	Vision and Mission. A company's vision and mission is the driving force behind what they do. So what drives Future Materials? ---more
	Future Materials Capabilities Database. Including details of expertise, research facilities and equipment the Capability Database is a great tool for matching industry need with university supply ---more

Future Materials Weblog

FM Awards 2006
Congratulations to the finalists and winners ---more

Case Histories

Extensive case history file.
The following represents a small selection of the way in which the resources of Future Materials have been utilised ---more

Partners and Sponsors

Supporters and Sponsors
Sponsored by AusIndustry, Future Materials brings together the resources of Australia's foremost materials technology research institutions---more

Corporate Sponsors

Future Materials News


	Building long term relationships ---more

Research News
	Mixing rubber with plastic What do get when you cross a discarded car tyre with a plastic milk bottle? According to Mr Buzz Sanderson and Professor Alan Crosky from the University of New South Wales, with a bit of clever processing it's possible to produce a tyre-based composite suitable for impact barriers, earth retainers and curb blisters. Not only does the composite absorb energy better than traditional materials used in these products (such as timber or concrete), but it also makes use of two under utilised waste streams. ---more

Tin Tacks
	New research centre for light metals The Centre of Excellence in Design in Light Metals was established on the 1st of January 2006 under the Australian Research Council's Centres of Excellence Program funded by the Commonwealth government. ---more

Know your material
	What goes into a car tyre? It is estimated that around 18 million waste tyres (or 170,000 tonnes of waste tyre) are generated in Australia each year. Why do they present such a problem? Because the materials that go into them are so tough. Tyres are constructed to withstand the ravages of the elements, and in most environments waste tyres behave in a relatively inert way. ---more

Sensational Materials
	Cheap solar cells based on nanotubes Researchers at the Queensland University of Technology are developing cheap, portable, personal solar cells that will be able to recharge laptops and mobile phones. The solar cells are made of an inexpensive composite material consisting of carbon nanotubes and a conductive polymer that forms a flexible sheet only 100 nanometres thick. ---more


	Carbon fibres strengthen busy bridges Monash University researchers are investigating a new method of repairing stressed and damaged bridges, using carbon fibre instead of steel plates. ---more


	Synthetic bone a winner A fourth year medical engineering student at the Queensland University of Technology has created a synthetic vertebra from glass-reinforced nylon in order to test treatments for osteoporosis. Her model bones behave in a similar manner to an osteoporotic human spine, and can be used to investigate vertebral fractures and their current treatment. ---more

HQ Reporting
	Future Materials Awards 2006: Now open for Nominations and Sponsorship Future Materials is proud to invite you to participate in the inaugural Future Materials Awards. Materials science underpins many of the advances in modern products, devices and techniques. Please join us to recognise the innovators in this exciting field. ---more

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Editor - David Salt