Research Centre


The Research Centre of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Vignan's Lara Institute of Technology & Science, Vadlamudi, has emerged as a prominent facility for advanced research in the domain of nano-biocomposites, polymer composites, and renewable materials. The laboratory was conceptualized and developed under an externally funded project sanctioned by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and is further supported by institutional in-house funding. The core thrust of the lab revolves around the synthesis, processing, and characterization of nanocellulose extracted from lignocellulosic natural fibres, and its integration into functional composites suitable for structural and functional applications.

Research Focus
The laboratory focuses on:
  • • Chemo-mechanical and sporadic homogenization routes for isolating nanocellulose fibrils/particles from agro-waste fibres such as okra, pineapple leaf, jute, and coconut sheath.
  • • Disintegration and dispersion technologies for uniformly embedding nanocellulose into thermoset and thermoplastic polymer matrices.
  • • Development and optimization of biopolymer blends, biofuel additives, and hybrid composites with enhanced thermomechanical properties.
  • • Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM), VARTM processes, and their parametric control for improved laminate quality.

    • Infrastructure and Equipment

    The lab hosts state-of-the-art instrumentation sourced from reputed manufacturers in Germany and Japan, enabling high-fidelity processing and precise control over nano-scale fabrication and analysis. The major equipment includes:

    1. Autoclave (Model SX-300, Japan Make):

    Designed for high-pressure steam sterilization, this unit operates under controlled temperature-pressure regimes to eliminate microbial contamination in biomass. It also initiates pre-hydrolysis of cellulosic matter, aiding in fibrillar separation for nanocellulose synthesis.

    2. High-speed Homogenizer (Model T25 Digital, IKA, Germany):

    This precision homogenizer performs mechanical fibrillation through high-speed shearing (1000 to 25000 rpm), enabling the conversion of micro-sized fibres into nano-fibrils. The high-energy turbulence facilitates fibril individualization critical for high surface area materials

    3. Digital Ultrasonic Processor (Model UP 400St, Hielscher, Germany):

    A probe-type sonicator that delivers pulsed ultrasonic energy (frequency-modulated) into suspensions. The cavitation effect ensures effective de-agglomeration and uniform dispersion of nanocellulose within viscous resins. Sonotrode selection and pulse modulation are optimized based on reinforcement morphology and matrix viscosity.

    4. Freeze Dryer (Model Alpha 1-2 LD Plus, Christ, Germany):

    This equipment enables sublimation-based drying at temperatures as low as −53°C under vacuum. It preserves the structural integrity and crystallinity of nanocellulose and converts hydrogel suspensions into dry powders or thin films without thermal degradation.

    5. Analytical Mill (Model A11, IKA, Germany):

    A high-speed laboratory mill operating at 28000 rpm in duty cycles (1:10 working: relaxation) is used to pulverize freeze-dried nanocellulose into fine powders, ensuring uniform particle size distribution critical for composite material formulation.

    Research Outputs and Utilization
    The Research Centre has yielded extensive scientific output, including:
  • • Over 10 peer-reviewed journal publications indexed in SCIE, ESCI, and Scopus, published in renowned journals such as Taylor & Francis, Springer, SAGE, and Emerald.
  • • Conference presentations at prestigious international and national symposia including AIP (USA), POLYCHAR, and NTU Singapore.
  • • Contribution of book chapters to Springer and Woodhead Publishing on advanced biocomposite materials, sustainable processing methods, and failure mechanics.
  • • Active undergraduate research involvement, with multiple batches engaged in design, fabrication, and testing of composite laminates and development of indigenous systems such as a variable speed lamina cutting machine.

    • Applications and Research Domains
  • • Structural composites, hybrid fiber laminates, and damage-tolerant materials for aerospace and automotive sectors.
  • • Biodegradable composite development for green manufacturing.
  • • Nanocellulose-based rheological modifiers for resin systems and biofuel emulsions.
  • • Material characterization, including flexural, tensile, fatigue, and delamination behavior of fibre-reinforced polymers.

    • The Research Centre stands as a multi-disciplinary platform for experimentation, innovation, and product development, providing cutting-edge resources to faculty, postgraduate scholars, and undergraduate students. With its technically advanced equipment, strong research output, and translational capability, the lab significantly contributes to the scientific and technological progress in the fields of composite materials engineering, nanotechnology, and sustainable mechanical systems.