Three generic industrialised projects using Synchrotrons were conducted during March and April by Dr Vyt Garnys, Managing Director and Principal Consultant of Cetec.

The projects were assisted by the Australian Synchrotron Project Industry Application Grant Scheme.

The key synchrotron facility used was in the UK and addressed the following actual industrial problems:

• Fibre Composites
• Metal Plating on Plastics
• Pitting Corrosion

Fibre Composites investigation centred around interlayer bonding, and fibre to resin bonding chemistry. Excellent results were obtained, which will greatly assist wider applications in the construction industry.

Metal Plating on Plastics examined ultra-low concentrations of surface elements that are known to affect metal coating adhesion and finish. The synchrotron was able to probe surfaces more sensitively and key differences affecting bonding were found.

Pitting Corrosion is the most destructive form of corrosion in structural and pipework systems. Methods were developed to examine the extent and chemistry of ultra-fine pit structures that will greatly assist in explaining the origins of premature failure in copper piping systems in buildings.

In addition, Dr Garnys visited synchrotrons in Italy, France, and Germany to set up a network of industrially capable facilities so that Cetec can extend its range of sophisticated and effective tools for world class solutions and opportunities in the fields of product, process, environment, health, and forensics.