Nanotechnology being the most dynamic and rapidly developing areas of interdisciplinary research in applied engineering has revolutionised with a wide range of scientific and technological fields because of its inherent distinguished physical and chemical properties at the nanoscale. The research works reported on material science aims at adopting the advanced state-of-the-art of nanofabrication and its application to the nanoscience and nanotechnology fields. The work reported here focuses on the development of Nano-composites for varied engineering applications.
These works are broadly classified into Polymer, Ceramic, and Metal based composites:
- Polymer Based Composites*:Research and development efforts throughout the academic and Industrial sectors have resulted in innovative technologies for the fabrication of the polymer composites. In these composites, the polymer matrix was reinforced with both micro and Nanofillers. The developed novel hybrid composites reinforced with micro, nano and micro-nano filler combinations were comparatively lightweight and exhibited enhanced mechanical performance as compared to conventional composites for aviation and automotive structures like windmill blade, drone, and medical implants. Micro-fillers like CFs and nano-fillers like graphene and CFs can be used as reinforcements in the polymer-based matrix for the development of the said materials for future structural applications as well. Nano-thin film deposition focused on tribological applications facilitated addressing problems of machining industries. These works have won several prestigious awards such as Bosch Inscribe, ICAMDE.
Polymer Based Nano-composites*
Links: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jart.2017.01.014 https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1740349915599182
PDMS micropumpDevelopment of magnetically actuated PDMS micropump for drug delivery was undertaken with the fabrication of a simple, dual-chamber, valveless PDMS micropump with an integrated magnetic actuator for drug delivery applications. The micropump developed in the cleanroom consisted of two circular reservoirs provided with end nozzle diffusers. The reservoirs were sealed with a thin PDMS layer and a permanent magnet was attached over it to form the actuation membrane. An external magnet fixed to a rotating DC motor shaft is used to excite the actuation membrane.
Links: http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/376/1/012063
- Ceramic Based Composites:Ceramic-based composites were developed such as CFRP panels and CFRP footings for disaster management applications. Also, the developed ceramic composites addressed the societal as well as industrial problems adequately. The waste material like granite sludge which was a major concern for environmental issues found its effective utilization in terms of alternative material for the construction Industry. This problem also nullifies the major problem of the carbon footprint of cement industries. Nanomaterials have a great potential to enhance the mechanical properties of traditional cement-based nano-composites that are used for structural applications. The present work aims to increase the strength of cement composite beams subjected to surface cracks by coating the cracks by nanomaterial crack filler*.
- Ceramic Based Composites
Ceramic Based Composites
Links: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1740349912448998 *https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/asp/mf/2017/00000006/00000004/art00006
- Membrane Technology:Polymer-based membranes developed as part of membrane technology addressed the problems on Biogas enrichment for automotive traction as well as power generation applications Membranes were also developed for Pervapouration applications where the alcohol procured from sugar industry was effectively used to separate the moisture. These works were funded by institutions of higher learning and government agencies.
Membranes for gas separation
- Bioplastic for packaging applicationsAs synthetic plastics are the major concern for environmental issues suitable alternative biodegradable materials were developed. The development of biodegradable plastic at commercial scale being a challenging issue is undertaken as both at research and start upscale. Developed novel and alternative Bioproduct for Packaging and Home Utensils.
BIOPLASTIC MATERIAL AT CMS
Link: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jayachandra_Yaradoddi/publication/309923037