To contribute to design and development of advanced materials by utilizing my knowledge of chemistry,polymer synthesis,polymer compounding,characterization and mechanical testing
Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering (July 2000- December 2004), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. Thesis: “Elastomer Toughened LCP Hybrid Composites”(In collaboration with North Dakota State University). Advisors: Shing Chung Wong, Xiao Hu (Co-advisor)
M.Tech., Materials Science and Engineering (January 1998), Materials Science Center, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, India. Thesis: “Dry Bonding Agent for Promoting Cord-Rubber Adhesion in Automobile Tyres”. Advisors: C.K.Das and S.K.Mustafi (General Manager, Birla Tyres, Balasore, Orissa)
M.S., Chemistry (May 1995), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, India. Thesis: “Ionic Interaction at Electrode-Electrolyte Interfaces” Advisor: Dr. M.V.Sangaranarayanan
B.S., Chemistry (May 1993), Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India
My PhD thesis research focused on the development, characterization and mechanical behavior of hybrid composites consisting of liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) and glass fiber in a rubber toughened nylon matrix. The effects of LCP hybridization on the following characteristics of glass fiber reinforced toughened nylons were systematically evaluated. They are:
I was also involved in a research project with Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Singapore on the development and characterization of thermoplastic nanocomposites by melt compounding.
| Polymer Processing | Twin Screw Extruder (Leistritz Micro 18/GL-30D), BA 300 CDPlus Injection molding machine, Torque Rheometer (HAAKE Rheocord). |
| Specimen Preparation | Petro-Thin Sectioning System (Buehler), Automatic Polishing machine (Struers RotoPol-35), Ultramicrotome (Leica UCT). |
| Materials Characterization | Modulated Differential Scanning Calorimeter (TA 2920), Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (TA 2980), Thermo Gravimetric Analyzer (Hi-res TGA 2950), Wide Angle X-ray Diffractometer (Shimadzu), Fourier Transform Infra red Spectrometer (Perkin Elmer) Scanning Electron Microscope (JEOL 5410 LV), Polarizing Optical Microscope (Nikon), Capillary Rheometer (Goettfert 6000), Transmission Electron Microscope (JEOL 2010), Image analyzers, Gel permeation Chromatograph(GPC) |
| Mechanical Testing | Universal Testing Machine (INSTRON 5565), CEAST Resil Impactor. |
December 2003 to Present
Research Fellow, Energetic Materials Research Centre, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Project:
June 1998 to June 2000
Research and Development Engineer, Cochin Minerals and Rutiles Ltd, Cochin, Kerala, India
Company profile:
Cochin Minerals and Rutiles Ltd is a 100% export oriented company involved in the manufacture of synthetic rutile, raw material for the manufacture of titanium dioxide pigment and titanium metal. The major customers of the company are Du Pont USA, Mitsui Corporation Japan and Sumitomo Chemicals, Japan
Nature of work: Product development, Devising process modifications for improved productivity, Trouble-shooting for process breakdowns in the plant.
Major Project: Directed the complete commissioning of off-grade titanium dioxide pigment plant.
August 1997 to December 1997
Project Internship, R&D division, Birla Tyres Ltd, Balasore, India
Conducted quality control tests on rubber compounds to evaluate the performance of dry bonding agent on cord-rubber adhesion.
Teaching assistant, NTU (Fall 2002): Conducted undergraduate lab course on thermal transitions in polymers and responsible for evaluation of lab reports.