FIELDS OF RESEARCH

 

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Studies on crystallization, phase transition, surface morphology and mechanical, micromechanical, thermal, electrical and other properties of soft condensed matters (such as polymeric, organic and biological substances, viz. synthetic and natural polymers, polymer blends and composites, polymer hydrogels, liquid crystalline materials, etc.).

 


 

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EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES AND INSTRUMENTS USED

 

Fabrication Techniques

 

                                 1.        Preparation of polymeric materials with gradient properties using the method of Temperature Slope Crystallization (TSC).

 

                                 2.        Preparation of solution grown crystals.

 

                                 3.        Production of cold- and hot-drawn samples of crystalline and amorphous polymers, Natural and synthetic rubbers;

 

                                 4.        Production of solution and melt cast blends;

 

                                 5.        Preparation of hot- and cold rolled samples of polymers;

 

                                 6.        Preparation of hydrogels by radiation crosslinked method for medical applications;

 

                                 7.        Fabrication of bioplastics from renewable resources;

 

                                 8.        Synthesis of nanomaterials;

 

                                 9.        Fabrication of polymeric nanocomposites with nanofiller reinforcement;

 

                              10.      Fabrication and development of polymeric composites reinforced with natural fibers and additives;

 

                              11.      Modification of natural fibers by chemical treatments and nanoparticle impregnation.

 

                              12.      Ultra-sonication of natural fibers

 


 

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Characterizing Techniques

 

                              1.           Calorimetric studies using a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) or Differential thermal Analyzer (DTA) and Thermal analyses by TGA, TMA, DMA etc.

 

                              2.           Study of crystal structure by both X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and neutron scattering (NS) methods; Dynamic simultaneous wide- and small- angle x-ray scattering studies using Synchrotron Radiation.

 

                              3.           Measurement of electrical/dielectric properties.

 

                              4.           Optical Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy.

 

                              5.           Microhardness measurements of polymers in situ using a dynamic microindentation tester.

 

                              6.           Mechanical and Dynamic mechanical tests.

 

                              7.           UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Atomic absorption spectroscopy, etc.

 

                              8.           Contact angle, Density, Melt flow index, viscosity etc. measurements.