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Susil Kumar Putatunda

577-3808
sputa@chem1.wayne.edu

Area of Interest
The basic theme of my research is the development of functional structural materials with nano-scale microstructures. These nano-scale structures are prepared in situ, obviating the process of producing nano-scale materials and then synthesizing them into useful functional materials by compacting and sintering. Traditionally, most research has focused on the creation of nano-scale structures or materials, but for functional components these materials need to be synthesized either by compacting and sintering in vacuum or inert atmosphere in order to make them functional engineering components. Because of the high surface area/volume ratio of nano materials, they are very reactive and therefore it is extremely difficult to synthesize them by compacting and sintering in air into useful functional materials. Ultra-low vacuum or an inert atmosphere is needed for their compaction and sintering.My research focus has been on finding an alternative way of producing functional structural materials and magnetic materials with nano- scale microstructures by processing them in situ. Therefore, I have concentrated on producing nano structured bainitic steel and magnetic materials and nano structured silica (for biomedical applications) by creating nano scale microstructures in them by novel processing techniques. For example to create nano structured bainitic steel we process high carbon and high silicon steel adiabatically and then austemper them in a magnetic field. This is expected to result in nano-scale microstructure in these steels. As a result of this unique microstructure these materials will exhibit many exotic mechanical and physical properties. .

Resources
Metallograhic facilities. X-ray , Powder metallurgy, Scanning Electron Microscope. Additional information: 1) Metallographic facilities (polishing wheels, etching facility, water cooled cutter, Photomicrograph, mounting press) 2) Mechanical testing facilities (Hardness, tensile testing, MTS machines for fatigue and fracture testing, toughness testing, creep testing machines) 3) Heat treatment facility (furnaces, salt baths, etc)

Collaboration Interests:
Physics, Material Science and Electron Microscopy