Sandhya Rao, Dr.(Smt.)

Area of Expertise

Rapid & Energy-efficient processing of Aerospace polymer composites
Dual frequency microwave assisted processing of advanced polymer composites
Radome resins formulation, characterization and testing
Formulation, characterization and testing of shape memory polymers and composites
Characterization and testing of epoxy based resins and composites for aircraft applications

Research Interests

Rapid & Energy-efficient processing of Aerospace polymer composites
Dual frequency microwave assisted processing of advanced polymer composites for aircraft and radome components
Shape memory polymers and composites for strategic applications
Corrugated and nanocomposites characterization and testing

Academic_Qualification

Ph.D (Chemistry) from Bangalore University

Professional Experience

My research spans shape memory polymers (SMPs), microwave processing, and advanced polymeric materials for aerospace applications. A key highlight of my contributions includes the development of a Dual Frequency Microwave Curing Facility for aerospace composites in collaboration with industry partner M/s Enerzi, Belagavi—a unique achievement in the Indian aerospace sector.

I have authored over 15 journal papers, contributed to more than 20 conferences, and written two book chapters. I have two granted patents, including innovations in rapid curing using dielectric moulds (2015) and processes for recoverable deformations in SMPs (2018). I presented my work internationally at SMART’11 in Saarbrucken, Germany.

I have actively mentored students across M.Tech., BE, M.Sc., and Ph.D. programs, contributed to over 30 project documents, and regularly deliver lectures in AcSIR courses. I have also submitted four project proposals and one Ph.D. proposal in line with CSIR's strategic goals.

Publication (ORCID ID/ Googal Scholar ID/ IRINS ID/ Vidwan ID

11 Journal Publications
2 Book Chapters
2 Granted Indian patents

Awards and Honors

Best Innovation Award (2021) for her leadership in developing epoxy-based smart SMP tooling, Best Woman Scientist Award (2015),
Excellence in Research Award (2014) for SMPs, and
Technology Shield for Group Achievement (2022) as part of the HANSA-NG team.

Patents

1. An improved rapid curing process for the preparation of polymer composites using dielectric moulds, R.M.V.G.K. Rao, Sandhya Rao, Indian Patent No. 267994- Aug 2015

2. A Process For Obtaining Recoverable Deformations In Shape Memory Polymers (SMP), GN Dayananda, Sandhya Rao, A Revathi, Kavitha V Rao, Shylaja Srihari, Sendil Murugan M, Indian Patent No. 301272, Granted Dec 2018