Centre for Advanced Materials Research

Centre for Advanced Materials Research

 

Advanced material technologies have already conjured up speculation about a seismic shift in almost every aspect of science and engineering. They have already insinuated into our lifestyles through innovations leading to develop methodologies to generate cleaner energy, purify water, smart materials, new drug delivery systems, faster and cheaper manufacturing processes as well as the next generation computing devices. For example out of the many such developments nanotechnology promises more for less: smaller, cheaper, lighter and faster devices with greater functionality, using less material and consuming less energy. As a result today there is an increased research focus in development of new materials through multi-disciplinary. Fundamental and applied researches on such applications are major part of the innovations, where global research focus has been recently on. In order to move in par with the global paradigm shifts in science and technology focus centre for Advanced Materials Research was established in 2015. The centre focuses on advanced technologies in order to uniquely value add to our science and technology output as well as enabling our graduates to be equally competent and competitive with the other graduates emerging from world class universities and research backgrounds. Furthermore, it is expected to create a continuous pool of talents required for moving towards an “innovation driven knowledge based economy model for a smarter nation”.

Vision

To establish an innovative arena for advanced material research in Sri Lanka

Mission

To provide an enabling innovation environment with advanced equipment and support facilities To increase the visibility of materials research To gain the international and national recognition To strengthen the interactions with industry To initiate and encourage opportunities for interdisciplinary materials research.

Objectives

a. Provide an enabling innovation environment with advanced equipment and support facilities.

b. Create an environment where scientific knowledge and technology could be developed, acquired, and exploited in order to cater for the modern requirements

c. Infuse the research culture strongly into academics at a time when innovation and research culture is poorly established in Sri Lankan academic portfolio due to poor infra-structure facilities

d. Promote quality of the intellectual property pool through high quality publications, IPs and technology transfer

e. Promote an interdisciplinary research and innovation culture

f. Promote the local research standards to a level that matches the global standards

g. Increase the post graduate output efficiency

h. Minimize barriers to research output i. Promote collaborative research activities with the industries

Advisory Panel

Dr. Nilwala Kottegoda (Director) – Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Prof. Sudantha Liyanage – Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Dr. Thilini Gunesekara (Secretary) – Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Prof. Lalin Karunanayake – Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Dr. Dilru Ratnaweera – Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Dr. Indika Wanniarachchi – Department of Chemistry, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Dr. Manjula Weerasekara – Department of Microbiology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Prof. Pathmalal Manage – Ex-officio y Senior Assistant Bursar – Invited

Facilities Available

Powder X-ray Diffractometer, Facilities for advanced computational studies, Impedance spectroscopy – purchase in progress, Thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calarimetry – purchase in progress.

Find more Information at http://science.sjp.ac.lk/materialresearch/

Publications

Following SCI indexed journal publications have been resulted.

  1. Manjula M Weerasekera, Gayan K Wijesinghe, Thilini A Jayarathna, Chinthika P Gunasekara, Neluka Fernando, Nilwala Kottegoda, Lakshman P Samaranayake, Culture Media Profoundly Impact Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis Growth, Adhesion, and Biofilm Development, Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 2016, 1-6
  2. Buddhika Gayani, A D L Chandani Perera, Nilwala Kottegoda, Thermodynamic, Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies of Adsorption of Rhodamine B onto Activated Bamboo Carbon, Desalination and Water Treatment, (in press)
  3. Eshani Hettiarachchi, Nilwala Kottegoda, A D L Chandani Perera, Activated Coir for Removal of Water Hardness, Desalination and Water Treatment, (in press)
  4. Ajona Megalathan, Sajeewani Kumarage, Ayomi Dilhari, Siromi Samarasinghe, Manjula Weerasekera, Nilwala Kottegoda, Natural curcuminoids encapsulated in layered double hydroxides: a novel antimicrobial nanohybrid, Chemistry Central Journal, 2016, 10(36), DOI: 10.1186/s13065-016-0179-7
  5. Kodithuwakku U., De Alwis, C., Prashantha M. A. B., Ratnaweera D. R.,“One Step Synthesis of Polythiophenes from the Partially Purified Crude Extract of the Roots of Tagetes erecta”, International journal of Chemistry, 2016
  6. Veromee Wimalasena, HelapumiWeeratunge, Veranja Karunaratne, Nilwala Kottegoda, Silica based Superhydophobic Nano-coatings for Natural Rubber Surfaces, Journal of Nanomaterials, (in press)
  7. Nilwala Kottegoda, Chanaka Sandaruwan, Gayan Priyadarshana, Asitha Siriwardhana, Upendra A. Rathnayake, DanushkaMadushankaBerugodaArachchige, Asurusinghe R. Kumarasinghe, Damayanthi Dahanayake, Veranja Karunaratne, and Gehan A. J. Amaratunga, Urea-Hydroxyapatite Nanohybrids for Slow Release of Nitrogen, ACS Nano 2017, 11, 1214−1221.

Editors Choice article further featured in

How to stop fertiliser being washed away by the rain, The Economist, February 2017

Slow-release nitrogen fertilizer could increase crop yields

A new nanoparticle-based fertilizer delivers plant nutrients efficiently and        reduces the harm of agricultural runoff, C and EN news, 22 February 2017

Buddhika Gayani, A D L Chandani Perera, Nilwala Kottegoda, Thermodynamic, Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies of Adsorption of Rhodamine B onto Activated Bamboo Carbon,Desalination and Water Treatment, 2017, 66, 271–283

Eshani Hettiarachchi, Nilwala Kottegoda, A D L Chandani Perera, Activated Coir for Removal of Water Hardness, Desalination and Water Treatment, 2017, 66, 103–110.

Nadeesh Madusanka, Sai G. Shivareddy, Mark D. Eddleston, Rachel A. Oliver and Gehan A J Amaratunga, Dielectric behaviour of montmorillonite/cyanoethylated cellulose nanocomposites, Carbohydrate Polymers, 2017, 172, 315-321.

Ryan Rienzie, Nadeesh Madusanka, Devika de Costa, Carboxymethylcellulose spray coated copper-montmorillonite nanocomposites for antimicrobial applications (Submitted to Carbohydrate Polymers)

Patents

  1. Malindu Alwis, Upul Ratnayake, Nilwala Kottegoda, Process of Making Unique Natural –Rubber Montmorillonite Nanocomposite using Charge Inversion Method, LK/P/1/19260, April 2017

Conference proceedings

  1. Gayan Priyadarshana, Asitha Siriwardhana, Nilwala Kottegoda, Gehan Amaratunga and Veranja Karunaratne, Modification Of Cellulose Fiber With Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles For Surface Functionalization, International Peradeniya University Research Sessions (i-PURSE) 2016
  2. G K Wijesinghe, P D T A Jayaratne, T D C P Gunesekara, Nilwala Kottegoda, S S N Fernando, M M Weerasekara, Influence of culture medium on in-vitro biofilm formation by candida species, Excellence in Medicine through Innovative Research, Scientific Sessions 2016, 7 – 8 th April
  3. P D T A Jayarathna, G K Wijesinghe, N Kottegoda, T D C P Gunesekara, S S N Fernando, L P Samaranayake, M M Weerasekara, Anti-biofilm effect of Ayurvedic prepaartions: TripalaChurna and aqueous extract of Mimusopselengi bark, 49th Annual Accedemic Sessions, Ceylon College of Physicians, 22nd – 24th Sep 2016, Cinnamon Grand, Colombo, Sri Lanka
  4. D Dahanayake, S Gunesekara, N Kottegoda, V Karunaratne, Advanced electron microscopy study on nanohydroxyl apatite-urea system, 9th International Research Conference, General Sir John Katalawala Defense University, 8th – 9th Sep 2016
  5. N L Fernando, N Kottegoda, J K D S Jayanetti, V Karunaratne, D r Jayasundara, Dissolution resistant hydroxyapatite nanoparticle coatings on gold surfaces: A study through nanogravimetric method, Annual Research Symposium, 2016, University of Colombo
  6. Anti-biofilm effect of Ayuruvedic preparations: Tripala Churna and aqueous extract of Mimusopselengi bark, Ceylon College of Physicians – 49th Annual Academic Sessions 2016, Sep 2016
  7. Effect of natural sugars and an artificial sweetener on Biofilm formation ofCandida species, The 129th Anniversary International Medical Congress of the Sri Lanka Medical Council, Aug 2016
  8. Efficacy of culture media onin-vitro Candida biofilm formation , Scientific session 2016, Faculty of Medical Sciences, USJP,
  9. Sajeewani Kumarage, Manjula Weerasekera, Siromi Samarasinghe and Nilwala Kottegoda, Natural curcuminoid encapsulated layered double hydroxide nanohybrides, Regional Workshop on economic prosperity through research and developments in natural products, 29th – 31st March 2016, Katmandu, Nepal
  10. Aloka Paragodaarachchi, A D L Chandani Perera, Nilwala Kottegoda, Flouride adsorption on activated coconut coir, 2nd Research and Development Symposium, World Water day, 18th March 2016.
  11. Deshan, A. D. K, Sirimuthu, N. M. S, Karunanayake, L and Ranatunga, R. R. M. S. K. Nano silver particles for improved electrical conductivity of natural rubber compound for non-marking solid tires. ICMA (2016).
  12. Karunarathna, B. S. W, Jayakodi, R.S, Karunanayeke, L. Hadrd segment geometry and dynamics of MDI-based polyurethane. ICMA (2016).
  13.   A. S. V. Rathnayake, S. I. A. P. Diddeniya, and  W. K. I. L Wanniarachchi. “Voice Operated Home Automation System Based on Kinect Sensor”, Manuscript Accepted, 2016 IEEE Conference on Information and Automation for Sustainability (ICIAfS 2016) December 2016
  14. D. N. C. Bandara and W. K. I. L. Wanniarachchi. “Android Application: Sound Pressure Level Meter and Frequency Spectrum Analyzer”, Manuscript Accepted, Vidyodaya Journal of Science -2015 Volume
  15.   Saranka, T. Kartheeswaran, D.D.C.Wanniarachchi, and W.K.I.L.Wanniarachchi. “Monitoring fermentation step of black tea processing with image processing techniques”. Proceedings of the Technical Sessions, Institute of Physics – Sri Lanka 32 (2016) 31-37
  16. Saranka, T. Kartheeswaram, D. D.C. Wanniarachchi, and W. K. I. L. Wanniarachchi. “Detection of Dhool Number in Black Tea Manufacturing with Image Processing techniques”. 6th Research Symposium of Uva Wellassa University, ISBN 978-955-0481-09-5 (2016) 221
  17. M. Withanawasam, and W. K. I. L. Wanniarachchi. “Simultaneous Wall Following and Map Building Robot”. 6thResearch Symposium of Uva Wellassa University, ISBN 978-955-0481-09-5 (2016) 212
  18. C. Liyanapathirana and W. K. I. L. Wanniarachchi. “Development of Leader Follower Robot”. 6thResearch Symposium of Uva Wellassa University, ISBN 978-955-04
  19. Kodithuakku, U.; Prashantha, MAB; Ratnaweera, DR., Synthesis and characterization of plant based thiophene and 3-hexylthiophene copolymer. Proceedings of the 20th Peradeniya University International Research Sessions. (iPURSE), ISBN 978-955-589-225-4, volume 20, 216,2016.
  20. Alwis C., Kodithuwakku U., Prashantha M. A. B., Ratnaweera D. R., “Study on a Green Initiative for Polythiophene Based Solar Cells”, MRS Spring Meeting, 2015.
  21. Alwis C., Kodithuwakku U., Prashantha M. A. B., Ratnaweera D. R., “ Synthesis of light harvesting polythiophenes from plant sources, Polymer symposium, University of Sri Jayewardenapura, 2015.
  22. Kodithuwakku U, Prashantha M. A. B., Ratnaweera D. R., “Synthesis and Characterization of Plant based Poly- thiophene Copolymers for Light Harvesting Applications”, APS March Meeting,2015.
  23. Kaluarachchi, CP.; Ratnaweera, DR.; Prashantha, MAB. Electropolymerization of partially purified natural terthiophenes extracted from roots ofTagetes erecta. Proceedings of the 20th Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE), ISBN 978-955-589-225-4, volume 20, 93, 2016.
  24. Senanayaka, P.; Karunarathne, M.; Ratnaweera, D. Incorporating layered clay of Okanda and Kirinda ores into a poly (vinyl alcohol) matrix. Proceedings of the 20th Peradeniya University International Research Sessions (iPURSE), ISBN 978-955-589-225-4, volume 20, 125, 2016.
  25. Madhavi De Silva, Nilwala Kottegoda, Veranja Karunaratne, Urea Hydroxyapatite Nanohybrids, 14th International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies, Thessaloniki, Greece, July 2017.
  26. M. S. Wijayathunga, G. P. Gunaratne, S. Raguraj, Nilwala Kottegoda, V. Karunaratne, Potential use of Slow Release Fertilizer on Tea Plantations, 234th Meeting Of The Experiments And Extension Forum, Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka, July 2017.
  27. A. D. P. Siriwardene, G. Priyadarshana, C. Sandaruwan, M. De Silva, Nilwala Kottegoda, Urea Modified Silica Nanoparticles: Next Generation Slow Release Plant Nutrients, Third International Symposium on Polymer Science and Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, July 2017.
  28. Wijesinghe GK,Dilhari KAA, Gayani GDB, Kumarage S, Kottegoda N, Samaranayake LP, Weerasekera MM. (2017).Effect of Laboratory Culture Media, Citrate Encapsulated and Curcumin Encapsulated Layered Double Hydroxides on in-vitro Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Growth – Abstract publication. Proceedings of the Annual Research Sessions (iPURSE 2017) of University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
  29. Wijesinghe GK, Dilhari KAA, Gayani GDB, Kumarage S, Kottegoda N, Weerasekera MM. (2017).Effect of Laboratory Culture Media, Citrate Encapsulated and Curcumin Encapsulated Layered Double Hydroxides on in-vitro Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Growth – Abstract publication. Proceedings of the International Research Conference of General Sir John KotelawalaDefence University, Sri Lanka.
  30. Wijesinghe GK, Dilhari KAA, Buddhika G, Gunasekera TDCP, Fernando SSN, Kottegoda N, Samaranayake LP, Weerasekera MM. (2017).Impact of routine laboratory culture media on in-vitro biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus feacalis– Abstract publication. Proceedings of the Annual Scientific Session of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
  31. D.U.Nayanathara, Nilwala Kottegoda, Thilini Kuruwita Mudiyanselage* “Development of photodegradable polymer film having antibacterial activity” National Undergraduate Research Symposium – 2017 (Accepted)
  32. Thathsara S.K.T., A. T. Cooray., Dilru R Ratnaweera., Thilini Kuruwita Mudiyanselage*, A novel tri-metallic composite incorporated polyacrylamide hydrogel for removal of arsenate and chromate from aqueous media ICIRSTM-2017: International Conference on Innovative Research in Science, Technology and Management, Singapore (Submitted).
  33. Ryan Rienzie, Nadeesh Madusanka, Devika de Costa, In- vitro antimicrobial properties of carboxymethylcellulose spray coated copper-montmorillonite nanocomposites, 10th International Conference on Agriculture and Horticulture, October, 2017 London, UK (accepted).
  34. Nadeesh Madusanka, Sai G. Shivareddy, Rachel A. Oliver and Gehan Amaratunga, Enhanced dielectric performances of cyanoethylated cellulose-silylated TiO2 Nanocomposites, Third Biennial International Symposium on Polymer Science and Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, 2017.
  35. A.D.P. Siriwardena, G. Priyadarshana, C. Sadaruwan, De Silva, N. Kottegoda, Urea Modified Silica Nanoparticles: Next Generation Slow Release Plant Nutrients.*, Third Biennial International Symposium on Polymer Science and Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, 2017.
  36. D.K. Deshan, N.M.S. Sirimuthu, L. Karunanayake, A. Sarangi, R.R.M.S.K. Ranatunga, ZnO nanoparticles for improved electrical conductivity of natural rubber composites, Third Biennial International Symposium on Polymer Science and Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, 2017.