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Dr Pratheep Kumar Annamalai
Dr

Pratheep Kumar Annamalai

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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

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.

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

145 works between 2003 and 2025

101 - 120 of 145 works

2015

Conference Publication

Water and organic solvent behavior of thin and long cellulose nanofibrils easily deconstructed from Australian arid grass T. pungens

Amiralian, Nasim , Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar , Garvey, Chris and Martin, Darren J. (2015). Water and organic solvent behavior of thin and long cellulose nanofibrils easily deconstructed from Australian arid grass T. pungens. 9th Asia Oceania Forum for Synchrotron Radiation Research (AOFSRR 2015), in conjunction with User Meeting 2015, Melbourne, Australia, 25-27 November 2015.

Water and organic solvent behavior of thin and long cellulose nanofibrils easily deconstructed from Australian arid grass T. pungens

2015

Book Chapter

Nano-cellulose reinforced chitosan nanocomposites for packaging and biomedical applications

Annamalai, Pratheep K. and Depan, Dilip (2015). Nano-cellulose reinforced chitosan nanocomposites for packaging and biomedical applications. Green biorenewable biocomposites: from knowledge to industrial applications. (pp. 489-506) edited by Vijay Kumar Thakur and Michael R. Kessler. Boca Raton, FL, United States: CRC Press/Apple Academic Press.

Nano-cellulose reinforced chitosan nanocomposites for packaging and biomedical applications

2015

Conference Publication

Acid-free isolation of cellulose nanocrystals and organic solvent free processing of thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites

Mohd Amin, Khairatun Najwa, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar , Edwards, Grant A. B., Chaleat, Celine and Martin, Darren J. (2015). Acid-free isolation of cellulose nanocrystals and organic solvent free processing of thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites. European Polymer Congress EPF 2015, Dresden, Germany, 22-26 June 2015.

Acid-free isolation of cellulose nanocrystals and organic solvent free processing of thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites

2015

Conference Publication

High Performance Cellulose Nanofibrils From Spinifix, An Australian Arid Grass

Amiralian, Nasim , Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar and Martin, Darren J. (2015). High Performance Cellulose Nanofibrils From Spinifix, An Australian Arid Grass. Nanotechnology Entrepreneurship Workshop for Early Career Researchers 2015, Gold Coast QLD Australia, 10-11 June 2015.

High Performance Cellulose Nanofibrils From Spinifix, An Australian Arid Grass

2014

Journal Article

Can clay nanoparticles accelerate environmental biodegradation of polyolefins?

Annamalai, P. K. and Martin, D. J. (2014). Can clay nanoparticles accelerate environmental biodegradation of polyolefins?. Materials Science and Technology, 30 (5), 593-602. doi: 10.1179/1743284713Y.0000000498

Can clay nanoparticles accelerate environmental biodegradation of polyolefins?

2014

Journal Article

Water-responsive mechanically adaptive nanocomposites based on styrene-butadiene rubber and cellulose nanocrystals - processing matters

Annamalai, Pratheep K., Dagnon, Koffi L., Monemian, Seyedali, Foster, E. Johan, Rowan, Stuart J. and Weder, Christoph (2014). Water-responsive mechanically adaptive nanocomposites based on styrene-butadiene rubber and cellulose nanocrystals - processing matters. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 6 (2), 967-976. doi: 10.1021/am404382x

Water-responsive mechanically adaptive nanocomposites based on styrene-butadiene rubber and cellulose nanocrystals - processing matters

2014

Conference Publication

Synthesis and characterisation of polyurethane foam from palm-based polyol

Septevani, Athanasia Amanda, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar and Martin, Darren J. (2014). Synthesis and characterisation of polyurethane foam from palm-based polyol. NanoBio Australia 2014: 5th International NanoBio Conference & 3rd International Conference on BioNano Innovation, Brisbane, 6-10 July 2014.

Synthesis and characterisation of polyurethane foam from palm-based polyol

2014

Journal Article

Stability of chitosan/montmorillonite nanohybrid towards enzymatic degradation on grafting with poly(lactic acid)

Depan, D., Kumar, A. Pratheep, Singh, R. P. and Misra, R. D. K. (2014). Stability of chitosan/montmorillonite nanohybrid towards enzymatic degradation on grafting with poly(lactic acid). Materials Science and Technology (United Kingdom), 30 (5), 587-592. doi: 10.1179/1743284713Y.0000000501

Stability of chitosan/montmorillonite nanohybrid towards enzymatic degradation on grafting with poly(lactic acid)

2014

Conference Publication

Influence of palm based polyol on insulation properties of polyurethane foams

Septevani, Athanasia Amanda, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar, Evans, David, Chaleat, Celine and Martin, Darren J. (2014). Influence of palm based polyol on insulation properties of polyurethane foams. RACI National Congress 2014, Adelaide, 7-12 December 2014.

Influence of palm based polyol on insulation properties of polyurethane foams

2014

Book Chapter

Preparation of cellulose nanocrystal/polymer nanocomposites via sol-gel processes

Jorfi, Mehdi, Annamalai, Pratheep K. and Weder, Christoph (2014). Preparation of cellulose nanocrystal/polymer nanocomposites via sol-gel processes. Handbook of green materials: processing technologies, properties and applications. (pp. 23-34) edited by Kristiina Oksman, Aji P. Mathew, Alexander Bismarck, Orlando Rojas and Mohini Sain. Singapore, Singapore: World Scientific Publishing.

Preparation of cellulose nanocrystal/polymer nanocomposites via sol-gel processes

2014

Conference Publication

Unusually high aspect ratio, easily deconstructed cellulose nanofibers from Australian spinifex (Triodia pungens)

Amiralian, Nasim, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar, Memmott, Paul and Martin, Darren J. (2014). Unusually high aspect ratio, easily deconstructed cellulose nanofibers from Australian spinifex (Triodia pungens). TAPPI Nano 2014: TAPPI 9th Annual International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials, Vancover, BC, Canada, 23-26 June 2014.

Unusually high aspect ratio, easily deconstructed cellulose nanofibers from Australian spinifex (Triodia pungens)

2014

Conference Publication

Worldwide Research and Report on 2014 TAPPI International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials

Nasim Amiralian, Pratheep Kumar Annamalai and Martin, Darren J. (2014). Worldwide Research and Report on 2014 TAPPI International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials. 1st Australian workshop on cellulose nanofibers, Melbourne, 17 July 2014.

Worldwide Research and Report on 2014 TAPPI International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials

2014

Conference Publication

Alternative approaches and feedstocks for nanocellulose

Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar, Amiralian, Nasim and Martin, Darren J. (2014). Alternative approaches and feedstocks for nanocellulose. 1st Australian workshop on cellulose nanofibers, Melbourne VIC, Australia, 17 July 2014.

Alternative approaches and feedstocks for nanocellulose

2014

Conference Publication

Isolation of cellulose nanocrystal with improved thermal stability from commercial crystalline cellulose

Mohd Amin, Khairatun Najwa, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar and Martin, Darren J. (2014). Isolation of cellulose nanocrystal with improved thermal stability from commercial crystalline cellulose. NanoBio Australia 2014: 5th International NanoBio Conference & 3rd International Conference on BioNano Innovation (2014 ICBNI), Brisbane, 6-10 July 2014.

Isolation of cellulose nanocrystal with improved thermal stability from commercial crystalline cellulose

2014

Journal Article

Optimisation of resin extraction from an Australian arid grass 'Triodia pungens' and its preliminary evaluation as an anti-termite timber coating

Amiralian, Nasim, Annamalai, Pratheep K., Fitzgerald, Chris, Memmott, Paul and Martin, Darren J. (2014). Optimisation of resin extraction from an Australian arid grass 'Triodia pungens' and its preliminary evaluation as an anti-termite timber coating. Industrial Crops and Products, 59, 241-247. doi: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2014.04.045

Optimisation of resin extraction from an Australian arid grass 'Triodia pungens' and its preliminary evaluation as an anti-termite timber coating

2014

Conference Publication

Processing of polyurethane-cellulose nanocomposites via reactive extrusion

Mohd Amin, Khairatun Najwa, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar and Martin, Darren J. (2014). Processing of polyurethane-cellulose nanocomposites via reactive extrusion. 10th SPSJ International Polymer Conference (IPC2014), Tsukuba, Japan, 2-5 December 2014.

Processing of polyurethane-cellulose nanocomposites via reactive extrusion

2013

Conference Publication

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) from Triodia Pungens, an Australian native grass

Amiralian, Nasim, Edwards, Grant, Milne, John, Memmott, Paul, Annamalai, Pratheep K. and Martin, Darren (2013). Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) from Triodia Pungens, an Australian native grass. Nano 2013: TAPPI 8th Annual International Conference on Nanotechnology for Renewable Materials, Stockholm, Sweden, 24-27 June, 2013.

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) from Triodia Pungens, an Australian native grass

2013

Book Chapter

Biopolymeric nanocomposites reinforced with nanocrystalline cellulose

Jorfi, Mehdi, Amiralian, Nasim, Biyani, Mahesh V. and Annamalai, Pratheep K. (2013). Biopolymeric nanocomposites reinforced with nanocrystalline cellulose. Biomass-based biocomposites. (pp. 277-304) Shrewsbury, Shropshire, United Kingdom: Smithers Rapra Technology.

Biopolymeric nanocomposites reinforced with nanocrystalline cellulose

2012

Conference Publication

Water-responsive Shape-Memory Effect in Polymer Nanocomposites

Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar , Mendez, Julie, Eichhorn, Stephen J, Rusli, Rafedah, Rowan, Stuart J, Foster, E. Johan and Weder, Christoph (2012). Water-responsive Shape-Memory Effect in Polymer Nanocomposites. PolyColl 2012, Fribourg, Switzerland, 20 April 2012.

Water-responsive Shape-Memory Effect in Polymer Nanocomposites

2012

Conference Publication

Clay Nanoparticles as Pseudo-Pro-Oxidant for Polyolefins Degradation

Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar and Singh, Raj Pal (2012). Clay Nanoparticles as Pseudo-Pro-Oxidant for Polyolefins Degradation. International Conference on Advances in Polymeric Materials and Nanotechnology, PolyTech 2012, Pune, Maharashtra, India, 15-17 December 2012.

Clay Nanoparticles as Pseudo-Pro-Oxidant for Polyolefins Degradation

Funding

Past funding

  • 2019 - 2020
    Addressing bio-composite technology gaps
    Composites Innovation Centre Manitoba Inc
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2021
    Preparation of Nanocellulose & Nanocomposites as Multifunctional Materials derived from Biomass towards Sustainable Developments (SPARC grant administered by Jamia Millia Islamia)
    Jamia Millia Islamia
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Advance Queensland Research Fellowship (Mid): Easily deconstructed spinifex nanofibres for the enhancement of high performance construction materials
    Advance Queensland Research Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    High performance sustainable carbon fibres from Australian spinifex grass
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Dr Pratheep Kumar Annamalai is:
Not available for supervision

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

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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