Dr Ka Wai Fan

I am an early career researcher. I completed my PhD in Chemical Engineering (UNSW) in 2016, dedicated to the development of functional polymeric coating from dopamine and structurally similar heterocyclic monomers for nanoparticle and encapsulation applications.

Soon after graduation, I joined the Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (A*STAR) in Singapore, giving me the opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge in the R&D industry. I was in charge of the development of a silica-based encapsulation technologies for phase change material and helped implement the technology to the products of a local manufacturer.

After my appointment in Singapore, I was offered my current role at UNSW as a research associate, working under an industry collaboration with Flame Security International (FSI) Australia to develop flame retardant technologies for various applications. Some of the research work involved developing flame retardant additives for polymer composites and intumescent paints. Early in 2020, I was appointed as a sub-division team leader, facilitating product development for bushfire situations. Our focus is to develop new phosphate-based retardants with better efficiency and less environmental impact. In doing so, nature-derived compounds and biopolymers have been employed to create synergistic effects. We also focus on employing simple and green manufacture techniques, ensuring that the developed products could be manufactured readily and launched in the market with high credibility.