Research

During my PhD (2020-24)(Supervisor: Prof. S. Zeman), I solved research problem of cocrystallization for large scale preparation to employ in space propulsion and civil applications. I tried to shape and optimize the method to modify the energetic materials (EMs). Developed a universal adaptable strategy with slurry-based coagglomeration in solvent state which is more acceptable safety-wise as well as energy- parameters with controlled morphology. The VPSZ coagglomeration method fulfilled and solved all the current challenges, and successfully developed around 60+ agglomerated crystals (CACs) that form EECCs and applied in AP-composite rocket propellant and nitrocellulose gunpowder found tremendous improvements in properties and performance. All these outcomes will play a major role in industrial scale production of EECCs with technological optimization 

During GUG-PEL Project (2018-19)(PI/Supervisor: Prof. A. Venkatraman), PAni, DBSA doped PAni (D-PAni), γ-Fe2O3/PAni composite (Fe-PAni), were synthesized and collectively used terminology as modified PAnis. This were employed for trace detection of EMs like TNT, RDX, PETN, and HNIW/CL-20 and compared outcome with our earlier results of doped PAnis. All the synthesized PAnis were characterized by FT-IR, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and resonance Raman studies, UV–Visible, and photo luminescence (PL). The PL studies showed that quenching is selective and sensitive at ppm level and PAni doped forms emerged as a potential sensors. study showed a broader evaluation of different doped forms of PAni. Work also collaborated with electrochemical cyclic Voltammetric study to understand the electron environments of PAnis in brief. This work makes a significant contribution towards spectrochemical sensor futuristic electronic nose for EMs. 

During the GUG-PEL Project (2018-19)(PI/Supervisor: Prof. A. Venkatraman), surface-modified iron oxide (nano γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles prepared and thoroughly charactorized; were used in composite AP-based solid rocket propellants as burn rate modifiers for solid-composite rocket propellant. We were able to achieve a 20% increase in the burning rate by these particles (not published). During this project, I also participated in teaching activities at the Department of Materials Science, Gulbarga University (GUG). During this period I mentored Masters Projects, I prepared a variety of transition nanoparticles (such as silver (LC-AgNPs), zinc oxide (ZnO), copper oxide (ZnO), titanium diaoxide (TiO2), magnesium oxide (MgO), and their composites) using different methods, thoroughly characterized them, and used them in diverse applications with help of expert colleagues from Dr. S V Ganachari et al(Sensing hazardous materials, Adsorption based filters, and biological -anticancer, antimicrobial etc.). (Note: COVID Lockdown made delay in publishing activities) 

This project (2018-20), (PI: Dr. S V Ganachari), Dr. SVG group at KLE Technological University, as an external Materials Chemistry expert, I contributed to this project, which focuses on geopolymerization and its use in the replacement of existing traditional concrete. The impact of varying molarity, alkaline to binder ratio (A/B), and sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide (SS/SH) ratios on the improvement of fresh and mechanical properties in geopolymer concrete is examined. Additionally, worked on the latest trends and technological advancements in the field of geopolymer concrete. Also investigated how the fresh and hardened properties of geopolymer concrete changed with changes in molarity. These properties included slump, compressive, split tensile and flexural strength, water absorption, and bulk density. We used various binding materials and conducted tests on geopolymer concrete. Increasing the molarity and A/B ratios results in the strength development of geopolymer concrete up to a specific limit. Further increases in these parameters will not have a significant impact on performance. Structural performances of geopolymer concrete are higher than traditional concrete. (Note: COVID Lockdown made delay in publishing activities)

Frontiers in Energy Research