Research / Academic Projects 

Process development for synthesizing novel nanomaterials (Core shell type) using dusty plasmas 

Thesis Title: Process development for synthesizing core-shell nanoparticles with liquid cores utilizing dusty plasma techniques

Key contributions are reported in the paper : Munaswamy Murugesh and Koichi Sasaki, Synthesis of core-shell nanoparticles with liquid core using magnetron sputtering and capacitively coupled dusty plasmas,  Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 63 056003 (2024) , https://doi.org/10.35848/1347-4065/ad483d 

Keywords: Magnetron Sputtering (PVD), Thin film deposition, RF Plasma (CVD), nanoparticles, vaccum technologies

Abstract: We succeeded in depositing amorphous carbon films around tin nanodroplets retained in a capacitively coupled plasma (CCP). High-pressure magnetron sputtering was used for synthesizing tin nanoparticles at the top of a vacuum chamber. Tin nanoparticles were transported to CCP at the bottom of the chamber, and they were trapped in the sheath above an rf electrode. Tin nanoparticles were heated above the mp by ion bombardment in CCP. We introduced methane into CCP to deposit amorphous carbon films around melted tin nanoparticles. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) images of core–shell nanoparticles showed completely spherical cores. We observed the melting of cores at the melting point of metal tin when we heated core–shell nanoparticles in TEM, suggesting that the amorphous carbon films protected cores from the oxidation. In addition, the amorphous carbon films were robust against the volume expansion of the cores due to melting.  

Laser Assisted Material Processing & Synthesis of Nanoparticles 

1. Synthesis and characterization of TiO2 and diamond like carbon nano particles using ultrashort (fs) pulse laser ablation (IIT Madras, India)

2. Synthesis and characterization of TiO2 and graphite nano particles using nano second (ns) pulsed laser ablation at solid-solid interface (Hokkaido University, Japan)

3. Masters Thesis : Ultrashort Pulse Laser Processing for Generating Micro/Nano Scale Features and Nanoparticles

In the current research Microchannels in the order of 120 µm and multiscale hierarchical structures on Ti6Al4V with fs-pulsed laser were experimentally generated. Microscale pillars and spikes were observed in the order of 6 – 10 µm and nanoscale ripples in the order of 500 - 1030 nm on the target. Nanoparticles synthesis by pulsed laser ablation at solid-solid interface with transparent ice is demonstrated. Nanoparticles in the order of 1.5 nm to 500 nm for TiO2 and graphite were observed.

4. Machining and characterization of micro holes in high temperature materials using hybrid machining process  (IIT Madras, India)

Involved in procurement of competent ultrashort pulse laser and EDM systems, developing the micro machining facility of Ultrafast laser and Micro EDM technologies and experimental investigations of micro holes on high temperature materials.

CNC & Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (W- EDM)

5. Machining of Pure Tungsten with Improved Productivity & Quality   (IIT Hyderabad, India)

Research focused to get optimal design and parameters for EDM machining of pure tungsten followed by hot machining fixture design and testing for the same. Outcome is optimized parameters & relation for surface roughness and kerf values to improve productivity and quality. Tools used as follows Wire EDM, CNC VMC, Induction Heating setup, MiniTab, Optical Microscope for MRR and Solid Edge for design and drafting the total process and fixture.

Metallography & Characterization 

6. Metallography of Bead welded samples of mild steel (IIT Hyderabad, India)

Research focused on characterization by using obtained microstructures, micro hardness and bead geometry measurement of bead welded samples prepared by Vibration assisted Twin Wire welding. Tools used are as follows Cold mounting, polishing by emery sheets, diamond paste and etching and imaging of micro-structures; further measurement of bead geometry and Vickers hardness

7. Macro/Micro structures analysis of micro plasma welded samples (IIT Guwahati, India)

Research of current work focused to resolve problems in getting microstructures of micro plasma welded samples of SS303 & Ti6Al4V further by proper imaging of the same. Tools used are as follows Hot mounting & polishing of samples by using emery sheets & Alumina powder, etching and imaging of micro, macro structures.

Industrial Internship

8. Manufacturing and Assembly of machine tools (Hindustan Machine Tools Limited, Bangalore Complex, Bangalore, India)

The study of company manufacturing cycle starting with order Tools, Foundry shop to assembly of Small & Heavy parts. Second month associated with Assembly of L-45, High Speed Gear Shaping & Gear Hobber, learnt basics of PLC programming for CNC Systems and Material Testing Techniques

B.Tech Final Project

9. Reductions of Shocks and Vibrations by Angular Mounts

Project is about Angular Mounts by using Poly Urethane (PU) Rubber. Aims to show the advantages with application of PU rubber over existing mounts with NBR (Nitro Butyl Rubber), will have reliable Hardness, Deflection, Life span; which gives cutting edge to other types of angular mounts.

Course work Projects/Seminars

1. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy  (LIBS) 

2. Point-to-point absolute distance measurement By low-coherence interferometry

3. Comparison of Conventional and Unconventional Machining (Laser, Micro Milling)

4. Robust Parameter Design and Process Robustness Studies 

5. Antibacterial titanium nanopatterned arrays inspired by dragonfly wings

6. Bio Inspired functional surfaces (multiscale hierarchical structures) on Ti6Al4V - mimicking of Tetrodontophora bielanensis springtail cuticle and skin surface

7. Design a Bio-MEMS device for parallel single-cell therapy and diagnostics using photoelectroporation method