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MME
Our alumni bags IITM Distinguished Alumnus Award
Two of our department alumni, Prof. V. Gopalan (1989 BTech) and Dr. G. Madhusudan Reddy (PhD 1999) have been recognized by the Institute with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Prof. Gopalan is currently at Penn State Univ.
(https://www.matse.psu.edu/directory/venkatraman-gopalan) and Dr. Madhusudan Reddy has served as the Director of Defence Metallurgical Research Lab (DMRL). This is indeed a very happy and proud moment for all of us.
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Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Our faculty recent work has been featured in Hindu Business line as well as IITM News Letter
Researchers at IIT-Madras have synthesised a tough, ceramic material that can conduct electricity and heat, which could possibly be used for storing hydrogen too.
A crystal structure found in certain materials called ‘MAB Phase’ gives them special properties such as high strength. In this M stands for a transition metal, like zirconium, molybdenum or titanium; A for either aluminium or silicon; and B for Boron.
Prof Somnath Bhattacharyya of the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering and his team have developed a MAB phase layered ceramic — using tungsten, aluminium and boron — called WAlB. While WAlB is not a new material, known to be useful in nuclear shielding, Bhattacharyya and his team have developed a new process for making it, in a medium of molten salt. The resultant material is also of very high purity — about 98 per cent.
Bhattacharyya explained to Quantum that the material is a layered ceramic, with 2D layers of tungsten and boron, with aluminium in between. WAlB has been synthesised earlier at temperatures of 1400o C, but Bhattacharyya could do it at 800oC, at ambient pressure.
Calling the work a “breakthrough”, Dr Varun Natu, scientist at National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, observes that synthesising WAlB has traditionally proven difficult, resulting in only small crystals with low yield. However, “Bhattacharyya’s team has demonstrated not only large-scale synthesis of WAlB but also a method that uses a molten salt as a sheath. This approach significantly reduces production costs and simplifies potential future scaling, making WAlB a much more viable candidate for real-world applications.”
This material could be used as a semiconductor or for hydrogen storage, he said. Asked if the industry could take up production of this MAB at scale, Bhattacharyya said it was possible, as repeated synthesis by his students got the same, high purity material.
URL_Hindu Business Line: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/business-tech/mab-for-hydrogen-storage/article68378400.ece/amp/
URL_IITM News Letter: https://tech-talk.iitm.ac.in/cat-got-your-tungsten/ See More
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
One of our PMRF PhD student, Ms. Peela Lasya, has won the best poster award at the International Conference on Energy and Environmental Materials.
We are happy to share that our PMRF PhD student, Ms. Peela Lasya (MM22D011), has won the best poster award in Theme A/ Synthesis and Characterization of Energy Materials at the International Conference on Energy and Environmental Materials (E2M-2024) held in IIT Indore between July 11-13. The title of her poster was “Chemically stable ultrathin platinum films supported on oxide substrate”.
Hearty congratulations to Ms. Lasya and her supervisor Prof. Satyesh Yadav. See More
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Our Research Scholar won first prize for the poster titled “An ICME approach to study the effect of cooling rate on microstructure evolution of aluminium alloys” presented in 28th International Conference on Non-ferrous Metals - 2024
Arpita Priyadarshani Samal, MM22D004, Ph.D Research Scholar won first prize for the poster titled “An ICME approach to study the effect of cooling rate on microstructure evolution of aluminium alloys” presented in 28th International Conference on Non-ferrous Metals - 2024 (ICNFM - 2024), Bhubaneswar, 12 - 13 JULY, 2024. She is guided by Profs. Ranjit Bauri and G. Phanikumar, Dept. of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. The Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering congratulates Arpita Priyadarshani Samal, Profs. Ranjit Bauri and G. Phanikumar. See More
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
One more Patent granted to Prof. Parasuraman and his to MS Entrepreneurship student, Balamurugan
The Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering is happy to share the news on the grant of an Indian patent, “MICRONEEDLE ARRAY DEVICE AND METHOD THEREOF”, to Prof. Parasuraman and his MS Entrepreneurship student, Balamurugan (MM21S401).
This is the second Indian patent arising out of his MS work. His first patent, “SYSTEM AND METHOD TO FORM CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING DEVICE”, was granted a couple of weeks ago.
The Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering congratulates to Prof. Parasuraman and his MS Entrepreneurship student, Balamurugan. See More
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Indian Patent was granted to our department faculty and his research scholar
Our Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department Research Scholar MS Entrepreneurship student, Balamurugan (MM21S401) and his supervisor Prof. Parasuraman Swaminathan got an Indian Patent on their research "SYSTEM AND METHOD TO FORM CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING DEVICE". Departmrnt of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering congratulates Prof. Parasuraman Swaminathan and Mr. Balamurugan. See More
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur research work on “Ways to recycle waste material from iron ore mining" covered in Business Standard
Researchers at the Indian Institutes of Technology Madras and Kanpur have developed a process to convert waste produced from iron ore mining into an environment-friendly material that can be reused by industry.
The researchers collaborated with NMDC and JSW Steel to transform slime into iron-rich materials suitable for blast furnace charging through a microwave-assisted beneficiation process. The process is economical as the microwave selectively interacts with iron oxides or carbon mix, leaving out other impurities (like silica, alumina, phosphorus oxides) while also rapidly heating the material compared to conventional routes, saving a significant amount of energy and emissions.
This project is of importance to India as while processing iron ore, particles smaller than 0.15 mm generated and are discarded as waste known as slime. Slime generated during mining is about 20-25 per cent of the total iron ore feed and it is dumped between iron-bearing mountain ranges.
Over years of mining, this has resulted in huge slime ponds holding several million tonnes of locked iron content. The slime, besides lying unproductively, may damage the land and environment. Currently, these slimes are partly exported as low-grade iron ore.
"This project has led to the creation of a lab with high-temperature facilities at IIT Madras, which was renamed as Centre for Pyrometallurgy, comprising equipment and facilities created by IMPRINT INDIA funds to perform lab-scale investigations of high-temperature processes involving reduction roasting or smelting," said Ajay Kumar Shukla, associate professor and head, centre for pyrometallurgy, department of metallurgical and materials engineering, IIT Madras.
"The project resulted in a significant breakthrough towards the development of technology to process lean quality fine iron ores on a large scale in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner," said Anish Upadhyaya, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, IIT Kanpur.
IITs Madras and Kanpur undertook a project under IMPRINT INDIA (Impacting Research Innovation and Technology), an initiative of the union education ministry. The researchers also published their findings in a reputed peer-reviewed journal with research scholars Soumya Ranjan Mohanty and Sunil Yadav.
"This work demonstrates an innovative, cost-effective, and energy-efficient way which may be upscaled further towards the development of a technology to beneficiate the lean quality iron ores," said Vibuti Roshan, deputy general manager (research and development) at NMDC.
URL: https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/iits-madras-kanpur-find-way-to-recycle-waste-material-from-iron-ore-mining-124010400773_1.html See More
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
MS Scholar has won second runner-up award in Tata Materials Next 5.0 Grand Final.
Mr. Balamurugan (MM21S401), MS scholar/MS Entrepreneurship student and project associate Mr. Lashmi Narayanan in Prof. Parasuraman's group have stood second runner-up award at the Tata Materials Next 5.0 Grand Finals which was held on 03.05.2024. Their team was called “Team Miner” and their solution was to develop a Sweat-free PPE jacket (cooling comfort solutions) based on a graphene-phase change material composite. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. One lakh. The Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering congratulates Prof. Parasuraman's team for their achievement. See More
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
ASM International Fellow - 2024 was awarded to Prof. Srinivasa Rao Bakshi
It is our pleasure to inform that the Board of Trustees of ASM International has elected Prof. Srinivasa Rao Bakshi as ASM International Fellow Award - 2024 of the Society. The honor of Fellow represents recognition of his distinguished contributions in the field of materials science and engineering and develops a broadly based forum for technical and professional leaders to serve as advisors to the Society.
Prof. Bakshi citation reads:
"For significant contributions towards the study of nano-carbon reinforced metal and ceramic matrix composites and low temperature sintering of ultra-high temperature borides and carbides using reactive spark plasma sintering."
On behalf of President Mr. Pradeep Goyal, FASM and the entire ASM Board of Trustees, they wish to extend congratulations to Prof. Srinivasa Rao Bakshi on his election to this esteemed group. The Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering congratulates Prof. Bakshi for his milestone. See More
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Indian Patent was granted to our department faculty and his research scholar
One of our Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department faculty Dr. Manas Mukherjee and his research scholar Pamidi Venkteswarlu got an Indian Patent on their research "an apparatus for producing material foam from a material and methods thereof”. Congratulations Dr. Manas and Pamidi. See More
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
MME Department faculty research work on turning bauxite residue into resource covered in Hindu Business line.
Presently, the cement industry consumes only 2-3 per cent of the bauxite residue produced every year, leaving the bulk to be treated as hazardous waste.
Bauxite residue, also known as Red Mud, contains toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, vanadium and mercury. Its high alkalinity makes it extremely corrosive and damaging to soil and life forms — it can be harmful if ingested or inhaled — posing a significant threat to the environment.
Recent efforts, particularly in Europe, in comprehensive bauxite residue utilisation involve multi-stage processes that yiels multiple products. The current research from the IIT team (Prof. Ranjit Bauri’s group in MME department) not only opens up opportunities for the disposal of bauxite residue but also creates opportunities for its utilisation in the recovery of valuable materials, thereby promoting sustainability and a circular economy. Additionally, it serves as a potential alternative source of materials for energy harvesting and storage.
URL: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/business-tech/turning-bauxite-residue-into-resource/article67957427.ece#:~:text=By%20converting%20bauxite%20residue%20—%20a,raw%20materials%20from%20pristine%20sources. See More
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
IIT Madras develops 3D-Printed Face Implants for patients suffering from Black Fungus along with Zoriox Innovation Labs
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) researchers have developed 3D-printed face implants for patients suffering from Black Fungus, which has been reported in COVID-19 patients as well as those with uncontrolled diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other medical conditions. Around 50 implants have already been done on patients from economically-weaker sections.
The Institute has partnered with ZorioX Innovation labs, a start-up founded by Dental Surgeons in Chennai, to implement this initiative, which is based metal 3D Printing or additive manufacturing.
The outbreak of black fungus disease, also known as ‘Mucormycosis’, has been a cause of great concern in India. One of the most devastating effects of this disease is the loss of facial features, which can have a profound impact on the patient’s mental and emotional well-being.
Therefore, the reconstruction of faces lost due to black fungus is the need of the hour. Reports suggest that about 60,000 mucormycosis cases have been registered in India post-COVID.
The fungus responsible for mucormycosis can invade the tissues of the face, causing necrosis and disfigurement. In severe cases, patients may lose their nose, eyes, or even their entire face. Furthermore, the loss of vital organs can affect a patient's ability to breathe, eat, and communicate, making it difficult to perform everyday activities.
Reconstructive surgery is a viable solution for patients who have lost their facial features due to black fungus disease. These procedures involve the reconstruction of the nose, eyes, and other facial structures using a variety of techniques, such as skin grafts, tissue expansion, and microvascular surgery. These procedures can help restore the patient's appearance and function, allowing them to lead a more normal life.
However, patient-specific implants and the procedures are expensive, rendering them inaccessible for people from weaker sections.
Please see more details here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WroHvRLQm3A See More
By MME admin
Our alumnus won ACM Gordon Bell Prize for the year 2023
One of our DD alumni, Vishal Subramanian (MM14B048, currently doing PhD at U.Mich Ann Arbor) is part of the team that won the ACM Gordon Bell Prize for the year 2023. It is the first time an Indian team from IISc is also part of it. It is a matter of pride for our department that our alumnus, a metallurgist, has learnt GPU computing and has gone deeper into scientific computing to win such prestigious prize at the global level. See More
MME Dept
PhD students create custom 3D printed Diwali greetings card on glass stack
Aarju Mathew Koshy and Neha Sharma, PhD students of Prof Parasuraman Swaminathan from the Electronic Materials and Thin Films Group, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, IIT Madras, have developed a custom 3D printed Diwali greetings card on a glass stack. The card features LEDs embedded inside the glass stack, connected by a new patented ink that provides transparent interconnections and allows controlling the resistance to avoid the use of resistors. The printed circuit is laminated using polyvinyl butyral (PVB), which protects it from environmental degradation. The greeting message is written using a fabric paint tailored to be of printable viscosity in desired colours. The card is a novel demonstration of the potential of 3D printing technology for creating functional and aesthetic electronic devices. See More
