Mastering Materials at the Nanoscale

PRIME Lab (Polymer Research for Integrated Mechanical & Electronic Applications), led by Dr. Payel Bandyopadhyay in the Department of Physics and Nanotechnology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology.

We bridge the gap between molecular architecture and macroscopic performance. By leveraging high-resolution nanomechanics and advanced viscoelastic modelling, we engineer next-generation polymer composites structures for biomedical, electronic, and structural applications.

Predictive Science for Real-World Impact

At PRIME Lab, we move beyond empirical trial-and-error to establish quantitative, mechanism-based design rules for advanced materials. Our research is anchored in highly sensitive experimental techniques—such as nanoindentation—paired with robust mathematical frameworks, like our novel joint viscoelastic models.

Our mission is to translate fundamental polymer physics into industrial and clinical solutions. Whether extending the lifespan of PMMA dental biomaterials using sustainable bio-fillers, or developing robust EMI shields for advanced electronics, we evaluate and engineer materials for long-term reliability under realistic service conditions. To achieve a complete structural picture, we actively complement our core experimental capabilities with strategic theoretical collaborations.

Nanomechanics & Viscoelastic Modeling

We investigate how nanoscale fillers, interfacial bonding, and structural disorder govern viscoelasticity and long-term stability. By extracting localized time-dependent data, we develop custom mathematical frameworks—such as hybrid joint viscoelastic models—to accurately predict deformation, creep, and ageing in polymer nanocomposites.

Biomedical & Dental Polymers

Focused on highly reliable polymeric biomaterials. We analyse how curing parameters and bio-fillers (including agricultural waste) influence the microstructural evolution, nanomechanical integrity, and long-term durability of PMMA-based dental materials in physiological environments.

Electronic & Functional Materials

Engineering mechanically robust, flexible polymer composites for advanced electronics. We tailor dielectric responses and multiple scattering effects to maximize absorption-dominated EMI shielding in the GHz range, alongside analyzing precision-layered polymer films for terahertz optical data encoding.

Explore our Research

Recent Breakthroughs

Predicting Denture Longevity (2026)

Extracted delayed modulus and viscosity data via dynamic nanoindentation to successfully map the viscoelastic creep and ageing stability of heat-cured PMMA dental bases using three-element Voigt models. (Published in Dental Materials)

Full-Spectrum Creep Prediction (2026)

Developed a novel joint viscoelastic model that captures the full spectrum of polymer creep, overcoming the limitations of standard Kelvin-Voigt and Burgers models. (Published in Physica Scripta)

Bridging Experiment and Theory (2025)

Unveiled the direct correlation between electronic structure and macroscopic mechanical strength in PMMA/TiO₂ nanocomposites by pairing our experimental nanoindentation analysis with collaborative Density Functional Theory (DFT). (Published in Physica B)

Recent Publications

Join the Team

We are continually seeking highly motivated MSc, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers with a strong foundation in Physics, materials science, or mechanical engineering. Members of our lab gain rigorous, hands-on expertise in experimental nanomechanics (nanoindentation), correlative microstructural analysis, and advanced mathematical modeling of physical properties.

Currently we have open position for highly motivated PhD student for pursuing research on modelling the electronic property of EMI shielding polymer composites, developing the efficient EMI shielding polymer structures and surface patterning through simulations.

Contact Dr Bandyopadhyay

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