Excellent balance of strength, toughness, and flexibility; long service life and chemical resistance are among major features that have made polyethylene (PE) pipes the material of choice for gas and water distribution networks around the world for more than half a century. However, for almost three decades, technology has been unable to significantly improve on the long term strength of PE. Improved long term strength will enable the use of higher pressures for the same wall thickness pipe, or a thinner wall and lighter pipe for the same operating pressure.

Research efforts over the last seven years have developed High Strength PE (HSPE) using low concentrations of planar carbon nanoplatelets to achieve a composite that delivers unprecedented performance. The discoveries and learnings from this work hold enormous potential for the next generation of materials.

Philip specialises in polymer engineering and project management. He leads innovation and product development on projects across the manufacturing, energy, food, water and urban development sectors. Philip is passionate about science and technology and enjoys the challenges of new discoveries and developing solutions for improved and novel applications. He is a prolific inventor with successful patent grants in several countries.

Qenos is the sole manufacturer of polyethylene and polymers within Australia and has been a pioneer in polymer technology for nearly 60 years.

Qenos is applying its unique transformative skills, proven track record in innovation, operational excellence, and enviable global collaborations to a host of new opportunities. By harnessing these strengths, Qenos is working to deliver smarter products, services and support to benefit and to enhance the lives of billions of people around the world.