NZ – TechConnect Briefs

A study of the interaction between nanoparticles and light: an experimental proof and visualisation of Mie theory in polymer composites

Johnston J.H., Wrigglesworth E.G., Victoria University of Wellington, NZ

An experimental proof of Mie theory has been developed using gold nanoparticles. The relationship between nanoparticle size and the ratio of scattering to absorption has been investigated, and nanoparticle – polymer composites have further been [...]

Novel Post Treatment of Nano-Particle Reinforced Metallic Coatings

Goode C., Tay S.L., Cirrus Materials Science, NZ

Electrochemical co-deposition of metallic coatings with a second phase material have been widely applied in industry to improve the properties of coatings. A variety of hard oxide, carbide, nitride, and ceramic nanoparticles have been successfully [...]

A Review of the Current Industrial Methods of Selecting Interfacial Coupling Agents to Enhance the Mechanical Performance of Short Fibre-Polymer Composites

de Silva K., Dougherty T., Hayward M., Johnston J., Victoria University of Wellington, NZ

Coupling agents are used in fibre-polymer composites to enhance the dispersion and adhesion of the fibres and to maximise the composite’s mechanical performance. This paper aims to review the existing approaches of selecting a coupling [...]

Composite Wool – Natural Product Antimicrobial Textiles

Aljohani S., Johnston J.H., Victoria University of Wellington, NZ

Wool textile products are widely used in apparel, furnishings and floor coverings. They also find use in medical, and healthcare applications such as bandages and masks where unfortunately they can provide environment favourable for microbial [...]

Nanostructured Calcium Silicate Phase Change Materials for Thermal Buffering in Packaging and Construction Applications

Johnston J.H., Victoria University of Wellington, NZ

This paper presents the formation and use of a novel composite nanostructured calcium silicate phase change material with significant thermal buffering capacity for use in thermally responsive packaging and construction materials. Phase change materials (PCMs) [...]

Combining a Fluoroalkylsiloxane and Ion Implantation for Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Patterning

Cook M.J., Johnston J.H., Leveneur J., Victoria University of Wellington, NZ

We present a novel method of producing hydrophilic/hydrophobic patterning on several different substrates using a novel two-step process. The developed process involves a simple surface functionalization with a fluoroalkylsiloxane (FAS), followed by masked ion implantation. [...]

Sound Attenuating Performance of Nanofibre Materials

Beckermann G., Revolution Fibres, NZ

Filming from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s) has gained significant market acceptance within industry for commercial applications, including cinematography and live broadcasts, and is gaining momentum within the civil market. The noise generated from UAV operations [...]

The Improvement of Carbon Fibre Composites Using Nanofibre Interleaving Veils

Beckermann G.W., Hosie I., Revolution Fibres, NZ

Revolution Fibres have developed Xantu.Layr®, the world’s first commercially available nanofibre interleaving veil for use in carbon fibre reinforced composite materials. Produced using a proprietary production method (Sonic Electrospinning Technology), Xantu.Layr® is a non-woven web [...]

Discovery of the dichroic effect in cuprous oxide particles for the development of novel composite materials that change colour with direction of light source

Johnston J.H., Wrigglesworth E.G., Victoria University of Wellington, NZ

When a material displays one colour in transmitted light, but a different colour in reflected light, it is known as the dichroic effect. The oldest and most famous example of this effect is the Lycurgus [...]

Properties and characterisation of an aluminum – silicon nitride fiber powder metal composite

Dougherty T., Xu Y., Nuenz Limited, NZ

There is an increasing demand for new light-weighting materials to improve fuel-efficiency in the automobile and aerospace industries. This has led to an increase in the use of aluminum over traditional metals, such as steel, [...]