Research Areas of Interest:

• Development of Biomaterial based formulations for 3-D printing and electrospinning techniques: The work involves product development and process optimization for adhesive/binder, food/gels, 3-D printing, microencapsulation, tissue engineering and packaging applications.
• Real-time investigation of processes such as, polymerization, protein denaturation, liquid-liquid phase separation, glass formation, annealing, physical aging and corresponding secondary relaxation processes by using dielectrics, calorimetry, ultrasonics and thermal conductivity techniques.
• Materials characterization by using dielectrics, specific heat spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical spectroscopy, rheological spectroscopy, ultrasonics, thermal conductivity and electron microscopy techniques in characterizing a range of materials or products such as, polymers, biopolymers, gels, emulsions and colloids, coatings and adhesives, advanced composites etc..
• Developing formulations for improving interfacial adhesion between fiber and matrix and for improving toughness of the various matrices in advanced composites (epoxy and phenolics with glass and carbon fibers).
• Mechanical and thermal characterization of various body parts (cartilage, bone, teeth, hair etc.) as a diagnostic tool for health and early detection of deterioration of the same.
• Developing core-shell nano-rubber modified epoxy to improve the mechanical properties of advanced composites for defence applications.

Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Incubation:

• Founder of IDEA-3D startup that was incubated at TBI-BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus (2014-2017). The startup objective was to develop value added products by using biomaterials for 3D-printing for biomedical applications. The funding was provided by BIRAC, DBT, India.

Sponsored Projects:

Recently Completed Project:

• Indegenization of core shell rubber modified epoxy resin. The project is funded by Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Hyderabad. Funding amount is 15.5 lakhs and the duration is 18 months (2021-2023). 

 Completed Projects (2012 to current):

• PI: Comparison of phenolic resin obtained from two sources for their properties. The project was funded by Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Hyderabad. Funding amount was 10 lakhs and the duration was 15 months (2018-2019, completed project).
• PI: Development of bio-based formulations for 3-D printing applications. The formulations are based on a variety of biomaterials and biopolymers. The project was funded by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) as part of their Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) scheme. Funding amount was 34 lakhs and the duration was 24 months (2014-2016, completed project).
• Co-PI: Characterization of Fiber / Matrix interface in Advanced Composites (Carbon fiber-phenolic based composites). The project was funded by Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Hyderabad. Funding amount was 10 lakhs and the duration was 12 months (2015-2016, completed project).

Research projects undertaken previously (prior to 2012) as Co-PI which were sponsored by industries: 

• Co-PI: Development of Zein Protein based systems for Bioplastics Applications, 08/2010 to 08/2011, co-PIs: MGPI, Inc, The project was funded by MGPI, Inc, Kansas, USA and conducted at Pittsburg State University, Kansas. Funding amount was 30,000 USD and the duration was 12 months (2010-2011, completed project).
• Co-PI: Development of Soy protein Polymers for Chewing Gum Applications. The project was funded by Wrigley, Illinois, USA and conducted at Kansas State University, Kansas. Funding amount was 95,000 USD and the duration was 12 months (2008-2009, completed project).
• Co-PI: Development of Carbon dioxide Cured and Protein based Binder Formulation and Preparation for Foundry Applications. The project was funded by Foseco, Inc, Netherlands and conducted at Kansas State University, Kansas. Funding amount was 130,000 USD and the duration was 12 months (2007-2008, completed project).