The CSIR’s advanced polymer composite group is a leader in the research and development of high- performance polymer composites and sustainable plastics. The group develops polymer (nano) composites and their production processes for downstream beneficiation of conventional polymers and bioplastics for the plastics industry.

The group hosts the following platforms:

Bioplastics and biocomposites: The platform develops sustainable (bio) polymer materials and composites based on biomass-derived fillers/additives and their production processes.

Polymer nanocomposites and blends: The platform develops high-performance nano-structured polymer composites from novel nanomaterials, such as nanoclays, 2D carbon nanomaterials and metal oxides, and their processing methods and polymer waste beneficiation products and processes.

Value offering:

• World-class polymer characterisation lab, including a biodegradation lab;
• Lab-scale polymer processing equipment; and
• Access to pilot-scale polymer processing facility for extrusion, film blowing, and injection-moulding facility (housed within the Nanomaterials Industrial Development Facility).
   

Technologies:

• Clay-based polymer nanocomposites;
• 2D carbon nano-structured composites;
• Polymer functionalisation technologies to enable recycling, polymer blending and composites development;
• Bio-based thermosets;
• Cellulose derivitisation and composites;
• Natural fibre composites; and
• Bioplastics.