Latest News
Distinguished Service Award - Dr. Cathy Hewett
Materials Australia is pleased to announce that Dr Cathy Hewett has been awarded the institute’s prestigious Distinguished Service Award. >
Silver Medal Award Winner - Prof. Simon Ringer
Materials Australia is pleased to announce that Professor Simon Ringer has been awarded the institute’s prestigious Silver Medal. Professor Ringer received the award for his outstanding contribution to the advancement of materials science and engineering through research scholarship in microstructure-property-processing relationships, research leadership in establishing world-class infrastructure for materials research, and service in the promotion and dissemination of materials issues to the wider community. >
COVID-19 Statement
As everyone is aware, we are in an unprecedented time. Our daily lives are being changed and challenged by the requirements of the national and international community to manage the impact of the COVID-19 virus. >
SEAM = Surface Engineering for Advanced Materials
SEAM trains professionals for industry. Our early and mid career SEAM staff are considered as plug-&-play by manufacturing industry to provide immediate economic outcomes. >
APICAM2019 - Report
Held in Melbourne from 1 to 3 July 2019, the Asia-Pacific International Conference on Additive Manufacturing APICAM) was the second conference of this kind to be held in the Asia-Pacific region. APICAM was created to provide an opportunity for industry professionals and thought-leaders to come together, share knowledge and engage in the type of networking that is vital to furthering the additive manufacturing industry. >
Another successful CAMS Conference
The Combined Australian Materials Societies (CAMS) 2018 conference was Australia’s largest interdisciplinary technical meeting of the year. With attendees from around the globe, and top calibre keynote and invited speakers, it was an exciting, engaging and fruitful conference. >
New coating cuts barnacle build-up to keep ships at sea longer
A new corrosion-resistant coating that halved the build-up of algae and barnacles on ship hydraulic components is now being trialled on HMAS Canberra, one of the Royal Australian Navy landing helicopter dock ships. >
New Chief Scientist for CSIRO
Australia’s national science agency has appointed Dr Cathy Foley to the position of CSIRO Chief Scientist – a unique role which will help champion science, its impact and contribution to the world. >
Deltech, Inc. (Deltech Furnaces) Achieves ISO 9001 Certification 
Western Australian Jobs Bill a boost for Australian steel RMIT researchers bring the bling to improve implants
Australian researchers have harnessed the power of diamonds in a breakthrough that could lead to radical improvements in the way human bodies accept biomedical implants >
Revolutionary new filter can improve drinking water quality
A world-first graphene-based filter that can remove more than 99% of the natural organic matter in treated drinking water is being scaled up for possible use in conventional plants. >
Registrations open for National Manufacturing Week 2018 
APICAM Program now available Funding for Women's Leadership Development
FUNDING FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: UP TO $8,000 AVAILABLE >
Spontaneous ‘dust traps’ – the missing link in how planets form
An international team of astronomers may have discovered the missing link in planet formation that explains how initial dust develops into planetary systems >
New Nanoparticle Discovery to Aid Super-Resolution Imaging
Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), Macquarie University, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Peking University and Shanghai Jiao-tong University have made a breakthrough in the development of practical super-resolution optical microscopy >
Liquid metal nano printing set to revolutionise electronics
A new technique using liquid metals to create integrated circuits that are just atoms thick could lead to the next big advance for electronics. >
New laser tool reveals helium secrets
Curtin University researchers have for the first time been able to visualise where helium atoms are trapped within individual mineral grains, providing information that can help to determine the geological history of the Earth’s crust and assist in monitoring natural hazards like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. >
CAMS 2016: A great success
Swinburne University of Technology hosted the 5th Combined Australian Materials Societies (CAMS) conference held from December 6th to 8th, 2016. The co-chairs of CAMS 2016, Profs Peter Hodgson and Chris Berndt, under the auspices of Materials Australia and the Australian Ceramic Society, welcomed over 300 attendees for the three day conference where over 220 presentations were delivered. >
Monochrome microscopy no more
Electron microscopes can magnify cells and tiny particles up to ten million times, but up until now the subjects could only be seen in black and white. >
Diamond nanothread: Versatile new material could prove priceless for manufacturing
Would you dress in diamond nanothreads? It's not as far-fetched as you might think. And you'll have a Brisbane-based carbon chemist and engineer to thank for it. >
Tooth decay - drilling down to the nanoscale
With one in two Australian children reported to have tooth decay in their permanent teeth by age 12, researchers from the University of Sydney believe they have identified some nanoscale elements that govern the behaviour of our teeth. >
Journey to the centre of the cell: nano-rods and worms wriggle best
When it comes to delivering drugs, nanoparticles shaped like rods and worms are the best bet for making the daunting journey to the centre of a cell, new Australian research suggests >
Super vs star - Killing superbugs with star-shaped polymers
It is estimated that antibiotic resistance will cause up to ten million deaths a year by 2050. In addition, there have only been one or two new antibiotics developed since 30 years ago. >
Conserving a Concrete Masterpiece
The Getty Foundation assists Sydney Opera House to conserve the World Heritage-listed building for future generations >
Scientists probe nanoscale lead reservoirs to date geological events
A joint research project using the new Geoscience Atom Probe Facility at the WA School of Mines, Curtin University has examined lead loss in zircons to determine the timing of different geological events stored in defects within the mineral >
How assessing broken ships can help assess broken bones
The way we assess healing of fractured bones is being revolutionised by a global, Monash University-led research team working on a United States Navy-funded project >
Brain probe to examine drug dangers
Research reported in the scientific journal Biomedical Optics Express, has detailed the development of a new optical-fibre based probe, which can measure localised temperature-change deep inside the brain. >
The Moon's groovy origins
A baby planet broke apart around 4.1 to 3.7 billion years ago and sent a hunk of rock about 250 kilometres wide crashing majestically into the Moon, building up grooves around a 1,250 kilometre-diameter crater, say US astrophysicists. This baby planet, called a proto-planet, would have broken away from the asteroid belt and tumbled through our solar system until it found a nice hefty gravity to give a big explosive kiss to, the authors explain. They add that the findings give insight into the size of asteroids that gave the near side of the moon its pockmarked appearance. >
Bushfire signals identified in cave formations for first time
UNSW-led scientists studying a cave in Western Australia have shown that stalagmites formed by mineral-rich water drips from the ceiling could help reveal past wildfires that burned above the cave. >
Woodside Innovation Centre launches at Monash
Monash University and Woodside today announced the launch of a new Innovation Centre,bringing together the University’s pioneering research and design capabilities with one of
Australia’s leading oil and gas companies. The partnership aims to drive significant advances
in the energy sector, bringing positive economic benefits to Australia. >
Why is the new mineral discovered in Kalgoorlie significant?
In April, the discovery of a new mineral in an ore sample obtained from the Kalgoorlie Super Pit made international news. But while this might be important to geologists, why should anyone else take notice? >
Artificial intelligence replaces physicists
Physicists are putting themselves out of a job, using artificial intelligence to run a complex experiment. >
World's blackest coating material makes its debut in space
Vantablack optimizes sensitivity of optical instrumentation in satellite star trackers >
AXT Expands Reach into Foods and Oils Markets with LAIX Technologies
AXT has recently expanded their product range with the addition of LAIX Technologies laboratory instruments and automation solutions. >
UNSW takes lead in race for non-toxic, thin-film solar cells
‘Zero-energy’ buildings – which generate as much power as they consume – are now much closer after a UNSW team achieved the world’s highest efficiency using flexible solar cells that are non-toxic and cheap to make. >
MTS commissions new Fatigue Testing machine
MTS Metallurgical Testing Services has recently commissioned its new 50 Ton capacity Cyclic Load Testing Machine >
Monash scientists win microscopy research awards
Monash researchers have been recognised for excellence in research in electron microscopy, taking out both of the awards for research in the physical sciences awarded biennially by the Australian Microscopy and Microanalysis Society. >
Monash University Opens Advanced Cathodoluminescence Characterisation Facility
With funding from the Australian Research Council, Monash University has commissioned a highly specialised analytical system from DELMIC BV >
Improving solar cells without doping
Scientists have developed a new silicon solar cell that promises cheaper manufacturing processes and better power output. >
Revolutionary new graphene elastomer exceeds sensitivity of human skin
A new sponge-like material, discovered by Monash researchers, could have diverse and valuable real-life applications. The new elastomer could be used to create soft, tactile robots to help care for elderly people, perform remote surgical procedures or build highly sensitive prosthetic hands. >
Global Road Technology and QUT Invest in the Future of Road Infrastructure
A new research partnership will deliver health and safety benefits for mine sites, regional towns and third-world countries through spray-on, “instant” roads that can make dirt roads as hard-wearing as bitumen. >
Shell Australia joins the CATRINA research alliance at Curtin
One of the world’s largest oil and gas operators has chosen Curtin University to jointly study how to increase efficiency of logistics for its large scale Prelude FLNG facility. Curtin University initiated the new industry-led alliance, called Curtin Advanced Technology Research and Innovation Alliance (CATRINA), in order to enhance collaboration between major clients, technology providers, contractors and academics to solve productivity issues in Australia. Foundation members of the Alliance include Woodside.>
Transport revolution on the horizon following discovery of ‘stainless magnesium’
Researchers led by a team at UNSW Australia have used the Australian Synchrotron to turn the discovery of an ultra-low density and corrosion-resistant magnesium alloy into the first step toward mass-producing ‘stainless magnesium’, a new high-strength, lightweight metal, paving the way for cars, trucks and aeroplanes that can travel further distances on less petrol. >
Innovators and leading thinkers recognised in Science Academy awards
Scientists who are leading the world on solar energy efficiency, helping to develop one-shot flu vaccines, and making portable biosensors to detect viruses are among the winners of the Australian Academy of Science’s annual honorific awards >
Geomechanics Researchers Call on AXT Expertise to Help Solve the Mysteries of Granular Materials Flow
Geomechanics Researchers Call on AXT Expertise to Help Solve the Mysteries of Granular Materials Flow >
Australia and the European Union enter historic arrangement on Earth observation
the signing of a cooperation arrangement in Brussels today between the Australian Government and the European Commission. The agreement provides access to Copernicus, the European Union's Earth Observation and Monitoring programme, which captures imagery of our planet and its environment for the ultimate benefit of all citizens. >
Australian-designed suit worn on Space Station
It’s a long way from Melbourne to outer space, but that’s how far a SkinSuitinvented at RMIT for astronauts has travelled as it undergoes trials that are – quite
simply – out of this world. >
Discovery of phenomenon for through-space determination of biomolecules’ chirality
A new phenomenon, involving the determination of a molecule’s chirality through the plasmonic enhancement of a non-chiral molecule, has been discovered in research involving the University of Strathclyde. >
Academies launch new program to stem loss of women in science
The Australian Academy of Science in partnership with the Academy of Technological Science and Engineering will today launch a new gender equity program >
LMATS Use Rigaku Tube Heads to Prevent Premature Failure
LMATS is a comprehensive provider of testing services with four operations in Australia spread over Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. One of the areas that they specialise in is Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of metallic and alloy parts for failure investigation and component verification >
NASA robot to build biggest ever composite rocket parts
The Composites Technology Center at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center has installed a large robot in order to build what it says will be the world’s biggest space rocket parts made of carbon fiber composites. >
New centre reinforces Australia-India energy partnership
Curtin University and the Indian School of Mines have agreed to establish and operate the Australia-India Joint Research Centre for Coal and Energy Technology. >
Graphene drives potential for the next-generation of fuel-efficient cars
Graphene could lead to greener more fuel efficient cars in the future by converting heat into electricity. >
Secrets of matter revealed under record-high pressure
A research team has shown that at extremely high pressure even the innermost electrons in atoms of the metal osmium begin to interact with each other, a phenomenon never witnessed before. >
Australia’s Highest Power X-Ray Diffractometer Installed at the University of Queensland
AXT have recently completed the installation and commissioning of Australia’s highest powered X-ray diffractometer (XRD) at the Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (CMM) at The University of Queensland. >
Australia to make changes if it is to remain globally competitive
Australia uses 75% more resources than Japan to generate each dollar of GDP. Our ‘lucky’ country’ has some homework to do before the next World Resources Forum in October in Davos, Switzerland, if it’s to remain globally competitive and prosperous post-boom. >
Crowd-sourced computing reveals how to make better water filters with nanotubes
Crowd-sourced computing has helped an international research team – including researchers from the University of Sydney - discover a new method of improving water filtration systems and water quality. >
Big data capability boosted with new Computation Institute at Curtin University
Computational and data analytics capability in Western Australia will be boosted by the establishment of the Curtin Institute for Computation (CIC) >
Nissan Invests in Quality with Yxlon Computed Tomography System
With talk revolving around the demise of manufacturing in Australia and the shrinking automotive component manufacturing activity, one Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) defies the trend. Nissan Australia, >
Pioneering techniques advance understanding of metals under extreme conditions
The melding of disciplines and advances in methods of analysis using neutron and synchrotron X-ray diffraction are revealing the most complete picture of metals under complex conditions >
Unique facility opens at Swinburne for testing built structures
Swinburne University of Technology has developed one of the world’s most advanced hybrid simulation systems for large scale testing of civil, mechanical, aerospace and mining engineering components and systems. >
Standards Australia's Latest News
Here are the latest updates from Standards Australia’s News Room. >
AXT Commission TESCAN Automated Minerals Analyser at CSIRO
AXT Pty Ltd, a leading supplier of high technology equipment for the mining, materials, life science and non-destructive testing markets have recently completed the commissioning of a ... >
CAMS 2014: The Premium Event of the Australian Materials Calendar
CAMS2014 was Australia’s largest interdisciplinary technical meeting, focused on the latest advances in materials science, engineering and technology. Including world-renowned speakers, an intensive scientific program ... >
Leica Microsystems Becomes a Corporate Premium Plus Member
Professor David St John Wins the John Campbell Medal
Professor David St John, one of Materials Australia’s Certified Materials Professionals (CMatPs), has been awarded the prestigious John Campbell Medal by the Institute of Cast Metals Engineers. >
'Radioactive Water’ helps Scientists to tap Underground African Water Supplies
It is located in West Africa and is a country just the size of Victoria, but while geography sets us apart, two things Ghana and Australia have in common are areas with not much rain or enough water. >
World-Class Research Facility Joins Materials Australia
Australian Synchrotron uses accelerator technology to produce beams of light that are many times more powerful than the sun in order to provide researchers with advanced X-ray and infrared radiation technologies. This technology isn’t available in normal laboratories making Synchrotron a top destination for researchers in fields ranging from medicine, to defence as well as the manufacturing and materials industries. >
