NZ – Page 2 – TechConnect Briefs

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

Wrigglesworth E.G., Johnston J.H., 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, [...]

Optimising the Properties of Polymer Composites: Low Weight/ High Strength Composites for Commercial Applications

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

Vinyl ester polymers have an excellent resistance to harsh and corrosive environments. This results in their wide-spread use as a polymer composite material for multiple applications in various industries such as marine materials, swimming pools [...]

ActiVlayr Nanofiber Technology

Hosie I., Revolution Fibres Ltd, NZ

Revolution Fibres Ltd is New Zealand’s premier advanced materials company and a global leader in nanofibre production. Its mission is to enable companies to produce superior products using Revolution Fibres technology for creating functional electrospun [...]

A Novel Composite Nanostructured Calcium Silicate – Calcium Carbonate Material Produced from Geothermal Water and its Environmental Remediation and Industry Applications

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

We have developed a novel nanostructured calcium silicate – calcium carbonate composite material with excellent whiteness, chemical reactivity and physical absorbent properties, from the problematic silica contained in separated geothermal water. It is an environmentally [...]

Anisotropic Wetting Behaviour of Modified 3D Printed Micro-Structured Polymer Surfaces for Water Harvesting

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

We present an attractive new technology for the design and fabrication of micro-structured water harvesting surfaces through a unique combination of 3D printing and hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface modification. For many years, researchers have examined the wetting [...]

Advancements in Nanofiber Technology

Hosie I., Revolution Fibres Ltd, NZ

Revolution Fibres Ltd is a global leader in nanofibre production and the creation of advanced textile products. Revolution Fibres has commercialized and manufactures products with various clients in the areas of filtration, skin health, composites, [...]

Exploring the Interface: Improving the Mechanical Properties of Silicon Nitride Fibre – Polymer Composites

Hayward M., Johnston J., Dougherty T., deSilva K., Victoria University of Wellington, Nuenz Limited, NZ and NZ Product Accelerator, NZ

Interfacial interactions between a fibre reinforcement and a polymer matrix are a fundamental contributor towards the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of fibre-polymer composites. Strong adhesion at the phase boundary facilitates efficient property transfer between [...]

A novel demonstration of the dichroic effect exhibited by gold nanoparticles and their incorporation into polymer materials

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

Gold nanoparticles have long been utilised for their attractive colours. A well-known example is the Lycurgus cup, dated at the 4th century, which appears red when viewed in transmitted light and green in reflected light [...]

Sustainable Technology Solutions – Natural rubber to replace plasticized PVC in exterior durable application – A case study by NZ Product Accelerator model of engagement of supply chain partners

De Silva K.K.G., Taylor M., Nilmini R., Kariyawasm S., Vithanachchi J., NZ Product Accelerator - University of Auckland, NZ

Rigid PVC is flexibilized by the addition of plasticizers such as phthalates to obtain the properties of elastomers. These plasticizers in the polymer matrix are not covalently bound to the main polymer chain, which makes [...]