Professor Darren Martin
Professor

Darren Martin

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 344 31305

Background

Professor Darren Martin FTSE

A Translational Materials Scientist and Intensive Connector, Darren's work sits at the nexus of three key themes of strong fundamental materials science, safe biomaterials and nanomaterials and scalable advanced manufacturing

Darren has always had a strong passion for translation, as evidenced by the following four major research translation outputs, which share the capacity of advanced materials to enable impacts in health, sustainability, and social empowerment:

1996-2012 - Aortech Biomaterials Ltd: We developed a more biostable pacemaker lead insulation which is now implanted in over 80 million people worldwide (Abbott Medical).

2001-2020 - TenasiTech Pty Ltd: In 2020 our scratch resistant and break-proof acrylic glass technology was sold to RTP, a multinational plastics compounder who now sell into several large markets (appliances, personal care, construction, cell phone cases, automotive parts, etc).

2011-2022 - Spinifex Nanocellulose Platform Technology: In 2021, this technology was licensed to Brisbane startup Trioda Medical Pty Ltd for the development of injectable medical gels.

2015-Present - Sorghum-derived Microfibrillated Cellulose (MFC): My team have demonstrated that sorghum grasses can be pulped and refined into MFC in a far more sustainable manner than wood biomass.

International Collaborators and Industry Partners

Professor Martin’s current international collaborators include Stony Brook University (USA), DTU (Denmark) and IIT-Delhi (India). He also has several materials co-development projects and collaborations with companies such as Advanta Seeds, GSA Innovation, Opal Paper, Cardia Bioplastics, GMG, Duromer, OPS, Dulux and others.

Prizes, Honours and Awards

Excellence & Commercialisation

• 2020 - UTS Chancellor’s Award (awarded to the top Alumni from the whole of UTS each year)

• 2020 - UTS Alumni Award for Excellence - Faculty of Science • 2016 & 2019 - 2 UQ Partners in Research Excellence Awards (PIREAs) (Spinifex project Bulugudu partnership)

• 2015 - State finalist in the 2015 Telstra Business Awards (TenasiTech Pty Ltd)

• 2010 - UQ Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology Commercialisation Award

• 2010 - Engineers Australia Nanoengineering Panel

• 2007 - iLab Prize at the QLD Enterprise Awards (lead to TenasiTech pre-seed investment from UniSeed)

Service & Leadership

• 2021 - ATSE Reconciliation Action Plan reference group and Industry and Innovation Forum

• 2021 - ATSE President Nominations and Interview Committee to deliberate on the current ATSE President

• 2019 - UQ Teams Leadership Award (Spinifex project Bulugudu partnership)

• 2019 - Business Higher Education Round Table Award (Community Engagement Bulugudu partnership)

• 1993 - Member of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute RACI and the RACI QLD Polymer Group

Availability

Professor Darren Martin is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Macromolecular and materials chemistry Materials engineering

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Applied Science, University of Technology Sydney
  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Technology Sydney

Research interests

  • Efficient biomass conversion into advanced materials using green chemistry

    Combine green solvents and high throughput processes like twin screw extrusion and high energy ball milling to upcycle crop residues and organic waste

  • Polymer nanocomposites

    Layered silicate, carbon nanomaterial or nanocellulose reinforced nanocomposites Enhancement of renewable materials using the nanocomposite approach

  • Biological interactions with nanomaterials

    Nanofiller toxicity, safety and occupational hygiene Biomedical nanocomposites biocompatibility and durability

Research impacts

Key Impact Outputs. My research has led to invention of seven licensed and granted patent families in the polymer nanocomposites and micro/nanocellulose fields for which I received the 2007 iLab Prize in the national Enterprize Competition and the 2010 UQ EAIT Commercialisation award and the 2020 UTS Chancellor’s Award.

Outcomes from my Work

Aortech Biomaterials Ltd: I contributed significantly to the discovery, business plan, pitching and early-stage commercialisation of biostable polyurethanes of this spinoff from the CRC for Cardiac Technology. 19 papers published, 4 PhD students completed.

TenasiTech Pty Ltd: Inventor. Employed as CSO 2013- 2016. Employed 9 technical staff, $6.5M Venture Capital (VC) investment, $3.2M research grants, $1.3M infrastructure support, 3 patents (P1-P3) all licensed to TenasiTech Pty Ltd, 4 book chapters, 32 journal papers, 14 PhD students completed, critical contributions to federal policy on nanosafety and occupational hygiene, significant curriculum content and lectures in Biomaterials and Nanomaterials undergraduate courses.

Spinifex Nanocellulose Platform Technology: In 2021, this technology was licensed to Brisbane startup Trioda Medical Pty Ltd for the development of injectable medical gels. I was inventor and research leader together with Bulugudu Ltd (formerly Dugalunji Aboriginal Corporation (DAC)). This work has been widely recognised, as the project respects Aboriginal traditional owners’ knowledge about Spinifex and ensures ongoing equity and involvement. $2.6M VC investment by UniSeed/UniSuper Nov 2022, $6.5M research grants, $1.5M infrastructure support, 4 patents (P4-P7). All licensed to Bulugudu and Trioda Medical Pty Ltd), 2 book chapters and 24 journal papers, 14 PhD completions, 3% of commercialisation revenue will go to an Indigenous Education Fund, prioritising remote Indigenous education in STEM and nanotechnology.

Sorghum-derived Microfibrillated Cellulose (MFC): My team have demonstrated that sorghum can be pulped and refined into MFC in a far more sustainable manner than wood biomass (IP protection ongoing). We developed a new method to refine sorghum using a very scalable, high throughput twin-screw extrusion process. We have also demonstrated that the different primary sorghum plant sections (e.g. leaf, sheath and stem) are associated with different composition and structure, and can be tailored for different applications (e.g. advanced carbons, bio-composites, recycled paper, bio-gels etc). To date, $5.6M related research grants and commercial subcontracts, 7 journal papers, 2 PhD students completed.

Search Professor Darren Martin’s works on UQ eSpace

279 works between 1996 and 2024
All (279) Journal Article (168) Book Chapter (11) Conference Publication (96) Other Outputs (4)

21 - 40 of 279 works

2023

Conference Publication

Tribological performance of nylon-6/oyster shell composites

Ambika Harikumar, Akshay Krishna, Basnayake, Asanka, Khakbaz, Hadis, Martin, Darren and Heitzmann, Michael (2023). Tribological performance of nylon-6/oyster shell composites. ASME 2023 42nd International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 11 - 16 June 2023. New York, NY, United States: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). doi: 10.1115/OMAE2023-104611

Tribological performance of nylon-6/oyster shell composites

2022

Journal Article

Statistical genetics concepts in biomass-based materials engineering

Pennells, Jordan and Martin, Darren J. (2022). Statistical genetics concepts in biomass-based materials engineering. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 10 1022948, 1-9. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1022948

Statistical genetics concepts in biomass-based materials engineering

2022

Journal Article

Ultra-stable sodium ion storage of biomass porous carbon derived from sugarcane

Kim, Minjun, Fernando, Joseph F.S., Li, Zhibin, Alowasheeir, Azhar, Ashok, Aditya, Xin, Ruijing, Martin, Darren, Kumar Nanjundan, Ashok, Golberg, Dmitri V., Yamauchi, Yusuke, Amiralian, Nasim and Li, Jinliang (2022). Ultra-stable sodium ion storage of biomass porous carbon derived from sugarcane. Chemical Engineering Journal, 445 136344, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2022.136344

Ultra-stable sodium ion storage of biomass porous carbon derived from sugarcane

2022

Journal Article

Rational analysis of dispersion and solubility of Kraft lignin in polyols for polyurethanes

Haridevan, Hima, Evans, David A.C., Martin, Darren J. and Annamalai, Pratheep K. (2022). Rational analysis of dispersion and solubility of Kraft lignin in polyols for polyurethanes. Industrial Crops and Products, 185 115129, 115129. doi: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.115129

Rational analysis of dispersion and solubility of Kraft lignin in polyols for polyurethanes

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

Processing and rheological properties of polyol/cellulose nanofibre dispersions for polyurethanes

Haridevan, Hima, Chaleat, Celine, Pooley, Liam, Evans, David A. C., Halley, Peter J., Martin, Darren J. and Annamalai, Pratheep K. (2022). Processing and rheological properties of polyol/cellulose nanofibre dispersions for polyurethanes. Polymer, 255 125130, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.polymer.2022.125130

Processing and rheological properties of polyol/cellulose nanofibre dispersions for polyurethanes

2022

Journal Article

A Mixed Acid Methodology to Produce Thermally Stable Cellulose Nanocrystal at High Yield Using Phosphoric Acid

Amin, Khairatun Najwa Mohd, Hosseinmardi, Alireza, Martin, Darren J. and Annamalai, Pratheep K. (2022). A Mixed Acid Methodology to Produce Thermally Stable Cellulose Nanocrystal at High Yield Using Phosphoric Acid. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 7 (2), 99-108. doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2021.12.002

A Mixed Acid Methodology to Produce Thermally Stable Cellulose Nanocrystal at High Yield Using Phosphoric Acid

2022

Journal Article

Lignocellulosic plant cell wall variation influences the structure and properties of hard carbon derived from sorghum biomass

Afzal, Rana Arslan, Pennells, Jordan, Yamauchi, Yusuke, Annamalai, Pratheep K., Nanjundan, Ashok Kumar and Martin, Darren J. (2022). Lignocellulosic plant cell wall variation influences the structure and properties of hard carbon derived from sorghum biomass. Carbon Trends, 7 100168, 1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.cartre.2022.100168

Lignocellulosic plant cell wall variation influences the structure and properties of hard carbon derived from sorghum biomass

2022

Journal Article

Novel methodology to visualize biomass processing sustainability & cellulose nanofiber product quality

Pennells, Jordan, Mellor, Vincent and Martin, Darren J. (2022). Novel methodology to visualize biomass processing sustainability & cellulose nanofiber product quality. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 10 (11) acssuschemeng.1c08476, 3623-3632. doi: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c08476

Novel methodology to visualize biomass processing sustainability & cellulose nanofiber product quality

2022

Journal Article

Assessing cellulose micro/nanofibre morphology using a high throughput fibre analysis device to predict nanopaper performance

Pennells, Jordan, Heuberger, Bérénice, Chaléat, Céline and Martin, Darren J. (2022). Assessing cellulose micro/nanofibre morphology using a high throughput fibre analysis device to predict nanopaper performance. Cellulose, 29 (4), 2599-2616. doi: 10.1007/s10570-021-04405-5

Assessing cellulose micro/nanofibre morphology using a high throughput fibre analysis device to predict nanopaper performance

2022

Journal Article

A cleaner processing approach for cellulose reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites

Mohd Amin, Khairatun Najwa, Chaleat, Celine, Edwards, Grant, Martin, Darren J. and Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar (2022). A cleaner processing approach for cellulose reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites. Polymer Engineering & Science, 62 (3), 949-961. doi: 10.1002/pen.25899

A cleaner processing approach for cellulose reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites

2022

Journal Article

High-resolution R2R-compatible printing of carbon nanotube conductive patterns enabled by cellulose nanocrystals

Corletto, Alexander, Hosseinmardi, Alireza, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar, Martin, Darren J. and Shapter, Joseph G. (2022). High-resolution R2R-compatible printing of carbon nanotube conductive patterns enabled by cellulose nanocrystals. ACS Applied Nano Materials, 5 (1) acsanm.1c04320, A-N. doi: 10.1021/acsanm.1c04320

High-resolution R2R-compatible printing of carbon nanotube conductive patterns enabled by cellulose nanocrystals

2022

Journal Article

Efficient lithium-ion storage using a heterostructured porous carbon framework and its in situ transmission electron microscopy study

Kim, Minjun, Fernando, Joseph F. S., Wang, Jie, Nanjundan, Ashok Kumar, Na, Jongbeom, Hossain, Md. Shahriar A., Nara, Hiroki, Martin, Darren, Sugahara, Yoshiyuki, Golberg, Dmitri and Yamauchi, Yusuke (2022). Efficient lithium-ion storage using a heterostructured porous carbon framework and its in situ transmission electron microscopy study. Chemical Communications, 58 (6), 863-866. doi: 10.1039/d1cc05298e

Efficient lithium-ion storage using a heterostructured porous carbon framework and its in situ transmission electron microscopy study

2022

Journal Article

Ultra-stable sodium ion storage of biomass porous carbon derived from sugarcane

Kim, Minjun, Fernando, Joseph F. S., Li, Zhibin, Alowasheeir, Azhar, Ashok, Aditya, Xin, Ruijing, Martin, Darren, Nanjundan, Ashok Kumar, Golberg, Dmitri, Yamauchi, Yusuke, Amiralian, Nasim and Li, Jinliang (2022). Ultra-stable sodium ion storage of biomass porous carbon derived from sugarcane.

Ultra-stable sodium ion storage of biomass porous carbon derived from sugarcane

2022

Book Chapter

Nanocellulose: a sustainable nanomaterial for controlled drug delivery applications

Pennells, Jordan, Martin, Darren J. and Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar (2022). Nanocellulose: a sustainable nanomaterial for controlled drug delivery applications. Innovation in nano-polysaccharides for eco-sustainability: from science to industrial applications. (pp. 217-253) edited by Preeti Singh, Kaiser Manzoor, Saiqa Ikram and Pratheep Kumar Annamalai. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-12-823439-6.00010-6

Nanocellulose: a sustainable nanomaterial for controlled drug delivery applications

2021

Journal Article

Sorghum as a novel biomass for the sustainable production of cellulose nanofibers

Pennells, Jordan, Cruickshank, Alan, Chaléat, Céline, Godwin, Ian D. and Martin, Darren J. (2021). Sorghum as a novel biomass for the sustainable production of cellulose nanofibers. Industrial Crops and Products, 171 113917, 1-15. doi: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2021.113917

Sorghum as a novel biomass for the sustainable production of cellulose nanofibers

2021

Conference Publication

Microstructural analysis and 3D reconstruction of lignin based cellular polymeric foams using x-ray computed micro-tomography

Haridevan, Hima, Barkauskas, Deborah, Sokolowski, Kamil, Evans, David, Martin, Darren and Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar (2021). Microstructural analysis and 3D reconstruction of lignin based cellular polymeric foams using x-ray computed micro-tomography. International Conference on Materials Science and Engineering, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 11-14 October 2021. Brisbane, Australia:

Microstructural analysis and 3D reconstruction of lignin based cellular polymeric foams using x-ray computed micro-tomography

2021

Journal Article

Valorisation of technical lignin in rigid polyurethane foam: a critical evaluation on trends, guidelines and future perspectives

Haridevan, Hima, Evans, David A. C., Ragauskas, Arthur, Martin, Darren and Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar (2021). Valorisation of technical lignin in rigid polyurethane foam: a critical evaluation on trends, guidelines and future perspectives. Green Chemistry, 23 (22), 8725-8753. doi: 10.1039/d1gc02744a

Valorisation of technical lignin in rigid polyurethane foam: a critical evaluation on trends, guidelines and future perspectives

2021

Journal Article

Dispersion methodology for technical lignin into polyester polyol for high-performance polyurethane insulation foam

Haridevan, Hima, McLaggan, Martyn S., Evans, David A.C., Martin, Darren J., Seaby, Trent, Zhang, Zhanying and Annamalai, Pratheep K. (2021). Dispersion methodology for technical lignin into polyester polyol for high-performance polyurethane insulation foam. ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 3 (7) acsapm.1c00430, 3528-3537. doi: 10.1021/acsapm.1c00430

Dispersion methodology for technical lignin into polyester polyol for high-performance polyurethane insulation foam

2021

Conference Publication

Enhanced dispersion of lignin in PET polyols for improved thermal insulation of polyurethane foams

Haridevan, Hima, Birnie, David, Evans, David A.C., Martin, Darren J. and Annamalai, Pratheep K. (2021). Enhanced dispersion of lignin in PET polyols for improved thermal insulation of polyurethane foams. SPE-ANTEC 2021, Virtual, 10-21 May 2021. Danbury, CT, United States: SPE.

Enhanced dispersion of lignin in PET polyols for improved thermal insulation of polyurethane foams

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2027
    Development and testing of a sprayable biodegradable mulch (SBM) for Australian broadacre crop production
    CSIRO
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2030
    ARC Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide
    ARC Centres of Excellence
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    ARC Training Centre in Bioplastics and Biocomposites
    ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2025
    Developing high performance nanocomposite coatings for domestic appliances
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    Development of next generation smart sucker rod wear guides
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022
    Benchmarking compostable razor handles
    GSA Innovation Pty Ltd (Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast)
    Open grant
  • 2022
    Development of compostable high barrier biopolymer films for food packaging applications
    Cardia Bioplastics
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Development of compostable high barrier biopolymer films for food packaging applications
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2021
    Optimisation of PDMA use for recycling of PET fibre
    Blocktexx Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2021
    Development of Personal X-ray protective aprons using extrusion processes
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    Developing high performance nanocomposite coatings for manufacturing domestic appliances
    HBIS Group Co, Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Addressing bio-composite technology gaps
    Composites Innovation Centre Manitoba Inc
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Functional biomass carbons for low-cost sodium and potassium-ion batteries
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2021
    Preparation of Nanocellulose & Nanocomposites as Multifunctional Materials derived from Biomass towards Sustainable Developments (SPARC grant administered by Jamia Millia Islamia)
    Jamia Millia Islamia
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Stability study of spinifex nanocellulose in nitrile rubber latex
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Graphene dispersion into bricks
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Graphene as an additive to improve mechanical properties of thermoplastics and clay bodies
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    High energy milling of graphene modified polyol
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    TenasiTech Nanocomposites R&D - Apr-Dec 2018
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2021
    Tough bio-derived and biodegradable wood plastic composites
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Anti-scratch nanoadditive performance for plastics customers
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Optimisation of nano-additives for plastics customers
    Innovation Connections
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    National rock, concrete and advanced composite testing capability
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Process Development - downstream processing of spinifex fibre into Nanofibrillated Cellulose (NFC)
    Dugalunji Aboriginal Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Cost effective carbon fibres from polyethylene for lightweight applications
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Polyurethanes
    Defence Materials Technology Centre
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Research & development of polymeric materials for medical applications
    Cook Medical Australia Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Nanocomposite R&D (H2 2015/ H1 2016)
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Research Sub-Contract & Assignment between UQ and UniQuest for R& D services (March 2015)
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    High performance sustainable carbon fibres from Australian spinifex grass
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Advanced Macromolecular Thin Film and Materials Characterisation Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Nanocomposite R&D Q2 2014 start
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Evaluating nitrated nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) from native spinifex grass as superior propellant materials.
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Nanocomposite R&D H22013-H12014 (labour elements)
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Nanocomposite R&D
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Nanocomposite R&D - Part 2
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2013
    UQ Travel Awards Category 1 - Professor James Runt
    UQ Travel Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    TenasiTech plastics development and manufacture
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    TenasiTech plastics development and manufacture
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    TenasiTech plastics development and manufacture
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Joint scale-up of nano-cellulose based polymer nanocomposites
    UQ - Purdue University Early Career Mobility Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    Scanning electron microscope to house 3-Dimensional Sectioning Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Green biopolymer nanocomposites facility: supercritical carbon dioxide characterisation and processing for nanomaterials and biopolymers
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Building UQ's analytical capacity in biomedical sciences
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Complete laboratory to semi-industry scale high energy milling and dispersion facility.
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Detection, Characteristics and Dynamics of Airborne Engineered Nanoparticles for Human Exposure Assessment (ARC Discovery Project administered by QUT)
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Polymer gas barrier property facility for development of smart membranes, packing and biomedical films
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Spinifex as a sustainable bio-resource for the building industry - harvesting feasibility and resin benchmarking
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Nanomechanical testing capability extension for nanotechnology and bioengineering applications
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Radiolabelled nanoparticles for biological investigations
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Radiolabelling of industrially-relevant nanoparticles for use in nanotoxicology investigations- towards in-vivo studies
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Enabling Software and Equipment for Computational Bio- and Nano-technology
    UQ School/Centre Co-Funding
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2014
    The Toxicology of Nanomaterials
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    An Integrated Raman Microscope and in situ STM-TEM Analysis System
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2012
    Towards Novel Biomimetic Building Materials: Evaluating Aboriginal and Western Scientific Knowledge of Spinifex Grasses
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2010
    Tailored nanoparticles for nanotoxicological studies
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2007
    Radiolabelling of industrially-relevant nanoparticles for use in nanotoxicology investigations (AINSE Award No. AINGRA07104)
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Functionable Renewable Plastics: Developing Novel Polysaccharide, Protein and Natural Polyester Based Polymer Nanocomposites.
    ARC Linkage International
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2007
    Assessment of the utility and performance of novel TPU nanocomposites for solution-dipped glove and condom products
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2008
    Nanotoxicology Feasibility Study
    Queensland Government Smart State Partnership Alliances Facilitation Program
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2012
    Degradable packaging materials derived from renewable resources
    CRC for Polymers
    Open grant
  • 2005
    Engineering Vessels Using Novel Multilayered, Multicomponent Scaffolds
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2007
    Graded Biomaterial for Articular Cartilage Replacement
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004
    The Impact of Organosilicate Dimensionality on the Microdomain Texture in Segmented Polyurethane Nanocomposites
    Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
    Open grant
  • 2004
    Feasibility Study into Rotational Moulding of Breast Implant Shells
    Aortech Biomaterials Pty. Ltd.
    Open grant
  • 2004
    AUSTRALIAN SYNCHROTRON RESEARCH PROGRAM: Support to visit ChemMatCARS, Advanced Photon Source, USA (27-30 July 2004)
    Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
    Open grant
  • 2004
    Nanostructured Polymer Processing Network
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2004
    Anisotropic Nanocomposites For Artificial Intervertebral Spinal Disc Prostheses
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2004
    Design And Prototyping Of A Novel Dynamic Mechanical Bioreactor For Bone Tissue Engineering
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2010
    ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials (administered by UNSW from September 2012 onwards)
    ARC Centres of Excellence
    Open grant
  • 2000
    Investigation into the preparation, processing and properties of polyurethane and polyolefin matrix nanocomposites
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Darren Martin is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

  • Enzyme-assisted deconstruction of lignocellulose and reconstruction into high value bio-derived advanced materials

    UQ-DTU joint RHD scholarship scheme

    This project brings together highly-complementary discoveries and expertise in the area of lignocellulose-derived advanced materials as important future substitutes for fossil-based materials. To harness the full potential of lignocellulose, is it paramount that its three native, polymeric structures (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) are preserved, however current biomass pre-treatment and refining strategies are too destructive, which significantly reduces the quality, consistency and therefore full potential of current bio-derived materials. In this project, the aims are; (1) to investigate enzyme-assisted, mild fractionation of lignocellulose into these three major polymeric components, and (2) to understand how this approach can be combined with efficient downstream processes for the production and application of lignocellulose-derived advanced materials, including micro and nano-cellulose fibres that could be used in applications such as hydrogels, compostable composites and packaging. This will be done by bringing together the engineering strengths at UQ, and the enzymatic strenths at DTU (Denmark) through collaborative RHD investigations and researcher exchange between UQ and DTU. This joint scheme funds one RHD student in each institution, with exchange and time spent at each laboratory mandatory.

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Darren Martin directly for media enquiries about:

  • Chemistry
  • Nanocellulose
  • Nanocomposites
  • Nanotoxicology
  • Polymers
  • Spinifex

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au