​​​​Polymers and Advanced Functional Nanofibers Group
We work in the following areas of Polymeric materials and Nanotechnology with a focus on materials chemistry and physics aspects:
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Advanced Functional Nanofibers (electrospun nanofibers based on inorganic oxides for sensing and catalytic applications, electrospun polymer nanocomposites for energy and biomedical applications)
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Energy Materials (gel polymer electrolytes/separators for Li-ion, Na-ion and Mg-ion batteries)
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Flexible Electronics (piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators for energy harvesting, force/pressure sensors, gas sensors)
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Polymer Nanocomposites (from various polymers and nanofillers)
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Polymer Blends (specialty polymer blends, interaction between polymers)
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Waste Management (recycling of waste polymers, fly ash)
Sponsored R&D projects
'Development of Adrenaline Auto Injector Prototype for Intramuscular use in Serious Allergic Reactions'
Funding Agency: DST-MIDAS
Amount: INR 33,85,454
Duration: 2024-2026
Role: Co-PI (PI: Prof. Sharnappa Joladarashi, NITK)​
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'Integrated Experience of Additive Manufacturing from Lab Scale to Industrial Scale’
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation (USA) International Research Experience for Students (IRES) grant
Amount: US $ 269,333
Duration: 2020-2024
Role: Co-PI (PIs: Prof. Nikhil Gupta, New York University, USA & Dr. Mrityunjay Doddamani, IIT Mandi)
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'Mitigating Dendrite Growth Using Engineered Electrolyte Layers for the Development of High Energy Density, Long Cycle Life Lithium Batteries’
Funding Agency: DST-MES-2018
Amount: INR 64,43,608
Duration: 2019-2022
Role: Co-PI (PI: Dr. A.M.Shanmugharaj, VISTAS, Chennai)
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‘Novel Nanocomposites from bio-degradable polymers and nano-structured fly ash’
Funding agency: DST-SERB (fast track scheme for young scientists)
Amount: INR 18,17,000
Duration: 2012-2015
Role: PI
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‘Development of Nanofibers from Polymer Nanocomposites by Electrospinning’
Funding agency: NITK (Seed grant)
Amount: Rs. 5,00,000
Duration: 2009-2011
Role: PI
Collaborators​
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Dr. Arunjunairaj Mahendran, Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH, St.Veit an der Glan, Austria.
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Dr. Mohammed Khalifa, Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH, St.Veit an der Glan, Austria.
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Dr. Selvakumar Murugesan, NITK, India.
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Dr. Nibedita Lenka, National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, India.
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Prof. Rahul Bhandary, Dept. of Periodontology, NITTE Deemed to be University, India.
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Dr. Ramanujam, Amrita School of Physical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India.