The project is expected to deliver a prototype of the fast-acting, sprayable membrane for market introduction by BASF.

It will also include regulatory testing, mine approval and application trials in underground mines.

Although initial trialling will be conducted in Australia, the potential market for this product is international, according to BASF.

University of Wollongong’s Professor Ernest Baafi said: “Currently, operators are required to manually lift and install mesh sheets to capture any dislodged roof material for strata reinforcement and confinement in underground coal mines. ToughSkin is a polymeric alternative to steel mesh with enhanced capabilities.

Because the product can be spray-applied, ToughSkin is expected to generate improvements in safety, development productivity and effectiveness in the roadway development support cycle,” BASF SE global head of underground construction chemicals Matthew Ross said.

The project was previously been supported with more than $5 million in competitive grant funding from ACARP since September 2007.

The University of Wollongong is globally ranked as one of Australia’s best modern universities and currently sits among the top 2% of universities in the world.

BASF’s portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas.