CSIRO in stronger carbon fibre bid

THE CSIRO has started new research at Waurn Ponds aiming to produce carbon fibre that’s 20 per cent stronger.

Conducted at the CSIRO base in Deakin University’s carbon fibre precinct, the research has the potential to strengthen Geelong’s position as a world leader in the lightweight, super strong product.

CSIRO team leader for carbon fibre, Andrew Abbott, said the two-year project aimed to create a better quality polymer, used in the production of carbon fibre.

“The better you can make that polymer the better your carbon fibre will be,” Mr Abbott said.

The CSIRO project team, mostly based at Waurn Ponds, has received funding of almost $2 million through the Science and Industry Endowment Fund.

The Waurn Ponds precinct is home to pioneering carbon fibre wheel maker Carbon Revolution and Deakin University’s research and development facility Carbon Nexus.

The research comes as the electric car and unmanned aerial vehicle markets start to drive massive growth in use of carbon fibre.

Mr Abbott said using CSIRO’s patented technology, the project team aimed to make aerospace grade carbon fibre 20 per cent stronger and more cost effective than current methods.

“We have two years to prove this, to take it from where it is now to something you can go to an investor with,” Mr Abbottsaid.

The research may accelerate carbon fibre innovation by allowing companies to create carbon fibre specific to their needs.