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Chem Engg

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Assistant Professor

Mahesh Ganesan

A-110
···
PhD: Ph.D, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Research Interests: Soft Matter, Complex Fluids,Modeling, Novel Materials
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“Soft matter – ubiquitous in natural and industrial systems – are interesting materials that constantly challenge our fundamental understanding.”

Research Overview

Understanding the correlation between the micro-scale structural properties and the macro-scale rheological and optical properties of soft materials (e.g., colloidal gels, polymer solutions, adhesives, biopolymers etc.) is the broad theme of our research group. We seek to apply these understanding to develop ‘inverse’ design paradigms for realizing soft materials with tailored functional properties.

Research Highlights

Colloidal gels of tunable elasticity

Aggregating particles form a remarkable fractal like network that exhibits a solid like rheology. We seek to discover modes for tuning the linear and non-linear elastic rheology of these materials.

Annealing anisotropic colloidal assemblies

Colloidal particle assemblies are sought for their brilliant structural coloration. Anisotropy in particle shape gives rise to richer color response. Yet, anisometric assemblies are prone to defects. We seek to develop techniques to anneal such crystal defects.

In situ physics of biofilm polymers

 Biofilms are bio-soft materials made of bacterial cells embedded in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). I seek to fundamentally understand how the EPS polymers are surprisingly tailor made to suit the biofilm’s growth environment.

Rheological paradigm for vibration damping adhesives

Sticky polymers can interestingly damp vibrational amplitudes in substrates. We aim to develop rheological guidelines for producing polymers that can achieve target damping performances.

Associated Projects

Ongoing

Rheology of Cosmetic Samples P.O Number : 4001433753 & Dt: 02.04.2025

Start Year: 2025

Sponsor: LOREAL INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

Co-PI: Dr. Alan Ranjit Jacob Dr. Ranajit Mondal

Ongoing

Tack Behavior of Samples P.O Number : 4001432126 & Dt: 28.03.2025

Start Year: 2025

Sponsor: L'OREAL INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

Co-PI: Dr. Alan Ranjit Jacob Dr. Ranajit Mondal

Ongoing

Rheological Signatures and Structure-Property Underpinning of Soap-polymer Interactions - Skin Cleansing

Start Year: 2024

Sponsor: UNILEVER INDUSTRIES PRIVATE LIMITED

Co-PI: Dr. Alan Ranjit Jacob

Ongoing

Analysis on Benchtop heated polymer press Equipment (No. of measurement - (10 + 02 Nos) 10 x 8mm discs Terralene + 2 x 25mm discs Terralene. Grade: HD4527, Lot 21510 )

Start Year: 2023

Sponsor: DR REDDYS LABORATORIES LIMITED

Ongoing

Analysis on Benchtop heated polymer press Equipment (No. of measurement - 10 Nos)

Start Year: 2023

Sponsor: DR REDDYS LABORATORIES LIMITED

Ongoing

Adhesion of silane based adhesion promoters on concrete based wet surfaces

Start Year: 2023

Sponsor: MOMENTIVE PERFORMANCE MATERIALS INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

Co-PI: Alan Ranjit Jacob Balaji lyer

Ongoing

Efficient Control of Elasticity in Dilute Fractal Colloidal Gels

Start Year: 2022

Sponsor: Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB)

Ongoing

Designing with Pressure Sensitive Adhesives – Rheological Frameworks for Vibration Damping

Start Year: 2022

Sponsor: IITH