Research

Title of the Ph.D Thesis:

“Ethylene propylene diene ter polymer/hexa fluoropropylene vinylediene fluoride elastomeric composites: Thermal, Mechanical and Microwave properties”

Abstract of the Ph. D Work:

            Fluoroelastomers (FKM) are widely used in many energy related industrial applications as in automobile, aerospace, offshore applications due to their excellent resistance to heat, oil and solvent. EPDM is a material that has excellent performances in low-temperature flexibility, thermal stability, weatherability and aging resistance to oxidation and ozone. In this work, EPDM/FKM blends were prepared with and without compatibilizer. The effect of blend ratio (EPDM/FKM) on thermal, mechanical and microwave characteristics were analysed and the effect of different flame retardants like Aluminium hydroxide (ATH), Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), Decabromobiphenyl oxide (DBBO), Expanded graphite (EG) on thermal, mechanical and flame resistant properties of the prepared blend were also studied. The work investigates the beneficial effects of blending EPDM and FKM, as a potential material for high temperature applications. The possibilities of using these composites for EMI shielding and profile applications were also investigated. This is an inter-disciplinary work in collaboration with Microwave Tomography and Materials Research Laboratory, Department of Electronics, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Kochi-682 022, India.

Interests

  • Advanced Materials
  • Conducting polymers
  • Biopolymers and Biocomposites
  • Vulcanization ingredients for rubber
  • Natural fiber reinforced composites

Research Projects

  • Fabrication and Characterization of band structure engineered TiO 2 nanotubes for photocatalytic and antimicrobial applications’

    DST major project research grant for 3 years as Co-PI

    This could be a full decription about the project

  • Development of Flexible, self healing and high power density supercapacitors

  • Carbon Black Master Batch and its Evaluation

    Nine months research experience as a Research Associate in a project on the development of “Carbon Black Master Batch and its Evaluation” funded by CEAT Tyres, Mumbai.

  • Development of Novel EPDM/FKM Blend for High Temperature Applications

    One year research experience in a research project entitled “Development of Novel EPDM/FKM Blend for High Temperature Applications” funded by Research & Development, K-Flex, USA.

  • Development of Electrochemical Sensors

    One year research experience for the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) project entitled “Development of Electro Chemical Sensors” under Prof. Girish Kumar, Principal Investigator, Inorganic and Analytical lab, Dept. of Applied Chemistry, CUSAT, Kerala, India.

  • Development of Biodegradable Polymers Based on Low Density Polyethylene

    One year research experience for the project entitled “Development of Biodegradable Polymers Based on Low Density Polyethylene”

                     This project aims to investigate the development of new or modified biodegradable materials. The strategy for this can be two-fold: existing biodegradable materials can be modified to get materials of improved mechanical properties and second approach engineering polymers can be modified by blending or co-reacting with biodegradable materials. Biodegradable polymers like PLA, PHB, PCL and PVA are likely candidates for starting materials.

  • New Vulcanization Ingredients for Rubber Product Manufacture

    One year research experience for the Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) project entitled as “New Vulcanization Ingredients for Rubber Product Manufacture”.

                    The precise objectives of the project is to incorporate new rubber compounding ingredients (processing aids, accelerators and fillers) for rubber product manufacture. Study the effect of these compounding ingredients in natural rubber, synthetic rubbers and natural rubber latex vulcanization. And also estimate the cure characteristics and physical properties of the vulcanizates on a laboratory scale/on a pilot plant scale.