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)

81 - 100 of 160 works

2018

Journal Article

Early-stage photodegradation of aromatic poly(urethane-urea) elastomers

Zhang, Tianlong, Xie, Fengwei, Motuzas, Julius, Bryant, Peter, Kurusingal, Valsala, Colwell, John M. and Laycock, Bronwyn (2018). Early-stage photodegradation of aromatic poly(urethane-urea) elastomers. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 157, 181-198. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2018.09.020

Early-stage photodegradation of aromatic poly(urethane-urea) elastomers

2018

Journal Article

Extrusion of wood fibre reinforced poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) biocomposites: Statistical analysis of the effect of processing conditions on mechanical performance

Vandi, Luigi-Jules, Chan, Clement Matthew, Werker, Alan, Richardson, Des, Laycock, Bronwyn and Pratt, Steven (2018). Extrusion of wood fibre reinforced poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) biocomposites: Statistical analysis of the effect of processing conditions on mechanical performance. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 159, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2018.10.015

Extrusion of wood fibre reinforced poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) biocomposites: Statistical analysis of the effect of processing conditions on mechanical performance

2018

Journal Article

Wood-PHA composites: mapping opportunities

Vandi, Luigi-Jules, Chan, Clement, Werker, Alan, Richardson, Des, Laycock, Bronwyn and Pratt, Steven (2018). Wood-PHA composites: mapping opportunities. Polymers, 10 (7) 751, 751. doi: 10.3390/polym10070751

Wood-PHA composites: mapping opportunities

2018

Journal Article

A simple methodology for improving the performance and sustainability of rigid polyurethane foam by incorporating industrial lignin

Hayati, Amir Nemati, Evans, David Alwyn Charles, Laycock, Bronwyn, Martin, Darren James and Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar (2018). A simple methodology for improving the performance and sustainability of rigid polyurethane foam by incorporating industrial lignin. Industrial Crops and Products, 117, 149-158. doi: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2018.03.006

A simple methodology for improving the performance and sustainability of rigid polyurethane foam by incorporating industrial lignin

2018

Journal Article

Environmental impact of biodegradable food packaging when considering food waste

Dilkes-Hoffman, Leela S., Lane, Joe L., Grant, Tim, Pratt, Steven, Lant, Paul A. and Laycock, Bronwyn (2018). Environmental impact of biodegradable food packaging when considering food waste. Journal of Cleaner Production, 180, 325-334. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.01.169

Environmental impact of biodegradable food packaging when considering food waste

2018

Journal Article

Polyhydroxyalkanoate coatings restrict moisture uptake and associated loss of barrier properties of thermoplastic starch films

Dilkes-Hoffman, Leela S., Pratt, Steven, Lant, Paul A., Levett, Ian and Laycock, Bronwyn (2018). Polyhydroxyalkanoate coatings restrict moisture uptake and associated loss of barrier properties of thermoplastic starch films. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 135 (25) 46379, 1-9. doi: 10.1002/app.46379

Polyhydroxyalkanoate coatings restrict moisture uptake and associated loss of barrier properties of thermoplastic starch films

2018

Journal Article

Rapid removal of ammonium from domestic wastewater using polymer hydrogels

Cruz, Heidy, Luckman, Paul, Seviour, Thomas, Verstraete, Willy, Laycock, Bronwyn and Pikaar, Ilje (2018). Rapid removal of ammonium from domestic wastewater using polymer hydrogels. Scientific Reports, 8 (1) 2912, 2912. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-21204-4

Rapid removal of ammonium from domestic wastewater using polymer hydrogels

2018

Journal Article

Microbial nanowires - electron transport and the role of synthetic analogues

Creasey, Rhiannon C. G., Mostert, A. Bernardus, Nguyen, Tuan A. H., Virdis, Bernardino, Freguia, Stefano and Laycock, Bronwyn (2018). Microbial nanowires - electron transport and the role of synthetic analogues. Acta Biomaterialia, 69, 1-30. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.01.007

Microbial nanowires - electron transport and the role of synthetic analogues

2018

Conference Publication

Carbon fibre precursors based on spinifex nanofibres reinforced polyacrylonitrile composites

Jiang, Edward, Amiralian, Nasim, Laycock, Bronwyn, Martin, Darren and Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar (2018). Carbon fibre precursors based on spinifex nanofibres reinforced polyacrylonitrile composites. The 11th Asian-Australasian Conference on Composite Materials (ACCM11), Cairns, QLD, Australia, 29 July -1 August 2018.

Carbon fibre precursors based on spinifex nanofibres reinforced polyacrylonitrile composites

2018

Conference Publication

Improving beef production through management of plant toxins – strategies for the Pimelea problem

Ouwerkerk, D., Fletcher, M., Laycock, B., Gilbert, R., Hungerford, N., Gauthier, E., Dixon, R., Silva, L. and Klieve, A. (2018). Improving beef production through management of plant toxins – strategies for the Pimelea problem. Beef Australia 2018, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia, 7-10 May 2018.

Improving beef production through management of plant toxins – strategies for the Pimelea problem

2018

Book Chapter

The urgent need to re-engineer nitrogen-efficient food production for the planet

Pikaar, Ilje, Matassa, Silvio, Rabaey, Korneel, Laycock, Bronwyn, Boon, Nico and Verstraete, Willy (2018). The urgent need to re-engineer nitrogen-efficient food production for the planet. Managing water, soil and waste resources to achieve sustainable development goals: monitoring and implementation of integrated resources management. (pp. 35-69) edited by Stephan Hülsmann and Reza Ardakanian. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-75163-4_3

The urgent need to re-engineer nitrogen-efficient food production for the planet

2017

Journal Article

Mechanical performance and long-term indoor stability of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based wood plastic composites (WPCs) modified by non-reactive additives

Chan, Clement Matthew, Vandi, Luigi-Jules, Pratt, Steven, Halley, Peter, Richardson, Desmond, Werker, Alan and Laycock, Bronwyn (2017). Mechanical performance and long-term indoor stability of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based wood plastic composites (WPCs) modified by non-reactive additives. European Polymer Journal, 98, 337-346. doi: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2017.11.041

Mechanical performance and long-term indoor stability of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based wood plastic composites (WPCs) modified by non-reactive additives

2017

Journal Article

The challenges in lifetime prediction of oxodegradable polyolefin and biodegradable polymer films

Nikolic, Melissa A. L., Laycock, Bronwyn, Gauthier, Emilie, Colwell, John M., Halley, Peter, Bottle, Steven E. and Truss, Rowan (2017). The challenges in lifetime prediction of oxodegradable polyolefin and biodegradable polymer films. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 145, 102-119. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2017.07.018

The challenges in lifetime prediction of oxodegradable polyolefin and biodegradable polymer films

2017

Journal Article

Mixed culture polyhydroxyalkanoate-rich biomass assessment and quality control using thermogravimetric measurement methods

Chan, Clement Matthew, Johansson, Peter, Magnusson, Per, Vandi, Luigi-Jules, Arcos-Hernandez, Monica, Halley, Peter, Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven and Werker, Alan (2017). Mixed culture polyhydroxyalkanoate-rich biomass assessment and quality control using thermogravimetric measurement methods. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 144, 110-120. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2017.07.029

Mixed culture polyhydroxyalkanoate-rich biomass assessment and quality control using thermogravimetric measurement methods

2017

Journal Article

Composites of wood and biodegradable thermoplastics: a review

Chan, Clement Matthew, Vandi, Luigi-Jules, Pratt, Steven, Halley, Peter, Richardson, Desmond, Werker, Alan and Laycock, Bronwyn (2017). Composites of wood and biodegradable thermoplastics: a review. Polymer Reviews, 58 (3), 444-494. doi: 10.1080/15583724.2017.1380039

Composites of wood and biodegradable thermoplastics: a review

2017

Journal Article

Investigation of the bromination/dehydrobromination of long chain alkanes

Wang, Xiaoyu, Liu, Ru-Fen, Cork, Jorja, Gu, Yi, Upham, David C., Laycock, Bronwyn and McFarland, Eric W. (2017). Investigation of the bromination/dehydrobromination of long chain alkanes. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 56 (34), 9411-9418. doi: 10.1021/acs.iecr.7b01039

Investigation of the bromination/dehydrobromination of long chain alkanes

2017

Journal Article

Lifetime prediction of biodegradable polymers

Laycock, Bronwyn, Nikolic, Melissa, Colwell, John M., Gauthier, Emilie, Halley, Peter, Bottle, Steven and George, Graeme (2017). Lifetime prediction of biodegradable polymers. Progress in Polymer Science, 71, 144-189. doi: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2017.02.004

Lifetime prediction of biodegradable polymers

2017

Journal Article

The effect of comonomer concentration and distribution on the photo-oxidative degradation of linear low density polyethylene films

Hsu, Yu-Chieh, Truss, Rowan W., Laycock, Bronwyn, Weir, Michael P., Nicholson, Timothy M., Garvey, Christopher J. and Halley, Peter J. (2017). The effect of comonomer concentration and distribution on the photo-oxidative degradation of linear low density polyethylene films. Polymer, 119, 66-75. doi: 10.1016/j.polymer.2017.05.020

The effect of comonomer concentration and distribution on the photo-oxidative degradation of linear low density polyethylene films

2017

Journal Article

The evolution of polymer composition during PHA accumulation: the significance of reducing equivalents

Montano-Herrera, Liliana, Laycock, Bronwyn, Werker, Alan and Pratt, Steven (2017). The evolution of polymer composition during PHA accumulation: the significance of reducing equivalents. Bioengineering, 4 (1) 20, 20. doi: 10.3390/bioengineering4010020

The evolution of polymer composition during PHA accumulation: the significance of reducing equivalents

2017

Journal Article

Cellulose nanofibers as rheology modifiers and enhancers of carbonization efficiency in polyacrylonitrile

Jiang, Edward , Amiralian, Nasim, Maghe, Maxime, Laycock, Bronwyn, McFarland, Eric, Fox, Bronwyn, Martin, Darren J. and Annamalai, Pratheep K. (2017). Cellulose nanofibers as rheology modifiers and enhancers of carbonization efficiency in polyacrylonitrile. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 5 (4), 3296-3304. doi: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.6b03144

Cellulose nanofibers as rheology modifiers and enhancers of carbonization efficiency in polyacrylonitrile

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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