Swinburne University has been awarded $3.9 million in funding under round two of the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centre Projects (CRC-P) scheme to develop a super high oleic bio-based oil and a graphene supply chain certification.
The bulk of the funding ($3 million) will be used to develop a unique biodegradable and renewable oil, known as ‘Super High Oleic Safflower Oil’ or ‘SHOSO’, that has the potential to replace products produced from fossil fuel oils such as lubricants and plastics.
Produced from safflower, it is the world’s best plant-derived bio-based oil which is also a substitute for other vegetable oil based products.
The project, to be undertaken in partnership with GO Resources, Kalyx Australia, The Trustee for Old Paroo Trust, Cargill Australia, Department of Economic Development Jobs Transport and Resources and Emery Oleochemicals, will focus on producing a commercially viable SHOSO that manufacturers and producers of lubricants and plastics can utilise.
The second project, which has been awarded $943,937 in funding, will aim to develop an Australian graphene characterisation and certification capability to underpin graphene product development.
Undertaken in partnership with Imagine Intelligent Materials, Agilent Technologies Australia, Australian Engineering Solutions and Duromer Products, the project will connect Australian industry with global advanced manufacturing supply chains that use graphene, supporting Imagine Intelligent Materials and their supply chain partners to bring graphene solutions to the global market.
This project is expected to enable volume manufacturing with graphene by supporting replicability & quality in manufacturing and will connect Australian industry into the development of Industry 4.0 capability internationally.
Professor Aleksandar Subic, Swinburne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Development) said Swinburne is the sole research provider on the two projects.
“Swinburne’s outstanding track record in the second round of the CRC-P demonstrates the strength of our research engagement with industry and our capacity for translational research and innovation,” Mr Subic added.
“We are committed to working closely with industry to consolidate our expertise and create outcomes that will contribute substantially to our economy and society.”
