Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (TPRG)
The University of Queensland
Formerly known as Translational Polymer Research Group
The Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites undertakes research and development into the manufacture, design, synthesis, characterisation, rheology, processing and flow simulation of bioderived and biodegradable polymer materials and composites.
Research at the group draws on the following core skills: polymer and composite synthesis, polymerization and polymer analysis; characterisation, rheology, polymer processing and simulation; polymer and composite material properties and performance; biotechnology; and biodegradationpolymedegradatio.CBB is a virtual centre that focuses on developing high performance polymers and composites for high value applications, using novel polymers, biopolymers/ecomaterials and nanostructured polymers.
The team of around 50 researchers is drawn from Chemical, Materials and Mechanical Engineering plus Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing Centre.
- Website
- https://centreforbioplastics.org.au
- Organisation type
-
- University Research Centre
- Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre - Headquarters
- Number of research staff
- 20-100 research staff
- Address
- Andrew Liveris Building, Level 6, The University of Queensland, Staff House Rd, St Lucia QLD 4072
Strengths and capabilities
- Polymer manufacture
- Biopolymer synthesis
- Biotechnology
- Biomaterial formulation
- Biodegradation
- Lifetime assessment
- Sustainability analysis
- Flow property testing
- Polymer processing
- Composite processing
- Polymer flow simulation
- Nanocomposite materials development
Facilities and major equipment
- Polymer characterisation lab
- Polymer processing facility
- Extrusion facility
- Injection moulding
- Rheology lab
- Mini-processing lab
- Polymer failure testing lab
Lead researchers
- Professor Steven Pratt—International expert on polyhydroxyalkanoates
- Professor Peter Halley—CRC Association Tech Transfer Award 2016 for degradable agricultural film
- Doctor Bronwyn Laycock—Joint CSIRO Medal for Research Achievement for her work on the extended wear contact lens
- Professor Darren Martin—Formed high performance polymer start-up company TenasiTech
Achievements of the centre
- CRC Association Technical Transfer Award (2016) for degradable agricultural film
- The establishment of start-up company TenasiTech Pty Ltd, which is commercialising a polymer nanocomposites platform
- Integration on sustainable polymers projects with Dow Sustainable Engineering Innovation Centre UQ
- Patented novel biodegradable film production (with blown film properties comparable to commercial thin films)
- Patented novel biodegradable biocomposites (with successful pilot production and testing as hospital medicine trays)
- Patented novel controlled release formulations for methane mitigation (achieving >80% reduction in emisions over multi-day period)
Key science sectors
More information about the sectors this centre is involved in:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Biotechnology
- Defence, aviation and space
- Engineering
- Environment and nature
- Food and agriculture
- Health and medical
- Mining/resources
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