Dr Saju Pillai
- Dr Saju Pillai
- Principal Scientist
- pillai_saju@niist.res.in
- 0471 2515489
- http://niist.irins.org/profile/64955
Academic Qualification
- Ph.D., Ulm University, GERMANY (2005)
- M.Sc., Mahatma Gandhi University, INDIA (2002)
March 28, 2020 – till date
Principal Scientist, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) and Associate Professor, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), India
- Project coordinator, prototype/product development, facility creation & management, and skill-development
- Nanocellulose-derived functional materials
- Flexible, multilayer security features using colloidal photonic crystals
- Eco-friendly, sustainable geocomposites
- Biodegradable products from biomass/natural fiber composites
- Nanomaterials-based sensors for diagnostics, food safety, environmental monitoring applications
- Scientist-in-charge of X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) – undertaking consultancy projects for material evaluation & knowledge generation
- Supervising Post doc./Ph.D./M.Tech./M.Sc. students
- Organizing courses, practical and teaching PhD students
March 28, 2016 – March 27, 2020
Senior Scientist, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) and Assistant Professor, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), India
March 28, 2012 – March 27, 2016
Scientist, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) and Assistant Professor, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), India
October 14, 2016 – January 12, 2017
Senior Researcher, iNANO, Aarhus University, Denmark
- Highly stable green dispersion of 3D noble metal particles with good optical properties for biomedical applications
February 1, 2009 – March 12, 2012
Post doc., Dept. of Mechanical Engineering (M-Tech), Aalborg University, Denmark
- Development of hybrids of glass/carbon/steel fiber reinforced epoxy/polyester composites using VARTM for wind turbine applications, Fiber-matrix (PA/PP/LPET/PBT/PE) interface analysis, composite failure analysis, fiber misalignment analysis, porosity and permeability measurements
- Microscopic studies of nano-reinforced foams (microcellular nanocomposite) for the substitution of Balsa wood in wind blades
- Processing and characterization (AFM) of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes-PC (Supervisor for M.Sc. student project) and PU based nanocomposites
June 1, 2006 – January 31, 2009
Post doc., iNANO, Aarhus University, Denmark
- Polymer nanoparticle colloidal self-assembly; nanostructures, AFM, SEM
- Development and characterization of novel antibacterial functionalized sol-gel surfaces, AFM, SEM
- Surface coatings with anti-freeze proteins embedded sol-gel surfaces, QCM-D
- Mixed protein extract for antifouling applications, AFM, QCM-D, SEM
- CSIR Technology Award 2021(Certificate of Merit) under the category of ‘Physical Science including Engineering’ for the development of fluorescent materials for security printing and anti-counterfeiting applications (Team Award)
- CSIR Award for S&T Innovations for Rural Development (CAIRD) for 2020 for the utilization of various agro-residues for the development of biodegradable products as an alternative to single-use plastics (Team Award)
- Guest Associate Editor, Frontiers in Chemistry, A peer-reviewed journal, IF: 5.22 (2020 - )
- Novozymes & Holck-Larsen Foundation Mobility Scholarship, Denmark (Oct 2016-Jan 2017)
- Post-doctoral fellow, Aalborg University, Denmark (2009-2012)
- Post-doctoral fellow, iNANO, Aarhus University, Denmark (2006-2009)
- PhD Fellowship, Ulm University, Germany (2002-2005)
Current Research
Our research focuses on the development of innovative, eco-friendly, indigenous technologies or processes based on specialty polymers and functional nanomaterials.
This includes large-scale material synthesis using novel approaches, functional cellulose nanomaterials-based materials, and their applications, bio-inspired angle-dependent color changing colloidal photonic crystals on flexible surfaces to foil counterfeiting.
Development of eco-friendly value-added coir/jute prototypes/products with suitable mechanical properties & service life using bio-based polymer systems are envisaged in societal programs.
- Cellulose-based materials
- Angle-dependent color-shifting colloidal photonic crystals
- Eco-friendly, green sustainable materials & products
- Surface science & functional coatings
- Life member, Materials Research Society of India
- Life member, Indian Institute for Metals (IIM), India
- Member, Society for Polymer Science, India
- Life member, Academy of Microscope Science & Technology, India
Funding
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Ms. Meghana Mary Thomas Designation: AcSIR Ph.D. Student, CSIR-Senior Research Fellow Area: Colloidal photonic crystals |
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Ms. Hasna M.A. Designation: AcSIR Ph.D. Student, UGC- Senior Research Fellow Area: Nanocellulose templated metal nanostructures for multifunctional applications |
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Ms. Lekshmi L. Designation: Inspire Ph.D. Student (DST), AcSIR Area: Multi-luminescent color modulations based on supramolecular and colloidal self-assembly |
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Mr. Heitor Henriques Guedes Mutchamua Designation: AcSIR Ph.D. Student, TWAS Research Fellow, CSIR Area: Eco-friendly coir composites |
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Ms. Gopika Preethikumar Designation: AcSIR Ph.D. Student, Project Associate I (DST) Area: Nanocellulose-based membranes,Biodegradable thinner coir mulch mats |
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Ms. Adithya A.V. Designation: AcSIR Ph.D. Student, Project Associate I (DBT) Area: 2D materials for energy applications, Cellulose nanomaterials-based systems |
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Ms. Swetha K.S. Designation: Project Associate I (CSIR) Area: Recyclable carbon composites, Cellulose nanomaterials-based systems |
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 SPL @2021 |
 (Biodegradable Activity Team @2021) |
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 (Marikar Green Earth Pvt Ltd Project) |
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 (Coir Kerala 2019) |
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 (NCRMI Meeting, 2020) |
 (iNANO, Denmark, 2017) |
 (SPL with DST Team @2021) |
 (SPL @2020) |
 (SPL @2020) |
 (SPL @2020) |
 (SPL @2019) |
 (SPL @2018) |
 (SPL @2017) |
 (SPL @2016) |
 (SPL @2016) |
 (SPL @2015) |
 (Jeju, 2011) |
 (Ulm, Germany, 2005) |
We work on applied materials & interfaces. Our research focuses on the development of functional materials and surfaces of polymeric/inorganic nano & micro-systems.
