Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering
Zachary Di Pietro, a PhD candidate at the University of Newcastle and Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE ) Postgraduate Research Award recipient, has received the 2025 Ezio Rizzardo Polymer Scholarship from the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE) for his innovative work on synthesising and characterising polymer brushes for ultra-low friction surface applications.
An integrated multi-year research program, led by Prof Grant Webber and Prof Erica Wanless at the University of Newcastle, Prof Stuart Prescott at UNSW, and Instrument Group Manager Dr Andrew Nelson at the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, is examining and fully characterising the convoluted behaviour and properties of polymer brushes in complex environments, mixed electrolytes and non-aqueous solutions.
Dr Nelson, who is co-supervising Zachary’s PhD with Prof Wanless, said investigations using the neutron reflectometer Platypus have been integral to the research. Dr Nelson said, “Zac has shown innovation in many different aspects of his project. From coming up with different approaches to synthesise thin films out of these novel monomers, through to devising different experiments to structurally characterise the films. He is fully deserving of the award.”
Zachary explained his project in a video published by ATSE.
“A polymer brush is just composed of polymer chains which are tethered by one end to a surface. When these are at sufficiently high densities on the surface, it can lead to quite unique interfacial properties, including frictional properties,” he said.
His project aims to develop new polymer brush coatings and measure their frictional performance but also to improve an understanding of how the nanostructure of the brush influences its performance in non-aqueous environments.
“The use of polymer brushes is somewhat inspired by low friction coatings that you find in nature, such as the joints of the hips and knees, which are lined with a range of bio-polymers and result in unprecedented low frictional properties. In more industrial applications, they can significantly reduce energy usage and lead to more efficient and sustainable processes.
“These materials can improve the frictional properties of a surface and will have a range of applications from the biomedical to the mechanical where reducing component wear and saving energy remains a critical research frontier.”
Zachary graduated from a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Chemistry) with Distinction and first-class Honours in 2023, receiving two College medals and various awards for his efforts.
In the first year of his PhD, Zachary presented his research at five symposia, earning two awards for excellent scientific communication. His dedication to developing future chemistry researchers is further evidenced from his teaching experience and his role as co-founder and Vice President of the reformed University of Newcastle Chemistry Society.
Hayden Robertson, a PhD candidate and PGRA recipient at the University of Newcastle, received the same award in 2021.
