New alloy, battery manufacturing development among $35 million grant round

The final round of 2019 ARC Linkage Project grants was on announced on Thursday, with funding for 77 projects, including new manufacturing processes for superalloy components and graphene cathodes for next-generation batteries.

Work between University of NSW and Voestalpine will “design a manufacturing process for superalloy aero-engine parts,” according to the university.

“This will enhance aero-engine material performance, resulting in shorter flights over longer distances and safer, more fuel-efficient, air travel.”

The university’s researchers are also partnering with Veolia on automating disassembly of electric vehicle batteries for material recovery and recycling.

University of Queensland and Graphene Manufacturing Group are partnering on materials for next-generation rechargeable aluminium ion batteries. The work aims to develop a scalable process with an “innovative surface perforation technique” for high efficiency battery cathodes.

“Expected outcomes of this project include industrial adaptable manufacturing processing and advanced materials for aluminium ion batteries, thus increasing the competitiveness of the partner organisation in the rapid growing graphene market,” reads the description of the project.

A total of $35 million in funding was awarded under the program, which aims to promote long-term partnerships between researchers and industry, “to apply advanced knowledge to problems, acquire new knowledge and as a basis for securing commercial and other benefits of research.”

The full list from the round can be read here.

Picture: iStock

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