Microfluidics provides a facile platform for generation of several biomaterials such as particles, capsules, microfibers, etc. The versatility of microfluidics based methods arises from the ability to control size, morphology, and composition of the generated entities. In this project the student will use microfluidic devices to generate drug and nanoparticle encapsulated microfibers for targeted drug delivery in pancreatic cancer. The encapsulated nanoparticles (iron oxide) will allow magnetic based controlled release of the drug to the targeted site.

With modern-day computers and several open-source CFD packages, it is today quite straightforward to simulate Newtonian flows. Even for turbulent flows, several well-tested and efficient algorithms are available, so that reasonably high-Re Newtonian turbulence can be simulated on a personal laptop. The situation is dramatically different for Non-Newtonian flows, however, and their accurate simulation, especially in turbulent settings, remains an outstanding challenge.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are crucial to support targets set by India’s Nationally Determined Contributions of about 50% from the non-fossil fuel based resources, particularly for the intermittently available renewable energy such as solar and wind power. The performance and lifespan of LIBs are limited by the irreversible degradation in the physical processes that undergo at the electrode level of each battery cell.  These are greatly influenced by the nature of charging (from renewable sources) and discharging (load demand) cycles.

The work involves determination of reaction kinetics for a given industrially important nitration reaction (e.g. nitration of mono chlorobenzene to p nitro-chloro benzene) in a laboratory setup at different conditions such as temperature, concentrations etc., and propose a model and design the reactor for the large scale application. Also develop and simulate a flowsheet and perform techno-economic analysis. 

Huge amount of sand is used in foundries for casting purpose all over the world. Most of the times after its use it is thrown as waste thereby disturbing the ecological and environment balance. The project investigates methods to remove the coating of binders on the sand and make it suitable for the re-use. A plant is being setup based on the technology developed in the lab. The student will be doing techno-economics and scaleup work on several aspects. The project also involves field work in Kolhapur where the facility is being developed.