Dr Graeme Moad, Chief Research Scientist.

Dr Graeme Moad: novel polymer synthesis

Dr Graeme Moad’s research focuses on the design and synthesis of novel polymeric materials.

• 24 January 2012

Overview

• Current activities
• Background
• Academic qualifications

Current activities

Dr Graeme Moad is a Chief Research Scientist for the polymeric materials capability.

His research interests are in the design and synthesis of novel polymeric materials and the kinetics and mechanism of polymerization.

Several current projects relate to the production of controlled architectures using controlled free radical polymerisation. He is a key inventor of CSIRO's RAFT technology.

These methods are being applied in:

• developing novel materials for use in biomaterials, drug delivery and medical imaging and other applications
• the design and synthesis of electroactive polymers for hole/electron transport in photovoltaic devices. 

Other projects relate to development of new materials based on polymers from renewable resources and clean polymer production. 

This work involves polymer synthesis by reactive extrusion and the design and production of polymer nanocomposites.

Background

After completing his doctorate Dr Moad undertook postdoctoral research at Pennsylvania State University, in the United States (USA) in the field of Bioorganic chemistry.

Dr Moad joined CSIRO in 1979.

Academic qualifications

Dr Moad has been awarded a:

• Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in Organic Chemistry, from the University of Adelaide, South Australia, in 1974
• Doctor of Philosophy, also from The University of Adelaide, in 1977.

Dr Moad's doctoral studies focused on the study of the kinetics and mechanism of radical reactions.

Dr Moad was awarded the RACI Polymer Division's prestigious Polymer Medal in 2012.

Find out more about CSIRO's work in RAFT technology: controlling polymer synthesis at the molecular level.