HISTORY OF THE GROUP:
CThe Polymer Petroleum and Coal Chemistry (PPCC)
group is one of among the excellent research groups working on coal and petroleum sciences in
India and abroad. The group has been engaged in the resource quality assessment and the development
of indigenous processes for the rational utilization of NER low-grade coals, since its inception. The
group is engaged in both applied and fundamental research in areas that are vital to the polymer and oil
industries. The groups contributed significantly in the development of tailor made polymeric additives for
use in the petroleum and allied industries. Research projects of the division are focused on modification
of polymers by introduction of functional groups, grafting, thermal and light stabilization of polymers, on
mechanism of high conversion and living radical polymerization systems (ATRP), preparation of novel polymeric
materials based on renewable natural resources. Studies on kinetics and rheology of high polymers and petroleum
products are major thrust area research of the division. The group is also working on different aspects of coal
and environmental issues including national emission inventories for coal-based industries.
Mandate of the Group
Vision and mission of the Group:
The mission of the groups is to maintain a vibrant research profile that truly captures the needs and changes
of the modern society to perform fundamental research along with applied research that cater to the broader economic,
societal and environmental development and growth of the country. This is achieving through interdisciplinary research
that crosses barriers across chemistry, physics, biology and materials science.
Education : M.Sc. (Chemistry), Ph.D (Materials Science)
Employee ID: ID No. 1081
Email: mrdas@neist.res.in, mnshrdas@yahoo.com
Phone: +91-0376-2370081 (O)
Fax: 0376-2370011
Area of Interest: Graphene-based Nanocomposites, Surface Chemistry, Nanoscience . Personl Website
Education : PhD
Employee ID: ID No. 1345
Email: umamaheswari@neist.res.in
Phone: +91 0376-2370121 (Extn: 2420 / 2421)
Fax: 0376-2370011
Area of Interest: Multidisciplinary approaches including Biomass valorisation, High-performance materials, Polymer chemical modifications, Nanocomposites, Circular economy and life cycle assessment, Biopolymers, Biomass to bio-oil, Enzyme applications, and Microbial degradation of hazardous waste
Education : PhD (Polymer Chemistry)
Employee ID: ID No. 1355
Email: rituparna@neist.res.in
Phone: +91 0376-2370121 (Extn: 2420 / 2421)
Fax: 0376-2370011
Area of Interest: Bio-based hyperbranched polymer synthesis, fabrication of polymer nanocomposites and blends, polymer processing (melt extrusion, compression molding, etc.), nanomaterial and nanohybrid synthesis for advanced applications such as biomedical, coatings, smart applications, photocatalysis, and environmental remediation
Education : M.Sc.
Employee ID: ID No. 1164
Phone: +91 0376-2370117 (Extn: 2370)
Fax: +91 0376-2370011
Area of Interest: Petroleum product testing
Education : M.Sc. (Chemistry)
Employee ID: ID No. 1326
Email: koushikduttachem@gmail.com, koushikdutta@neist.res.in
Phone: +91 0376 2370117 (Extn: 2370)
Fax: 0376 2370011
Area of Interest: Biodegradable polymers, polymer modification, development of polymer composites from renewable resources
Education : B.Sc.
Employee ID: ID No. 1154
Phone: +91 0376 2370117 (Extn: 2370)
Fax: 0376 2370011
Area of Interest: Petroleum product testing
Employee ID: ID No. 819
Phone: +91 0376-2370117 (Extn: 2370)
Fax: +91 0376-2370011
Area of Interest: -
Ongoing R&D Programmes carrying out in the group:
Significant R&D Achievements in the group:
Research facilities available in the group
The major research facilities available in the group includes: Proximate analyzer (TGA, Leco); CHN analyzer
(TruSpec, Leco); Sulphur analyzer ( S144 DR, Leco); Gas Chromatograph for Toxic Gases, Hydrocarbons (Aliphatic & PAHs)
Analysis; Heating Microscope for Ash Fusion Temperature Range; Calorific Value Determinator (AC350, Leco); Stack Sampler;
Particulate sampler (SPM, PM10, PM2.5); Thermal analyzer (TGA-DTA-DSC); Thermal Mechanical Analyser (TMA), UV-VIS-NIR
Spectrophotometer, Oxidation Stability, High Temperature Gel Permeation Chromatography (HT-GPC), Carbon residue tester,
Flash Point Apparatus, Diamond DSC, MCR302 Rheometer, MCR500 Rheometer, High temperature High Pressure Reactor (Berghof),
High temperature High Pressure Reactor (Amar), Cloud Point Apparatus, Syncore Reactor (Buchi) - Polymerization reactions,
Flash point apparatus (Seta) – Petroleum testing, Karl Fischer Titrator (Mettler) – petroleum Testing, Automatic Distillation Unit
(Autodist) – Petroleum Testing Ion Chromatography; Ion Chromatography; Microwave digester; Flue gas analyser; High temperature
furnace systems; Coal quality control laboratory;
High pressure reactor; Coal Gasifier; Pilot plant; non-recovery coke oven; crusher; ball mill etc.
Niche Areas of the group with details of available latest technologies, expertise etc
The northeast region (NER) Indian coals are considered unique because their
physico-chemical characteristics and behaviour do not commensurate with properties
adopted for rank classification like other coals in the World. They are mostly
classified as sub-bituminous in rank. The group members have versatile expertise
on value addition of NER low-quality coals, desulphurization of coal, coke-making
in non-recovery coke ovens, management of acid mine drainage, Humic acid from non
caking coals, sulphur and smokeless briquettes/nodules from high sulphur, high
volatiles coals and coal fines, green methods of coal beneficiation, nano-mineralogy
and nano-geochemistry of coals, coal-derived carbon nano-materials etc. Few of the process developed are:
