Dr Stephen Clarke

Major Research Projects (Externally Funded)

FRCGS project – (started in 2007) – External DEH funding $30,035. Internal $25,000
Title – Investigation of the Durability of Coated Hessian Bags for Seagrass Restoration
Principal Scientist – Dr Jamie Quinton (Flinders University)
Co-participants - Dr Kirsten Benkendorff (Flinders) Dr Milena Ginic-Markovic (Flinders) Dr Stephen Clarke (Flinders) Dr S Murray-Jones (DEH), Dr J Tanner (SARDI)
Project Summary - The Adelaide coastline has lost over 5,000 hectares of seagrass habitat leading to seabed deepening and instability. Subsequent recovery has failed because denuded sand does not support the recruitment of seagrass. DEH and SARDI Aquatic Sciences are using hessian sandbags to snag seedlings until capable root systems develop. However, overly-rapid breakdown of the Hessian sandbags has led to limited success. This project will investigate the prospect of trialling different surface treatment methods to improve the longevity of the bags, thereby increasing seedling survival.

ChemMatCARS – Argonne Synchrotron SAXS Beam-line research (19th Oct 2007)
Title – Investigation of the Nucleation and Growth of Gold Nanoparticles in the Presence of Selected Dendrimers
Principal Scientist – Dr Stephen Clarke (Flinders University)
Co-proposers - Dr Robert Knott (ANSTO) and Mr Lee Hoffman (Flinders)
Project Summary - PAMAM (NH2-terminated) dendrimers were used in the formation of gold nanoparticles. SAXS data, obtained from the Argonne Synchrotron facility in Chicago, USA, was used complement TEM, DLS, SANS and AFM data already collected on these materials. The aim is to provide a complete picture of the structure and dynamics of gold nanoparticle/dendimer com,plx formation. These dendrimers have a molecular weights (G2 – 3.3kDa, G4 –14.2 kDa and G5 – 28.8 kDa)

ARC Linkage Project - LP0454353 (started in 2007) – External funding $582,000
Title: XeroCoat: Modifying and Improving a New, Commercial, Anti-Reflective, Non-Fogging Sol-Gel Coating
ARC Lead - Chief Investigator: Stephen Clarke (Flinders University)
ARC APDI: Dr Elda Markovic (Flinders University)
Industry Advisers: Dr Michael Harvey, Prof Paul Meridith
Project Summary: XeroCoat is a high-tech start-up company out of the University of Queensland. Drs Meredith and Harvey developed XeroCoat – a novel, patented, anti-reflective/anti-fogging nanotech, ‘Sol-Gel’ coating. Following a successful DEST-ISL project in Sol-Gel Nanotechnology at Flinders, XeroCoat established a collaboration with Flinders, which will see APDI (Markovic) appointed to this project. Dr Markovic will work with an RA to improve properties of the coating for various new applications

MLA Research Project 191 – Stage 2 (2007) - $352,221 (Flinders Income - $304,701)
Title: Further Modification Of Tallow Based Biodiesel For Improved Cold Filter Plugging Performance
Chief Investigator: Dr SR Clarke,
Project Summary: This project is an extension of research carried out in Phase 1 (2006) of the project and a successful outcome to this work will generate both expanded and continuous utilisation of tallow in biodiesel applications. In addition development of successful technology will have significant implications in Australia and even greater implications throughout the world. This technology will be highly sought after in all international areas that are subjected to temperate and cold climates.

AINSE Special Award -AINGR06268 (2006) – External funding $15,350
AINSE ID Number: 4012
Title: SANS Analysis of gold in PAMAM dendrimers
Chief Investigator: Dr Stephen Clarke
Researcher: Mr lee Hoffman
Project Summary: SANS analysis of water soluble G2 and G4 PAMAM and PAMAMOS dendrimers impregnated by gold and palladium nanoparticles will be carried out using contrast matching techniques.

ARC Linkage Project - LP0669119 (started in 2006) – External funding $1,722,501
Title: The Nanotechnology Desalination Research Project - Low Energy Desalination Membranes
ARC Lead - Chief Investigator: Janis Matisons (Flinders University)
ARC Co-Chief Investigators: Milena Ginic-Markovic (Flinders University), Stephen Clarke (Flinders University)
Industry Advisers: Andrew Dickson (Wind Prospect), Ocean Power Delivery
Post Doctoral Researcher: Dr Kristina Constantopoulos and Dr Rachel Pillar
APAI PhD Students: Mr Carlo Conguisto
Project Summary: Population growth and Global Warming is rapidly increasing the strain placed on fresh water supplies. Global Warming and Climate Change, highlighted so dramatically by the British Government’s Stern report, is now generally regarded as being the cause of the current drought in which Australia is gripped. This research will lead to environmentally sustainable solutions to this water shortage situation. This project will develop new, low energy desalination technologies, which can be powered by renewable energy sources, to enable desalination to be widely applied with low environmental impacts. It addresses several national priorities: Water - a critical resource; Transforming existing industries; Overcoming soil loss, salinity and acidity; Responding to climate change and variability; Frontier Technologies and Advanced Materials.

XeroCoat Consultancy (2006) – External funding $50,000
Title: Hardening of a porous, fog-resistant, sol-gel nanocoating
Chief Investigator: Dr SR Clarke
Researcher: Ms Elda Markovic

Vision BioSystems Consultancy (2006) – External funding $50,000
Title: Modification Of Histological Specimens Procedures
Chief Investigator: Dr M Fisher
Co-Investigator: Dr SR Clarke
Researcher: Mr David Clarke

Flinders EIPRS PhD Project (2006-2009) External Funding - $111,000
Principal Supervisor: Professor Janis Matisons
Co-Principal Supervisor: Dr Stephen Clarke
International PhD student: Mr Lee Hoffman
Project Summary: Characterisation of metal nanoparticles and quantum dots imbedded in PAMAM and PAMAMOS dendrimers.

AMRF grant (2006) – External funding $7,600
Title: SANS Analysis at HMI Berlin, Germany.
Chief Investigator: Ms Veronica Hartley
Co-Investigators: Dr SR Clarke, Professor JG Matisons, Dr J Bartlett (ANSTO), Dr R Knott (ANSTO)
Project Summary: Accessible q range provided by AUSANS was too limited to adequately probe the structural evolution of the organic inorganic nanohybrids obtained in this particular system. Beamtime on the V4 40m SANS instrument at the Hahn Meitner Institute in Berlin, Germany will be carried out. Access to Major Research Facilities (AMRF) grant was approved to fund travel to HMI in Berlin ($7600), and we anticipate that the additional data that will be obtained at the HMI facility will enable detailed insights into the structural evolution of our nanohybrids to be obtained.

MLA Research Project 191 – Stage 1 (2006) - $662,000 (Flinders Income - $562,000)
Title: Modification Of Tallow For Improved Performance As Biodiesel
Chief Investigator: Dr SR Clarke,
Co-Investigators: Dr M Ginic Markovic, Professor JG Matisons
Program Manager: Dr Mark Fisher
Project Summary: This project is seeking to modify tallow feedstock for improved performance of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) based biodiesel. Climate Change effects have been dramatically highlighted in the British Government’s Stern report and the burning of petroleum and fossil fuels is credited with increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and rising atmospheric temperatures. This has resulted in Global Warming leading to numerous major climactic disturbances such as the current drought, which is currently gripping Australia and delivering other extreme weather patterns around the globe. Biodiesel and other renewable biofuels are carbon dioxide neutral and widespread use would dramatically reduce carbon dioxide emission into the atmosphere.

ARC Linkage LIEF Project - LE0668504 (2006) - Combined funding $648,000
Title: Real-time Observation of Thermal and Mechanical Response at the Nano Level
Administering Institution: Deakin University
ARC Chief Investigators: Dr MR Barnett (Deakin University), Prof PD Hodgson (Deakin University); Prof X Wang (Deakin University); A/Prof DM Cahill (Deakin University); Dr SR Clarke (Flinders University); Prof M Brandt (Swinburne University of Technology); Dr Y Durandet (Swinburne University of Technology)
Project Summary: The requested facility is an electron microscope dedicated to observing, in real-time, the nano-scale mechanisms that control the response of materials to stress and temperature. The insight provided by this facility is needed for the development of the next generation of materials, particularly "nano" materials based on particles, fibres, whiskers, nano-tubes, thin films and other micro-formed parts. These materials will underpin the next generation of technological advances and new applications such as nano-machines. The facility will also be used to train the future scientists to develop new nano-technologies. 

AINSE Research Project – AINSE ID Number 1959 (2005), Project Number 05P028
External funding $16,380 (provided by the Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering - AINSE)
Title: SANS Analysis to Identify Size and Shape of Titania Clusters in a Poly(methylmethacrylate) Matrix..
AINSE Chief Investigator: Dr Stephen Clarke (Flinders University)
ANSTO Co-Investigator: Ms D. Skinner, Dr John Bartlett (ANSTO)
Research Student: Veronica Hartley (Flinders PhD student)
Project Summary: A collaborative project with the Sol-Gel Nanomaterials, led by Dr John Bartlett, at the Australian Nuclear Research Organization (ANSTO) and The Nanomaterials Group (SoCPES) at Flinders. This project will use Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) analysis technique, available at ANSTO, to study the nano-domains in a titania cluster reinforced poly(methylmethacrylate) matrix. 

ANSTO / Flinders University PhD Research Project – (started in 2005)
Title: Inorganic-Organic hybrid nanocomposite materials.
Chief Supervisor: Professor Janis Matisons (Flinders University)
Co-Supervisors: Dr Stephen Clarke (Flinders University), Dr John Bartlett (ANSTO).
Research Student: Veronica Hartley (Flinders - FSERA PhD Scholarship))
Project Summary: A collaborative project between the Australian Nuclear Research Organization (ANSTO) and The Nanomaterials Group (SoCPES) at Flinders. This project is investigating novel multifunctional titania/MMA clusters to reinforce poly(methylmethacrylate) and other polymer matrices. Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) analysis, available at ANSTO, will be widely employed to study the nano-domains in these organic-inorganic composite materials. 

DEST - ISL Program – Round 6 2004 – Funding $1,216,004
Title: Sol-Gel Nanotechnology: Research Applications
Chief Scientist: Janis Matisons (Flinders University)
Program Manager: Stephen Clarke (Flinders University)
Milestone 4 Project Leader: Stephen Clarke (Funding $198,000 – Flinders University)
Collaborating Countries: United States of America, Canada, Israel and Austria
Australian Collaborators: ANSTO, Monash University, Flinders Medical Centre
Project Summary: This project linked several key laboratories and centres-of-excellence around the world to form a strong inter-disciplinary team developing specific novel materials using sol-gel nanotechnology to create a Australian path to market for the rapidly emerging applications of such technology. The overall aims of the project include: - The design and characterisation of new nanocomposite materials based on sol-gel technology and the development of key structure-function correlations; - Development of specific applications of these materials with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, our current industrial partners and Flinders Medical Centre; - Incorporate updated technologies and knowledge into Flinders and Monash University's nanotechnology research and education programs; - Facilitate the transfer of new skills and expertise from international experts to Australian researchers and industries to increase our national competitiveness in emerging technologies. Six key task areas have been identified, which include: -
• Milestone 1- Nano-bioconjugates with anti-tumor activity
• Milestone 2- Biomineralisation: Proteins directed mineral crystal growth
• Milestone 3- Transition Metal Nanoparticles and Hybrid Polymers
• Milestone 4- Solvent free sol-gel processes for IC circuit coatings and other applications
• Milestone 5- Corrosion resistant nanocomposite coatings on steel and other surfaces
• Milestone 6- Inorganic Matrices for Biocatalysis: Immobilisation of Biocatalysts in Sol-Gel Matrices. 

ARC Linkage LIEF Project - LE0454249 (2004) – Combined funding $334,500
Title: Specialist Analysis Facility for the Development of New Nanotechnologies
Administering Institution: Flinders University
ARC Chief Investigators:, Janis Matisons (Flinders University), Grier Lin (University of South Australia), Lingxue Kong (University of South Australia), Joe Shapter (Flinders University), Stephen Clarke (Flinders University)
Project Summary: Nanotechnology is a developing technology with a limited number of academic research groups working in this field. Advanced infrastructure is requested for the characterisation and analysis of novel polymers, nanomaterials and biomaterials. The specialist applications herein demand both characterisation and processing control at the nanoscopic level and will greatly enhance teaching and core research capability within Flinders University and the University of South Australia. This equipment will allow the universities to carry out this research in a unique manner. Other researchers cannot offer the synergy of synthesis, processing and characterisation of nanomaterials and biomaterials as described in this project. 

CSIRO PhD Funded Research Project – (started in 2004)
CSIRO external funding $39,000
Title: Clay/polymer nanocomposites.
Chief Supervisor: Professor Janis Matisons (Flinders University)
Co-Supervisors: Dr Stephen Clarke (Flinders University), Dr Dong Wu (CSIRO).
Research Student: Ian Macdonald (Flinders - FSERA PhD scholarship)
Project Summary: Since the discovery by Toyota that a considerable improvement in properties for Nylon 6 could be obtained by the incorporation of clay reinforcement to form a clay/polymer nanocomposite, there has been growing interest to develop other nanocomposite reinforcement materials for polymers. This project will systematically investigate factors that influence the formation of polymer nanocomposite reinforcement materials by melt processing. 

ARC Special Research Initiatives Network Project – SR0354599 (2004)
External seed funding $10,000
Title: An Integrated Intelligent Bio-machines Network.
ARC Chief Investigator: A/Prof SJ John (RMIT University)
ARC Network Co-Investigators: L. Bridger (RMIT University), Y.S. Morsi (Swinburne University of Technology), C.R. Nagarajah (Swinburne University of Technology), S. Nahavandi (Deakin University), V. Ciesielski (RMIT University), A. Oloyede (Queensland University of Technology), M.V. Srinivasan (Australian National University), I. Cosic (RMIT University), E. Pirogova (RMIT University), Q. Fang (RMIT University), J.G. Matisons (Flinders University), S.R. Clarke (Flinders University), D.V. Nicolau (Swinburne Institute of Technology), R.W. Crawford (Queensland University of Technology), R. Dowell (The University of Melbourne)
Project Summary: The increasing use of computing, advanced materials, electronic control with biological or human applications has provided the need to strengthen the nexus of these discipline areas. This proposal is expected to identify the critical areas of integration that can be realistically developed into meaningful technologies and products in the short-to-medium term. The significance of this network is to enhance the science and technology required for systems and products such as bionic eyes, legs, muscles and larynxes. These products and systems characterize the essence of this network: The integration of hardware and software with wetware (Humans). 

ARC Linkage Project - LP0454353 (started in 2004) – External funding $108,000
Title: Strategic Business Principles for the Economic Development of New Technologies in Regional Areas
ARC Lead - Chief Investigator: Stephen Clarke (Flinders University)
ARC Co-Chief Investigators: Janis Matisons (Flinders University), Andrew Downing (Flinders University), John Roddick (Flinders University)
Industry Advisers: Martin Threadgold (City of Onkaparinga), Glenn Hickling (Fleurieu Regional Development)
Research Student: Paul Felici (APAI PhD student)
Project Summary: The City of Onkaparinga, Fleurieu Regional Development and Flinders University have pooled their resources to identify new technological capabilities in the Southern Adelaide region. Strategic and collaborative initiatives with business associations will be evaluated for the development of new economic strategies for such technologies. This region is highly representative of similar regional areas within Australia, in which the identification of new technology capability is not well characterised. New technologies, significant to the region, include biotechnology, advanced materials manufacturing, food and wine processing, nanotechnology, information technology, communication networks and tourism. With a reduction in conventional heavy industry in the region, it is believed that a better understanding of new technologies capability for application to the southern region will promote essential economic growth. 

AINSE Research Project – Project 1334 (2004)
External funding $14,384 (provided by the Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering - AINSE)
Title: Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Materials by Sol-Gel Processes: Interactions of Proteins with Silica and Alumina Precursors.
AINSE Chief Investigator: Professor Janis Matisons (Flinders University)
AINSE Co-Investigators: Stephen Clarke (Flinders University), Professor Rosemary Ryall (Department of Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre)
Research Students: Alison Cook and Veronica Hartley (Flinders Honours students)
Project Summary: A collaborative project with the Australian Nuclear Research Organization (ANSTO), the School of Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences (SoCPES), Flinders University and the Department of Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, seeks to establish close cooperative links with the sol-gel nanomaterials group at ANSTO led by Dr John Bartlett. Organic structure-directing agents as proteins, in controlling the synthesis, nucleation and growth of silica and alumina nano-materials will be investigated. 

ARC Linkage Project - LP0349363 (started in 2004) – External funding $105,000
Title: Highly Crosslinked Poly(urea-co-urethane) Copolymer Concrete Floor Coatings
ARC Lead Chief Investigator: Stephen Clarke (Flinders University)
ARC Co-Chief Investigators: Janis Matisons (Flinders University), Milena Gini-Markovic (Flinders University).
Industry Advisers: Garth Hoskins (Prestige Concreting Admixtures), Peter Everest (Baker Technical Services)
Research Student: Eleni Papadopoulos (APAI PhD student)
Project Summary: Poly(urea-co-urethane) concrete floor screeds are used, in the construction industry, to provide protection against corrosive chemicals, abrasive wear and have properties unmatched by other commercial floor treatment systems. A significant feature, of such materials, is the reduced environmental emissions and toxicity hazards associated with water based polyols and oligomeric diisocyanate resins, compared to previous systems. Factors, which affect cure and performance of poly(urea-co-urethane) flooring materials will be studied, including the uncontrolled release of carbon dioxide, which results in sporadic blister formation and on-site product failures that have severely limited the product’s commercial growth. 

ARC Linkage Project - LP0347847 (started in 2003) – External funding $150,000
Title: A fundamental study of the formation, nature and removal of surface contaminants, derived from self-assembled nanoscale lubricating oils, used in cold rolled steel strip processing
ARC Chief Investigators: Janis Matisons (Flinders University)
ARC Co-Chief Investigators: Stephen Clarke (Flinders University), Hugh Brown (Wollongong University)
Industry Advisers: David Willis (BlueScope Steel - previously BHP Steel), Andrew Gibson (Quaker Chemical)
Research Student: Rachel Pillar (APAI PhD student)
Project Summary: Water dispersed oil lubricants, as manufactured in Australia by Quaker Chemical, are used by BlueScope Steel for the production of Australian cold rolled steel strip. Lubricant is applied prior to the cold-rolling process. Components in the oil form nanoscale layers on the steel surface. An oxidative procedure, unique to BlueScope Steel, is used to remove this lubricant immediately prior to further surface treatment of the steel.

In cold rolled steel production processes used overseas, it is standard practice to remove such lubricating oils by an alkali washing process. Such surface contaminants on the steel surface are only nanometres thick, but do seriously alter the surface energy of the steel surface. This in turn affects the performance, and adhesion, of applied molten zinc, or zinc-aluminium alloy protective dip coatings, which provide long-term corrosion protection to the steel. By its very nature such contamination is extraordinarily difficult to observe. The removal process used by BlueScope Steel is uniquely Australian, and hence there has been little need for fundamental overseas research for such a process. This project seeks to redress this problem and gain greater fundamental understanding of the performance and the behavioural characteristics of these specialised oils in this uniquely Australian manufacturing process.

It is for this reason that this uniquely cooperative research venture has been established by BlueScope Steel, Quaker Chemical, Wollongong University and Flinders University.

Back to Stephen Clarke's Page

Top of page