Jayanarayanan K.

Biography

Dr. Jayanarayanan K. currently serves as Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering. Coimbatore.

Research Interest

Development of insitu polymer-polymer composites from thermoplastics A new class of fiber reinforced composites called microfibrillar composites (MFCs) are prepared from two fiber forming thermoplastic polymers. The reinforcing elements are created in situ during the manufacturing process. MFC technology provides an excellent method to make use of commingled plastics in which both low melting temperature general plastics and high melting temperature engineering plastics co-exist. In the work from our group, the properties of MFCs prepared from polypropylene (PP)/ polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and low density polyethylene (LDPE)/PET blends are being analyzed. The static and dynamic mechanical, solvent sorption, and thermal degradation properties of the microfibrillar blends/composites are found to be superior to conventional LDPE/PET blends. MFCs can be prepared with electrically conductive functionalization by making use of conductive fillers. Anisotropically conductive polymer composites can be prepared using this technique. MFC based films are expected to exhibit improved barrier properties qualifying them to be used for packaging applications. MFCs provide an excellent route for the mechanical recycling of fiber forming thermoplastics. Development and Characterization of Hybrid and Nanocomposites Polymer Nanocomposites for Inflatable Space Structures Flexible laminates are prepared from different types of PET films and UHMWPE (Dyneema) fabric using polyurethane based adhesive. Peel strength, Lap shear strength and barrier properties are common objectives. The effect of plasma treatment of Dyneema fabric on the adhesion properties are analyzed. The incorporation of the nanofillers in the adhesive and its effect on the flexible laminate properties are studied. Metal /Poly Ether Ether Ketone Hybrid Composite Laminates for Nuclear Waste Storage Containers Our work includes analysis of the effectiveness of PEEK based laminates for nuclear waste storage applications, which have the best of properties, are low in cost, and are relatively easy to fabricate. We also study incorporating radiation resistant nanofillers like boron carbide and tungsten carbide in PEEK matrix by melt compounding. Subsequently surface modified steel is laminated with PEEK nanocomposite plates. The other objective is comparison of radioactive waste storage properties of the above mentioned laminates by bench marking with the conventionally used materials. Optimization of Polymer Processing Techniques especially Injection Moulding and Extrusion The quality of the products made by extrusion and injection moulding depends on machine (process) and material parameters. Design of experiments methods are employed to optimize these parameters to achieve the required properties for the products. Some of the work being carried out in this area is listed below. Impact modification of of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene for car bumper applications Optimization of scrap usage in rigid PVC pipe extrusion process Optimization of process parameters of an injection moulded gear to reduce warpage and shrinkage