About me
Name: Malavika Mekkat Narayanan
B.Sc Physics, University of Calicut
M.Sc Physics, Kannur University
Thesis title: Structural and Magneto Rheological Studies of Oleic Acid Coated Fe3O4 Magnetite based Magnetic Nanofluids
I am a physics student focused on the advanced characterization and analysis of polymers and other materials. Conducting rheological and conductometric analysis of polysaccharide-based polyelectrolytegels. Performing particle size and surface charge analysis of various samples (polymers, proteins, adhesives) using Dynamic Light Scattering technique. Performing steady shear experiments to measure the viscosity of polymers, including flocculants, adhesives, and proteins, using a Rheometer.
About my PhD research
Subject: Anisotropic particle gels under external and internal stimuli
Research description: My research aims to investigate the behavior of an isotropic colloidal particles, focusing on directional interactions and nematic order-disorder transitions in colloidal gels. I will synthesize rod-like silica particles and other particles, and prepare gels with varying volume fraction, attraction strength, and temperature. By applying shear, flow, and confinement, I will study how these conditions affect the gels microstructure and mechanical properties. Additionally, I will use ultra-sound to manipulate the gel microstructure by introducing solid particles or gas bubbles. The study will map different regimes in the phase diagram and link microstructure to mechanical properties using rheometry, confocal microscopy, Differential Dynamic Microscopy (DDM), and light scattering techniques.
