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

160 works between 1983 and 2026
All (160) Journal Article (106) Book Chapter (6) Conference Publication (27) Other Outputs (21)

21 - 40 of 160 works

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

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

Understanding the reaction of hydroxy-terminated poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) random copolymers with a monoisocyanate

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.

Terahertz nanoscopy: a non-destructive characterization tool for nanomaterials and nanostructures

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

Effect of toxic phthalate-based plasticizer on the biodegradability of polyhydroxyalkanoate

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

Utilisation of paunch waste as a natural fibre in biocomposites

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

Unravelling biodegradation and toxin release kinetics of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-based biocomposites in a simulated rumen environment: a preliminary study

2022

Journal Article

Characterisation of end groups of hydroxy-functionalised scl-PHAs prepared by transesterification using ethylene glycol

Mai, Jingjing, Chan, Clement Matthew, Colwell, John, Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2022). Characterisation of end groups of hydroxy-functionalised scl-PHAs prepared by transesterification using ethylene glycol. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 205 110123, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2022.110123

Characterisation of end groups of hydroxy-functionalised scl-PHAs prepared by transesterification using ethylene glycol

2022

Conference Publication

In vivo rumen microbial degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolymers

Ouwerkerk, D., Gauthier, E., Yuan, Y., Costa, D. F. A., Laycock, B. and Fletcher, M.T. (2022). In vivo rumen microbial degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolymers. 34th Australian Association of Animal Sciences Conference, Cairns, QLD Australia, 5 - 7 July 2022. doi: 10.1071/ANv62n11abs

In vivo rumen microbial degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolymers

2022

Journal Article

Screening two biodegradable polymers in enhanced efficiency fertiliser formulations reveals the need to prioritise performance goals

Redding, M. R., Witt, T., Lobsey, C. R., Mayer, D. G., Hunter, B., Pratt, S., Robinson, N., Schmidt, S., Laycock, B. and Phillips, I. (2022). Screening two biodegradable polymers in enhanced efficiency fertiliser formulations reveals the need to prioritise performance goals. Journal of Environmental Management, 304 114264, 114264. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.114264

Screening two biodegradable polymers in enhanced efficiency fertiliser formulations reveals the need to prioritise performance goals

2022

Journal Article

Probing peptide nanowire conductivity by THz nanoscopy

Solemanifar, Armin, Guo, Xiao, Donose, Bogdan C, Bertling, Karl, Laycock, Bronwyn and Rakić, Aleksandar D. (2022). Probing peptide nanowire conductivity by THz nanoscopy. Nanotechnology, 33 (6) 065503, 065503. doi: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac34a6

Probing peptide nanowire conductivity by THz nanoscopy

2022

Book Chapter

Effects of natural weathering on aesthetics, thermal and mechanical properties of completely biodegradable composites

Chan, Clement Matthew, Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2022). Effects of natural weathering on aesthetics, thermal and mechanical properties of completely biodegradable composites. Aging effects on natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites: durability and life prediction. (pp. 173-188) edited by Chandrasekar Muthukumar, Senthilkumar Krishnasamy, Senthil Muthu Kumar Thiagamani and Suchart Siengchin. Singapore: Springer Singapore. doi: 10.1007/978-981-16-8360-2_10

Effects of natural weathering on aesthetics, thermal and mechanical properties of completely biodegradable composites

2022

Journal Article

Zeolite shape selectivity impact on LDPE and PP catalytic pyrolysis products and coke nature

Hasan, Md M., Batalha, Nuno, Fraga, Gabriel, Ahmed, Mohamed H. M., Pinard, L., Konarova, Muxina, Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2022). Zeolite shape selectivity impact on LDPE and PP catalytic pyrolysis products and coke nature. Sustainable Energy and Fuels, 6 (6), 1587-1602. doi: 10.1039/d2se00146b

Zeolite shape selectivity impact on LDPE and PP catalytic pyrolysis products and coke nature

2021

Conference Publication

Advances and challenges in THz scattering SNOM

Guo, Xiao, Donose, Bogdan, Bertling, Karl, He, Xin, Degnan, Zach, Solemanifar, Armin, Laycock, Bronwyn, Fedorov, Arkady, Jacobson, Peter and Rakic, Aleksandar (2021). Advances and challenges in THz scattering SNOM. 8th Australian THz Workshop, Sydney, NSW Australia, 3 December 2021.

Advances and challenges in THz scattering SNOM

2021

Journal Article

Extraction and determination of the Pimelea toxin simplexin in complex plant-polymer biocomposites using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry

Yuan, Yue, Hungerford, Natasha L., Gauthier, Emilie, Ouwerkerk, Diane, Yong, Ken W. L., Fletcher, Mary T. and Laycock, Bronwyn (2021). Extraction and determination of the Pimelea toxin simplexin in complex plant-polymer biocomposites using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 413 (20), 5121-5133. doi: 10.1007/s00216-021-03475-5

Extraction and determination of the Pimelea toxin simplexin in complex plant-polymer biocomposites using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry

2021

Journal Article

Magnetic poly(acrylic acid)-based hydrogels for rapid ammonium sorption and efficient sorbent separation from sewage

Cruz, Heidy, Yap Gabon, Miriam, Salehin, Sirajus, Seviour, Thomas, Laycock, Bronwyn and Pikaar, Ilje (2021). Magnetic poly(acrylic acid)-based hydrogels for rapid ammonium sorption and efficient sorbent separation from sewage. Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, 6 100097, 100097. doi: 10.1016/j.ese.2021.100097

Magnetic poly(acrylic acid)-based hydrogels for rapid ammonium sorption and efficient sorbent separation from sewage

2021

Journal Article

High-resolution micro-computed tomography reveals cracking in a hydrophobic composite; a new mechanism for mobilisation in controlled release applications

Levett, Ian, Donose, Bogdan C., Laycock, Bronwyn and Pratt, Steven (2021). High-resolution micro-computed tomography reveals cracking in a hydrophobic composite; a new mechanism for mobilisation in controlled release applications. Biosystems Engineering, 203, 44-54. doi: 10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2020.12.001

High-resolution micro-computed tomography reveals cracking in a hydrophobic composite; a new mechanism for mobilisation in controlled release applications

2021

Journal Article

Role of catalyst support's physicochemical properties on catalytic transfer hydrogenation over palladium catalysts

Fraga, Gabriel, Santos, Mirella S., Konarova, Muxina, Hasan, M. D., Laycock, Bronwyn, Batalha, Nuno and Pratt, Steven (2021). Role of catalyst support's physicochemical properties on catalytic transfer hydrogenation over palladium catalysts. ChemCatChem, 13 (24), 5191-5202. doi: 10.1002/cctc.202101170

Role of catalyst support's physicochemical properties on catalytic transfer hydrogenation over palladium catalysts

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2028
    Biodegradable and bioderived coatings for controlled release fertilisers
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2025 - 2028
    Controlling the lifetime of biodegradable polymers in natural environments
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 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

Contact Professor Bronwyn Laycock directly for media enquiries about their areas of expertise.

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