Research

Sustainable Materials Research Lab


About

The Sustainable Materials Research Lab (SMRL) is one of the premier research labs housed in the Department of Chemistry at PSG Institute of Technology and Applied Research, Coimbatore, India. The laboratory is dedicated to advancing environmentally responsible materials through innovative polymer science, green chemistry and applied materials engineering.

SMRL envisions the development of high-performance, eco-friendly materials that address global challenges in energy efficiency, corrosion protection, electronics and sustainable manufacturing. The lab integrates fundamental research with industrial relevance to promote a circular and low-carbon materials economy.

Research Focus

  • Bio-based and renewable polymers
  • Low-temperature curing and energy-efficient materials
  • Corrosion-resistant and superhydrophobic coatings
  • Antimicrobial and dielectric materials
  • Flame-retardant and high-performance composites
  • Optical, photoluminescent and smart functional materials
  • Waste valorization and biomass-derived materials

Through molecular engineering and structure–property relationship studies, the lab develops multifunctional materials for coatings, electronics, construction and environmental applications.

At SMRL, we are driven by the principles of sustainability, innovation, and excellence. By integrating renewable resources with advanced polymer engineering, we strive to create materials that are not only high-performing but also environmentally responsible.

People

Dr. G. Latha
Dr. G. Latha

Professor

Department of Chemistry

Research Areas:
Polymer Chemistry
Composite Materials

Dr. K. Balaji
Dr. K. Balaji

Professor

Department of Chemistry

Research Areas:
Macromolecules, Composites
Fire-retardants, Lithography


Research Scholars

  • Ms. A. Subasri – Awaiting Viva-Voce (July 2021 – Dec 2024) | Supervisor: Dr. K. Balaji
  • Mr. Mohamed Mydeen – Awaiting Viva-Voce (July 2021 – Dec 2024) | Supervisor: Dr. K. Balaji
  • Ms. M. Priyanka – Awaiting Viva-Voce (July 2022 – June 2025) | Supervisor: Dr. K. Balaji
  • Mr. A. Krishsnakumar – On-going (July 2024) | Supervisor: Dr. K. Balaji
  • Mrs. N. Praba – On-going (Jan 2025) | Supervisor: Dr. G. Latha
Funded Projects

Development of Renewable Hybrid Bionanomaterials for Flame Retardant Applications

Funding Agency: Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) / SIRE
Total Project Cost: ₹17.21 Lakhs
Duration: 6 months (2022–2023)
Investigator: Dr. K. Balaji


Industrial Effluent Treatment on Sodium Silico Fluoride

Funding Agency: Amritha Industries (India) Pvt. Ltd., Bhubaneswar
Total Project Cost: ₹3.0 Lakhs
Duration: 6 months (2022–2023)
Investigator: Dr. K. Balaji

Contact Details

Dr. K. Balaji
Professor
Sustainable Materials Research Lab
Department of Chemistry
PSG Institute of Technology and Applied Research
Avinashi Road, Neelambur
Coimbatore – 641 062

Contact: 9865118037
Email: balaji@psgitech.ac.in