mineral Processing Congress, (W. D
Duo, S.C. Yao, W.F. Liang, Z.L. Cheng, H. Long
Eds), 2008
He, M, Beattie, D & Addai-Mensah, J, (2008),
‘Sericite-chalcocite particle sliming mechanism
and mitigation’, XXIV International Mineral Processing Congress Proceedings, Science Press,
2159-2168, Beijing, China, XXIV International
Mineral Processing Congress China, (Geng Jiange
Eds), 2008
He, S, Grano, S, Manouchehri, H-R, Fordham,
M & Curral, J, (2008), ‘The detrimental impact
of high pulp temperature on sphalerite flotation
after zinc regrinding in the zinc plant of
Somincor, Lundin Mining Corporation, Neves
Corvo, Portugal’, MetPlant 2008, The Australian
Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 305-324,
Perth, Western Australia, Metallurgical Plant
Design and Operating Strategies, (Dunlop &
Pollard (Conference Convenors) Eds), 2008
He, S, Grano, S, Manoucheri, H-R, Taylor, A &
Lawson, V, (2008), ‘The critical influence of pulp
oxygen content on the separation of pentlandite
from pyrrhotite in two process streams of the
Clarabelle Mill of Vale Inco, Sudbury, Canada’,
Proceedings of XXIV International Mineral Processing Congress, Science Press, 1028-1037,
Beijing, China, XXIV IMPC, (Duo, Yao, Liang,
Long Eds), 2008
Jani, A M, Zhou, J, Nussio, M R, Lowe, R, Losic,
D, Shapter, J & Voelcker, N H, (2008), ‘Pore
spanning lipid bilayers on silanised nanoporous
alumina membranes’, Smart Materials, Nano and Micro-Smart Systems, 2008, SPIE, 72670T- 1-
72670T-10, Melbourne, Australia, Proc of SPIE,
(N.H Viekxker and H.W. Thissen Eds), 2008
Kannan, A G, McInnes, S, Choudhury,
N, Dutta, N & Voelcker, N H, (2008),
‘Designing superhydrophobic surfaces using
fluorosilsesquioxane-urethane hybrid and porous
silicon gradients’, SPIE, Smart Materials, Nano & Micro Smart System, SPIE, 1-10, Melbourne, SPIE,
Smart Materials, Nano & Micro Smart System,
(SPIE Eds), 2008
51
Li, J, Schumann, R, Kawashima, N, Stewart, W
A & Miller, S, (2008), ‘Methodology for sulfur
speciation and more accurate acid potential
assessment of acid rock drainage wastes’,
Proceedings of the Joint Conference of the 6th International Acid Sulfate Soil Conference & the Acid Rock Drainage Symposium, Guangdon
Press Group, 103-107, Guangzhou, China, 6th
International Acid Sulfate Soil Conference & the
Acid Rock Drainage Symposium, (Chuxia Lin,
Shaoewi Huang, Yongtao Li Eds), 2008
Losic, D, Mitchell, J G & Voelcker, N H, (2008),
‘Diatom culture media contain extracellular silica
nanoparticles which form opalescent films’,
Smart Materials, Nano and Micro-Smart Systems, 2008, SPIE, 1-8, Melbourne, Australia, Proc of
SPIE, (N.H Voelcker and H.W. Thissen Eds), 2008
Manouchehri, H-R, (2008), ‘Mapping and
development of shredding plant stream to
improve quality of recycled materials and protect
environment’, Proceedings of XXIV International Mineral Processing Congress, Science Press,
3513-3521, Beijing, China, XXIV IMPC, (Duo,
Yao, Liang, Long Eds), 2008
Mayavan, S, Choudhury, N & Dutta, N, (2008),
‘Polymer stabilized noble metal colloids for
catalytic and biomedical applications’, SPIE Smart Materials, Nano+Micro-Smart Systems, SPIE, 1-9,
Melbourne, Australia, SPIE- SMART MATERIALS,
Nano+Micro Smart Systems, (SPIE Eds), 2008
Muganda, S, Zanin, M & Grano, S, (2008),
‘Flotation behaviour of sulphide mineral size
fractions with controlled contact angle’, Chemeca 2008 Conference, Engineers Australia, 142-151,
Newcastle, NSW, Chemeca 2008, (GJ Jameson
(Chairman) Eds), 2008
Nosrati, A, Addai-Mensah, J & Skinner, W,
(2008), ‘Interfacial chemistry and particle
interactions in clay mineral dispersions’, Chemeca 2008 Conference Proceedings, Inst of Chemical
Engineering Australia, 670-679, Newcastle,
Australia, Chemeca 2008 Conference Newcastle
NSW Australia, (Graeme Jameson Eds), 2008
Quast, K, Ding, L, Fornasiero, D & Ralston, J,
(2008), ‘Effect of slime clay particles on coal
flotation’, Proceedings of the CHEMECA 2008 Conference, Engineers Australia, 130-139,
Newcastle, NSW, CHEMECA 2008, (CMS
Australia Eds), 2008
Schumann, R, Miller, S, Rusdinar, Y, Smart,
R, Kawashima, N & Weissmann, D, (2008),
‘Towards understanding the chemistry of
limestone mitigation of acid and metalliferous
drainage in waste rock dumps - from laboratory
to field experiments’, Proceedings of the Sixth Australian Workshop on Acid and Metalliferous Drainage, ACMER, 63-76, Burnie, Tasmania, Sixth
Australian Workshop on Acid and Metalliferous
Drainage, (L.C. Bell, B.M.D. Barrie, B. Braddock &
R.W. McLean Eds), 2008
Tan, S Y, Whitby, C, Fornasiero, D & Ralston, J,
(2008), ‘Brownian diffusion of ultrafine particles
to gas bubbles’, Proceedings of the CHEMECA 2008 Conference, Engineers Australia, 823-
832, Newcastle, NSW, CHEMECA 2008, (CMS
Australasia Eds), 2008
Velleman, L, Shapter, J & Losic, D, (2008),
‘Atomic layer deposition of SiO2 on porous
alumina membranes: Controlling the pore size
and transport properties’, Smart Materials, Nano
and Micro-Smart Systems, 2008, SPIE, 7267OS
1-7267OS 8, Melbourne, Australia, Proc of SPIE,
(Nicholas H. Voelcker, Helmut W. Thissen Eds),
2008
Velleman, L, Shapter, J & Losic, D, (2008),
‘Engineered gold nanotube membranes for
molecular separations’, International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechonology, IEEE,
86-89, Melbourne, Australia, ICONN 2008, (ieee
Eds), 2008
Ye, X, Gredelj, S & Grano, S, (2008), ‘Optimising
regrinding chemistry for pyrrhotite flotation’,
Chemeca 2008 Conference, Engineers Australia,
98-107, Newcastle, NSW, Chemeca 2008, (GJ
Jameson (Chairman) Eds), 2008
Yeap, K Y, Addai-Mensah, J & Beattie, D, (2008),
‘Shear responsive flocculation and improved
dewaterability of talc suspensions’, Chemeca Conference 2008 Proceedings, Inst Chem
Eng Australia, 660-669, Newcastle, Australia,
Chemeca 2008 Conference, Newcastle, NSW
Australia, (Graeme Jameson Eds), 2008
Zanin, M, Gredelj, S & Grano, S, (2008), ‘Factors
affecting froth stability in mineral flotation
and implications on minerals recovery: A case
study’, Procemin 2008 V International Mineral Processing Seminar, GECAMIN Ltd, 197-206,
Santiago Chile, Procemin 2008, (Kuyvenhoven,
Gomez, Casali Eds), 2008
International Collaborators
52
USA Bechtel National IncCytec Industries IncFreeport McMoRan Copper and Gold IncNewcrest Resources IncRio Tinto Kennecott Utah CopperUniversity of ChicagoUniversity of Florida University of Utah
Brazil Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul University of Sao PauloVale
Canada COREM Lundin Mining Corporation Teck Cominco Ltd McGill University Phelps Dodge Mining CompanySimon Fraser University University of Alberta University of Western Ontario Vale Inco Ltd
Chile BHP Billiton (Base Metals)
United Kingdom University of Bristol pSi Medica Limited University of Leeds
Australia
South Australia Amdel LtdBHP Billiton (Olympic Dam Corporation) Pty Ltd BioInnovation SA Cancer Council of South Australia Carl Zeiss Vision Australia Citech Research Pty LtdDepartment of Primary Industries & Resources – South Australian GovernmentFlinders UniversityITEK Pty LtdLabTech Systems Ltd Premier’s Science & Research Fund – South Australian Government Research Laboratories of AustraliaRoyal Adelaide HospitalSouth Australian Museum
Heading
H
Belgium University of Mons-Hainaut
Finland Abo Akademi UniversityCP Kelco OyMetso Minerals OyOutotec
France CPE LyonUniversity of MontpellierUniversity Pierre and Marie Curie
Germany Max-Planck Institute for Colloid and Interface Science Max-Planck Institute for Metals Research Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research
India Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
PR China Shanghai Institute of Microsystems & Information TechnologyTianjin University
Portugal Somincor S.A
South Africa Anglo Platinum Ltd University of Cape Town
Sweden Boliden Minerals AB Lulea University of Technology KTH - Royal Institute of Technology
Switzerland ETH Zurich
UkraineInstitute of Colloid Chemistry & Water Chemistry
Japan University of Tokyo
Papua New Guinea Ok Tedi Mining Ltd
New Zealand University of Otago
University of AdelaideVisiocorp Australia Pty Ltd
ACT Australia-India Strategic Research Fund – Australian GovernmentAustralian Research Council National Health and Medical Research Council – Australian GovernmentNational Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy – Australian Government
Victoria AMIRA International LtdAustralian Antarctic Program – Australian GovernmentAustralian Synchrotron Company LtdCRC for Advanced Automotive TechnologyCRC for Polymers
CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering CSIRO Minerals Huntsman Corporation Australia Pty Ltd MHE Technologies LtdMonash UniversityNyrstarOrica Australia Pty LtdOZ Minerals LtdRio Tinto Ltd Starpharma Holdings LtdUniversity of Melbourne
New South Wales Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation BHP Billiton Ltd Fermiscan LtdUniversity of NewcastleUniversity of Wollongong
Western Australia BHP Billiton Nickel West Ltd CSIRO Petroleum Cytec Australia Holdings Pty Ltd Magotteaux Australia Pty Ltd Norilsk Process Technology Pty LtdPenford Australia LtdpSivida LtdTalison Minerals Pty LtdTeck Cominco LtdTiwest Joint VentureZBB Technologies Ltd
Queensland BHP Billiton Mitsubishi AllianceCSIRO Livestock Industries Intellection Pty Ltd University of QueenslandXstrata CopperXstrata Technology