Kamil Zuber

Research Interests

3D printers and printing Additive manufacturing Astronomical and Space Instrumentation Emerging defence technologies Manufacturing Engineering Manufacturing Processes and Technologies Materials Engineering Optical Properties of Materials Optical Technology Satellite technologies, networks and services Thin Film Coatings

Teaching Strengths

Collaboration: academia & industry
Linking theory to real-world contexts
Meaningful examples and activities
Authentic assessments
Academic Teaching and Learning Development

Dr Kamil Zuber

Senior Industry Research Fellow

Future Industries Institute

Future Industries Institute

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.

Available For Media Comment.

I'm a Senior Industry Research Fellow at AU Future Industries Institute, specialising in materials engineering, coatings, additive manufacturing, and product development. I work at the intersection of research and industry, helping organisations—from SMEs to defence and space primes—translate advanced materials concepts into real‑world technologies.
 
Over my career I’ve contributed to projects including adaptive camouflage systems, freeform optical components for small satellites, heat‑reflective automotive coatings, and a range of Industry 4.0 manufacturing initiatives. My work is strongly collaborative, with long‑standing partnerships across DSTG, local manufacturers, innovation precincts, and national research programs.
I joined UniSA in 2009 through the AutoCRC, working on electrochromic and later plastic mirror technologies with SMR Technologies. This collaboration led to a commercial product manufactured in South Australia, with more than 3 million components supplied to Ford for the F‑250 platform.
 
Since then, I’ve contributed to diverse R&D programs, including contrast‑control technologies for augmented reality, WiFi‑controlled heliostats for solar thermal systems, and automotive glazing innovations. I’m also involved with the Defence and Space Industry 4.0 TestLab and co‑coordinate the university course Materials and Manufacturing (ENGM2007).
 
I’ve contributed to the development of bids for several major national initiatives, including for CRC for Intelligent Manufacturing, the iLAuNCH Trailblazer, and most recently the successful Additive Manufacturing CRC (AMCRC), launched in 2025. My focus has been building industry partnerships, shaping strategic capabilities, and supporting South Australia’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem
 
I hold a PhD from UniSA—awarded the Ian Wark Research Medal for most outstanding thesis—and a MSc in Technical Physics from AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków, Poland. I am a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng, Engineers Australia) and hold diplomas in Project Management and Leadership and Management.
 
Always keen to connect with industry partners, collaborators, and innovators across the manufacturing, defence, and space sectors.

I research advanced materials, coatings, and additive manufacturing, translating emerging technologies into real-world defence, space, and automotive applications. My work spans adaptive camouflage, freeform optical components, heat‑reflective coatings, and Industry 4.0 manufacturing, with a strong focus on industry collaboration and commercialisation of innovative materials solutions.

Date Position Institution name
2026 - ongoing Senior Industry Research Fellow Adelaide University
2023 - 2026 Senior Industry Research Fellow University of South Australia
2019 - 2023 Foundation Fellow | Research Fellow University of South Australia
2015 - 2018 Foundation Fellow | Research Associate University of South Australia
2015 - 2015 Research Assistant University of South Australia
2012 - 2014 Tutor University of South Australia
2009 - 2012 Research Assistant University of South Australia
2007 - 2008 International Visiting Research Student University of South Australia

Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
2022 Teaching Award UniSA STEM and FII Mid Career Teacher Award University of South Australia Australia -
2022 Research Award UniSA Enterprise Partnership Team Award University of South Australia Australia -
2020 Research Award UniSA STEM and FII Early Career Researcher Award University of South Australia Australia -
2016 Research Award Ian Wark Medal University of South Australia Australia -

Language Competency
Polish Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review

Date Institution name Country Title
2022 - 2023 Skills Lab Australia Diploma of Leadership and Management
2019 - 2020 Engineering Education Australia Australia Diploma of Project Management
2012 - 2015 University of South Australia Australia PhD
2007 - 2008 AGH University of Science and Technology Poland MSc
2003 - 2007 AGH University of Science and Technology Poland BSc

Date Title Institution name Country
2021 RPA Operator Accreditation CASA Australia
2017 Provide First Aid St John Australia
2017 Chartered Professional Engineer Engineers Australia Australia

Year Citation
2025 Llusca Jane, M., Patil, A., Roccisano, A., Switalska, E., Reeks, L., Zuber, K., . . . Hall, C. (2025). A novel ultra-abrasion resistant coating for enhanced durability in automotive polycarbonate glazing. Composites and Advanced Materials, 34, 1-9.
DOI WoS1
2025 Shamsuddin, W. N. S. W., Zuber, K., Murphy, P. J., & Jane, M. L. (2025). Environmentally durable Au-based low-e coatings. Coatings, 15(10, article no.1231), 1-14.
DOI
2025 Yunos, L., Murphy, P. J., Llusca Jane, M., & Zuber, K. (2025). Frequency selective surface microstructure patterning on silver-based low-e coatings: laser ablation and photolithography. Applied Surface Science Advances, 27(100761), 1-9.
DOI Scopus2 WoS3
2025 Dalgleish, J. L., Jane, M. L., Murphy, P. J., Rudd, S., Mahjoub, R., & Zuber, K. (2025). Electrochemical Analysis of <scp>PEDOT</scp> in Acetonitrile Solutions of Ionic Liquids for Active <scp>IR</scp> Technologies. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 142(19, article no. e56867), 1-15.
DOI
2024 Sethumadhavan, V., Switalska, E., Shahbazi, M., Li, Y., Zuber, K., Wang, T., . . . Sonar, P. (2024). Understanding the inherent properties of vapor phase poly (3,4 - Ethylenedioxythiophene) deposited stretchable conducting films. Advanced Electronic Materials, 10(6, article no. 2300602), 1-10.
DOI Scopus5 WoS5
2024 Wan Shamsuddin, W. N. S., Zuber, K., Murphy, P. J., & Llusca Jane, M. (2024). Environmental durability of soft low-e coatings: a review. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 266, 1-17.
DOI Scopus27 WoS26
2024 Yunos, L., Zuber, K., Murphy, P. J., & Llusca Jane, M. (2024). Weather resistant low-e coatings on polycarbonate substrates transparent to 5G signals. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 278(113181), 1-12.
DOI Scopus2 WoS2
2023 Yunos, L., Jane, M. L., Murphy, P. J., & Zuber, K. (2023). Frequency selective surface on low emissivity windows as a means of improving telecommunication signal transmission: a review. Journal of Building Engineering, 70(106416), 1-22.
DOI Scopus25 WoS24
2023 Yunos, L., Jane, M. L., Murphy, P., & Zuber, K. (2023). Microstructure FSS patterning to improve 5G microwave signals through low-e plastic windows. Results in Surfaces and Interfaces, 11(100113), 1-19.
DOI Scopus7 WoS5
2023 Alam, J., Xu, X., Adu, P. C. O., Meng, Q., Zuber, K., Afshar, S., . . . Ma, J. (2023). Enhancing thermoelectric performance of PEDOT: PSS: a review of treatment and nanocomposite strategies. Advanced Nanocomposites, 1(1), 16-38.
DOI
2023 Dalgleish, J. L., Rudd, S., Jane, M. L., Murphy, P. J., Mahjoub, R., & Zuber, K. (2023). Effects of Secondary Dopant Anions on Emissivity and Related Properties of Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene). Macromolecular Rapid Communications, 44(15), 8 pages.
DOI Scopus1 WoS1
2022 Wan Shamsuddin, W. N. S., Roccisano, A., Zuber, K., Murphy, P. J., & Llusca Jane, M. (2022). Environmentally robust Ag-Cu based low-e coatings. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 248(112033), 1-8.
DOI Scopus11 WoS7
2021 Sethumadhavan, V., Mahjoub, R., Zuber, K., Stanford, N., & Evans, D. (2021). Oxygenation of conducting polymers facilitated by structure-breaking anions. Journal of Polymer Science, 59(9), 745-753.
DOI Scopus5 WoS7
2021 Sethumadhavan, V., Mahjoub, R., Zuber, K., Stanford, N., & Evans, D. (2021). Oxygenation of conducting polymers facilitated by structure-breaking anions (vol 59, pg 745, 2021). JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE, 59(16), 1866.
DOI
2020 Alder, F. A., Charrault, E., Zuber, K., Fabretto, M., Patil, A., Murphy, P., & Llusca, M. (2020). Fabrication of robust solar mirrors on polymeric substrates by physical vapor deposition technique. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 209(110476), 1-7.
DOI Scopus22 WoS23
2020 Rehmen, J., Pathirana, T., Garcia Quintana, L., Kerr, R., Howlett, P. C., Zuber, K., . . . Evans, D. R. (2020). Structuring PEDOT hollow nanosphere electrodes for high specific energy Li-metal|polymer thin-film batteries. ACS Applied Nano Materials, 3(4), 3820-3828.
DOI Scopus9 WoS9
2020 Sethumadhavan, V., Zuber, K., Bassell, C., Teasdale, P. R., & Evans, D. (2020). Hydrolysis of doped conducting polymers. Communications Chemistry, 3(1, article no. 153), 1-9.
DOI Scopus23 WoS25 Europe PMC9
2019 Sethumadhavan, V., Rudd, S., Switalska, E., Zuber, K., Teasdale, P., & Evans, D. (2019). Recent advances in ion sensing with conducting polymers. BMC materials, 1(4), 1-14.
DOI
2019 Rehmen, J., Zuber, K., Modarresi, M., Kim, D., Charrault, E., Jannasch, P., . . . Karlsson, C. (2019). Structural control of charge storage capacity to achieve 100% doping in vapor phase-polymerized PEDOT/tosylate. ACS Omega, 4(26), 21818-21826.
DOI Scopus13 WoS12 Europe PMC3
2019 Jia, P., Zuber, K., Guo, Q., Gibson, B. C., Yang, J., & Ebendorff-Heidepriem, H. (2019). Large-area freestanding gold nanomembranes with nanoholes. Materials Horizons, 5(5), 1005-1012.
DOI Scopus22 WoS20
2018 Sharma, A., Andersson, G., Rivnay, J., Alvino, J. F., Metha, G. F., Andersson, M. R., . . . Fabretto, M. (2018). Insights into the Oxidant/Polymer Interfacial Growth of Vapor Phase Polymerized PEDOT Thin Films. Advanced Materials Interfaces, 5(18), 8 pages.
DOI Scopus19 WoS17
2018 James, R. A., Stapleton, A. J., Hughes, A., Charrault, E., Zuber, K., Switalska, E., . . . Llusca, M. (2018). Metallic adhesive layers for ag-based first surface mirrors. Advanced engineering materials, 20(7, article no. 1800106), 1-7.
DOI Scopus17 WoS17
2018 Zuber, K., Shere, H., Rehmen, J., Wheaton, V., Fabretto, M., Murphy, P. J., & Evans, D. R. (2018). Influence of Postsynthesis Heat Treatment on Vapor-Phase-Polymerized Conductive Polymers. ACS Omega, 3(10), 12679-12687.
DOI Scopus15 WoS13 Europe PMC1
2017 Markanday, J. F. S., Charrault, E., Evans, D., Zuber, K., & Hall, C. (2017). Chemical seeding via propanol plasma pretreatment for improving adhesion and properties of PECVD siloxane coatings on polymers. Plasma processes and polymers, 14(8, article no. e1600106), 1-12.
DOI Scopus4 WoS3
2017 Zuber, K., Markanday, J. F. S., Hall, C., Evans, D., Charrault, E., & Murphy, P. (2017). Post-polymerization surface segregation in thin PECVD siloxane films leading to a self-regenerative effect. Plasma processes and polymers, 14(9, article no. e1600233), 1-7.
DOI Scopus9 WoS9
2017 Rudd, R., Barthe, C., Zuber, K., Murphy, P., Hall, C., Evans, D., & Charrault, E. (2017). Degradation and gelation during plasma synthesis of nanoparticles in ionic liquids. The journal of physical chemistry C, 121(11), 6349-6356.
DOI WoS2
2015 Zuber, K., Evans, D. R., McClure, S., & Murphy, P. J. (2015). Mesoporous siloxane films through thermal oxidation of siloxane-carbon nanocomposites. Advanced engineering materials, 17(11), 1547-1555.
DOI Scopus5 WoS5
2015 Brooke, R., Fabretto, M., Vucaj, N., Zuber, K., Switalska, E., Reeks, L., . . . Evans, D. (2015). Effect of oxidant on the performance of conductive polymer films prepared by vacuum vapor phase polymerization for smart window applications. Smart Materials and Structures, 24(3), 1-9.
DOI Scopus24 WoS18
2014 Fabretto, M., Hall, C., Evans, D., Zuber, K., Switalska, E., Reeks, L., . . . Murphy, P. (2014). Optical coatings for automotive applications: a case study in translating fundamental materials science into commercial reality. Translational Materials Research, 1(2), 1-18.
DOI WoS9
2014 Zuber, K., Murphy, P., & Evans, D. (2014). One-step fabrication of nanocomposite thin films of PTFE in SiOx for repelling water. Advanced engineering materials, 17(4), 474-482.
DOI Scopus13 WoS12
2013 Fröhlich, K., Hojati-Talemi, P., Bishop, M., Zuber, K., Murphy, P., & Evans, D. (2013). Large area nanostructured arrays: optical properties of metallic nanotubes. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 5(9), 3937-3942.
DOI Scopus1 WoS1 Europe PMC1
2013 Hall, C., Field, S., Zuber, K., Murphy, P., & Evans, D. (2013). Corrosion resistance of robust optical and electrical thin film coatings on polymeric substrates. Corrosion science, 69, 406-411.
DOI Scopus15 WoS15
2013 Zuber, K., Evans, D., & Murphy, P. (2013). Nanoporous glass films on liquids. ACS applied materials and interfaces, 6(1), 507-512.
DOI Scopus9 WoS8 Europe PMC2
2013 Zuber, K., Downey, E. F., Hall, C., Murphy, P., & Evans, D. (2013). Growth of sputtered nanocomposite alloys on polymeric substrates : the role of the substrate's mechanical hardness. Advanced Engineering Materials, 15(11), 1076-1081.
DOI Scopus5 WoS5
2013 Frohlich, K., Hojati Talemi, P., Bishop, M., Zuber, K., Murphy, P., & Evans, D. (2013). Large area nanostructured arrays: optical properties of metallic nanotubes. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 5(9), 3937-3942.
DOI
2012 Fabretto, M., Evans, D., Mueller, M., Zuber, K., Hojati-Talemi, P., Short, R., . . . Murphy, P. (2012). Polymeric material with metal-like conductivity for next generation organic electronic devices. Chemistry of Materials, 24(20), 3998-4003.
DOI Scopus230 WoS219
2012 Evans, D., Fabretto, M., Mueller, M., Zuber, K., Short, R., & Murphy, P. (2012). Structure-directed growth of high conductivity PEDOT from liquid-like oxidant layers during vacuum vapor phase polymerization. Journal of materials chemistry, 22(30), 14889-14895.
DOI Scopus93 WoS89
2012 Zuber, K., Hall, C., Murphy, P., & Evans, D. (2012). Enhanced abrasion resistance of ultrathin reflective coatings on polymeric substrates : an improvement upon glass substrates. Wear, 297(1/2), 986-991.
DOI Scopus12 WoS12
2012 Zuber, K., Hall, C., Murphy, P., & Evans, D. (2012). Atomic structure studies of chrome alloy coatings and their abrasion resistance. Surface and coatings technology, 206(17), 3645-3649.
DOI Scopus9 WoS10
2012 Evans, D., Zuber, K., & Murphy, P. (2012). Ultrathin films of co-sputtered CrZrx alloys on polymeric substrates. Surface and coatings technology, 206(18), 3733-3738.
DOI Scopus11 WoS11
2012 Zuber, K., Merkens, K., Frohlich, K., Murphy, P., Wong Leung, J., & Evans, D. (2012). Anderson-like localization in ultrathin nanocomposite alloy films on polymeric substrates. Scripta materialia, 67(10), 866-869.
DOI Scopus2 WoS2
2012 Evans, D., Zuber, K., Merkens, K., & Murphy, P. (2012). Orbital hybridization, crystal structure and anomalous resistivity of ultrathin CrZr x alloy films on polymeric substrates. Scripta Materialia, 67(4), 356-359.
DOI Scopus5 WoS5
2011 Evans, D., Zuber, K., Hall, C., Griesser, H. J., & Murphy, P. (2011). Abrasion resistance of thin film coatings as measured by diffuse optical scattering. Surface and coatings technology, 206(2-3), 312-317.
DOI Scopus14 WoS14
2011 Fabretto, M., Zuber, K., Jariego Moncunill, C. N., & Murphy, P. (2011). Measurement protocols for reporting PEDOT thin film conductivity and optical transmission : a critical survey. Macromolecular chemistry and physics, 212(19), 2173-2180.
DOI Scopus29 WoS26
2009 Fabretto, M., Zuber, K., Hall, C., Murphy, P., & Griesser, H. J. (2009). The role of water in the synthesis and performance of vapour phase polymerised PEDOT electrochromic devices. Journal of materials chemistry, 19(42), 7871-7878.
DOI Scopus101 WoS94
2009 Fabretto, M., Müller, M., Zuber, K., & Murphy, P. (2009). Influence of PEG-ran-PPG surfactant on vapour phase polymerised PEDOT thin films. Macromolecular rapid communications, 30(21), 1846-1851.
DOI Scopus53 WoS50 Europe PMC10
2008 Fabretto, M. V., Zuber, K., Hall, C. J., & Murphy, P. J. (2008). High conductivity PEDOT using humidity facilitated vacuum vapour phase polymerisation. Macromolecular rapid communications, 29(16), 1403-1409.
DOI Scopus74 WoS70
2008 Zuber, K., Fabretto, M. V., Hall, C. J., & Murphy, P. J. (2008). Improved PEDOT conductivity via suppression of crystallite formation in Fe(III) Tosylate during vapor phase polymerization. Macromolecular rapid communications, 29(18), 1503-1508.
DOI Scopus95 WoS89

Year Citation
2023 Yunos, L., Jane, M. L., Murphy, P., & Zuber, K. (2023). WO2023230665A1, Signal friendly metallic surfaces.
2023 Jane, M. L., Pajak, A., Zuber, K., Switalska, E., & Murphy, P. J. (2023). WO/2023/230664 A1, Coated articles with a low-e coating.
2022 Llusca Jane, M., Hall, C. J., Pająk, A., Patil, A., Switalska, E., Luqman, N. Y., . . . Zuber, K. (2022). AU2022901475A0, Coated articles with a low-e coating and/or a hard coat.
2019 Nicholson, J., Koehne, S., Edwards, S., Belcher, S., Chapman Winter, M., Evans, D. R., . . . Zuber, K. (2019). 20200011502, Light efficiency methods for vehicular HTL systems.
2016 Evans, D. R., Zuber, K., Hall, C. J., & Field, S. D. (2016). US20160059773, Coated Polymeric Substrates.
2015 Evans, D. R., Zuber, K., Hall, C. J., & Field, S. D. (2015). CN104302803, Chromium-based reflective coating.
2012 Hall, C. J., Field, S. D., & Zuber, K. (2012). EP2517055, Plastic Automotive Mirrors.
2011 Mazurkiewicz, J. H., Wallace, G. G., Innis, C. P., Edwards, S. A., Murphy, P. J., Hall, C., . . . Zuber, K. (2011). US20110261430, Processes for producing electrochromic substrates and electrochromic articles made therefrom.

CI (Project Lead):

  • "Additive Manufacture of novel materials for optical components, satellite sub-assemblies" iLAuNCH Trailblazer Universities Programme, collaborative project with VPG Innovations, SMR Automotive and DSTG; 2023- 2026
  • "Freeform optics for low orbit satellites” Defence Innovation Partnership, collaborative project with AMAERO, SMR Automotive and DSTG; 2021
  • “Active visual camouflage for Unmanned Aerial Systems” Next Generation Technology Fund (NGTF): Small Business Innovation Research for Defence (SBIRD); collaborative project with SYPAQ Systems, 2019
  • The development of lightweight, flexible, adaptive camouflage panels, DSTG, 2016 - 2017

    CRC Bids:
  • Academic lead for UniSA for RC4IM (Cooperative Research Centre for Intelligent Manufacturing) coordinating UniSA and SA state response, gaining industry support, developing concept of the SA Node and SA State Government support (2021-2022)
  • Assistance in a succesful bid for iLAuNCH Trailblazer Universities Programme - industry engagement, establishment of core projects (2023)
  • Co-lead  (with Prof Colin Hall) on the Surface Manufacturing CRC- SMCRC then merged into a succesful bid for Additive Manufacturing CRC (AMCRC) funded in 25th Round; bringing industry engagement and SA State Government support (2024-2025)

Project Team Member:

  • Small satellite thermal management with 3D printed metal heat sinks containing phase change material thermal storage (Artur Medon PhD project), SmartSat CRC, 2021 - 2024
  • Light-Weight Plastic Glazing, MARii (Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute) 2020-2023
  • WiFi controlled Heliostats - collaboration with Precision Components and Heliostat SA (2016-17)
  • Plastic robust electrochromic devices, DSTG, 2015-16
  • Development of Automotive Plastic Mirror-  collaboration with SMR Automotive,  AutoCRC  (2009-2012)
  • Development of Electrochromic Mirrors funded by AutoCRC in collaboration with SMR Automotive, funded by AutoCRC (2007-2009)

Course (co-)coordinator:
ENGM2007 Materials and Manufacturing (current)

AU Curriculum Development (2024-2025)
Stage 2 - Mechanical Engineering Programme
Stage 3 - Course Development (ENGM2000 Mechanics of Materials and ENGM2007 Materials and Manufacturing)

Course coordinator:
MFET 2001 Manufacturing Processes (2020-2025)

Tutor:
RENG1005 Engineering Materials (2012-2014)

Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
2023 Co-Supervisor Developing high-quality optical coatings for rare-earth doped fluoride glass waveguide lasers Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Rahma Tarek Mohamed Elsebaie
2023 Principal Supervisor Freeform Telescope Design and Fabrication for Compact, Lightweight, High-Performance Infrared Sensors Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Cheryl Chan

Date Role Membership Country
2015 - ongoing Member Engineers Australia -

Date Engagement Type Partner Name
2023 - ongoing Collaboration Starke AMG / VPG Innovations
2021 - 2022 Collaboration AMAERO Engineering Pty. Ltd
2019 - 2023 Collaboration MARii (Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute)
2019 - 2020 Collaboration SYPAQ Systems Ltd
2015 - ongoing Collaboration DSTG
2009 - ongoing Collaboration Motherson / SMR Automotive

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