Professor Bronwyn Laycock
Professor

Bronwyn Laycock

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 334 68882

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

Engineering Environmental engineering Functional materials Materials engineering Polymers and plastics

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.

Search Professor Bronwyn Laycock’s works on UQ eSpace

156 works between 1983 and 2026
All (156) Journal Article (104) Book Chapter (6) Conference Publication (26) Other Outputs (20)

1 - 20 of 156 works

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.

Real-world factors that impact polyolefin lifetimes

2025

Journal Article

The impact of functional additives on biodegradable plastic biodegradation in natural terrestrial and composting environments

Chan, Clement Matthew, Yim, Serena, Lant, Paul, Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2025). The impact of functional additives on biodegradable plastic biodegradation in natural terrestrial and composting environments. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 1-24. doi: 10.1080/10643389.2024.2443284

The impact of functional additives on biodegradable plastic biodegradation in natural terrestrial and composting environments

2024

Journal Article

Lifetimes and mechanisms of biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in estuarine and marine field environments

Read, Tracey, Chaléat, Céline, Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven, Lant, Paul and Chan, Clement Matthew (2024). Lifetimes and mechanisms of biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in estuarine and marine field environments. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 209 117114, 117114. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117114

Lifetimes and mechanisms of biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in estuarine and marine field environments

2024

Journal Article

Do biodegradable plastics increase public acceptance of littering?

Dilkes-Hoffman, Leela, Lant, Paul, Ross, Helen, Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2024). Do biodegradable plastics increase public acceptance of littering?. Environmental Research Communications, 6 (12) 121002, 121002. doi: 10.1088/2515-7620/ad9817

Do biodegradable plastics increase public acceptance of littering?

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

Solvent-based synthesis, structural elucidation and thermal characterisation of free radical grafted PHBV

2024

Journal Article

A review of computational approaches used in the modelling, design, and manufacturing of biodegradable and biobased polymers

Laycock, Bronwyn G., Chan, Clement M. and Halley, Peter J. (2024). A review of computational approaches used in the modelling, design, and manufacturing of biodegradable and biobased polymers. Progress in Polymer Science, 157 101874, 101874. doi: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2024.101874

A review of computational approaches used in the modelling, design, and manufacturing of biodegradable and biobased polymers

2024

Conference Publication

Sustainable biopolymer films scale-up; examining sustainability across the entire life cycle

Halley, Peter, Gauthier, Emilie, McCaffrey, Nick and Laycock, Bronwyn (2024). Sustainable biopolymer films scale-up; examining sustainability across the entire life cycle. IUPAC MACRO2024, University of Warwick, United Kingdom, 1-4 July 2024.

Sustainable biopolymer films scale-up; examining sustainability across the entire life cycle

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

The effect of additives on the biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in marine field trials

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

The extensional rheology of biodegradable polymers determines their propensity to be film blown

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

Synthesis and physical properties of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based block copolymers: a review

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

Evaluating novel biodegradable polymer matrix fertilizers for nitrogen‐efficient agriculture

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

Integrating PET chemical recycling with pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste via pressureless alkaline depolymerization in a hydrocarbon solvent

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

Polyhydroxyalkanoate production in a biofilm by mixed culture phototrophic bacteria

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

Synthesis and characterisation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) multi-block copolymers comprising blocks of differing 3-hydroxyvalerate contents

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

A perspective on biodegradable polymer biocomposites - from processing to degradation

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

Hazardous state lifetimes of biodegradable plastics in natural environments

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

Biodegradative controlled natural toxin release from Pimelea trichostachya-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) biocomposites: towards a sustainable intra-ruminal device

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

Synthesis and characterisation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-b-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) multi-block copolymers produced using diisocyanate chemistry

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

Biodegradability of plastics: Discussion papers. A joint collaboration between Corrs Chambers Westgarth and The University of Queensland

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

Greenhouse gas emissions, land use and employment in a future global bioplastics economy

Current funding

  • 2022 - 2027
    ARC Training Centre in Bioplastics and Biocomposites
    ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    EAP - Biopolymers to deliver bioactive compounds that reduce enteric methane
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2028
    Fight Food Waste CRC - Transform Program
    Fight Food Waste CRC
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2024
    Research into extrusion processing of starch
    Manildra Group of Companies
    Open grant
  • 2023
    Review of proposed materials as replacements for nondegradeable running shoe soles
    Lean Apparel Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2023
    Opportunity for PHA Production from Corn - A Preliminary Concept Evaluation
    Lihua Starch Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2024
    PHA Bioplastic from Qld Sugar - Pilot Plant Development Project
    Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Development of novel biodegradable packaging for marine products
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Value Adding Recycled Plastics - PET product development
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    A roadmap to tackle marine plastic pollution in Malaysia
    Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
    Open grant
  • 2021
    PHA Meat Tray Prototype
    The Minderoo Foundation Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2020
    Biodegradable nappies from starch hydrogels produced using reactive extrusion
    Shoalhaven Starches Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    Feedstock Trials - Technical assessment of pre-treatment and extrusion of sugarcane tops and trash
    Licella Holdings Limited
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2023
    Bioplastics in the environment: lifetimes and toxicology
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Addressing bio-composite technology gaps
    Composites Innovation Centre Manitoba Inc
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Value Adding Recycled Plastics - PET Separation and Conversion
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2024
    Efficient CO and CO2 conversion to biopolymers using phototrophic bacteria
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Advanced Nanoparticle, Colloid and Microparticle Characterisation and Precision Engineering Nanosystems Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Imaging in the nano-scale age: terahertz and millimetre wave microanalysis
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2022
    Improving beef production through management of plant toxins
    Meat & Livestock Australia
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    Tough bio-derived and biodegradable wood plastic composites
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    Environmentally responsive biocomposite fertilisers
    Queensland Government Advance Queensland Innovation Partnerships
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Novel catalytic process for sustainable diesel production from waste (CRC-P administered by Eco Fuel Innovations Ptd Ltd)
    Eco Fuel Innovations Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    More profit from Nitrogen - New technologies and managements: transforming nitrogen use efficiency in cane production
    Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Automated fibre braiding facility for multifunctional structural materials (ARC LIEF project administered by RMIT University)
    Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Fertilisers from piggery liquid effluent and solids via nutrient extraction and solid formulations
    Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Polyurethanes
    Defence Materials Technology Centre
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2019
    Development of biodegradable controlled release pesticides
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    High performance sustainable carbon fibres from Australian spinifex grass
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    Bio-inspired conducting peptide nanowires for bioelectronic applications
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Advanced Macromolecular Thin Film and Materials Characterisation Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Novel bioderived and biodegradable wood plastic composites from wastes
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Improving the efficiency and cost of carbon fibre production
    Dow Chemical (Australia) Ltd - Melbourne
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Generating advanced bioplastics from pulp and paper waste streams - technology for making PHA from C1 carbon
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - FirstLink
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2017
    Polymers for water and food security
    CRC for Polymers
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2017
    Polyolefin-biopolymer films for more sustainable agricultural production
    CRC for Polymers
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    ResTeach 2011 0.2 FTE School of Chemical Engineering
    UQ ResTeach
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Polymer gas barrier property facility for development of smart membranes, packing and biomedical films
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Bronwyn Laycock is:
Available for supervision

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Available projects

  • Not currently available

  • Applications of polyhydroxyalkanoates in the circular economy

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

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