SIMPLE Hub: Projects

SHA4A_P1_Polymetrics

This project aims to evaluate the composition and properties of used rod guides, develop effective recycling methods, and create high-quality prototypes from recycled PA6 to support a circular economy in the sector

SHA4A_P2__Grout

This project aims to develop improved cementitious grouts by partially replacing clinker with supplementary waste materials—such as recycled glass, construction debris, tyres, and composites—thereby reducing landfill waste, conserving natural resources, lowering energy consumption in cement production, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

SHA4A_P3_Biomaterials

PhD 1-This project explores the development of sustainable, biodegradable construction materials by cultivating mycelium—collected from Australian fungi and grown on agricultural waste like rice husks—into bio-composites, offering a low-cost, renewable alternative to synthetic plastics and traditional building materials, while also contributing to environmental goals and leading to the discovery of a new fungal species.

PhD 2- This research explores the underutilized potential of fruit and food processing waste—such as coffee spent, rice husks, mung bean husks, banana, and citrus peels—as bio-adsorbents for liquid purification, aiming to develop cost-effective, sustainable water treatment solutions aligned with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, through comprehensive material characterization and pollutant adsorption studies.

SHA4A_P4_Extrusion

To tackle affordable housing—especially for disaster victims and young families—this project uses large-scale 3D printing with recycled polymers, as shown in Studio Kite’s “Jindi” prototypes, while ongoing testing and research aim to meet building standards, supported by a PhD student skilled in polymer and fire safety analysis.

SHA5_P3_Fire Retardant

Although plastic recycling has yet to deliver materials with sufficient mechanical and thermal properties for practical use—and rarely contributes to bioplastic production—this project aims to create high-performance, value-added bioplastics from recycled plastics and biomass feedstocks, supporting decarbonisation and a circular economy.

SHA5_P4_SEWER

This project integrates hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) and hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) with CST technology to efficiently convert high-moisture feedstocks into high-value products—such as biochar and biocrude oil—at relatively low temperatures without pre-drying, offering energy savings and superior fuel quality compared to conventional thermochemical methods.

This project within the SIMPLE Hub aims to foster cultural change and sustainability awareness in regional communities through education, training, and industry collaboration, while also evaluating and strengthening university-industry partnerships to drive innovation, waste reduction, and environmentally responsible manufacturing using multi-stakeholder engagement and real-world research impact. 

 P1_Eggshells

This project aims to develop a low-cost in vitro bone microenvironment model using agri-waste eggshell-based bioscaffolds to study prostate cancer bone metastases, enabling researchers to investigate tumour–cell interactions and evaluate potential anti-cancer drugs before pre-clinical trials. 

P2_Trainer

This project involves a three-phase development of the SISTTA and PIVC training models—consulting clinical experts and testing materials to simulate anatomical tissues, designing and 3D printing bone structures and tool moulds, and evaluating the models with medical students and practitioners using various materials like silicone, agarose gels, and polylactic acid—culminating in assessments of user confidence, knowledge, and competence in lumbar and peripheral intravenous cannulation procedures. 

P3_Scaphoid

This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using computer tomography and 3D printing for surgical planning in scaphoid fracture repair by reviewing current literature on patient-specific devices, addressing the limitations of traditional freehand osteotomy in bone grafting, and exploring more accurate, reproducible methods to improve clinical outcomes. 

P4_Hospital Waste

This research addresses the growing issue of healthcare waste—exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic—by aiming to inform policies and practices that improve medical waste management and recycling, offering both environmental and economic benefits. 

P5_Hernia Mesh

This project investigates the use of nanocellulose—a biocompatible, biodegradable, and mechanically tunable material derived from renewable sources—as a safer, more effective alternative to traditional synthetic meshes in hernia repair, aiming to reduce complications such as infection and inflammation while enhancing tissue integration and surgical outcomes. 

P6_Hand Aid

This project will address the need for sustainable, user-informed rehabilitation solutions by co-designing a hand rehabilitation aid—over 12–15 months—with input from stroke survivors, carers, and a multidisciplinary clinical team, using recycled hospital plastics as a proof of concept for circular healthcare innovation.

P7_Wound Hydrogel

This study aims to develop and evaluate cost-effective, biocompatible sodium alginate-based hydrogel wound dressings enhanced with aloe vera, lemon myrtle oil, and nanocellulose—targeting chronic wound care in remote and First Nations communities—by tailoring their physicochemical and antimicrobial properties to improve healing outcomes where access to specialised care is limited. 

To divert waste from landfill and advance a circular economy, it is essential to identify which waste material applications are currently viable or what enabling conditions are needed to achieve viability. The Sustainable Manufacturing Ecosystem Modelling aims to simplify this complex and data-intensive process by developing a framework that supports Australian industry and government in making informed, sustainable decisions.