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, GrapheneX, Duromer, OPS, Dulux, Australian Wood Fibre 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.

"Waterless Fibrillation" of Biomass and Industrial Cellulose Waste (WF): My team have invented two different green solvolysis platforms that avoid strong acids, bases and the bulk associated with using of large amounts of water. We are currently expolring the utility of these processes for products across Biocomposites, AgTech, CO2 Electrochemical Conversion and pharmaceutical applications.

Search Professor Darren Martin’s works on UQ eSpace

281 works between 1996 and 2025
All (281) Journal Article (169) Book Chapter (11) Conference Publication (97) Other Outputs (4)

221 - 240 of 281 works

2007

Conference Publication

CloisiteNa+/LLDPE – Composite: Effect of layered silicate on the thermal, mechanical and photo-oxidation properties

Ghafor, Wael A., Halley, Peter J., Hill, David J. T., Martin, Darren, Rasoul, Firas, Truss, Rowan R. and Whittaker, Andrew K. (2007). CloisiteNa+/LLDPE – Composite: Effect of layered silicate on the thermal, mechanical and photo-oxidation properties. 29th Australasian Polymer Symposium, Hobart, Australia, 11-15 February 2007. Melbourne, Australia: Royal Australian Chemical Institute.

CloisiteNa+/LLDPE – Composite: Effect of layered silicate on the thermal, mechanical and photo-oxidation properties

2007

Journal Article

Chemorheological studies on a thermoset PU/clay nanocomposite system

Kim, J-T., Martin, D. J., Halley, P. J. and Kim, D. S. (2007). Chemorheological studies on a thermoset PU/clay nanocomposite system. Composite Interfaces, 14 (5-6), 449-465. doi: 10.1163/156855407781291326

Chemorheological studies on a thermoset PU/clay nanocomposite system

2007

Journal Article

Shortened double-walled carbon nanotubes by high-energy ball milling

Smart, S.K., Ren, W.C., Cheng, H.M., Lu, G.Q. and Martin, D.J. (2007). Shortened double-walled carbon nanotubes by high-energy ball milling. International Journal of Nanotechnology, 4 (5), 618-633. doi: 10.1504/IJNT.2007.014756

Shortened double-walled carbon nanotubes by high-energy ball milling

2007

Journal Article

Physical and electrochemical characterization of nanocomposite membranes of Nafion and functionalized silicon oxide

Ladewig, B.P., Knott, R.B., Hill, A.J., Riches, J.D., White, J.W., Martin, D.J., Diniz Da Costa, J.C. and Lu, G. (2007). Physical and electrochemical characterization of nanocomposite membranes of Nafion and functionalized silicon oxide. Chemistry of Materials, 19 (9), 2372-2381. doi: 10.1021/cm0628698

Physical and electrochemical characterization of nanocomposite membranes of Nafion and functionalized silicon oxide

2007

Conference Publication

Impact of controlled particle size nanofillers on the mechanical properties of segmented polyurethane nanocomposites

Finnigan, Bradley, Casey, Phil, Cookson, David, Halley, Peter, Jack, Kevin, Truss, Rowan and Martin, Darren (2007). Impact of controlled particle size nanofillers on the mechanical properties of segmented polyurethane nanocomposites. Geneva: Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. doi: 10.1504/IJNT.2007.014747

Impact of controlled particle size nanofillers on the mechanical properties of segmented polyurethane nanocomposites

2006

Journal Article

Effect of different preparation routes on the structure and properties of rigid polyurethane-layered silicate nanocomposites

Woo, T., Halley, P., Martin, D. and Kim, D. S. (2006). Effect of different preparation routes on the structure and properties of rigid polyurethane-layered silicate nanocomposites. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 102 (3), 2894-2903. doi: 10.1002/app.24787

Effect of different preparation routes on the structure and properties of rigid polyurethane-layered silicate nanocomposites

2006

Journal Article

Engineering tissue tubes using novel multilayered scaffolds in the rabbit and rat peritoneal cavity

Cao, Yang, Zhang, Bing, Croll, Tristan I., Rolfe, Barbara E., Campbell, Julie H., Campbell, Gordon R., Martin, Darren J. and Cooper-White, Justin J. (2006). Engineering tissue tubes using novel multilayered scaffolds in the rabbit and rat peritoneal cavity. Tissue Engineering, 12 (4), 1020-1021.

Engineering tissue tubes using novel multilayered scaffolds in the rabbit and rat peritoneal cavity

2006

Journal Article

Effect of the average soft-segment length on the morphology and properties of segmented polyurethane nanocomposites

Finnigan, B., Halley, P., Jack, K., McDowell, A., Truss, R., Casey, P., Knott, R. and Martin, D. (2006). Effect of the average soft-segment length on the morphology and properties of segmented polyurethane nanocomposites. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 102 (1), 128-139. doi: 10.1002/app.23347

Effect of the average soft-segment length on the morphology and properties of segmented polyurethane nanocomposites

2006

Conference Publication

Impact of Controlled Particle Size Nanofillers on the Mechanical Properties of Segmented Polyurethane Nanocomposites

Finnigan, Bradley, Casey, Phil, Cookson, David, Halley, Peter, Jack, Kevin, Truss, Rowan and Martin, Darren (2006). Impact of Controlled Particle Size Nanofillers on the Mechanical Properties of Segmented Polyurethane Nanocomposites. 28th Australasian Polymer Symposium, Rotorua, New Zealand, 5-9 February 2006. not found: not found.

Impact of Controlled Particle Size Nanofillers on the Mechanical Properties of Segmented Polyurethane Nanocomposites

2006

Journal Article

Visoelastic studies on thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites using a nano-hardness tester

Rivera, I., Martin, D J and Truss, R W (2006). Visoelastic studies on thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites using a nano-hardness tester. Journal of Polymer Engineering, 28 (8-9), 903-918.

Visoelastic studies on thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites using a nano-hardness tester

2006

Journal Article

Viscoelastic studies on thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites using a nano-hardness tester

Rivera, Ivan, Martin, Darren and Truss, Rowan (2006). Viscoelastic studies on thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites using a nano-hardness tester. Journal of Polymer Engineering, 26 (8-9), 903-918. doi: 10.1515/POLYENG.2006.26.8-9.903

Viscoelastic studies on thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites using a nano-hardness tester

2005

Journal Article

Thermal stability analysis of organo-silicates, using solid phase microextraction techniques

Edwards, G., Halley, P., Kerven, G. and Martin, D. (2005). Thermal stability analysis of organo-silicates, using solid phase microextraction techniques. Thermochimica Acta, 429 (1), 13-18. doi: 10.1016/j.tca.2004.11.020

Thermal stability analysis of organo-silicates, using solid phase microextraction techniques

2005

Journal Article

Morphology and properties of thermoplastic polyurethane composites incorporating hydrophobic layered silicates

Finnigan, Bradley, Martin, Darren, Halley, Peter, Truss, Rowan and Campbell, Kayleen (2005). Morphology and properties of thermoplastic polyurethane composites incorporating hydrophobic layered silicates. Journal Of Applied Polymer Science, 97 (1), 300-309. doi: 10.1002/app.21718

Morphology and properties of thermoplastic polyurethane composites incorporating hydrophobic layered silicates

2005

Conference Publication

Chemorheology and properties of a thermoset PU/clay nanocomposite system

Kim, Dae Su, Kim, Jin-Tae, Martin, Daren and Halley, Peter (2005). Chemorheology and properties of a thermoset PU/clay nanocomposite system. 5th World Congress: Enabling Technologies and New Markets, Nanocomposites 2005, , , August 22, 2005-August 24, 2005. Executive Conference Management Inc..

Chemorheology and properties of a thermoset PU/clay nanocomposite system

2005

Conference Publication

A detailed investigation of the influence of organo-layered silicate (oils) aspect ratio on polyurethane nanocomposite structure and properties

Finnigan, B. P., Campbell, K. T., Edwards, G., Halley, P. J. and Martin, D. J. (2005). A detailed investigation of the influence of organo-layered silicate (oils) aspect ratio on polyurethane nanocomposite structure and properties. Australian Society for Biomaterials 15th Annual Conference, Victor Harbor, Australia, 31 March - 2 April 2005. Victor Harbor, Australia: Australian Society for Biomaterials.

A detailed investigation of the influence of organo-layered silicate (oils) aspect ratio on polyurethane nanocomposite structure and properties

2005

Conference Publication

Nanocomposite Nafion-Silica membranes for direct methanol fuel cells

Rodriguez, J. I. C., Ladewig, B. P., Dicks, A. L., Duke, M. C., Martin, D. J., Lu, G. and Diniz da Costa, J. C. (2005). Nanocomposite Nafion-Silica membranes for direct methanol fuel cells. World Hydrogen Technology Conference, Singapore, 3-5 October, 2005.

Nanocomposite Nafion-Silica membranes for direct methanol fuel cells

2005

Conference Publication

The influence of organo-layered silicate aspect ratio on polyurethane nanocomposite structure and properties

Finnigan, B. P., Campbell, K. T., Edwards, G. A. B., Halley, P. J., Truss, R. W. and Martin, D. J. (2005). The influence of organo-layered silicate aspect ratio on polyurethane nanocomposite structure and properties. International Workshop on Polymer Nanocomposites: Recent Developments and Applications, Melbourne, Vic, Australia, 23-25 May 2005. London, U.K.: Freund Publishing House.

The influence of organo-layered silicate aspect ratio on polyurethane nanocomposite structure and properties

2005

Journal Article

Preparation and Characterisation of Nanocomposite Nafion-Functionalised Silica Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Applications

Ladewig, B. P., Webb, R. E., Martin, D. J., Diniz da Costa, J. C. and Lu, G. (2005). Preparation and Characterisation of Nanocomposite Nafion-Functionalised Silica Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Applications. Brazilian Journal of Materials Science and Engineering, 7, 51-59.

Preparation and Characterisation of Nanocomposite Nafion-Functionalised Silica Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Applications

2005

Conference Publication

Nafion Composite Membranes for Hydrogen and Methanol Pem Fuel Cells

Ladewig, B. P., Martin, D. J., Diniz da Costa, J. C. and Lu, G. (2005). Nafion Composite Membranes for Hydrogen and Methanol Pem Fuel Cells. APCSEET 2005, Wellington, New Zealand, 8-11 May 2005. Palmerston North, New Zealand: Massey University.

Nafion Composite Membranes for Hydrogen and Methanol Pem Fuel Cells

2004

Conference Publication

Long term in vivo Biostablity of Poly(dimethylsiloxane)/Poly(hexamethylene oxide) Mixed Macrodiol-based Polyurethane Eastomers

Simmons, A, Hyvarinen, J, Odell, R A, Gunnatillake, P A, Martin, D. J., Noble, K R and Poole-Warren, L A (2004). Long term in vivo Biostablity of Poly(dimethylsiloxane)/Poly(hexamethylene oxide) Mixed Macrodiol-based Polyurethane Eastomers. 7th World Biomaterials Congress, Sydney, Australia, 17-21 May 2004. Sydney, Australia: Australian Society for Biomaterials Inc.

Long term in vivo Biostablity of Poly(dimethylsiloxane)/Poly(hexamethylene oxide) Mixed Macrodiol-based Polyurethane Eastomers

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2025
    Textile Waste into Biogel: A Sustainable Alternative to Synthetic Superabsorbent Polymers
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 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

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
  • 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
  • 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Green Polymer Nanocomposites based on PBAT and Nanocellulose

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Developing high performance nanocomposite coatings for manufacturing domestic appliances

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Lisbeth Grondahl, Dr Michael Heitzmann, Dr Grant Edwards

  • Doctor Philosophy

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

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Adrian Oehmen, Dr Mike Tebyetekerwa

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exploring lignocellulose-derived nanomaterials in CO2 electrochemical conversion

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Xiwang Zhang, Dr Mike Tebyetekerwa

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Optimising the Tribomechanical Performance of Engineering Polyamide 6 through Synergistic Incorporation of Functionalised Organoclay and Solving Wear-Related Issues in Aquaculture Pens Subjected to High-Energy Conditions

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Byron Villacorta, Dr Michael Heitzmann

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Optimising the Tribomechanical Performance of Engineering Polyamide 6 through Synergistic Incorporation of Functionalised Organoclay and Solving Wear-Related Issues in Aquaculture Pens Subjected to High-Energy Conditions

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Byron Villacorta, Dr Michael Heitzmann

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Structure-property-end of life performances of starch-based films

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Dr Emilie Gauthier, Professor Peter Halley

  • Master Philosophy

    Improving crop establishment with biogels in a variable and changing climate

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Gunnar Kirchhof, Dr Joe Eyre

  • Master Philosophy

    Improving crop establishment with biogels in a variable and changing climate

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Gunnar Kirchhof, Dr Joe Eyre

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Optimizing low emission technology for clean energy transition

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Xiwang Zhang

  • Doctor Philosophy

    High performance starch-based biopolymer films

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Emilie Gauthier, Professor Peter Halley

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Optimising the Tribomechanical Performance of Engineering Polyamide 6 through Synergistic Incorporation of Functionalised Organoclay and Solving Wear-Related Issues in Aquaculture Pens Subjected to High-Energy Conditions

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Byron Villacorta, Dr Michael Heitzmann

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Optimising the Tribomechanical Performance of Engineering Polyamide 6 through Synergistic Incorporation of Functionalised Organoclay and Solving Wear-Related Issues in Aquaculture Pens Subjected to High-Energy Conditions

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Byron Villacorta, Dr Michael Heitzmann

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Rheological enhancement of biopolymer composites for commercial-scale processing of novel products

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Peter Halley, Dr Michael Heitzmann, Dr Clement Chan, Dr Luigi Vandi

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Darren Martin directly for media enquiries about:

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

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