Institute for Frontier Materials

The institute has a wide range of specialised laboratories in the areas of metals, composites, polymers, textiles and biomedical research. Each is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to enable our staff and students to undertake their research.

Using IFM’s belt abrasion tester (the only one in Australia), Dr Chris Hurren and engineering student Patrick Phillips have revealed the urgent need for standards for protective motorbike clothing in Australia. They tested 10 pairs of reinforced jeans marketed as protective motorcycle clothing. The results were quite a shock – only three pairs met the minimum requirements of the European standards for protective motorbike clothing. Three were close to the standard while the others were no more protective than ordinary (much cheaper) jeans. 

The results have attracted interest from motorcycle magazines as well as road transport authorities in a number of states.

Underpinned by dynamic population growth, continued urbanisation, demand for freight and passenger transport, as well as the ongoing need for energy and water security, our infrastructure landscape is a complex mix of new and ageing structures. The Australian Centre for Infrastructure Durability (ACID) is a collaboration between key universities to provide a more cohesive and comprehensive research capability for industry. It provides an integrated, national platform for industry across the key sectors of oil and gas, mining, transport and structures, defence and aerospace, and water and desalination to connect with leading researchers.

ACID seeks to harness the resources and expertise of key universities to help industry address its critical needs. At the same time, it seeks to facilitate growth in the collective university research capability in this field in order to promote industry growth.

Find out more about ACID

To become an IFM research student, you need to have a clear vision of what you want to investigate. For example, it could be new metallic biomaterials for use in artificial joint implants, new energy storage solutions or the development of new high-strength, lightweight materials.

In just a few steps you could help to create a more sustainable future, improving general quality of life or revolutionising the way we manufacture products.

Find out how to become a research student

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The Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM)
General enquiries
+61 3 52272150
Email IFM

Deakin University
Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus   
Locked Bag 20000
Geelong, Victoria 3220

Twitter: @deakinIFM