Spinifex (Triodia): Australia’s desert grass as a source of high-performance bio-materials

Spinifex grasslands cover a third of Australia and are superbly adapted to some of the hottest and driest environments on Earth. We recently discovered that spinifex (Triodia) has amazing material properties - unique nano-cellulose to strengthen high-performance materials such as super-thin latex. This project unites plant physiology and material science to advance knowledge of environmental and genetic factors on material properties of spinifex species.

Location: St Lucia and Gatton, with possible field trips to Australia's arid zone, and the Australian Synchrotron facility in Melbourne

Expected outcomes: experience at the cutting-edge of innovative and highly interdisciplinary research, with laboratory, glasshouse and field-based experimentation, with view of IP Generation and future work in research or industry

Supervisors: Professor Susanne Schmidt, Professor Darren Martin

Before you apply: contact the primary supervisor for more details