The Biomaterials groups at IFM research and develop new biocompatible materials including metals, ceramics, fibres and polymers, used to construct artificial organs, rehabilitation devices, or prostheses. Research is also carried out in the areas of porous metal scaffold materials, surface modification and functionalisation, nano-particulate biomaterials, biodegradability, biocompatibility and bioactivity assessment.

• Fibres and polymers
• Porous metals

Light weight, high strength carbon fibre composites are the speciality of the Composites research group.

The Computer Modelling group conducts research on material forming, particularly for the automotive industry. Our projects use a range of tools: static and dynamic codes (Abaqus and LS-Dyna); our own multi-scale codes (Xanthus); CFD codes (Fluent and CFX).

• Atomistic Modelling
• CFD
• Crash Material Modelling (FEM)
• Dynamic Recrystallisation
• Fibre modelling
• Modelling Phase Transformations and Microstructural Development
• Multi-scale Modelling (Xanthus)
• Sheet Forming

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES) group at Burwood activities within IFM investigates the role of interfacial processes in corrosion and energy storage applications. Our research encompasses materials science, electrochemistry and surface science and their application to the problems which occur at a surface where electrochemical processes are taking place e.g. at a battery electrode during charge or at a metal surface that is corroding in salt water.

Fibres and textiles have very diverse applications. The number of applications has been increasing in recent years. We have over 30 researchers in the IFM, who work on a range of projects including electrospun nanofibres, photochromatic textiles and advanced numerical modelling and image processing techniques.

• Electrospinning and Electrospun Nanofibres
• Fibre to fibre processing and quality
• Functional fibres
• Natural and manufactured fibres

Our researchers are taking a multi-scale approach to developing a range of metals with superior properties. Research areas include the next generation automotive steels, light metals (aluminium, magnesium and titanium) and porous metals.

• Automotive
• Light metals
• Steel
• Surfaces

Micro and nano systems have demonstrated enormous potential for biomedical and environmental applications, given their unique characteristics at micro and nano dimension.

• Molecular Diagnostics
• Synthesis and Characterisation of Membranes
• Targeted Drug Delivery

Our research encompasses the synthesis, characterisation and applications of novel nanofibres and nanoparticles in conjunction with the other CMFI research groups.

• Functional Nanoparticles
• Green Nanomaterials
• Nanocomposites
• Nanofibres

We seek to explore the roles of molecular mediators, antioxidants and cellular communication in the pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic inflammatory, microbial diseases and cancer.

• Development of multi-targeted oral or intravenous delivery systems for treatment and diagnosis
• Novel nano-medicinal based vaccines and immunotherapy
• Micro-fluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip devices for delivery and diagnosis

The polymer research at Deakin University aims at both understanding the fundamental aspects of polymer science and developing novel polymeric materials to meet various requirements in different applications.

• Block copolymer self-assembly and physics
• Nanostructured thermosets
• Polymer composites and nanocomposites
• Polymer blends
• Self-healing polymers and nanocomposites
• Biodegradable polymers
• Green processing of natural polymers
• Rubber recycling

ARC Centre of Excellence for Design in Light Metals

IFM researchers Prof. Peter Hodgson and A/Prof. Matthew Barnett are chief investigators in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Design in Light Metals. Their teams are designing new magnesium and titanium alloys while optimizing the thermomechanical processing of existing grades. This work is embedded in the IFM metals research program.

ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science

Deakin's role within ACES involves the study of active metal electrodes for battery devices, particularly for metal-air batteries as well as the development of advanced surface characterisation techniques of relevance to electromaterials science.

ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Researcher Prof. Ying Chen is the head of Deakin's node in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials. His team is developing new large scale manufacturing techniques and designing new nanomaterial solutions. The research forms part of the IFM nanotechnology program.

Advanced Manufacturing CRC

Researchers in IFM and CISR are working towards sustainable manufacturing in the Advanced Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre.

CAST CRC

Researchers in IFM and CISR are members of the CAST Cooperative Research Centre. These teams are developing solutions for improved metals processing and control. The research involves a combination of metallurgy and intelligent systems. Members of CAST can be found in the School of Engineering, the CMFI metals group and the CISR control team.

Auto CRC

IFM researchers are working with the Auto Cooperative research Centre. These researchers are developing smarter, safer, cleaner cars. The work includes computer modelling and design as well as new materials development.

Sheep CRC

IFM staff are leading the Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation work in evaluating a simple, cost-effective way to measure and guarantee next-to-skin comfort for knitted wool garments using the new Wool Comfort Meter.