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
2017
Book Chapter
Conducting polymer-graphite binary and hybrid composites: structure, properties, and applications
Ramanujam, B. T. S. and Annamalai, Pratheep K. (2017). Conducting polymer-graphite binary and hybrid composites: structure, properties, and applications. Hybrid polymer composite materials: applications. (pp. 1-34) edited by Vijay Kumar Thakur, Manju Kumari Thakur and Asokan Pappu. Duxford, United Kingdom: Woodhead Publishing. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-08-100785-3.00001-2
2017
Journal Article
Cellulose nanocrystals with enhanced thermal stability reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane
Khairatun Najwa, Mohd Amin, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar and Martin, Darren (2017). Cellulose nanocrystals with enhanced thermal stability reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane. The Malaysian Journal of Analytical Sciences, 21 (3), 754-761. doi: 10.17576/mjas-2017-2103-25
2017
Conference Publication
Synthesis and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals as reinforcing agent in solely palm based polyurethane foam
Septevani, Athanasia Amanda, Annamalai, Pratheep K. and Martin, Darren J. (2017). Synthesis and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals as reinforcing agent in solely palm based polyurethane foam. 3rd International Symposium on Applied Chemistry (ISAC), Jakarta, Indonesia, 23 - 24 October 2017. Melville, NY, United States: A I P Publishing LLC. doi: 10.1063/1.5011899
2017
Conference Publication
Improving sustainability and performance of the rigid polyurethane foam by lignin with enhanced dispersion and dissolution
Hayati, Amir Nemati, Evans, David, Laycock, Bronwyn, Martin, Darren J. and Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar (2017). Improving sustainability and performance of the rigid polyurethane foam by lignin with enhanced dispersion and dissolution. 2017 International Conference on Bionano Innovation, Brisbane, Australia, 24-27 September 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Nanocellulose: A sustainable functional nanoadditive for improving the properties of thermoplastics and structural materials
Mohd Amin, Khairatun Najwa, Amiralian, Nasim, Septevani, Athanasia Amanda, Martin, Darren J. and Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar (2017). Nanocellulose: A sustainable functional nanoadditive for improving the properties of thermoplastics and structural materials. RACI National Centenary Congress: 8th International Conference on Green and Sustainable Chemistry Conference (GSC8), Melbourne, Vic., Australia, 23-26 July 2017. Melbourne, Vic., Australia: RACI National Centenary Congress.
2017
Conference Publication
Fundamental understanding and applications of spinifex cellulose nanofibres
Amiralian, Nasim , Martin, Darren J. and Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar (2017). Fundamental understanding and applications of spinifex cellulose nanofibres. RACI National Centenary Congress, 17th Asian Chemical Congress and 19th General Assembly of FACS, Melbourne, Vic., Australia, 23-28 July 2017. Melbourne, Vic., Australia: RACI National Centenary Congress.
2016
Journal Article
Dip-and-drag lateral force spectroscopy for measuring adhesive forces between nano-fibers
Dolan, Grace K., Yakubov, Gleb E., Greene, George W., Amiralian, Nasim, Annamalai, Pratheep K., Martin, Darren J. and Stokes, Jason R. (2016). Dip-and-drag lateral force spectroscopy for measuring adhesive forces between nano-fibers. Langmuir, 32 (50), 13340-13348. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.6b03467
2016
Journal Article
Scalable processing of thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites toughened with nanocellulose
Amin, Khairatun Najwa Mohd, Amiralian, Nasim, Annamalai, Pratheep K., Edwards, Grant, Chaleat, Celine and Martin, Darren J. (2016). Scalable processing of thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites toughened with nanocellulose. Chemical Engineering Journal, 302, 406-416. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2016.05.067
2016
Journal Article
Understanding the ageing aspects of natural ester based insulation liquid in power transformer
Bandara, Kapila, Ekanayake, Chandima, Saha, Tapan Kumar and Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar (2016). Understanding the ageing aspects of natural ester based insulation liquid in power transformer. IEEE Transactions On Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, 23 (1) 7422567, 246-257. doi: 10.1109/TDEI.2015.004744
2016
Conference Publication
Systematic production of high quality and low cost cellulose nanofibers and their potential applications
Amiralian, Nasim , Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar and Martin, Darren J. (2016). Systematic production of high quality and low cost cellulose nanofibers and their potential applications. TAPPI International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials 2016, Grenoble, France, 13-16 June 2016. Peachtree Corners, GA United States: TAPPI Press.
2016
Journal Article
Polymers from biomass: characterization, modification, degradation, and applications
Adsul, Mukund, Tuli, Deepak K., Annamalai, Pratheep K., Depan, Dilip and Shankar, Shiv (2016). Polymers from biomass: characterization, modification, degradation, and applications. International Journal of Polymer Science, 2016 1857297, 1-2. doi: 10.1155/2016/1857297
2016
Conference Publication
Mechanical reinforcement of natural rubber latex with cellulose nanofibres from Triodia pungens
Hosseinmardi, Alireza, Nasim Amiralian, Pratheep Kumar Annamalai, Wang, Lianzhou and Martin, Darren J. (2016). Mechanical reinforcement of natural rubber latex with cellulose nanofibres from Triodia pungens. International Elastomer Conference: ACS Rubber Division 190th Technical Meeting & Educational Symposium, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.A., 10-13 October 2016.
2016
Conference Publication
Spinifex nanocellulose applications in natural rubber latex and PA-11 thermoplastic composites
Amiralian, Nasim , Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar and Martin, Darren J. (2016). Spinifex nanocellulose applications in natural rubber latex and PA-11 thermoplastic composites. Cellulose Nanofibers Workshop 2016, Melbourne, 15 July 2016.
2016
Conference Publication
Cleaner and scalable processing of cellulose nanocrystal reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites
Mohd Amin, Khairatun Najwa, Amiralian, Nasim , Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar , Edwards, Grant A. B., Chaleat, Celine and Martin, Darren J. (2016). Cleaner and scalable processing of cellulose nanocrystal reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites. TAPPI International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials 2016, Grenoble, France, 13-16 June 2016. Peachtree Corners, GA United States: TAPPI Press.
2015
Other Outputs
Production of carbon fiber used as e.g. lightweight automobile component, involves spinning precursor fiber filament from solution comprising nanocellulose fibril, and carbonizing filament by pyrolysis at elevated temperature
Martin, Darren J., McFarland, Eric , Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar and Laycock, Bronwyn (2015). Production of carbon fiber used as e.g. lightweight automobile component, involves spinning precursor fiber filament from solution comprising nanocellulose fibril, and carbonizing filament by pyrolysis at elevated temperature. WO2015143497-A1.
2015
Journal Article
Isolation of cellulose nanofibrils from Triodia pungens via different mechanical methods
Amiralian, Nasim, Annamalai, Pratheep K., Memmott, Paul and Martin, Darren J. (2015). Isolation of cellulose nanofibrils from Triodia pungens via different mechanical methods. Cellulose, 22 (4), 2483-2498. doi: 10.1007/s10570-015-0688-x
2015
Journal Article
Rigid polyurethane foam enhanced with natural oil polyols
Septevani, Athanasia A., Annamalai, Pratheep K., Evans, David A. C., Chaleat, Celine and Martin, Darren J. (2015). Rigid polyurethane foam enhanced with natural oil polyols. Pu Magazine, 12 (3), 222-224.
2015
Other Outputs
Nanocellulose
Martin, Darren James, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar and Amiralian, Nasim (2015). Nanocellulose. WO2015074120-A1.
2015
Journal Article
Erratum to "Optimization of resin extraction from an Australian arid grass 'Triodia pungens' and its preliminary evaluation as an anti-termite timber coating" [Ind. Crops Prod. 59 (2014) 241-247]
Amiralian, Nasim, Annamalai, Pratheep K., Fitzgerald, Chris, Memmott, Paul and Martin, Darren J. (2015). Erratum to "Optimization of resin extraction from an Australian arid grass 'Triodia pungens' and its preliminary evaluation as an anti-termite timber coating" [Ind. Crops Prod. 59 (2014) 241-247]. Industrial Crops and Products, 67, 512-512. doi: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2014.12.037
2015
Journal Article
A systematic study substituting polyether polyol with palm kernel oil based polyester polyol in rigid polyurethane foam
Septevani, Athanasia A., Evans, David A. C., Chaleat, Celine, Martin, Darren J. and Annamalai, Pratheep K. (2015). A systematic study substituting polyether polyol with palm kernel oil based polyester polyol in rigid polyurethane foam. Industrial Crops and Products, 66, 16-26. doi: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2014.11.053
Funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Pratheep Kumar Annamalai is:
- Not available for supervision
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Low-carbon cement adoption in the Pacific
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Vinh Dao, Professor Daniel Franks
Completed supervision
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Sustainable Plant-Based Meat Alternatives Incorporating Faba Bean Protein and Brewers' Spent Grain
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bhesh Bhandari, Associate Professor Sangeeta Prakash
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Plant-based Pickering emulsions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bhesh Bhandari, Associate Professor Sangeeta Prakash
-
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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