Two (ANSTO) scientific projects announced

Two research projects were today announced by Dr David Cook, Executive Director, of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and the Deputy Premier of the Western Australian Government, Ian Taylor.

One project is for the further development of advanced ceramics for the mining process industry and is a joint venture between ANSTO and Rojan Advanced Ceramics, of Perth.  The project agreement was signed today by Dr Cook and Rojan's Managing Director, Mr Rod Stead. The Department of State Development will also be contributing research and development funding towards the project.

The joint project worth $80,000 for Stage One, is aimed at developing ceramic thermocouple sheaths for the metal smelting industry which could service a potential market worth $2 million per annum in Australia.

"Following two years of research ANSTO has developed a novel advanced ceramic that has the potential to meet the demanding criteria for the aluminium industry," Mr Taylor said.

"Rojan, through the joint venture, will act as a commercial partner to investigate the slip casting of the material for future products and markets."

Mr Taylor said the work would take place in three stages and could lead to the building of a pilot plant in accordance with State Government policy to support value adding of Western Australia's abundant mineral resources as outlined in the 'WA Advantage'.

As a result of the second project, researchers at Perth's Curtin University could become the standard setters for their field of research.

The project involves Curtin University's Particle Analysis Facility, a joint venture between the university's School of Applied Chemistry and CSIRO's Division of Mineral Products, joining with ANSTO to develop protocols for particle analysis.

Dr Cook has completed the signing of a collaboration agreement with the Vice Chancellor of Curtin University, Professor John Maloney, and Chief of the CSIRO Division of Mineral Products, Dr Tom Biegler.

"For too long now, research in this field has been done on an 'ad hoc' basis," Dr Cook said.

"That means the results are dependant on the way in which an operator sets up and uses a machine, which can lead to an inconsistency of results.

"This agreement will enable the three organisations to jointly develop quality assurance protocols for particle analysis.

"We are aiming at supplying a basic reference service which can be used to benefit Australian industry at large."

Today's agreements follow the signing last year of a Memorandum of Understanding between the WA Government and ANSTO. The aim of that memorandum is to support economic development by scientific and research collaboration between ANSTO and Western Australian researchers in industry, universities and Government.  Mr Taylor and Dr Cook said they looked forward to the development of further joint projects in the near future.