Australia’s home of carbon fibre celebrates ten years of achievements
The research facility that produced Australia’s first home-grown carbon fibre celebrated its 10th anniversary in May this year.
Deakin University’s Carbon Nexus is home to the world’s largest open access carbon fibre pilot production line, supporting the development of carbon fibre products and technologies in Geelong for a critical global industry.
Located in the heart of Deakin’s Future Economy Precinct at the Waurn Ponds campus, Carbon Nexus has partnered with leading global companies including Vestas, PETRONAS, the Ford Motor Company, SABIC, Boeing and Solvay.
Importantly, Carbon Nexus produced the first ever entirely home-grown Australian carbon fibre shortly after its establishment in 2014.
Carbon Nexus was the catalyst for over 1,400 jobs and counting in the Geelong region, employing skilled workers displaced by the closure of local manufacturing between 2014 and 2016.
Additionally, Carbon Nexus also attracted Quickstep Holdings to move its automotive R&D from Germany to Geelong in 2015, fostering collaboration between Quickstep and Deakin for broader partnership opportunities.
The facility also significantly contributed to Carbon Revolution’s growth, which is expected to achieve approximately $22.2m ($14.8m USD) in revenue this year.
Deakin deputy vice-chancellor of research and innovation, Professor Matthew Clarke, describes the continued impact of Carbon Nexus as a demonstration of Deakin’s commitment to local and global impact through partnerships and collaboration.
“Carbon Nexus is tackling the big problems facing Australian manufacturing, with sustainability at the forefront,” says Prof Clarke.
“Our leading organic chemistry, materials science and engineering experts are making a lasting impact by developing smarter, more sustainable and stronger carbon materials that will grow the economy and benefit our planet for generations to come.”
Carbon Nexus research group leader, Professor Russell Varley, says the facility is supporting the aerospace, automotive, construction, renewable energy and oil and gas sectors to make research happen.
“I’m proud of the significant achievements we’ve made at Carbon Nexus so far. We’re working at the intersection of academia and industry to break new ground in the science and engineering of carbon fibre production.
“For example, we’ve created carbon fibre designed specifically for wind turbine blades, contributing to a zero-emission and renewable energy future,” adds Prof Varley.
“Looking ahead, we are also creating high-quality, sustainable carbon fibre, made entirely from agricultural waste.”