Overview
Background
Dr. Pratheep Annamalai is a polymer and nanomaterials scientist with a keen interest in engineering materials for sustainable living. He is an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences. He has extensive expertise in both translational and fundamental research using nanotechnological tools towards sustainability. Currently, he is interested in alternative proteins and valorisation of agricultural crops and food waste into reactive, building blocks for improving the performance and utility of bioproducts. Thematically, his research focuses on
- Food Processing (plant-based food products)
- Bioproducts (from agri-food waste)
- Sustainable building blocks (for advanced materials).
Before joining UQ, Pratheep studied Chemistry in University of Madras, received PhD in Chemistry from University of Pune (India), then went on to work as a postdoctoral researcher on hydrophobic membranes at the Université Montpellier II (France), and on ‘stimuli-responsive smart materials’ at the Adolphe Merkle Institute - Université de Fribourg (Switzerland).
Upon being instrumental in the discovery of ‘spinifex nanofibre nanotechnology’ and establishing Australia’s first nanocellulose pilot-plant, he has been awarded UQ Excellence awards for leadership and industry partnerships for 2019. Recognising his contribution to the nanomaterials, polymer nanocomposites, polymer degradation and stabilisation regionally and globally, he has been invited to serve as a committee member for ISO/TC229-WG2 for characterisation of nanomaterials (2016), a mentor in TAPPI mentoring program (2018), guest/academic editor for various journals (Fibres, Int. J Polymer Science, PLOS One). He has served as a member of the UQ-LNR ethics committee for reviewing the applications (2017-) and a member of the AIBN-ECR committee in 2014.
Availability
- Dr Pratheep Kumar Annamalai is:
- Not available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science, University of Madras
- Masters (Research) of Science, University of Madras
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Pune
Research interests
-
Bioproducts / Sustainable Building Products
* Agri-food waste recycling & upcycling for circular economy * Nanocellulose from non-wood sources, fundamentals, and applications * Recovery of value-added materials from biomass
-
Engineered Materials (2012-2023)
* The use of lignocellulose biomass and natural oils in insulation foams * Engineering the microstructure of foam for improving performance * Spinifex-based advanced materials * Elastomers and gels Advance Queensland Research (2016-2019) * Nanoparticles for improving performance and sustainability of cementitious materials (cement, mortar, concrete, and gypsum) * Nano-modified and polymer-modified bituminous materials ARC-Discovery Project (2015-2018) * Lignocellulose carbon precursors (fibre and anode material) UQ-Dow Centre (2014-2015) * Chemically engineering polyethylene for carbon fibre TenasiTech Pty Ltd (2012-2014) * Clay reinforced polymer nanocomposites * Polyurethanes: insulation foams, barrier sheets, golf balls and durable seals Acrylics: Anti-scratch materials
Research impacts
Spinifex nanofibre nanotechnology The spinifex nanofibre nanotechnology has led to: 1) the benefit-sharing landmark agreement between Indigenous Australian community and UQ in 2015 ensuring the ongoing equity and involvement of their indigenous community in the project, 2) establishment of first nanocellulose pilot-scale plant in UQ Long Pocket Precinct with a 5kg/day production capacity by the support of both state and federal governments, and 3) promotion of the systematic harvesting of spinifex grass in regional Australia potentially providing training, jobs, and education in regional Australia, aligning with the major effort 'Closing the gap' by government. Over last seven years, this partnership has single-mindedly supported further R&D for utilising it as renewable functional additive for improving strength and durability of a wide range of materials spanning from rubber, recycled papers to building materials like cement and concrete.
- IP Disclosure: Spinifex Nanocellulose
- UQ-ChangeMakers –story: https://shorthand.uq.edu.au/changemakers/issue2/grass-roots-discovery/
- UQ-Impact story: http://www.uq.edu.au/research/impact/stories/indigenous-opportunity-sprouts-from-desert-discovery/
- UQ-Small Change story: https://small-change.uq.edu.au/blog/2016/04/grass-ain%E2%80%99t-no-weed
Industry engagement
- Dugalanji Aboriginal Corporation
- Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)
- Australian Road Research Board
- Dow Chemicals USA (polyethylene)
- TenasiTech Pty Ltd (Nanoclay Nanotech)
Pre-UQ
- Polyurethane-Cellulose nanocrystals nanocomposites based Shape Memory Effect had become the thrust of further research and funding.
Works
Search Professor Pratheep Kumar Annamalai’s works on UQ eSpace
2024
Journal Article
Concrete self-healing performance using surface roughness parameters: metrological approach
Sidiq, Amir, Setunge, Sujeeva, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar, Gravina, Rebecca J. and Giustozzi, Filippo (2024). Concrete self-healing performance using surface roughness parameters: metrological approach. Journal of Building Engineering, 90 109433, 1-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2024.109433
2024
Journal Article
Surfactant assisted tuning of electrical conductivity, electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness, wetting properties of poly(lactic acid)-expanded graphite-magnetite nanocube hybrid bio-nanocomposites
Balakrishnan, Keerthana P., Senthilkumar Kanya, Koothanatham, Gokila, N., Kumar Ramasamy Thangavelu, Rajendra, Kumar Annamalai, Pratheep and Brahmadesam Thoopul Srinivasa Raghava, Ramanujam (2024). Surfactant assisted tuning of electrical conductivity, electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness, wetting properties of poly(lactic acid)-expanded graphite-magnetite nanocube hybrid bio-nanocomposites. European Polymer Journal, 214 113135, 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2024.113135
2024
Journal Article
Exploring of cellulose nanocrystals from lignocellulosic sources as a powerful adsorbent for wastewater remediation
Norfarhana, A. S., Khoo, P. S., Ilyas, R. A., Ab Hamid, N. H., Aisyah, H. A., Norrrahim, Mohd Nor Faiz, Knight, V. F., Rani, M. S. A., Septevani, Athanasia Amanda, Syafri, Edi and Annamalai, Pratheep K. (2024). Exploring of cellulose nanocrystals from lignocellulosic sources as a powerful adsorbent for wastewater remediation. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 32 (9), 4071-4101. doi: 10.1007/s10924-024-03227-3
2024
Journal Article
Unravelling the role of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) molecular weight in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/PMMA/expanded graphite (ExGr) blend nanocomposites: Insights into morphology, thermal behavior, electrical conductivity, and wetting property
Augustin, Nikhitha, Muraliharan, Pranesh, Sabu, Aleena, Koothanatham Senthilkumar, Kanya, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar and Brahmadesam Thoopul Srinivasa Raghava, Ramanujam (2024). Unravelling the role of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) molecular weight in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/PMMA/expanded graphite (ExGr) blend nanocomposites: Insights into morphology, thermal behavior, electrical conductivity, and wetting property. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, 37 (8), 2527-2570. doi: 10.1177/08927057241238203
2024
Book Chapter
Polyurethane foam: the foaming process and the effect of process parameters on properties
Haridevan, Hima, Septevani, Athanasia A., Evans, David A. C., Martin, Darren J. and Annamalai, Pratheep K. (2024). Polyurethane foam: the foaming process and the effect of process parameters on properties. Handbook of thermosetting foams, aerogels, and hydrogels: from fundamentals to advanced applications. (pp. 93-118) Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-323-99452-1.00021-8
2023
Journal Article
Effect of polyvinylpyrrolidone on the structure development, electrical, thermal, and wetting properties of polyvinylidene fluoride-expanded graphite nanocomposites
Haridass, Reshma, Sabu, Aleena, Augustin, Nikhitha, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar and Brahmadesam Thoopul Srinivasa Raghava, Ramanujam (2023). Effect of polyvinylpyrrolidone on the structure development, electrical, thermal, and wetting properties of polyvinylidene fluoride-expanded graphite nanocomposites. ACS Omega, 9 (1), 178-195. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03083
2023
Journal Article
Tuning the microstructure of polyurethane foam using nanocellulose for improved thermal insulation properties through an efficient dispersion methodology
Septevani, Athanasia A., Evans, David A. C., Martin, Darren J., Song, Pingan and Annamalai, Pratheep K. (2023). Tuning the microstructure of polyurethane foam using nanocellulose for improved thermal insulation properties through an efficient dispersion methodology. Polymer Composites, 44 (12), 8857-8869. doi: 10.1002/pc.27743
2023
Journal Article
Enhancement of emulsion stability and functional properties of hemp protein‐based dairy alternative by different treatments after cellulase hydrolysis
Rawal, Kirti, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar, Ningtyas, Dian Widya and Prakash, Sangeeta (2023). Enhancement of emulsion stability and functional properties of hemp protein‐based dairy alternative by different treatments after cellulase hydrolysis. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 59 (1), 1-10. doi: 10.1111/ijfs.16735
2023
Journal Article
X-ray tomographic reconstruction for understanding lignin-induced changes in the microstructure and properties of polyurethane insulation foam
Haridevan, Hima, Barkauskas, Deborah, Sokolowski, Kamil A., Evans, David A.C., Martin, Darren J. and Annamalai, Pratheep K. (2023). X-ray tomographic reconstruction for understanding lignin-induced changes in the microstructure and properties of polyurethane insulation foam. ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 5 (9), 6772-6780. doi: 10.1021/acsapm.3c00380
2023
Book Chapter
Electroactive polymers and their carbon nanocomposites for energy harvesting
Ramanujam, B.T.S., Haridass, Reshma, Muralidharan, Pranesh, Nanjundan, Ashok Kumar, Dubal, Deepak and Annamalai, Pratheep K. (2023). Electroactive polymers and their carbon nanocomposites for energy harvesting. Nanogenerators: basic concepts, design strategies, and applications. (pp. 361-396) edited by Inamuddin, Mohd Imran Ahamed, Rajender Boddula and Tariq Altalhi. Boca Raton, FL, United States: CRC Press. doi: 10.1201/9781003187615-15
2022
Journal Article
hydrothermal co-liquefaction of biomass and plastic wastes into biofuel: study on catalyst property, product distribution and synergistic effects
Mukundan, Swathi, Wagner, Jonathan L., Annamalai, Pratheep K., Ravindran, Devika Sudha, Krishnapillai, Girish Kumar and Beltramini, Jorge (2022). hydrothermal co-liquefaction of biomass and plastic wastes into biofuel: study on catalyst property, product distribution and synergistic effects. Fuel Processing Technology, 238 107523, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2022.107523
2022
Journal Article
Recent advances in the nanomaterials, design, fabrication approaches of thermoelectric nanogenerators for various applications
Kim, Andrew, Kumar, Pawan, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar and Patel, Rajkumar (2022). Recent advances in the nanomaterials, design, fabrication approaches of thermoelectric nanogenerators for various applications. Advanced Materials Interfaces, 9 (35) 2201659, 1-27. doi: 10.1002/admi.202201659
2022
Journal Article
Rational analysis of dispersion and solubility of Kraft lignin in polyols for polyurethanes
Haridevan, Hima, Evans, David A.C., Martin, Darren J. and Annamalai, Pratheep K. (2022). Rational analysis of dispersion and solubility of Kraft lignin in polyols for polyurethanes. Industrial Crops and Products, 185 115129, 115129. doi: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.115129
2022
Journal Article
Tailored production of lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils from sugarcane bagasse pretreated by acid-catalyzed alcohol solutions
Liu, Yiting, Li, Wen, Li, Kai, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar, Pratt, Steven, Hassanpour, Morteza, Lu, Haiqin and Zhang, Zhanying (2022). Tailored production of lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils from sugarcane bagasse pretreated by acid-catalyzed alcohol solutions. Carbohydrate Polymers, 291 119602, 119602. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119602
2022
Journal Article
Processing and rheological properties of polyol/cellulose nanofibre dispersions for polyurethanes
Haridevan, Hima, Chaleat, Celine, Pooley, Liam, Evans, David A. C., Halley, Peter J., Martin, Darren J. and Annamalai, Pratheep K. (2022). Processing and rheological properties of polyol/cellulose nanofibre dispersions for polyurethanes. Polymer, 255 125130, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.polymer.2022.125130
2022
Journal Article
Lignocellulosic plant cell wall variation influences the structure and properties of hard carbon derived from sorghum biomass
Afzal, Rana Arslan, Pennells, Jordan, Yamauchi, Yusuke, Annamalai, Pratheep K., Nanjundan, Ashok Kumar and Martin, Darren J. (2022). Lignocellulosic plant cell wall variation influences the structure and properties of hard carbon derived from sorghum biomass. Carbon Trends, 7 100168, 1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.cartre.2022.100168
2022
Journal Article
A cleaner processing approach for cellulose reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites
Mohd Amin, Khairatun Najwa, Chaleat, Celine, Edwards, Grant, Martin, Darren J. and Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar (2022). A cleaner processing approach for cellulose reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites. Polymer Engineering & Science, 62 (3), 949-961. doi: 10.1002/pen.25899
2022
Book
Innovation in nano-polysaccharides for eco-sustainability: from science to industrial applications
Preeti Singh, Kaiser Manzoor, Saiqa Ikram and Pratheep Kumar Annamalai eds. (2022). Innovation in nano-polysaccharides for eco-sustainability: from science to industrial applications. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/C2019-0-05446-5
2022
Journal Article
High-resolution R2R-compatible printing of carbon nanotube conductive patterns enabled by cellulose nanocrystals
Corletto, Alexander, Hosseinmardi, Alireza, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar, Martin, Darren J. and Shapter, Joseph G. (2022). High-resolution R2R-compatible printing of carbon nanotube conductive patterns enabled by cellulose nanocrystals. ACS Applied Nano Materials, 5 (1) acsanm.1c04320, A-N. doi: 10.1021/acsanm.1c04320
2022
Book Chapter
Nanocellulose: a sustainable nanomaterial for controlled drug delivery applications
Pennells, Jordan, Martin, Darren J. and Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar (2022). Nanocellulose: a sustainable nanomaterial for controlled drug delivery applications. Innovation in nano-polysaccharides for eco-sustainability: from science to industrial applications. (pp. 217-253) edited by Preeti Singh, Kaiser Manzoor, Saiqa Ikram and Pratheep Kumar Annamalai. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-12-823439-6.00010-6
Funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Pratheep Kumar Annamalai is:
- Not available for supervision
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Plant-based Pickering emulsions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bhesh Bhandari, Associate Professor Sangeeta Prakash
-
Doctor Philosophy
Structural and functional properties of plant-based cream emulsions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bhesh Bhandari, Associate Professor Sangeeta Prakash
-
Doctor Philosophy
Low-carbon cement adoption in the Pacific
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Vinh Dao, Professor Daniel Franks
-
Doctor Philosophy
Low-carbon cement adoption in the Pacific
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Daniel Franks
-
Doctor Philosophy
Sustainable plant-based meat alternatives
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bhesh Bhandari, Associate Professor Sangeeta Prakash
Completed supervision
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
A systematic investigation on the valorisation of carbon from sorghum biomass for energy storage materials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ashok Kumar Nanjundan, Professor Darren Martin
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
The Influence of Cellulose Nanofibre and Lignin Additives on the Structure and Properties of Rigid Polyurethane Foam
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Darren Martin
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Spinifex Cellulose Nanofibres as a Sustainable Building Block for Carbon Materials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Professor Darren Martin
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Sustainable and High Performance Rigid Polyurethane Foams Based on Lignin
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Professor Darren Martin
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Reinforcement of Natural Rubber Nanocomposites using Lignocellulosic Biomass
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nasim Amiralian, Professor Darren Martin
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Sustainable Rigid Polyurethane Foams Incorporating Natural Oil Polyol and Nanocellulose
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Darren Martin
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
Cellulose nanocrystals reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Darren Martin
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Pratheep Kumar Annamalai directly for media enquiries about:
- Construction Materials
- Nanocellulose
- Nanomaterials
- Nanotechnology
- Polymers
- Renewable Resources
- Spinifex
- Sustainable
- Sustainable materials
- Waste Recycling
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