DMTC research partners are working with Thales to investigate single crystal growth technologies that could guarantee the in-country supply of the base materials required to produce high performance ceramic sonar. An extensive literature review revealed several competing technologies were available for the preparation of lead based formulations. Laboratory scale trials have been conducted at the Institute of Semiconductor and Electronic Materials (ISEM) labs at the University of Wollongong and at the Institute of Materials Engineering at ANSTO to assess melt growth (Bridgeman method) and solid state conversion of piezoceramic compositions.
The research team at ISEM Wollongong have investigated modified flux growth methods that create a liquid solidification interface using a gradient profiled furnace to grow lead based crystals. A large body of work focused on alternate containment materials to platinum to ensure that a cost effective process can be developed.
ANSTO’s project team have evaluated the narrow process window of crystals grown by solid state methods and have mapped this process window to allow both seed-crystals and piezoelectric elements and components to be reproducible. ANSTO has also investigated ceramic tape technology to develop as a near net shaped component. The process involves sintering a thin large area polycrystalline matrix to full density followed by a prescribed annealing step.
This preliminary project has just been completed and a subsequent stage of research is anticipated to be funded in 2015 to develop the technologies for scaled-up production capability.
Posted by DMTC on August 11th, 2014
AIDN-Vic is holding a Networking Breakfast on Thursday 14 August 2014 and DMTC is proud to be hosting.
This free event provides an opportunity to network in a relaxed environment, providing maximum opportunity for valuable contact amongst members with a brief presentation from breakfast sponsors, DMTC.
Details:
Thursday 14 August 2014, 7:30am to 9:00am
Matthew Flinders Hotel, 667 Warrigal Road, Chadstone
Phone: 9568 8004
Register by clicking here.
WHO CAN ATTEND?
The function is free for AIDN-Vic members. Please share this invitation with any colleagues who may wish to attend. Non-members will be charged a fee of $40 + GST.
Posted by DMTC on August 7th, 2014
DMTC has been awarded new funding under the Defence Innovation Realisation Fund (DIRF), to address a lack of dermal protection solutions from aerosolised hazardous chemical, biological or radiological substances. The funding will be directed towards developing a membrane protective adsorbent composite technology, aerosol vapour fabric, aiming to exceed the capability of current systems through the use of a novel adsorbent-nanofibre membranes and will address formal ADF requirements as formulated under JP2110. DMTC will work with DSTO and a range of industry and research partners to achieve these aims.
The funding is one of six DIRF grants announced by Senator the Hon David Johnston, Minister for Defence at the Defence and Industry conference this week.
Posted by DMTC on July 30th, 2014
DMTC is proud to have been presented with the “Most Improved” award as part of the Enterprise Connect – Supplier Continuous Improvement Program. Presented at the Defence and Industry Conference in Adelaide, the award was bestowed for demonstrating the most improvement between cycles in diagnostics scores for Business and Office Excellence.
DMTC’s Continuous Improvement Program ensures that R&D projects are conducted, and will continue to be conducted, in a manner that maximises value for money for partners and Defence.
DMTC would like to thank Enterprise Connect and in particular the Defence Industry Innovation Centre facilitators that have worked with DMTC over a number of years. Their expertise and guidance in implementing Continuous Improvement programs has been invaluable and ultimately lead to the success of our program.
Posted by DMTC on July 29th, 2014