Composites Group

The Composites Group conducts research in the manufacturing of composite materials, structural health management and biocomposites as part of the Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing (AMPAM).

Areas of research include:

Expertise in the application of thermoplastic polymers for composites manufacturing, surface optimisation and joining of dissimilar materials.
Development of bio-based composites including natural fibre composites and nanocomposites.
Application of ultrasonic measurement techniques to characterise composite materials, evaluate the integrity of structural components and develop smart materials for structural health monitoring.

About the group

The Composites Group conducts research in the manufacturing of composite materials, structural health management and biocomposites, as part of the Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing (AMPAM).

The group is led by A/Prof Martin Veidt who initiated UQ’s involvement in composite materials by conducting fundamental research on damage detection and characterisation of composite materials as a major part of the UQ Ultrasonics research program.

In 2007 the research group extended its investigations to the manufacturing of composite materials and became a participant in the Cooperative Research Centre for Advanced Composite Structures (CRC-ACS) helicopter program in collaboration with Eurocopter (currently Airbus Helicopters) and Australian Aerospace. In 2010 the UQ Composite Group was a key participant in the CRC-ACS five-year extension program and contributed to the development of a novel rapid assembly technology for Airbus.

In recent years the group has also established collaborations with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), and the Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC). The UQ Composites Group is continuing to attract industry funding and to successfully position itself as one of the leading research centre for composite materials in Australia.

Our research

Composites Group conducts research in three major areas:

Materials and processes

We have a strong research focus on innovative manufacturing and processes for composites, biocomposites and other hybrid structures. Learn more.

Testing and characterisation

We have extensive experience in non-destructive testing and characterisation of various aspects of composite materials. Learn more.

Modelling and simulation

Modelling and simulation of composite materials are being used extensively in the group for applications ranging from failure mechanism predictions to sensor placement optimisation. Learn more.

Facilities and capabilities

Located in the Advanced Engineering Building (AEB), and part of the Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing and Processing (AMPAM), the Composites Group has access to world-class facilities for the manufacturing, testing and characterisation of composite materials.

Composite manufacturing

A wide range of composite manufacturing processes can be undertaken within the UQ Composites Group and AMPAM facilities. Our capabilities in Composite manufacturing include resin infusion, composite extrusion, small scale autoclave curing, high temperature thermoplastic processing (compression moulding, injection moulding), high pressure RTM, and reactive processing of thermoplastic composites.

Ultrasonic inspection

Advanced structural health monitoring using guided waves and non-linear acoustics can be conducted in the UQ Composites facilities, well equipped with a laser vibrometer, a shaker, and a wide range of transducers, differential amplifiers, and electronic hardware.

Mechanical testing

The Materials Testing Laboratory (MTL) offers highly capable testing facilities equipped with electromechanical and servohydraulic testing machines, capable of conducting complex testing configurations and in various environmental conditions from cryogenic temperatures to temperatures well above 300 °C.

Thermal, chemical and microanalysis

Through the Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (CMM), Centre for High Performance Polymers (CHPP), Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF), and other collaborations within the Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing (AMPAM), the UQ Composites has access to world-class equipment for an in-depth characterisation of fibre reinforced polymers. The Exprtise in the group extends to thermal chemical and microanalysis.

Key researchers

Partner with us

Composites Group has a strong focus and successful track record in industry-funded research.

The group is dedicated to providing effective and industry-relevant solutions to the composite sector.

Significant advancements in the field have been achieved through long-term government-funding, and also smaller scale commercial work on a short-term basis.

Explore partnership opportunities