Patrick Keane

Dr. Patrick Keane is a Researcher at the University of Adelaide, affiliated with the School of Chemical Engineering within the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. His work focuses on advancing sustainable industrial processes through material science, thermal energy storage, and additive manufacturing. He contributes to the AlumiNEXT HILTCRC (Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre), designing laboratory-scale reactors for the Bayer process.

Research Interests:

• Material science and engineering, particularly geopolymers reinforced with basalt fibers, hemp, flax felt, and bone ash.
• Thermal energy storage systems operating at extreme temperatures (above 800°C and below -30°C), using molten salts and chloride/carbonate eutectics.
• Additive manufacturing of concrete for large-scale applications, including 3D-printed barrack huts for the US Army Corps of Engineers.
• Decarbonization of Portland cement via metakaolin-based geopolymers.

Grants & Collaborations:

• Contributed to the RACE 2030 CRC's electrification of heat initiatives.
• Authored a literature review on energy usage in Australian agriculture for the Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity.

Labs/Teams: Engaged in interdisciplinary projects at the School of Chemical Engineering, focusing on molten salt containment and ceramic precursor synthesis.