Chemistry

CENTRE FOR BIO-BASED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

About the centre:

The centre engages in the design, fabrication and experimental evaluation of polymer matrix composite materials developed by reinforcing agricultural waste/by-products suitable for automobile, aerospace, marine and structural applications.

The centre houses a state-of-the-art fabricating & testing facility.  Research is focused on the development of new eco-friendly composite materials by using variety of natural fibres derived from plant origin such as areca, sisal, banana, jute, pineapple etc.

Products Developed

Industry ready composite materials based on natural areca, banana, jute, sisal, & pineapple fibres are designed and developed.

Research Grants

Principal Investigator	Project Title	Funding Agency	Research Grants	Status
Dr. Basavaraju Bennehalli	Physicochemical & mechanical characterisation of natural areca fiber reinforced polymer composite materials	VGST, Department of IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnatka	30,00,000.00	Completed

Facilities

• Universal testing machine
• Compression moulding unit
• Wear & friction monitor
• Moisture analyser

Wear and Friction Monitor

Lab view

Lab view

Universal Testing Machine

Compression Moulding Unit

Moisture Analyser

Research Group

• Basavaraju Bennehalli – basavaraju@aiet.org.in
• Pramod VB – pramodvb@gmail.com
• Sakshi S. Kamath – sakshi@aiet.org.in

Research Scholars

Research Scholar	Research Guide	Research Title	University	Status
Mrs. Dhanalaksmi S	Dr. Basavaraju Bennehalli	Study of effect of chemical treatments on characterization of areca fibre Reinforced polymer composites	JNTU, Hyderabad	Ph. D degree awarded
Mrs. Ramadevi P	Dr. Basavaraju Bennehalli	Chemical treatment of natural abaca fiber for surface modification and its impact on properties of abaca fiber reinforced polymer composite	JNTU, Hyderabad	Ph. D degree awarded
Raghu Patel GR	Dr. Basavaraju Bennehalli	Influence of Surface Modification on Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Single Areca Fiber”	VTU, Belagavi, Karnataka	Course work Completed
Manuel Radrigus	Dr. Basavaraju Bennehalli	Synthesis & Pharmacological Investigation of Heterocycle                              Encompassed Benzoxazole Nucleus”	VTU, Belagavi, Karnataka	Course work Completed
Sakshi S. Kamath	Dr. Basavaraju Bennehalli	The study of  effect of surface modifications and fiber loading on areca fiber reinforced polymer composites	VTU, Belagavi, Karnataka	Course work Completed

Unique Labs: Electrochemistry and Nano Science lab

Faculty Incharge: Dr. Pavithra G.P.

Aim:

The lab aims at fabrication of Nano-structured Multilayer Alloy coatings using electrodeposition method by modulating current pulse. This new class of materials with alternating layers of different metal composition, having a thickness of few nanometers with ultrafine microstructure is of interest because of their fundamental and technological importance.

Electrochemical water splitting into Hydrogen/ Oxygen evolution reaction in acidic or alkaline solution, using an effective electro catalyst plays a growing role in the fabrication of alternative energy devices. In this context, the designing and development of various earth-abundant transition metals along with nano particles as highly efficient electro catalysts will benefit the technology through clean and sustainable energy system.

• Dr.Basavaraju B has received research grant of 30 lakh Rupees by Vision Group on Science & Technology (VGST), Government of Karnataka under CISEE scheme to carry out the project titled, “Physicochemical and mechanical characterization of natural areca fibre reinforced polymer composite materials”.

• Dr. Pavithra G P, Faculty,  Chemistry department has received 5 lakh Rupees under Seed Money for Young Scientist Research Scheme (SMYSR), catalyzed and supported by Vision Group on Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka. The project title: “Ni-Mo Composite Coatings with Ni-ONano-Particles as Electrocatalytic Material”