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)

41 - 60 of 160 works

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

2020

Journal Article

Synthesis of starch graft-copolymers via reactive extrusion and their ammonium sorption properties

Siyamak, Samira, Laycock, Bronwyn and Luckman, Paul (2020). Synthesis of starch graft-copolymers via reactive extrusion and their ammonium sorption properties. Chemical Engineering Journal, 398 124291, 124291. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2020.124291

Synthesis of starch graft-copolymers via reactive extrusion and their ammonium sorption properties

2020

Journal Article

Can nitrogen source and nitrification inhibitors affect in-season nitrogen supply?

Redding, M.R., Phillips, I., Pratt, C., Paungfoo-Lonhienne, C., Levett, I., Hill, J., Mehta, C., Bailey, T., Brackin, R., McAuley, J., Pratt, S., Laycock, B. and Mayer, D.G. (2020). Can nitrogen source and nitrification inhibitors affect in-season nitrogen supply?. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 51 (16), 2189-2204. doi: 10.1080/00103624.2020.1822383

Can nitrogen source and nitrification inhibitors affect in-season nitrogen supply?

2020

Journal Article

Hydrocarbon hydrogen carriers for catalytic transfer hydrogenation of guaiacol

Fraga, Gabriel, Yin, Yuling, Konarova, Muxina, Hasan, M. D., Laycock, Bronwyn, Yuan, Qinghong, Batalha, Nuno and Pratt, Steven (2020). Hydrocarbon hydrogen carriers for catalytic transfer hydrogenation of guaiacol. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 45 (51), 27381-27391. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.07.136

Hydrocarbon hydrogen carriers for catalytic transfer hydrogenation of guaiacol

2020

Journal Article

A review on Pimelea poisoning of livestock

Gordon, Russell J., Hungerford, Natasha L., Laycock, Bronwyn and Fletcher, Mary T. (2020). A review on Pimelea poisoning of livestock. Toxicon, 186, 46-57. doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.07.023

A review on Pimelea poisoning of livestock

2020

Journal Article

Geo-agriculture: reviewing opportunities through which the geosphere can help address emerging crop production challenges

Pratt, Chris, Kingston, Kate, Laycock, Bronwyn, Levett, Ian and Pratt, Steven (2020). Geo-agriculture: reviewing opportunities through which the geosphere can help address emerging crop production challenges. Agronomy, 10 (7) 971, 1-26. doi: 10.3390/agronomy10070971

Geo-agriculture: reviewing opportunities through which the geosphere can help address emerging crop production challenges

2020

Journal Article

Modified poly(acrylic acid)-based hydrogels for enhanced mainstream removal of ammonium from domestic wastewater

Cruz, Heidy, Laycock, Bronwyn, Strounina, Ekaterina, Seviour, Thomas William, Oehmen, Adrian and Pikaar, Ilje (2020). Modified poly(acrylic acid)-based hydrogels for enhanced mainstream removal of ammonium from domestic wastewater. Environmental Science and Technology, 54 (15) acs.est.9b07032, 9573-9583. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.9b07032

Modified poly(acrylic acid)-based hydrogels for enhanced mainstream removal of ammonium from domestic wastewater

2020

Journal Article

The volume of recyclable polyethylene terephthalate plastic in operating rooms – A one-month prospective audit

Wyssusek, Kerstin, Keys, Maggie, Laycock, Bronwyn, Avudainayagam, Anjana, Pun, Kenwick, Hansrajh, Sachin and van Zundert, André (2020). The volume of recyclable polyethylene terephthalate plastic in operating rooms – A one-month prospective audit. American Journal of Surgery, 220 (4), 853-855. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.05.011

The volume of recyclable polyethylene terephthalate plastic in operating rooms – A one-month prospective audit

2020

Journal Article

Designing for effective controlled release in agricultural products: new insights into the complex nature of the polymer–active agent relationship and implications for use

Levett, Ian, Liao, Minjie, Pratt, Chris, Redding, Matthew, Laycock, Bronwyn and Pratt, Steven (2020). Designing for effective controlled release in agricultural products: new insights into the complex nature of the polymer–active agent relationship and implications for use. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 100 (13) jsfa.10531, 4723-4733. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.10531

Designing for effective controlled release in agricultural products: new insights into the complex nature of the polymer–active agent relationship and implications for use

2020

Journal Article

Rapid and solvent-free synthesis of pH-responsive graft-copolymers based on wheat starch and their properties as potential ammonium sorbents

Siyamak, Samira, Luckman, Paul and Laycock, Bronwyn (2020). Rapid and solvent-free synthesis of pH-responsive graft-copolymers based on wheat starch and their properties as potential ammonium sorbents. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 149, 477-486. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.01.202

Rapid and solvent-free synthesis of pH-responsive graft-copolymers based on wheat starch and their properties as potential ammonium sorbents

2020

Journal Article

Mechanical stability of Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based Wood Plastic Composites (WPCs)

Chan, Clement Matthew, Vandi, Luigi-Jules, Pratt, Steven, Halley, Peter, Richardson, Desmond, Werker, Alan and Laycock, Bronwyn (2020). Mechanical stability of Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based Wood Plastic Composites (WPCs). Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 28 (5), 1571-1577. doi: 10.1007/s10924-020-01697-9

Mechanical stability of Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based Wood Plastic Composites (WPCs)

2020

Conference Publication

Adsorbents for the sequestration of the Pimelea toxin, simplexin

Gordon, Russell, Hungerford, Natasha L., Laycock, Bronwyn, Ouwerkerk, Diane and Fletcher, Mary T. (2020). Adsorbents for the sequestration of the Pimelea toxin, simplexin. The Third International Tropical Agriculture Conference TropAg 2019 , Brisbane, QLD Australia, 11-13 November 2019. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI. doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036090

Adsorbents for the sequestration of the Pimelea toxin, simplexin

2020

Conference Publication

Modelling the controlled release of toxins in a rumen environment

Yuan, Yue, Gauthier, Emilie, Hungerford, Natasha L., Ouwerkerk, Diane , Fletcher, Mary T. and Laycock, Bronwyn (2020). Modelling the controlled release of toxins in a rumen environment. The Third International Tropical Agriculture Conference TropAg 2019 , Brisbane, QLD Australia, 11-13 November 2019. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI. doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036089

Modelling the controlled release of toxins in a rumen environment

2020

Journal Article

Pyrolysis of brominated polyethylene as an alternative carbon fibre precursor

Laycock, Bronwyn, Wang, Xiaoyu, Liu, Ru-Fen, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar, Cork, Jorja, Derstine, Chris, Mills, Michael and McFarland, Eric W. (2020). Pyrolysis of brominated polyethylene as an alternative carbon fibre precursor. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 172 109057, 109057. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2019.109057

Pyrolysis of brominated polyethylene as an alternative carbon fibre precursor

2020

Journal Article

Synthesis of starch graft-copolymers via reactive extrusion: process development and structural analysis

Siyamak, Samira, Laycock, Bronwyn and Luckman, Paul (2020). Synthesis of starch graft-copolymers via reactive extrusion: process development and structural analysis. Carbohydrate Polymers, 227 115066, 115066. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115066

Synthesis of starch graft-copolymers via reactive extrusion: process development and structural analysis

2019

Journal Article

Assessing the effect of aromatic residues placement on α-helical peptide structure and nanofibril formation of 21-mer peptides

Solemanifar, Armin, Nguyen, Tuan A.H., Laycock, Bronwyn, Shewan, Heather Margaret, Donose, Bogdan Constantin and Creasey, Rhiannon C. G. (2019). Assessing the effect of aromatic residues placement on α-helical peptide structure and nanofibril formation of 21-mer peptides. Molecular Systems Design and Engineering, 5 (2), 521-531. doi: 10.1039/c9me00082h

Assessing the effect of aromatic residues placement on α-helical peptide structure and nanofibril formation of 21-mer peptides

2019

Journal Article

The effect of methane and odd-chain fatty acids on 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) synthesis by a Methylosinus-dominated mixed culture

Luangthongkam, Pawarisa, Strong, Peter James, Syed Mahamud, Syarifah Nuraqmar, Evans, Paul, Jensen, Paul, Tyson, Gene, Laycock, Bronwyn, Lant, Paul Andrew and Pratt, Steven (2019). The effect of methane and odd-chain fatty acids on 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) synthesis by a Methylosinus-dominated mixed culture. Bioresources and Bioprocessing, 6 (1) 50. doi: 10.1186/s40643-019-0285-1

The effect of methane and odd-chain fatty acids on 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) synthesis by a Methylosinus-dominated mixed culture

2019

Journal Article

Public attitudes towards bioplastics – knowledge, perception and end-of-life management

Dilkes-Hoffman, Leela, Ashworth, Peta, Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven and Lant, Paul (2019). Public attitudes towards bioplastics – knowledge, perception and end-of-life management. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 151 104479, 104479. doi: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.104479

Public attitudes towards bioplastics – knowledge, perception and end-of-life management

2019

Conference Publication

Lignocellulosic biomass hydrothermal liquefaction to generate feedstock for polyhydroxyalkanoate production

Zhang, Tianlong, Batalha, Nuno, Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2019). Lignocellulosic biomass hydrothermal liquefaction to generate feedstock for polyhydroxyalkanoate production. Appita Fibre Value Chain Conference 2019, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 10 - 12 December 2019. Macleod, VIC Australia: Appita.

Lignocellulosic biomass hydrothermal liquefaction to generate feedstock for polyhydroxyalkanoate production

2019

Journal Article

Thermophilic production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydrovalerate) by a mixed methane-utilizing culture

Luangthongkam, Pawarisa, Laycock, Bronwyn, Evans, Paul, Lant, Paul and Pratt, Steven (2019). Thermophilic production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydrovalerate) by a mixed methane-utilizing culture. New Biotechnology, 53, 49-56. doi: 10.1016/j.nbt.2019.06.008

Thermophilic production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydrovalerate) by a mixed methane-utilizing culture

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

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