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
2020
Journal Article
Constitutive modelling of the mechanical response of a polycaprolactone based polyurethane elastomer: finite element analysis and experimental validation through a bulge test
Rull, Nahuel, Basnayake, Asanka, Heitzmann, Michael and Frontini, Patricia M. (2020). Constitutive modelling of the mechanical response of a polycaprolactone based polyurethane elastomer: finite element analysis and experimental validation through a bulge test. Journal of Strain Analysis for Engineering Design, 56 (4), 030932472095833-215. doi: 10.1177/0309324720958332
2020
Journal Article
Isothermal differential scanning calorimetry analysis of the anionic polymerisation of polyamide-6: separation by dual asymmetric Gaussians
Humphry, J., Yang, N., Vandi, L -J., Hernandez, B. Villacorta, Martin, D.J. and Heitzmann, M.T. (2020). Isothermal differential scanning calorimetry analysis of the anionic polymerisation of polyamide-6: separation by dual asymmetric Gaussians. Materials Today Communications, 25 101473, 101473. doi: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2020.101473
2020
Journal Article
The effect of fibre length and matrix modification on the fire performance of thermoplastic composites: The behaviour of PP as an example of non-charring matrix
Ghazzawi, Yousof, Osorio, Andres F., Martin, Darren, Basnayake, Asanka P. and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2020). The effect of fibre length and matrix modification on the fire performance of thermoplastic composites: The behaviour of PP as an example of non-charring matrix. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, 35 (7), 089270572092513-976. doi: 10.1177/0892705720925134
2020
Journal Article
Flammability trends for a comprehensive array of cladding materials
McLaggan, Martyn S., Hidalgo, Juan P., Tirado, Jeronimo Carrascal, Heitzmann, Michael, Osorio, Andres and Torero, José L. (2020). Flammability trends for a comprehensive array of cladding materials. Fire Safety Journal, 120 103133, 103133. doi: 10.1016/j.firesaf.2020.103133
2020
Journal Article
Nonlinear rotational stiffness and clash prevention in perforated steel fold lines
Shi, Quan, Heitzmann, Michael T. and Gattas, Joseph M. (2020). Nonlinear rotational stiffness and clash prevention in perforated steel fold lines. Engineering Structures, 209 110218, 110218. doi: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2020.110218
2020
Journal Article
The effect of fibre length and fibre type on the fire performance of thermoplastic composites: the behaviour of polycarbonate as an example of a charring matrix
Ghazzawi, Yousof M., Osorio, Andres F. and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2020). The effect of fibre length and fibre type on the fire performance of thermoplastic composites: the behaviour of polycarbonate as an example of a charring matrix. Construction and Building Materials, 234 117889, 117889. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.117889
2019
Journal Article
Improving the adhesion of high-density softwoods with isocyanate based adhesives through surface incision
Vella, Rodney, Heitzmann, Michael T. and Redman, Adam (2019). Improving the adhesion of high-density softwoods with isocyanate based adhesives through surface incision. Bioresources, 14 (4), 7751-7762. doi: 10.15376/biores.14.4.7751-7762
2019
Journal Article
Comparison of test methods for the determination of delamination in glued laminated timber
Vella, Rodney, Heitzmann, Michael T., Redman, Adam and Bailleres, Henri (2019). Comparison of test methods for the determination of delamination in glued laminated timber. Bioresources, 14 (4), 7920-7934. doi: 10.15376/biores.14.4.7920-7934
2019
Journal Article
GFRP-to-timber bonded joints: adhesive selection
Miao, Chuang, Fernando, Dilum, Heitzmann, Michael T. and Bailleres, Henri (2019). GFRP-to-timber bonded joints: adhesive selection. International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives, 94, 29-39. doi: 10.1016/j.ijadhadh.2019.05.007
2019
Other Outputs
Composite Material suitable for producing 3D printed Carbon Matrix Composite
Heitzmann, Michael, Vandi, Luigi-Jules and Kudisonga, Christian (2019). Composite Material suitable for producing 3D printed Carbon Matrix Composite. Patent 19333953.
2019
Conference Publication
Dynamic mechanical in-situ analysis of ceramic matrix composites at 1300°c in oxidizing atmosphere
Kudisonga, Christian, Mucha, Herbert, Deckmann, Horst, Vandi-Jules, Luigi and Heiztmann, Michael (2019). Dynamic mechanical in-situ analysis of ceramic matrix composites at 1300°c in oxidizing atmosphere. 22nd International Conference on Composite Materials ICCM-22, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 11-16 August 2019. Melbourne, VIC Australia: International Committee on Composite Materials.
2019
Journal Article
A biocompatible thermoset polymer binder for Direct Ink Writing of porous titanium scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Chen, Yunhui, Han, Pingping, Vandi, Luigi-Jules, Dehghan-Manshadi, Ali, Humphry, Jarrad, Kent, Damon, Stefani, Ilaria, Lee, Peter, Heitzmann, Michael, Cooper-White, Justin and Dargusch, Matthew (2019). A biocompatible thermoset polymer binder for Direct Ink Writing of porous titanium scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Materials Science and Engineering: C, 95, 160-165. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2018.10.033
2019
Conference Publication
Fire and post fire properties of glass fiber reinforced epoxy and polycarbonate composite: A comparative study
Ghazzawi, Yousof M., Basnayake, Asanka P., Osorio, Andres F., Medina, Juan Hidalgo and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2019). Fire and post fire properties of glass fiber reinforced epoxy and polycarbonate composite: A comparative study. ICCM International Conferences on Composite Materials ICCM22 2019, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 2019. Melbourne, VIC Australia: Engineers Australia.
2019
Journal Article
Compact unidirectional conformal antenna based on flexible high permittivity custom-made substrate for wearable wideband electromagnetic head imaging system
Alqadami, Abdulrahman S. M., Nguyen-Trong, Nghia, Mohammed, Beadaa, Stancombe, Anthony E., Heitzmann, Michael Tobias and Abbosh, Amin (2019). Compact unidirectional conformal antenna based on flexible high permittivity custom-made substrate for wearable wideband electromagnetic head imaging system. IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, 68 (1) 8827578, 183-194. doi: 10.1109/tap.2019.2938849
2019
Conference Publication
The influences of particle sizes on performance of biodegradable wood plastic composites manufactured from lingo-cellulosic agricultural waste
Nguyen, Tung T., Heitzmann, Michael T., Vandi, Luigi, Bailleres, Henri and Redman, Adam (2019). The influences of particle sizes on performance of biodegradable wood plastic composites manufactured from lingo-cellulosic agricultural waste. 22nd International Conference on Composite Materials ICCM-22, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 11-16 August 2019. Melbourne, VIC Australia: International Committee on Composite Materials.
2019
Conference Publication
Process modelling of anionically polymerised polyamide-6 for application in thermoplastic reactive resin transfer moulding (R-RTM)
Humphry, Jarrad, Yang, Nan, Vandi, Luigi-Jules, Truss, Rowan, Martin, Darren J. and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2019). Process modelling of anionically polymerised polyamide-6 for application in thermoplastic reactive resin transfer moulding (R-RTM). European Conference on Composite Materials, Athens, Greece, 24-28 June 2018. New York, NY, United States: Curran Associates.
2019
Other Outputs
The Material Library of Cladding Materials
McLaggan, Martyn S., Hidalgo, Juan P., Osorio, Andres F., Heitzmann, Michael, Carrascal, Jeronimo, Lange, David, Maluk, Cristian and Torero, Jose L. (2019). The Material Library of Cladding Materials. UQ eSpace. (Collection) doi: 10.14264/uql.2019.441
2019
Conference Publication
Carbon nanotube/polyamide 6 nanocomposites via in-situ anionic polymerisation
Humphry, Jarrad, Villacorta, Byron S. and Heitzmann, Michael T. (2019). Carbon nanotube/polyamide 6 nanocomposites via in-situ anionic polymerisation. 22nd International Conference on Composite Materials ICCM-22, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 11-16 August 2019. Melbourne, VIC Australia: International Committee on Composite Materials.
2018
Journal Article
Fire performance of continuous glass fibre reinforced polycarbonate composites: The effect of fibre architecture on the fire properties of polycarbonate composites
Ghazzawi, Yousof M, Osorio, Andres F and Heitzmann, Michael T (2018). Fire performance of continuous glass fibre reinforced polycarbonate composites: The effect of fibre architecture on the fire properties of polycarbonate composites. Journal of Composite Materials, 53 (12), 002199831880805-1715. doi: 10.1177/0021998318808052
2018
Journal Article
Hybrid fibre-reinforced polymer-timber thin-walled structural members
Fernando, Dilum, Teng, J. G., Gattas, Joseph and Heitzmann, Michael (2018). Hybrid fibre-reinforced polymer-timber thin-walled structural members. Advances in Structural Engineering, 21 (9), 1409-1417. doi: 10.1177/1369433217739709
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
Thermal Modelling and Characterisation Framework of Ceramic Matrix Composites for Hypersonic Applications
Principal Advisor
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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
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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
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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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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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
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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
-
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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