Overview
Background
Dr. Michael Tobias Heitzmann is the Co-Director for the Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing (AMPAM) and a Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering at The University of Queensland. The centre he co-directs brings together over 60 researchers and 110 PhD students working with over 124 different industry and research partners.
He is an expert in composite materials and processes with a strong industry focus. His research group at The University of Queensland is focused around the two areas: ‘High temperature Composites’ and ‘Composite durability’. His expertise includes manufacturing process development and modelling, materials characterisation and composite mechanics. In the last 5 years, he has been awarded over $8.5M AUD in research funding as chief investigator (CI) of which over $3.5M AUD have been obtained as the lead CI. He has secured significant funding across the funding spectrum including, direct industry funding, CRC, ACARP, ARC Linkage and ARC Discovery projects. Since joining The University of Queensland in 2014, he has produced over 45 academic publications and is the inventor of 3 patents. He has graduated 6PhD students, 2 MPhil students and is the current supervisor of 10 PhD students and 3 research fellows.
As an academic with a strong industry focus, Dr. Heitzmann prides himself on his impact beyond tractional academic outputs. For example, he and his team have developed coal seam gas sucker-rod wear guides that are now use across Australia with over 1 million guides sold. In collaboration, with Prof. Glen Lichtwark, he developed the Cricket Australia test standard for cricket balls and overseen the certifications of all cricket balls currently being played in Cricket Australia men’s competitions. He has also pioneered the development of high temperature ceramic matrix composites for hypersonic applications in Australia. His team has successfully developed and demonstrated the manufacture of polymer-matrix and ceramic-matrix composites for test campaigns including industry primes such as Lockheed Martin and Thales. He also played a significant role in the establishment of the Defence Science and Technology (DST) Eagle Farm Facility and has helped to shape the current high temperature composites development that is undertaken within DST.
From 2012 to July 2015, he was the project leader of the CRC-ACS “Plant fibre biocomposites” project (CRC-ACS P1.1), a 6.5M five year project. He was responsible for leading a multinational team of over 10 researchers including project partners form Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand and Malaysia. Since taking over the project lead, he has successfully established a steering committee for the development of biocomposite design guidelines, engaged three additional research providers and introduced two new commercial end-users to the project. The license for commercialisation of the project outcomes has been issued to Queensland based agronomy company Agri Fibre Industries.
Before joining the University of Queensland he worked as a Senior Research Engineer for the commercial entity of the CRC-ACS, Advanced Composite Structures Australia. In this role he contributed and led composite research and development projects for major local and international companies such as QBE insurance, Brisbane Transport, Australian Aerospace, Airbus and PETRONAS.
Availability
- Dr Michael Heitzmann is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Qualifications
- Postgraduate Diploma, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Composite materials and processes
- Reactive Resin Transfer Moulding - Short cycle-time processes - Filament winding - Automation
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High temperature composite materials
- Resistance of composite materials to high temperatures - High performance thermoset and thermoplastic resins - Ceramic Matrix COmposites
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Product development and innovation
- Product development methodology - CAX and digital fabrication - Numeric optimisation
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Hybrid composite materials
- Wood/FRP hybrid composites - Concrete/FRP hybrid composites - Thermoset/thermoplastic interfaces
Works
Search Professor Michael Heitzmann’s works on UQ eSpace
2023
Journal Article
Towards the development of a fire retardant sugar-cane bagasse ply for composite manufacture: a flammability study
Basnayake, Asanka P., Hidalgo, Juan P. and Heitzmann, Michael T (2023). Towards the development of a fire retardant sugar-cane bagasse ply for composite manufacture: a flammability study. Journal of Composite Materials, 57 (2), 297-311. doi: 10.1177/00219983221144709
2022
Journal Article
Composite springs for mooring tensioners: a systematic review of material selection, fatigue performance, manufacturing, and applications
Cai, Yuanzhen, Bazli, Milad, Basnayake, Asanka P., Veidt, Martin and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2022). Composite springs for mooring tensioners: a systematic review of material selection, fatigue performance, manufacturing, and applications. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 10 (9) 1286, 1-34. doi: 10.3390/jmse10091286
2022
Journal Article
Durability of fibre-reinforced polymer-wood composite members: An overview
Bazli, Milad, Heitzmann, Michael and Villacorta Hernandez, Byron (2022). Durability of fibre-reinforced polymer-wood composite members: An overview. Composite Structures, 295 115827, 1-18. doi: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2022.115827
2022
Journal Article
Long-span timber flooring systems: A systematic review from structural performance and design considerations to constructability and sustainability aspects
Bazli, Milad, Heitzmann, Michael and Ashrafi, Hamed (2022). Long-span timber flooring systems: A systematic review from structural performance and design considerations to constructability and sustainability aspects. Journal of Building Engineering, 48 103981, 103981. doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2021.103981
2022
Journal Article
Behaviour of hybrid glass fibre-reinforced polymer and timber composite laminates under shear loading: importance of fibre rotation
Miao, Chuang, Fernando, Dilum, Zhou, Hao, Wilson, Peter and Heitzmann, Michael (2022). Behaviour of hybrid glass fibre-reinforced polymer and timber composite laminates under shear loading: importance of fibre rotation. Composite Structures, 287 115304, 1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2022.115304
2022
Journal Article
Investigation of ammonium polyphosphate dilution with ground eggshells and lignin through the study of natural fibre composite flammability
Basnayake, Asanka P., Hidalgo, Juan P., Villacorta, Byron, Dunn, Kameron G. and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2022). Investigation of ammonium polyphosphate dilution with ground eggshells and lignin through the study of natural fibre composite flammability. Fire and Materials, 47 (1), 28-50. doi: 10.1002/fam.3066
2022
Journal Article
Comparison of experimental and calculated tensile properties of flax fibres
Soatthiyanon, Niphaphun, Crosky, Alan and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2022). Comparison of experimental and calculated tensile properties of flax fibres. Journal of Composites Science, 6 (4) 100, 100. doi: 10.3390/jcs6040100
2021
Journal Article
Local buckling of FRP thin-walled plates, shells and hollow sections with curved edges and arbitrary lamination
Higginson, K., Fernando, D., Veidt, M., Burnton, P., You, Z. and Heitzmann, M. (2021). Local buckling of FRP thin-walled plates, shells and hollow sections with curved edges and arbitrary lamination. Thin-Walled Structures, 168 108242, 1-18. doi: 10.1016/j.tws.2021.108242
2021
Journal Article
A flammability study of aluminium hydroxide (ATH) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) used with hemp/epoxy composites
Basnayake, Asanka P., Hidalgo, Juan P. and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2021). A flammability study of aluminium hydroxide (ATH) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) used with hemp/epoxy composites. Construction and Building Materials, 304 124540, 1-18. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124540
2021
Journal Article
Wear behaviour of polymeric materials reinforced with man-made fibres: a comprehensive review about fibre volume fraction influence on wear performance
Zaghloul, Moustafa Mahmoud Yousry, Steel, Karen, Veidt, Martin and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2021). Wear behaviour of polymeric materials reinforced with man-made fibres: a comprehensive review about fibre volume fraction influence on wear performance. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 41 (5-6), 073168442110517-241. doi: 10.1177/07316844211051733
2021
Journal Article
Hybrid fibre reinforced polymer and seawater sea sand concrete structures: a systematic review on short-term and long-term structural performance
Bazli, Milad, Heitzmann, Michael and Villacorta Hernandez, Byron (2021). Hybrid fibre reinforced polymer and seawater sea sand concrete structures: a systematic review on short-term and long-term structural performance. Construction and Building Materials, 301 124335, 1-17. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124335
2021
Journal Article
Mechanical properties of hybrid fibre reinforced polymer-timber veneer laminates
Min, Li, Fernando, Dilum, Heitzmann, Michael and Miao, Chuang (2021). Mechanical properties of hybrid fibre reinforced polymer-timber veneer laminates. Construction and Building Materials, 301 124316, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124316
2021
Journal Article
Towards a better understanding of fire performance assessment of façade systems: Current situation and a proposed new assessment framework
McLaggan, M.S., Hidalgo, J.P., Osorio, A.F., Heitzmann, M.T., Carrascal, J., Lange, D., Maluk, C. and Torero, J.L. (2021). Towards a better understanding of fire performance assessment of façade systems: Current situation and a proposed new assessment framework. Construction and Building Materials, 300 124301, 124301. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124301
2021
Journal Article
Compliant curved-crease origami-inspired metamaterials with a programmable force-displacement response
Lee, Ting-Uei, Chen, Yan, Heitzmann, Michael T. and Gattas, Joseph M. (2021). Compliant curved-crease origami-inspired metamaterials with a programmable force-displacement response. Materials and Design, 207 109859, 109859. doi: 10.1016/j.matdes.2021.109859
2021
Journal Article
Curing kinetics of a siloxane pre-ceramic prepreg resin
Kudisonga, Christian, Villacorta, Byron, Chisholm, Harry, Vandi, Luigi-Jules and Heitzmann, Michael (2021). Curing kinetics of a siloxane pre-ceramic prepreg resin. Ceramics International, 47 (14), 20678-20685. doi: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2021.04.078
2021
Journal Article
Comparing the ignition and burning hazards of sugar‐cane bagasse and hemp epoxy composites
Basnayake, Asanka P., Hidalgo, Juan P. and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2021). Comparing the ignition and burning hazards of sugar‐cane bagasse and hemp epoxy composites. Fire and Materials, 46 (3) fam.2998, 529-543. doi: 10.1002/fam.2998
2021
Journal Article
Processing parameters optimization of cotton stalk (Gossypium hirsutum L.) particleboards with emulsifiable polymeric isocyanate adhesive
Nguyen, Thanh Tung , Redman, Adam, Leggate, William, Vandi, Luigii-j, Bailleres, Henri and Heitzmann, Michael (2021). Processing parameters optimization of cotton stalk (Gossypium hirsutum L.) particleboards with emulsifiable polymeric isocyanate adhesive. BioResources, 16 (2), 4149-4170. doi: 10.15376/biores.16.2.4149-4170
2021
Journal Article
Manufacture and structural performance of modular hybrid FRP-timber thin-walled columns
Cui, Weiqi, Fernando, Dilum, Heitzmann, Michael and Gattas, Joseph M. (2021). Manufacture and structural performance of modular hybrid FRP-timber thin-walled columns. Composite Structures, 260 113506, 113506. doi: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2020.113506
2021
Journal Article
Stable and lifelong head phantoms using polymer composition mimicking materials to test electromagnetic medical imaging systems
Mohammed, Beada'a, Bialkowski, Konstanty, Hill, Steve, Stancombe, Anthony Edgar, Al-qadami, Abdulrahman, Heitzmann, Michael and Abbosh, Amin (2021). Stable and lifelong head phantoms using polymer composition mimicking materials to test electromagnetic medical imaging systems. IEEE Journal of Electromagnetics, RF and Microwaves in Medicine and Biology, 5 (4), 322-328. doi: 10.1109/jerm.2021.3051311
2020
Journal Article
Homogenous particleboard made from whole cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) stalk agricultural waste: optimisation of particle size and influence of cotton residue on performance
Nguyen, Thanh Tung, Bailleres, Henri, Redman, Adam, Leggate, William, Vandi, Luigi-j and Heiztmann, Michael (2020). Homogenous particleboard made from whole cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) stalk agricultural waste: optimisation of particle size and influence of cotton residue on performance. Bioresources, 15 (4), 7730-7748. doi: 10.15376/biores.15.4.7730-7748
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Michael Heitzmann is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Optimising the Tribomechanical Performance of Engineering Polyamide 6 through Synergistic Incorporation of Functionalised Organoclay and Solving Wear-Related Issues in Aquaculture Pens Subjected to High-Energy Conditions
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Darren Martin, Dr Byron Villacorta
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Doctor Philosophy
Novel methods to improve high temperature resistance and integrate functionality in ceramic matrix composites through the use of reactive processing methods
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Christophe Fumeaux, Dr Christian Kudisonga
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Doctor Philosophy
Harnessing Architected Nonwoven Materials to Design and Develop Lightweight Composites
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Characterisation and optimisation of the fatigue performance of large composite springs for the usage in Wave Energy Converters.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martin Veidt, Dr Milad Bazli
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Master Philosophy
Adding value to underutilized small-diameter plantation grown trees in Laos
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Joe Gattas
-
Doctor Philosophy
Optimising the Tribomechanical Performance of Engineering Polyamide 6 through Synergistic Incorporation of Functionalised Organoclay and Solving Wear-Related Issues in Aquaculture Pens Subjected to High-Energy Conditions
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Darren Martin, Dr Byron Villacorta
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Doctor Philosophy
System integration of high temperature composite materials into hypersonic flight vehicles
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Harnessing Architected Nonwoven Materials to Design and Develop Lightweight Composites
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
In-service splits in glued-laminated timber; Mechanisms and Control Strategies
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Optimising performance and integration of thermal protection systems
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Chris James, Dr Christian Kudisonga
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Doctor Philosophy
Mechanical and Tribological Performances of Glass Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastics - Investigation into Material Responses, Abrasive Sensitivity and Adverse Operating Conditions
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martin Veidt, Associate Professor Karen Steel
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Doctor Philosophy
Optimising the Tribomechanical Performance of Engineering Polyamide 6 through Synergistic Incorporation of Functionalised Organoclay and Solving Wear-Related Issues in Aquaculture Pens Subjected to High-Energy Conditions
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Darren Martin, Dr Byron Villacorta
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Doctor Philosophy
Integration of Cooling into Ceramic Matrix Composite Structures
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Vincent Wheatley, Dr Chris James, Dr Christian Kudisonga
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Doctor Philosophy
Characterisation and Optimisation of Large Composite Springs for Wave Energy Converters
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martin Veidt, Dr Milad Bazli
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Doctor Philosophy
Buckling Analysis of Hybrid Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) ¿ Timber (HFT) Thin-Walled Cee Section Columns
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Optimising the Tribomechanical Performance of Engineering Polyamide 6 through Synergistic Incorporation of Functionalised Organoclay and Solving Wear-Related Issues in Aquaculture Pens Subjected to High-Energy Conditions
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Darren Martin, Dr Byron Villacorta
-
Doctor Philosophy
Thermal Modelling and Characterisation Framework of Ceramic Matrix Composites for Hypersonic Applications
Principal Advisor
-
Master Philosophy
Adding value to underutilized small-diameter plantation grown trees in Laos
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Joe Gattas
-
Doctor Philosophy
Development of all-CMC joining systems
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martin Veidt
-
Doctor Philosophy
Thermal Modelling and Characterisation Framework of Ceramic Matrix Composites for Hypersonic Applications
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Large Scale Asset Procurement and Management
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Knights
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Doctor Philosophy
Robotic FRP fabrication for large scale customizable structure
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Joe Gattas, Dr Dan Luo
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Doctor Philosophy
Rheological enhancement of biopolymer composites for commercial-scale processing of novel products
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Halley, Professor Darren Martin, Dr Clement Chan, Dr Luigi Vandi
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Doctor Philosophy
Developing high performance nanocomposite coatings for manufacturing domestic appliances
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lisbeth Grondahl, Dr Grant Edwards, Professor Darren Martin
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Optimising the Tribomechanical Performance of Engineering Polyamide 6 through Synergistic Incorporation of Functionalised Organoclay and Solving Wear-Related Issues in Aquaculture Pens Subjected to High-Energy Conditions
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Darren Martin, Dr Byron Villacorta
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Mechanical and Tribological Performances of Glass Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastics - Investigation into Material Responses, Abrasive Sensitivity and Adverse Operating Conditions
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martin Veidt, Associate Professor Karen Steel
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Characterising the material properties that influence fire growth of fire retardant natural fibre composites
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Luigi Vandi, Dr Juan Hidalgo Medina, Dr Byron Villacorta
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Cure cycle optimisation and behaviour prediction of structural epoxies used in composite civil infrastructure
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Luigi Vandi
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Sustainable Formaldehyde-Free Particleboards from Cotton-Stalk Agricultural Waste
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Luigi Vandi
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
The constitutive behaviour of hybrid glass fibre-reinforced polymer and timber veneer composite laminates
Principal Advisor
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Reactive Processing of e-caprolactam for Application in Thermoplastic Resin Transfer Moulding (TP-RTM)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Darren Martin, Dr Luigi Vandi, Dr Byron Villacorta
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2020
Master Philosophy
Improving the adhesion of high-density softwoods with isocyanate based adhesives.
Principal Advisor
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Towards the Development of a Test and Design Framework for the Fire Engineering with Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastics
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Darren Martin, Dr Byron Villacorta
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Mouldless Manufacture and Performance of Hybrid FRP-Timber Thin-Walled Structures
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Joe Gattas
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
A novel methodology for the optimization of composite structures
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Matthew Mason
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
3D Printing and injection molding of sustainable high temperature composites
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Luigi Vandi
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2017
Master Philosophy
Evaluation and Development of Large Track Type Tractor Logging Sweeps
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martin Veidt
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Manufacture and Characterisation of Short Fibre Biocomposites
Associate Advisor
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding Joint Formation in Thermoset Composite Welding (TCW) Joints for New-Generation Advanced Composite Commercial Aircraft
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martin Veidt
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Michael Heitzmann directly for media enquiries about:
- Aerospace
- Composite materials
- High temperature composites
- Impact testing
- Innovation
- Materials
- Product development
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