Scientific services
The
Scientific Services sector of The Wark manages a full range of analytical services
using state-of-the-art instrumentation, bringing together expertise in
surfaces, polymers, colloids and interfaces. The collective expertise of research
and technical staff is co-ordinated and applied to
short-term industrial consulting.
The service offers rapid turnaround and flexible problem solving,
however some problems require a more intensive program of research and
development over the medium to long term.
The chemical and physical nature of the surface of a material influences factors such as suitability for specific applications, lifetime and performance. Surface analysis is particularly relevant in the consideration of coatings, adhesion, printability and resistance to corrosion. The science is readily applied to a wide range of industrial processes, including product development. The opportunities for industry are extensive.
- Ceramics
- Metal forming and metal finishing
- Biomaterials
- Aerospace
- Automotive manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical
- Polymer manufacture
- Whitegoods
- Catalysis: Petroleum industry
- Paints
- Composites
- Forensic
- Building materials
- Waste disposal
- Fertiliser/Agricultural chemicals
- Wood, paper and composite boards
- Glass manufacture
Expertise in surface analysis, with a focus on minerals, colloids, polymers and biomaterials (and the interface between one material and another), has been applied in both local and interstate industries. Each investigation is individually tailored to the needs of the client.
The Wark has provided valuable information to manufacturers in many areas including:
- Paintwork defect identification
- Sources of paint delamination
- Treatment of metals prior to finishing
- Corrosion and fracture analysis
- Modified surfaces for printing and adhesion
- Particle analysis and identification
- Surface contamination
- Thin film analysis
General Enquiries: Christina
Koutlakis or Philip Moore
Tel: +61 8 8302 5780 or +61 8 8302 3684
Fax: +61 8 8302 3755
Confidentiality Guarantee
The Ian Wark Research Institute ensures the complete confidentiality of
your projects. Confidentiality agreements are available if required.