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
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.
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.
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.
2015
Conference Publication
Effect of pressboard ageing on power transformer mechanical vibration characteristics
Naranpanawe, W. M. L. B., Bandara, K. M. K. S., Saha, T. K., Ekanayake, C. and Annimalai, Pratheep Kumar (2015). Effect of pressboard ageing on power transformer mechanical vibration characteristics. IEEE PES Asia-Pacific Power and Energy Engineering Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 15-18 November 2015. Piscataway, NJ, United States: IEEE. doi: 10.1109/APPEEC.2015.7380951
2015
Conference Publication
Optimisation of thermal insulation of cellulose reinforced rigid polyurethane foam using Taguchi methodology
Septevani, Athanasia Amanda, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar , Evans, David and Martin, Darren J. (2015). Optimisation of thermal insulation of cellulose reinforced rigid polyurethane foam using Taguchi methodology. European Polymer Congress EPF 2015, Dresden, Germany, 22-26 June 2015.
2015
Conference Publication
Applications of scattering techniques for nanocellulose characterisations
Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar (2015). Applications of scattering techniques for nanocellulose characterisations. Australian Angle Scattering Workshop, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia, 11-13 February 2015.
2015
Journal Article
Easily deconstructed, high aspect ratio cellulose nanofibres from Triodia pungens; an abundant grass of Australia's arid zone
Amiralian, Nasim, Annamalai, Pratheep K., Memmott, Paul, Taran, Elena, Schmidt, Susanne and Martin, Darren J. (2015). Easily deconstructed, high aspect ratio cellulose nanofibres from Triodia pungens; an abundant grass of Australia's arid zone. RSC Advances, 5 (41), 32124-32132. doi: 10.1039/c5ra02936h
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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