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Ultrasonic Nanoencapsulation and Advanced Rubber Composites
Dr Patrick Tang S . Y . Senior Lecturer PhD
Research expertise : Cavitation Technology , Nanocellulose , Emulsions , Drug Delivery , Self-healing Rubber
E : patrick . tang @ monash . edu T : + 603 5514 4435
Nanostructured Silane Coatings for Corrosion Protection of Metals
Dr Poovarasi Balan Lecturer PhD
Research expertise : Corrosion Prevention , Smart Coatings , Additive Manufacturing , Sustainable Education
E : poovarasi . balan @ monash . edu T : + 603 5514 6213
Encapsulation of active substances in particles and droplets has numerous applications in nutritional foods , cosmetics , slow-release fertilizers and therapeutic delivery systems . Ultrasonic technology has been proven effective in generating and encapsulating particles and droplets with desired physical and functional properties . Some examples include extremely stable emulsions , micro / nanocapsules , organic / inorganic nanocomposites , and polymeric particles with environmental sensitivity entrapping actives for controlled drug delivery . Our cross-disciplinary research group is actively working on the ultrasound-assisted production of consumer-friendly and costeffective delivery systems loaded with natural products that could
Corrosion is a major issue in industrial applications . Development of effective and environment-friendly surface pre-treatments is one of the most investigated methods of corrosion protection . Silane pretreatments are good replacements for chromate pre-treatments , which are carcinogenic . Silane coatings primarily act as barrier coatings for electrolyte intrusion into the substrate . Whilst silane pre-treatments are known to provide good barrier properties for metals , they remain ‘ passive ’ during corrosion . Thus , silane films need to be modified to provide durable protection . Modifications of the silane films use different corrosion inhibitors , nanoparticles , and combinations thereof . provide innovative and exciting perspectives for functional food and pharmaceutical industries . On the polymer side , my team concentrates on the development of advanced rubber composites with tunable properties . In our laboratory , we are developing , for the first time , a novel tough and durable rubber that possesses self-healing and chemical resistant properties . Furthermore , we have established collaborative industrydriven projects with multinational companies on functional coating and self-healing glove technology .
Nanoparticles such as silica are used to improve barrier properties . Our current research focuses on using both nanoparticles and corrosion inhibitors to study their synergistic effects . Future research scope expands to include self-healing coatings , and additive manufacturing for corrosion applications . Currently , there is on-going research collaboration with Monash University Australia in these areas .
Ultrasound technologies for production of functional food and pharmaceutical emulsions
Self-healing rubber and smart glove invention for versatile industrial applications
A Scanning Electron Micrograph of low carbon steel coated with nanosilica filled silane film
An Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy ( EIS ) diagram showing improvement in corrosion resistance after applied coating compared to uncoated metal
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
R E S E A R C H E R P R O F I L E 2022 / 2023