Abstract: Developing Functional Coating Systems for Bio-metal for Orthopaedic Implants
The desirable mechanical properties and superior biocompatibility of magnesium (Mg) and its alloys has placed them in the research frontier in materials for biomedical applications. However, their clinical applications are significantly restricted by the high degradation rate in physiological environment. In order to tackle such a limitation, functional polymeric coating systems will be developed to address rapid degradation as well as to reduce other clinical issues such as wear resistance, infection and low bone-inductivity.
The project was conducted in conjunction with Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials ARC Training Centre (SEAM).
Abstract: Development of a Robotic Electrochemical Testing Facility
Corrosion poses significant challenges to the transportation, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. For this reason, it is imperative to prevent and control corrosion using corrosion inhibitors. A corrosion inhibitor protects a metal by restricting cathodic or anodic activity on the metal surface. Its exact performance depends on its exact molecular chemistry. Due to this dependence on molecular structure, there are literally tens of thousands of possible inhibitors so high throughput screening methods are required to select the best. In this work, a fully electrochemical robotic system will be developed for the purpose to select and design the best performing corrosion inhibitors. The robotic facility will carry out more than 100 electrochemical tests per day.
The project was conducted in conjunction with BASF Coatings.
Corrosion and Inhibition
Corrosion inhibitors, corrosion of steel pipes in a soil environment, photocatalysts for CO2 hydrogenation, nano-sensing, optical sensing.
