Overview
Background
Professor Bronwyn Laycock has a diverse background in translational research, working not only in academia but also in industry and as a consulting chemist as well as at CSIRO. Her research activities have ranged from bio/degradable polymers, composites, organic and organometallic synthesis, waste conversion technologies, and pulp and paper chemistry, to general polymer chemistry. She is currently working across a range of projects with a focus on materials for circular economy applications and management of the transition to the new plastics economy. The application areas in her research program include biopolymers (particularly polyhydroxyalkanoates), polymer lifetime estimation and end-of-life management/conversion technologies, biocomposites, controlled release matrixes for pesticide and fertiliser applications, polyurethane chemistry, and biodegradable packaging.
She has a strong history of successful commercialisation and impact, being a co-inventor on CSIRO's extended wear contact lens program (recognised as its fourth most significant invention) - for which she was awarded a joint CSIRO Medal for Research Achievement 2009. As a Project Leader and Deputy Program Leader within the CRC for Polymers, she also managed a project that delivered an oxodegradable thin film polyethylene that was commercially licenced by Integrated Packaging. This work earned the team a Joint Chairman’s Award for research/commercialization (CRC for Polymers) and an Excellence in Innovation Award (CRC Association).
Availability
- Professor Bronwyn Laycock is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
- Postgraduate Diploma, University of Melbourne
- Masters (Coursework), University of Melbourne
Research interests
-
Biodegradable polymers - Polyhydroxyalkanoates
Polyhydroxyalkanoates are microbially synthesised biodegradable polymers that have properties comparable with polypropylene. They can be synthesised using mixed cultures from wastewater treatment plants and fermented waste carbon streams, and have very versatile properties depending on feedstock. Not only are they completely biodegradable, even in a marine environment, they are also water resistant (unusual for a biopolymer).
-
Controlled release formulations for agricultural applications
-
Biocomposites, particularly wood biopolymer composites
-
Starch based products for packaging applications
-
Polymer lifetime estimation and biodegradation
-
Reducing methane emissions from cows
Research impacts
Professor Laycock's research seeks to address some of the challenges around global sustainability and planetary boundaries, such as plastics sustainability, nutrient recovery and efficiency, controlled release formulations and sustainable materials for the circular economy, particularly bioderived materials for packaging, film and other applications, as well as plastics lifetime and impact estimation and end-of-life management.
Works
Search Professor Bronwyn Laycock’s works on UQ eSpace
2026
Book Chapter
Real-world factors that impact polyolefin lifetimes
Nikoli, M, Colwell, J., Yeh, C.-L., Cash, G., Laycock, B., Gauthier, E., Halley, P., Bottle, S. and George, G. (2026). Real-world factors that impact polyolefin lifetimes. Lifetimes and Compatibility of Synthetic Polymers. (pp. ---) edited by James Lewicki. Hoboken, NJ, United States: John Wiley and Sons.
2024
Journal Article
Solvent-based synthesis, structural elucidation and thermal characterisation of free radical grafted PHBV
Lawless, Samuel, Laycock, Bronwyn, Lant, Paul and Pratt, Steven (2024). Solvent-based synthesis, structural elucidation and thermal characterisation of free radical grafted PHBV. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 229 110976, 110976. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2024.110976
2024
Journal Article
The effect of additives on the biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in marine field trials
Read, Tracey, Chan, Clement Matthew, Chaléat, Céline, Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven and Lant, Paul (2024). The effect of additives on the biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in marine field trials. Science of The Total Environment, 931 172771, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172771
2024
Journal Article
The extensional rheology of biodegradable polymers determines their propensity to be film blown
Lawless, Samuel, Laycock, Bronwyn, Lant, Paul and Pratt, Steven (2024). The extensional rheology of biodegradable polymers determines their propensity to be film blown. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 227 110888, 110888. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2024.110888
2024
Journal Article
Synthesis and physical properties of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based block copolymers: a review
Mai, Jingjing, Kockler, Katrin, Parisi, Emily, Chan, Clement Matthew, Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2024). Synthesis and physical properties of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based block copolymers: a review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 263 (Part 1) 130204, 130204. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130204
2024
Journal Article
Evaluating novel biodegradable polymer matrix fertilizers for nitrogen‐efficient agriculture
Witt, Torsten, Robinson, Nicole, Palma, Ana C., Cernusak, Lucas A., Pratt, Steven, Redding, Matthew, Batstone, Damien J., Schmidt, Susanne and Laycock, Bronwyn (2024). Evaluating novel biodegradable polymer matrix fertilizers for nitrogen‐efficient agriculture. Journal of Environmental Quality, 53 (3), 287-299. doi: 10.1002/jeq2.20552
2024
Journal Article
Integrating PET chemical recycling with pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste via pressureless alkaline depolymerization in a hydrocarbon solvent
Konarova, Muxina, Batalha, Nuno, Fraga, Gabriel, Ahmed, Mohamed H.M., Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2024). Integrating PET chemical recycling with pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste via pressureless alkaline depolymerization in a hydrocarbon solvent. Waste Management, 174, 24-30. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.11.023
2024
Journal Article
Polyhydroxyalkanoate production in a biofilm by mixed culture phototrophic bacteria
Hülsen, Tim, Venturato, Daniel, Chan, Clement, Vandi, Luigi, Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven, Stegman, Samuel, van Loosdrecht, Mark and Batstone, Damien J. (2024). Polyhydroxyalkanoate production in a biofilm by mixed culture phototrophic bacteria. Journal of Cleaner Production, 434 140001, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.140001
2023
Journal Article
Synthesis and characterisation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) multi-block copolymers comprising blocks of differing 3-hydroxyvalerate contents
Mai, Jingjing, Garvey, Christopher J., Chan, Clement Matthew, Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2023). Synthesis and characterisation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) multi-block copolymers comprising blocks of differing 3-hydroxyvalerate contents. Chemical Engineering Journal, 475 146175, 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2023.146175
2023
Journal Article
A perspective on biodegradable polymer biocomposites - from processing to degradation
Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven and Halley, Peter (2023). A perspective on biodegradable polymer biocomposites - from processing to degradation. Functional Composite Materials, 4 (1) 10. doi: 10.1186/s42252-023-00048-w
2023
Journal Article
Hazardous state lifetimes of biodegradable plastics in natural environments
Colwell, John, Pratt, Steven, Lant, Paul and Laycock, Bronwyn (2023). Hazardous state lifetimes of biodegradable plastics in natural environments. Science of the Total Environment, 894 165025, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165025
2023
Journal Article
Biodegradative controlled natural toxin release from Pimelea trichostachya-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) biocomposites: towards a sustainable intra-ruminal device
Yuan, Yue, Fletcher, Mary T. and Laycock, Bronwyn (2023). Biodegradative controlled natural toxin release from Pimelea trichostachya-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) biocomposites: towards a sustainable intra-ruminal device. European Polymer Journal, 195 112202, 112202. doi: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2023.112202
2023
Journal Article
Synthesis and characterisation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-b-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) multi-block copolymers produced using diisocyanate chemistry
Mai, Jingjing, Pratt, Steven, Laycock, Bronwyn and Chan, Clement Matthew (2023). Synthesis and characterisation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-b-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) multi-block copolymers produced using diisocyanate chemistry. Polymers, 15 (15) 3257. doi: 10.3390/polym15153257
2023
Other Outputs
Biodegradability of plastics: Discussion papers. A joint collaboration between Corrs Chambers Westgarth and The University of Queensland
Camenzuli, Louise, Syme, Rosie, Downie, Rachelle, McKinley, Belle, Chan, Jennifer, Lant, Paul, Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven and Chan, Clement (2023). Biodegradability of plastics: Discussion papers. A joint collaboration between Corrs Chambers Westgarth and The University of Queensland. Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/20d45a9
2023
Journal Article
Greenhouse gas emissions, land use and employment in a future global bioplastics economy
Jin, Yutong, Lenzen, Manfred, Montoya, Alejandro, Laycock, Bronwyn, Yuan, Zhiguo, Lant, Paul, Li, Mengyu, Wood, Richard and Malik, Arunima (2023). Greenhouse gas emissions, land use and employment in a future global bioplastics economy. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 193 106950, 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2023.106950
2023
Journal Article
Understanding the reaction of hydroxy-terminated poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) random copolymers with a monoisocyanate
Mai, Jingjing, Chan, Clement Matthew, Laycock, Bronwyn and Pratt, Steven (2023). Understanding the reaction of hydroxy-terminated poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) random copolymers with a monoisocyanate. Macromolecules, 56 (6), 2328-2338. doi: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02513
2022
Conference Publication
Terahertz nanoscopy: a non-destructive characterization tool for nanomaterials and nanostructures
Guo, Xiao, Bertling, Karl, Donose, Bogdan C., He, Xin, Degnan, Zach, Solemanifar, Armin, Zhang, Xueqin, Laycock, Bronwyn, Virdis, Bernardino, Fedorov, Arkady, Jacobson, Peter and Rakić, Aleksandar D. (2022). Terahertz nanoscopy: a non-destructive characterization tool for nanomaterials and nanostructures. The 2022 Conference on Optoelectronic and Microelectronic Materials and Devices, Adelaide, SA Australia, 11-16 December 2022.
2022
Journal Article
Effect of toxic phthalate-based plasticizer on the biodegradability of polyhydroxyalkanoate
Chan, Clement Matthew, Lyons, Rebecca, Dennis, Paul G., Lant, Paul, Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2022). Effect of toxic phthalate-based plasticizer on the biodegradability of polyhydroxyalkanoate. Environmental Science andTechnology, 56 (24), 17732-17742. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06583
2022
Journal Article
Utilisation of paunch waste as a natural fibre in biocomposites
Chan, Clement Matthew, Martin, Darren, Gauthier, Emilie, Jensen, Paul, Laycock, Bronwyn and Pratt, Steven (2022). Utilisation of paunch waste as a natural fibre in biocomposites. Polymers, 14 (18) 3704, 1-16. doi: 10.3390/polym14183704
2022
Journal Article
Unravelling biodegradation and toxin release kinetics of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-based biocomposites in a simulated rumen environment: a preliminary study
Yuan, Yue, Gauthier, Emilie, Ouwerkerk, Diane, Fletcher, Mary T. and Laycock, Bronwyn (2022). Unravelling biodegradation and toxin release kinetics of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-based biocomposites in a simulated rumen environment: a preliminary study. Sustainable Materials and Technologies, 33 e00498, 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.susmat.2022.e00498
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Bronwyn Laycock is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
-
Not currently available
-
Applications of polyhydroxyalkanoates in the circular economy
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Fermentation process for the synthesis and anaerobic degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Pratt, Dr Clement Chan
-
Doctor Philosophy
Development of sustainable biodegradable products based on PHA
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant, Associate Professor Steven Pratt
-
Doctor Philosophy
Novel PHA based materials
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant, Associate Professor Steven Pratt, Dr Ian Levett
-
Doctor Philosophy
Rapid Switch for Plastics: Transitioning to a Zero-Waste Future
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant, Associate Professor Steven Pratt, Dr Clement Chan
-
Doctor Philosophy
An Investigation into Wheat Starch Oxidation via Reactive Extrusion
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Halley
-
Doctor Philosophy
Lifetimes of bioplastics in natural and engineered environments
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Pratt, Dr Clement Chan, Professor Paul Lant
-
Doctor Philosophy
Biopolymer production from syngas and carbon dioxide/hydrogen by purple phototrophic bacteria
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Pratt, Professor Damien Batstone
-
Doctor Philosophy
PHA materials development
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant, Associate Professor Steven Pratt
-
Doctor Philosophy
Studying end of life options for biopolymers
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Halley
-
Doctor Philosophy
Advancing the circular economy: phosphorus recycling and next-generation fertilisers
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Gary Schenk, Professor Susanne Schmidt
-
Doctor Philosophy
Structure-property-end of life performances of starch-based films
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Darren Martin, Dr Emilie Gauthier, Professor Peter Halley
-
Doctor Philosophy
Advanced bioplastic materials for a sustainable plastics future
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Pratt, Professor Paul Lant
-
Doctor Philosophy
Green additives and fillers for environmentally benign biocomposites
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant, Dr Clement Chan, Associate Professor Steven Pratt
Completed supervision
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Chemical Synthesis and Characterization of High Molecular Weight Polyhydroxyalkanoate-b-Polyhydroxyalkanoate Block Copolymers
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Pratt, Dr Clement Chan
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Modelling the Controlled Release of Toxins within a Rumen Environment
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher
-
-
2021
Master Philosophy
Drivers and Barriers in the Deployment of Lignocellulose waste-derived liquid fuel in Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Joe Lane, Associate Professor Steven Pratt, Dr Luigi Vandi
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Functional starch-based hydrogels: Renewable material solutions for wastewater and agriculture industries
Principal Advisor
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the mechanisms that control the release of a soluble crystalline agrichemical extruded with biopolymers
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Pratt
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Development of Novel Polyhydroxyalkanoate Materials
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant, Associate Professor Steven Pratt
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Role of Biodegradable Plastics
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant, Associate Professor Steven Pratt
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Development of Bio-derived and Biodegradable Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based Wood Plastic Composites (WPCs)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Halley, Associate Professor Steven Pratt, Dr Luigi Vandi
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding and predicting environmental effects on degradation of oxo-degradable polyethylene blown films
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Halley
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Mitigation of Pimelea poisoning of livestock using adsorbents
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Natasha Hungerford, Emerita Professor Mary Fletcher
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Liquid organic hydrogen carriers and their application on transfer hydrogenation and activation of metal-based catalysts
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Muxina Konarova, Associate Professor Steven Pratt
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Tailored Polymer Hydrogels for Mainstream Ammonium Recovery in Domestic Wastewater
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Ilje Pikaar
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Spinifex Cellulose Nanofibres as a Sustainable Building Block for Carbon Materials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Pratheep Kumar Annamalai, Professor Darren Martin
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Sustainable and High Performance Rigid Polyurethane Foams Based on Lignin
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Pratheep Kumar Annamalai, Professor Darren Martin
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Biosynthesis of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in Methane-utilizing Mixed Cultures
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant, Associate Professor Steven Pratt
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
Composition of Mixed Culture PHA Biopolymers and Implications for Downstream Processing
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Halley, Associate Professor Steven Pratt
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from microbial subpopulations in mixed cultures
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Steven Pratt
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Bronwyn Laycock directly for media enquiries about their areas of expertise.
Need help?
For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team: