The Materials Technology group conducts demand driven, basic and applied research in Materials Science and Technology. Our main areas of expertise include advanced ceramics, material and waste management, generating energy from garment waste, and developing value added composite products from natural fibers.
We also offer consultancy services to industry, undertake contract projects, and provide specific test services to the rubber, plastic and footwear industries.
We welcome customer inquiries in
- Product/process development and improvement
- Industrial trouble shooting
- Training programmes, workshops, and seminars
- Value addition to industrial waste (including energy generation)
- Bio-degradable polymers
- Developing test methods for natural fibers
- Developing test methods for new materials & products
- Material characterization by Scanning Electron Microscopy – (Leo 1420 VP: Resolution 3.5 nm, Magnification up to 300,000x)
- Identifying and analyzing materials using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)
Research & Development
Our group actively collaborates with industry to develop innovative products and processes. A selection of the R&D projects currently underway include
- Self cleaning ceramic tile – manufacturing process development
(Contract project with Sri Lankan tile industry)The project involves introduction of antibacterial and self cleaning properties to the surface of the glazed ceramic tile using environmentally friendly advanced nano materials. These tiles can be easily cleaned under running water, without the use of chemical detergents. Mopping is not necessary either as the tiles dry at a faster rate.
- Wood preservative based on cashew nut shell liquid
(Contract project with Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation)This novel wood preservative is made from cashew nut shell liquid, an extract obtained from the shell of the cashew nut, an unutilized waste from the cashew industry. The product is eco-friendly, and more effective than existing products in the market.
- Production of solid fuel briquettes from polyester (garment waste) for use as an alternative energy source in garment factories. The project includes the design and installation of a boiler powered using the briquettes to generate steam for ironing in the garment factory.
(Contract Project with Sri Lankan garment industries) - “Fast firing” body compositions for the tile and cookware industries developed using minerals of Sri Lanka
(Funded by NSF)
Body compositions for tiles and cookware are being developed using minerals such as red clay which are underutilized in Sri Lanka. The natural appearance and low production cost of the products cater to the niche eco-friendly consumer market. - Report: Raw Materials for the Ceramics Industry – A baseline data survey
(Funded by ITI) - Road construction using ceramic and plastic factory waste
(Funded by ITI) - Hydrogel wound dressings for treating burns
(Funded by ITI) - Low cost rain guard adhesive
CENTEC – Accelerating Industrial Technology Development
The Materials Technology group also works closely with the Centre for Technical Excellence in Ceramics (CENTEC), a joint liability company between ITI and the Sri Lanka Ceramic Council, inaugurated on 5th of April, 2007. The Universities of Moratuwa and Peradeniya are also represented on the board of directors of CENTEC.
The main objective of CENTEC is to enhance the competitiveness of the ceramic industry of Sri Lanka. CENTEC undertakes research and development for the ceramic industry, testing of ceramic raw materials and products, and provides training for improvement of skills and maintenance of quality standards.
CENTEC has currently embarked on a public/private partnership project to (i) reduce the energy costs in the manufacture of ceramic ware, and (ii) characterize the ceramic raw materials and glazes for improved quality and consistency.
