Materials Revolution
This exhibition showcases UNSW SMaRT Centre's transformative materials science research that moves from a wasteful, linear approach to a circular economy where discarded materials become valuable resources for new products.
When:
31 March - 12 September 2025
Where:
Level 5 Main Library
Partner:
UNSW Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre
Materials Revolution is an exhibition showcasing transformative research by the UNSW Sustainable Materials Technology and Research (SMaRT) Centre to express a paradigm shift in how we need to view and utilise materials. Just as the Industrial Revolution reshaped 18th-century manufacturing with machines and the Technological Revolution of the 20th century brought us computers, Materials Revolution focuses on the transformation of materials themselves. This involves a significant rethinking of how we extract, produce, consume, and dispose of materials to reduce environmental impacts and excessive waste generation. Materials scientists and engineers are developing technologies that move away from a linear manufacturing model of ‘take, make, dispose’ towards a circular economy system where materials from end-of-life products are recognised as valuable feedstock for future manufacturing needs.
The UNSW SMaRT Centre is a fulcrum for interdisciplinary collaboration pioneering technologies that reform hard-to-recycle waste into valuable industrial inputs. Founded in 2008 by ARC Laureate (2014) and ARC Industry Laureate (2023) Fellow, Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla AO, the UNSW SMaRT Centre tackles the critical issue of developing innovative solutions for problematic wastes not subject to conventional recycling. Through the pioneering concept of ‘microrecycling science’, SMaRT has developed cutting-edge technologies and MICROfactories™ that transform complex waste into valuable materials and products, fostering resource circularity. By leveraging microrecycling science, diverse waste streams, such as glass, textiles, e-waste, batteries, and plastics are transformed into new products, such as Green metals, Green Ceramics™ and 3D printing filament. The Green Steel™ Polymer Injection Technology (PIT), also developed by SMaRT, uses waste rubber as a partial replacement for coke and coal needed in electric arc furnace steelmaking. Green Steel™ PIT enhances production efficiency, reduces emissions, and amplifies yields. These groundbreaking recycling practices embody the principles of a circular economy, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
Materials Revolution was developed by UNSW Library in collaboration with the UNSW SMaRT Centre.
Materials Revolution is part of a suite of UNSW Library displays considering radical technological shifts from the 18th century to present. See also, Industrial Revolution: Foundations of Modern Manufacturing (Main Library, level 3) and Technological Revolution: The Age of Acceleration (Art & Design Paddington Library).
Accessibility: UNSW Main Library is wheelchair accessible. Large-text artwork labels, braille exhibition guide, and audio-described guide will be available.
