The use of a flexible polymeric substrate for thin film glasses whose chemical, thermal and optical properties are compatible, is new.

The innovative procedure of sol gel processing of inorganic coatings for deposition on plastic and rare-earth doped thin films on polymer substrates for fluorescence and laser applications has many uses including flexible integrated optics and optical circuitry which can be incorporated into fiber cables.

Applications in the area of switches, multiplexers and hermetic coatings on optical fibres and perishable goods have also been proposed.

With the increased use of engineering ceramics in applications which involve placing mechanical stress on components during use e.g. with ceramic turbine blades, internal combustion engine components, space applications, etc. there still exists the danger of brittle fracture which can lead to a sudden, sometimes catastrophic, failure.

Most often, this can not be predicted, since brittle failure originates from micro-fissures, i.e. microscopic discontinuities, within the material. When these are of the order of < 100 microns - as is often the case - detection is usually difficult or impossible. By applying a high electric voltage gradient, an intensification of the electric field takes place at the discontinuities which can be detected.

The CSIRO Division of CET would be interested in obtaining external funding to undertake a preliminary 'proof of concept' study in order to demonstrate technical feasibility which then could lead to the development of a unique field instrument.

Using various salts to add in to a clay mixture and saturated salt solutions to develop "green bricks" are proposed.

This increases the strength of the fired bricks by at least 2.5 times and it was also discovered that modification of colors can also be obtained this way.

Our research was aimed at reviving the use of brick pavements for walks and roads.

Extruding die for plastics and a process for reducing surface fracture problems are proposed.

We used clay for effect demonstration. Specially configured insertions into the die mouth were used for producing a clay column with thin openings.

Results of our research could improve quality of clay bricks and other plastic products.

A new process has been devised for the dry separation of particles on basis of small differences in size and/or density. Horizontal screen-like baffles, with an aperture size considerably larger than the particles, are introduced in a bubbling fluidized bed.

This leads to the suppression of the mixing processes, while axial particle segregation is maintained. The result is an increased tendency for particle segregation within the fluidized bed.

This technique can be used in both the continuous and batch fluidized beds. Examples of applications: fluidized coating and granulation, fluidized drying, fluidized catalyst regeneration

A technique was discovered for drastically reducing particle size of many powders to near- micron size and below. As this involves ultrasonic energy treatment of the gas-entrained dust, the break-up of particles is entirely free of contaminants.

The process appears energy efficient and is clearly suitable for scale-up to continuous industrial scale production. Funding is urgently required for a limited 'proof of concept' study.

Funding is urgently required for a limited 'proof of concept' study.

Using new technology for electrically generating dry powder aerosols, it was demonstrated that it is possible to deposit the suspended dust on various substrates, such as paper, plastics, glass, metal screens, etc., in thin layers which show strong adhesion to the substrate.

This is particularly so for micronised powders with particle diameters < 5 micron. Since particles carry an electric charge on emerging from the aerosol device, this causes strong initial contact with the substrate due to electrical image forces. From there on, Van de Waals forces take over resulting in unusually strong bonding of the powder to the substrate without the need to apply a glue.

We also found, that using micronised dust, it is possible to deposit quantities in the order of micrograms per sq.cm, in an apparently uniform finely divided manner - as the electrically charged particles are repelled from each other which tends to prevent their clumping and agglomeration. Apart from early interest shown by the pharmaceutical industry for accurately dosing minute quantities of drugs, we think there may be applications in various other industries.

We are seeking parties interested in jointly exploring such prospects.