Contact Dr Sameer Rahatekar
- Tel: +44 (0) 1234 754685
- Email: S.S.Rahatekar@cranfield.ac.uk
Areas of expertise
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- Aerospace Structures
- Biomass and Waste
- Biomedical Engineering
- Composites
- Manufacturing of Functional Materials
- Aerospace Materials
- Nanotechnology
- Sustainable Manufacturing
Background
Dr Sameer Rahatekar earned his PhD at University of Cambridge where he worked on nano-composites modelling and manufacturing. He worked as a postdoctoral researcher at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), USA where he worked on manufacturing strong and multi-functional natural polymer based fibres using ionic liquids as a benign solvent. He also worked on nano-particles dispersion, rheology and nano-composites manufacturing at NIST. He was a lecturer at the Advanced Composite Centre for Innovation and Science (ACCIS) at University of Bristol where he worked on manufacturing strong of cellulose fibres as precursors for carbon fibres and on nano-particles reinforced carbon/glass fibre composites for improved fracture toughness, erosion resistance and lightening strike protection of composites parts used in aerospace industry.
Current activities
My research is focused on utilisation of natural polymers such as Cellulose (derived from plant biomass), Alginate (derived from seaweed) and chitin/chitosan (derived from seafood waste) for engineering and biomedical use. We have developed environmentally benign method of fibre spinning regenerated high performance cellulose, chitin and chitosan fibres. The high performance cellulose fibres can be used for making renewable/sustainable composites. We have also developed a making foams from cellulose and chitin/chitosan which can be used in biodegradable packaging as well for biomedical use.
I also work on manufacturing toughed glass/carbon fibre composites using nanoparticles and rubber as toughening agents. We have develop a unique roll on coating process to produce of nanoparticles reinforced carbon/glass fibre multi-scale composites in improved conductivity, fracture toughness and strength.
Clients
EPSRC
Innovate UK
The Royal Academy of Engineering
BBSRC/BBNet
Newton-Bhabha Funds
The British Council
Haydale Ltd
Meggitt Aerospace
Hexla Ltd
