Professor George Simon

The Head of Department of Materials Engineering at Monash University is Professor George Simon.

Currently, his area of research is in polymer nanocomposites. He is exploring the combination of synthetic and natural polymers with nanosized particles to achieve a range of functional and mechanical properties.

The nanoparticles encompass a wide range, from nanosilica, nanoclays, carbon and polymer nanotubes to nanomagnetic particles. The aim is to improve materials so they are stronger or stiffer, are water resistant or flame retardant. It may improve their properties as a barrier to gas, to electron emissions or in Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI) shielding applications. His group is studying the modification and the functionalisation treatment of the particles, as well as different methods of incorporation.

Professor Simon is passionate about exploring a technique known as electrospinning. This process is able to produce fibres of a nanoscale. By attempting to use nanoparticles and electrospun fibres in structural designs based on nature, Professor Simon’s work is moving closer to biomimetics.*

“One area that this captures, for example, is nanostructured adhesives based on the very sticky gecko’s foot.”

This is where the practice of nanotechnology is demonstrated to be particularly beneficial.

The use of nanocomposites is being explored in many areas of industry. Due to their size and high functionality, only small amounts of nanoparticles are needed to produce a positive result. This not only reduces costs but also causes a minimal impact on the system in which the nanoparticles are incorporated. It has the potential for wide application, ranging from the biomedical sector to structural and functional areas.

The group’s work has had a positive impact in the aerospace industry, by increasing the durability of materials and enhancing their flame retardant properties. In the electronics industry, advances have been made in areas such as low energy lighting and adhesive, as well as in EMI shielding.
Professor Simon maintains alliances with his colleagues, Professor Janis Matisons at Flinders University in Adelaide, and Professor Hugh Brown at the University of Wollongong in New South Wales. Internationally, he is collaborating with researchers in Europe and in the USA.

*The study of the structure and function of biological systems as models for the design and engineering of materials.

Above: Individual carbon nanotubes dispersed in a polyolefin matrix for                                       improved mechanical properties (source: Mel Morcom, Materials Engineering).

Selected Publications

Cervini R.,  Simon G.P., Ginic-Markovic M., Matisons J.G., Huynh C. & Hawkins S. (2008) Aligned silane-treated MWCNT/liquid crystal polymer films. Nanotechnology19(17), 175602.

Lau C., Cervini R., Clarke S.R., Ginic-Markovic M., Matisons J.G., Attkinson K.R., Hawkins S., Huynh C.P. &  Simon G.P. The Effect of Functionalization on Structure and Electrical Conductivity of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes.  J. Nanoparticle Research, published online 18 March, 2008.

Russo G.M.,  Simon G.P.& Incarnato L. (2006) Correlation between Rheological, Mechanical, and Barrier Properties in New Copolyamide-Based Nanocomposite Films.Macromolecules39(11) , 3855-3864.

Becker O. & Simon G.P. (2005) Epoxy Layered Silicate Nanocomposites. Advances in Polymer Science (Inorganic Polymeric Nanocomposites and Membranes) 179, 29 - 82.

Markovic E., Matisons J., Hussain M. & Simon G.P. (2007) Poly(ethylene glycol) Octa-Functionalized Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane: WAXD and Rheological Studies.  Macromolecules 40(13),4530-4534.