Revolutionising Cooling Technology: Patent Granted for Innovative Fabric Design
The Department of Physics is thrilled to announce a remarkable milestone in sustainable technology. Dr Sabyasachi Mukhopadhyay, Associate Professor and Ms Sreelekha Bhuvaneswari, BSc student has been officially granted a patent for their groundbreaking invention: “A fibre material with moisture retention capacity with thermal tolerance and a method for manufacture of the same.”
This pioneering material, distinguished by its Application Number 202141023375, stands at the forefront of cooling technology. It promises to enhance thermal regulation while prioritising environmental sustainability.
Dr Mukhopadhyay’s invention is poised to make significant contributions to the field of material science, offering a versatile solution that holds potential applications across various industries. The department extends its heartfelt congratulations to the duo on this significant achievement and looks forward to the positive impact his work will continue to have on our community and beyond.
Abstract:
The project, with the patent application number 202141023375, develops a methodology to design a fabric cloth that would replace the use of air conditioners. This cloth design is inspired by Saharan silver ants which regulate their body temperatures in the scorching desert heat and also from the cooling properties of clay. This research would significantly scale down the usage of AC and other cooling devices in warm places, thus reducing the use of electricity and emission of greenhouse gases to the environment. As this cloth would be environment friendly with long durability and cost-efficiency, Sreelekha hopes that this research would bridge the socioeconomic divide of haves and have-nots between communities.
Explanation of the Research in Layperson’s Terms :
Using room conditioning AC during these times, especially with lower temperatures is very risky. Virus spread with closed circulated air or prolonged cold temperatures while breathing, so thus using air conditioning is bad. With this in mind, we need an efficient way of cooling in the snoring temperatures. We propose developing a fabric that integrates clay (Its primary mineral is kaolinite; clay may be generally described as 40% aluminium oxide, 46% silicon oxide, and 14% water.) in its synthesis; clay is known for its cooling properties given enough water to retail and proper reflection techniques for heat throughout the fabric inspired from uniquely shaped hairs with triangular cross-sections as in arrangement employed by the Saharan silver ants. This model not only conserves energy compared to room cooling but also is very practical, wherein we can dampen the fabric with the least water and retain its cooling for long hours. This Fabric could be employed in a variety of settings, for example, in making carpets and curtains in a house to keep the room temperature regulated.
Practical Implementation and Social Implications:
The research would significantly scale down the usage of AC and other cooling devices in warm places, thus reducing the use of electricity and emission of greenhouse gases to the environment. As this cloth would be environment friendly with long durability and cost-efficiency, Sreelekha hopes that this research would bridge the socioeconomic divide of haves and have-nots between communities.
The Title of Patent in the Citation Format
“A fibre material with moisture retention capacity with thermal tolerance and a method for manufacture of the same” with Application Number: 202141023375
Collaborations:
Prof. Seeram Ramakrishna, Professor of Materials, National University of Singapore
Future Research Plans:
The forthcoming endeavour encompasses the commercialisation of this pioneering concept to render it widely accessible and applicable on a larger scale.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Physics News, Research News
1st Research Scholar’s Summit: A Symposium of Ideas and Innovation
“The very idea of a platform such as this is to promote multidisciplinary collaborative research,” emphasised Prof. K Hemachandra Reddy, Chairman, Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE), encapsulating the spirit of the 1st Research Scholar’s Summit hosted at SRM University-AP in partnership with the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The event was staged to reinforce research within academic circles and herald a new phase of learning. The summit was attended by esteemed dignitaries like Prof. Korukonda Babji, Vice Chancellor Dr Y S R University of Health Sciences; Prof. Ramesh Srikonda, Director-School of Planning and Architecture; Dr M Balakrishnan, IIT, Delhi, along with Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora; Registrar, Dr R Premkumar, Deans, Faculty, and Students.
In his keynote address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Arora emphasised the pivotal role of such summits in fostering a conducive environment. He stated, “We live in a world of collaborations, and a summit like this gives an opportunity to interact, establish partnerships and forge scholarly excellence”. He highlighted the varsity’s research acumen in the form of patents, technology transfers, research publications, start-ups, and incubations. He also declared that the varsity would be open to sharing its state-of-the-art research infrastructure among the broader demography in order to foster a research mindset among all.
Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Dean-Research at the university, highlighted the participation of 150 PhD scholars from diverse institutions. His speech reflected the tireless commitment to building the university’s scientific fortitude. Prof. Srikonda underscored the significance of technological advancement and innovation. He praised the summit for being a stage that will offer pragmatic solutions to societal challenges and commended its tagline – “Inspire, Ignite, Innovate,” for aligning with its core objectives.
Prof. Korukonda Babji and Prof. M Balakrishnan, pivotal figures in academia, articulated the transformative role of cutting-edge research in elevating society. They emphasised the potential of such forums in catalysing groundbreaking changes in research.
The summit showcased presentations from doctoral scholars, encompassing 60 poster presentations and 90 oral presentations, organised across 8 thematic areas. The summit concluded with a valedictory function, and tokens of appreciation were presented to the dignitaries by the Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Deans, and convenors, Dr Ramanjaneya Reddy and Dr Sabyasachi Chakrabortty, and members of the organising committee.
- Published in News, Research Conferences, Research News
Reimagining Island Poetics: Seminal Research on N S Madhavan’s Novel
Dr Soni Wadhwa, Assistant Professor at the Department of Literature and Languages and her research scholar, Ms Jintu Alias, from the Easwari School of Liberal Arts at SRM University-AP, have published their seminal research paper titled “Provincialising Island Poetics: The Personal as the Spatial in N S Madhavan’s Litanies of Dutch Battery.”
Their research delves into the intricate relationship between personal experiences and spatial representations, challenging traditional island narratives. Focusing on the island city of Kochi and its rich history of cosmopolitanism, they aim to draw attention to alternative island spaces in India and Asia. Furthermore, they are convinced that their work will inspire further studies and creative writing on cultural traditions in smaller Indian island cities, highlighting the diverse themes and settings that are yet to be explored in Indian literature.
Abstract
Affect towards islands is a unique approach to engage with in discussions of the phenomenology of fictional islands. This affect complements the already identified tropes within island poetics: those of sensorial exploration, spatial practices, and textural detailing of islands. This article turns to a work of fiction about a fictional island based on the island city of Kochi in south India to unpack an alternative aesthetic of spatiality, the kind that changes the personal/political relationship to personal/spatial one. We argue that the novel, Litanies of Dutch Battery (the novel in question) by N.S. Madhavan, expands inquiries into phenomenology of fictional islands by making space for corporeal memory and collective memory in storytelling. These memory-oriented narrative devices, we suggest, “provincialize” island poetics to add a hermeneutic of postcolonial angst to the repertoire of formal features of literary islandness.
Link to the Article
https://doi.org/10.24043/001c.94614
We wish the pair continued success in their future endeavours!
- Published in Departmental News, English Current Happenings, News, Research News
Inauguration of NMR Spectrometer Marks a Milestone in SRM University-AP’s Research Capabilities
In a significant leap forward for scientific research, SRM University-AP proudly inaugurated the 400 MHz NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) Spectrometer, procured through the DST-FIST program. This acquisition is a vital component of the broader DST FIST project, which has been awarded to the Department of Chemistry at SRM University- AP with a budget of 2.20 crores.
As part of the project, the Department of Chemistry was recommended a 400 MHz NMR spectrometer by DST, which will play a crucial role in enhancing our expertise and aiding in achieving the proposed objectives. This state-of-the-art equipment is capable of characterising organic, inorganic, and biomolecules, enabling us to conduct comprehensive analyses and advance our understanding of complex chemical systems.
The ceremony, graced by esteemed guests, university dignitaries, faculties, and students, heralded a new era of scientific exploration and innovation. Prof. Lakshmi Kantam Mannepalli, Dr B P Godrej Distinguished Professor, ICT Mumbai, Chief Guest at the event, expressed, ” The inauguration of the 400 MHz NMR Spectrometer heralds a new era of precision and insight in scientific exploration. This instrument will unravel the mysteries of molecular structures and catalyse groundbreaking discoveries in the realm of chemistry and beyond.”
Dr S Mannathan, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, extended a warm welcome to the esteemed gathering and offered an insightful demonstration of the equipment’s operation, highlighting its advanced features and functionalities.
Prof. Manoj K Arora, Vice Chancellor, conveyed heartfelt congratulations to the team for this remarkable accomplishment, emphasising the transformative impact the new NMR Spectrometer will have on research and academic pursuits within the Department of Chemistry and beyond.”
Prof D Narayana Rao, Executive Director – Research, SRM Group of Institutions, emphasised, “The addition of this advanced equipment will significantly enhance the research capabilities, opening new avenues for exploration and discovery.”
V S Rao, Advisor, lauded the team for their achievement, stating, “This state-of-the-art equipment embodies our commitment to providing cutting-edge resources for our researchers and fostering a culture of innovation and discovery.”
Dr Pardha Saradhi Maram, Head of the Department of Chemistry, expressed his gratitude to all present and extended heartfelt thanks for their support and encouragement.
The acquisition of the 400 MHz NMR Spectrometer represents a significant advancement in scientific instrumentation, enabling researchers to delve deeper into molecular structures, chemical compositions, and dynamic processes. The Equipment will not only benefit the Department of Chemistry and Physics but also serve as a valuable resource for faculties and students across various disciplines.
The university has already trained 70 to 80 individuals in the operation of this equipment and is planning to organise a workshop for students and faculties from different universities, offering them the opportunity to leverage this advanced technology for their research and academic pursuits.
- Published in Chemistry-news, Departmental News, News, Research News